These debates are often framed as black-and-white, but the reality is more complex.
In the long term, Australia will need to transition away from lethal methods toward non-lethal approaches including drones, detection technologies and education.
That transition must be evidence-based and supported by the community. Reacting emotionally to short-term spikes will not get us there faster.
Importantly, events in New South Wales do not automatically translate to elevated risk on the Gold Coast.
Our conditions, species, water temperature, rainfall and prey distribution all add up to a very different risk profile here.
Shark bites are not contagious, and they are not spreading north or south like a weather system.
Australia has one of the best coastal safety systems in the world.
Our surf lifesavers, lifeguards and emergency responders are highly trained and increasingly well equipped.
The ocean will always carry risk. The goal is not to eliminate it, which is impossible, but to manage it intelligently.
Sharks are not invading our beaches. They are doing what they have always done, responding to environmental cues.