- Cook Labor Government commits $500,000 for safe swimming beach enclosure at Fremantle's Bathers Beach, as part of the State's shark hazard mitigation strategy
- Seven new Beach Emergency Number (BEN) signs to be installed along the Swan River
- State Government commits more than $17 million to shark mitigation initiatives
The Cook Labor Government has welcomed the City of Fremantle's decision to install a beach enclosure at Bathers Beach and to roll out Beach Emergency Number (BEN) signs along the Swan River.
The State Government has committed $500,000 towards the cost of the new beach enclosure, as part of the State's comprehensive shark hazard mitigation strategy.
The City is also set to install seven new BEN signs next month along the northern side of the Swan River between Crab Bay and Rocky Bay, bringing its total number of signs to 51 under the State-led program.
The new river-based signs will complement the existing 44 BEN signs along the coast between Leighton Beach and South Beach, further boosting shark hazard mitigation measures for the community.
The Government recently committed another $17.3 million as part of the State Budget to continue to deliver shark hazard mitigation initiatives over the next four years.
Western Australia provides a multi-faceted approach to help keep beach and river users safe in the water, including beach enclosures, the SharkSmart WA app, Shark Monitoring Network, rebates for personal shark deterrent devices, shark tagging programs, and helicopter patrols.
Beach enclosures offer a protected swimming area with a physical barrier to reduce the risk of a shark encounter, and are designed not to trap marine life.
The new beach enclosure will be approximately 340 metres long and be installed between existing breakwaters to provide an enclosed swimming and snorkelling area of about 60,000 square metres.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will work with the City to obtain all the necessary approvals for the beach enclosure.
Beach and river users are encouraged to download the SharkSmart WA app to stay informed.
It is also very important for anyone who sees a shark to report it to Water Police immediately on 9442 8600.
As stated by Acting Fisheries Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The State Government is continuing to invest in a range of important safety initiatives to ensure Western Australians can enjoy our beaches and Swan River with confidence.
"I welcome the decision by the City of Fremantle to go ahead with the Bathers Beach enclosure to provide another protected swimming area for the community, as well as the installation of extra BEN signs to support first responders in case of a beach emergency.
"The Bathers Beach enclosure is the eighth one supported by the Cook Government, and follows the installation of the first beach enclosure in the Swan River, at Bicton Baths, at the end of last year."
Comments attributed to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"The Cook Labor government is continuing to invest significant funds in Fremantle over this term.
"I know visitors and locals alike will appreciate being able to enjoy Bathers Beach with the added confidence a shark barrier will provide.
"This offer of funding is the largest the State Government has provided for this type of project, and, as the local member, I am proud to have helped secure more investment in Fremantle."
