- $17.3 million boost for Cook Government Shark Hazard Mitigation strategy in 2024-25 State Budget
- New funding includes $12.6 million to continue helicopter patrols and vital frontline safety services over the next four years
- $4.7 million boost to support key measures of the Strategy, one of the most comprehensive approaches in the country
Fisheries Minister Don Punch has today announced a $17.3 million boost for the Cook Government's Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy, so Western Australians can continue to enjoy the State's world class beaches and rivers with confidence.
The investment - which is part of the 2024-25 State Budget - includes $12.6 million to continue helicopter patrols, as well as funding to provide integrated communication systems and vital frontline safety services like a jet ski response team over the next four years.
The helicopter patrols by Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) are a crucial component of the Cook Government's shark hazard mitigation strategy, which helps keep ocean users safe along beaches in Perth and the South West.
Perth metropolitan aerial patrols cover the coast from Yanchep to Mandurah, with the SLSWA helicopter also heading out to Rottnest to circle the popular holiday island. In the South West, patrols run from Bunbury to as far south as Hamelin Bay. All patrols run until the end of April and resume ahead of the peak summer swimming period in November.
An additional $4.7 million funding has also beenallocated to continue WA's Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy over the next four years.
One of the most comprehensive strategies in the country, it includes Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signage, beach enclosures, and a bull shark research program in the Swan-Canning and other South West estuaries, to complement the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's dedicated shark-tagging program.
Funding in this year's budget will also see continued investment in measures like the SharkSmart WA app, downloaded by over 166,000 beach users, and the continuation of the world-first $200 personal shark deterrent rebate scheme, which has been taken up by more than 9,400 people across the State.
More than 1,600 BEN signs have been erected at beaches from the south coast to the Pilbara, and the Shark Monitoring Network now consists of 40 acoustic receivers along the coast from Perth to Esperance and in the Swan-Canning Estuary to monitor tagged shark activity.
This year's budget boost will see the expansion of the existing Shark Monitoring Network, including the potential deployment of additional receivers, as well as funding support for local government authorities that choose to install a beach enclosure.
All shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600, and by quoting the unique code of the closest BEN sign, authorities are able to easily identify the exact beach location. This is a simple way to help support the safety of other beach users.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"The Surf Life Saving WA helicopter patrols are an essential element of our world-class Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy.
"The Labor Government was the first to give this initiative certainty with long-term funding and I am delighted to announce we are continuing that commitment over the next four years.
"I thank the helicopter crews and lifesavers for their dedication to keeping watch over our popular beaches in Perth and the South West for holidaymakers and locals alike.
"The community is also playing its part, embracing the benefits of our SharkSmart WA app and recognising the safety advantages of swimming at patrolled beaches or areas with beach enclosures, including the new Bicton Baths enclosure in the City of Melville.
"And remember if you see a shark, please report the sighting to Water Police on 9442 8600 with the BEN sign number for the exact location details and you'll be doing your bit to keep other beachgoers safe."
