No early installations for shark barriers on the cards for WA despite spate of activity and fatal attack

Councils across WA have no plans to bring forward the installation of shark barriers in the wake of a recent fatal shark attack at Sorrento Beach.

Swimmers at Cottesloe Beach will feel a little safer from next week, with the Town of Cottesloe scheduled to install its shark barrier for the summer on October 7.

“The Town is conscious of community concern following the tragic incident at Sorrento and the increased shark activity resulting from the City Beach whale carcass; however installation remains scheduled for October 7 — that being the most suitable day in terms of weather, swell, tides and seaweed,” a spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for the City of Fremantle said the swimming enclosure at Bathers Beach would be installed in October, as usual. No date had been set because installation would depend on swell and weather conditions.

Quinns Beach in the City of Wanneroo will have its barrier reinstalled between October 12 and 16 and removed in April.

A spokesperson for the City of Wanneroo said there were “currently no plans” for additional shark barriers at other city beaches.

Beach enclosures at Dunsborough and Busselton are expected to be reinstated this month.

At City of Cockburn’s Coogee Beach, a shark barrier is deployed all year round, as is Albany’s Ellen Cove swimming enclosure.

Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said any decision about the return of a swimming enclosure at Sorrento Beach in the City of Joondalup would be made with the council and Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club.

“Over the weekend, I met with members of Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club to check in with them following what has been an incredibly difficult time for the community,” Ms Jarvis said in a statement.

“I invited the mayor of Joondalup and Member for Hillarys Caitlin Collins as a courtesy.

“It was an important opportunity to hear directly from club members, thank them for their efforts and acknowledge the vital role they play in keeping our community safe.

“We are working closely with Surf Life Saving WA on ways we can build on our existing shark mitigation measures and further strengthen safety along our coastline.

“That includes looking at new technology, additional surveillance and other practical measures that could improve our response and give people greater confidence when they head to the beach.

“Any decision about beach enclosures would be made in partnership with the club and the City of Joondalup.”