The installation of new shark "eco-barriers" for beaches on the NSW north coast has been further delayed until at least autumn.
The new barriers are part of the NSW government's $16 million shark strategy to protect swimmers and surfers from shark attacks.
The 800-metre net for Ballina's Lighthouse beach won't be in the water until the end of February, local mayor David Wright said on Monday.
The barrier for Lennox Head beach has an even longer delay.
Beaches will continue to be patrolled as normal by surf lifesavers and helicopter monitoring will also be extended until Easter with continued shark activity, Mr Wright said.
When the Eco Shark Barrier is fitted at Lighthouse beach, it will become the only protected beach between Newcastle and the Gold Coast, Mr Wright said.
At least 14 shark attacks were recorded in NSW last year, nine of them along a 70km stretch of coast from Evans Head to Byron Bay.
Fifty-one beaches in NSW are protected by traditional shark nets, with the furthest north being in the Hunter region.
A NSW Department of Primary Industries spokesman said the delay was caused because the department wanted to ensure the barriers worked best for locals.
"Both barriers are already under construction and our plan is to have them in the water in a timely manner however community involvement and consultation on the way forward is critical," a department spokesman said.
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