The junior champion surfer attacked by a shark at a notorious NSW north coast beach is recovering as a West Australian "eco-barrier" maker heads to Ballina to plan the installation of nets.
The push for nets follows Tuesday night's mauling of local surfer Sam Morgan by a suspected bull shark at Ballina's Lighthouse Beach, the ninth attack in the region this year.
He suffered serious wounds to his left thigh and remains in a stable condition at Gold Coast University Hospital with his friends saying he should make a "good recovery".
Founder of company Eco Shark Barrier Craig Moss says the NSW government is working as "quick as they can" to ensure the 800m stretch of Lighthouse Beach is enclosed in shark barriers.
"They (the state government) have their reasons why it has taken so long," Mr Moss told AAP while on his way to Lighthouse Beach from Perth.
"They have to consult with a lot of people."
At a shark summit in Sydney in September, premier Mike Baird vowed to do everything possible to have trials underway within months.
But the government warned new protection measures wouldn't be fully implemented in time for summer.
Lifeguard co-ordinator for northern NSW Scott McCartney said the local community are frustrated by the state government's slow action.
"It is probably taking a little bit longer than what the community want it too," Mr McCartney told AAP.
"I do understand the frustration from the public, but sometimes a quick fix isn't a good fix."
Mr Moss predicted the nets would cost anywhere between $300,000 to $400,000 depending on the extent of the nets.
"It is a perfect beach to put a barrier," he said.
"Over the last five years or so there has been a lot more encounters happening so I guess it stops a lot of people from going in the water."
"It is near a river mouth and it is a family and surf beach so it would be a great beach for it (the barriers)."
Ballina Shire Mayor David Wright said he has been given permission by the government to net the 800m of Lighthouse Beach.
"It will take about six weeks at least, they are not made yet," Mr Wright told AAP.
There have been at least 14 shark attacks recorded in NSW this year, nine along a 70km stretch of coast from Evans Head to Byron Bay.
Shark observation towers and emergency evacuation alarms will be urgently rolled out at select NSW beaches including Lighthouse Beach, Manly Beach, One Mile Beach at Port Stephens and Warilla Beach at Shellharbour.
Mr Wright said a tower could help.
Local councils will be handed the funds and will be responsible for the roll-out.
