News & Alerts

Fisheries Minister Don Punch has welcomed the City of Fremantle Council's decision to endorse Franmarine Underwater Services as the preferred contractor to install a new beach enclosure at Bathers Beach.

This will provide another protected swimming area for the Western Australian community this summer.

The Cook Labor Government has committed up to $500,000 to the cost of the City's new beach enclosure, as part of the State's comprehensive shark hazard mitigation strategy.

Henderson-based business Franmarine Underwater Services is an experienced marine company specialising in moorings, diving, and infrastructure maintenance.

It will partner with O'Connor business Safer Swimming Australia to deliver the beach enclosure.

The enclosure will offer a protected swimming area with a physical barrier to reduce the risk of a shark encounter.

Unlike netting programs used on the east coast, these enclosures are designed to be non-lethal towards marine life.

The Bathers 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.

It will be manufactured from semirigid braided mesh with internal stainless steel strands for strength and durability, and be deployed using a mooring system which has a low environmental impact on the sea bed.

The new beach enclosure is set to be installed in February 2025.

The Government has also provided $400,000 to the Town of Cottesloe for the replacement of the Cottesloe Beach enclosure, which is being installed by Pinjar-based company Eco Shark Barrier.

The previous enclosure had been in place for five years and was coming to the end of its life.

The new enclosure will be built off the groyne and stretch 170m north along the coastline and 140m from the shore.

It is expected to be in place by the end of the month.

The Bathers Beach and Cottesloe Beach enclosures will bring the total to nine shark barriers which have been funded by the Government.

Beach enclosures are already in place at Quinns Beach, Busselton, Old Dunsborough, Middleton Beach (Albany), Esperance, and Bicton Baths.

Coogee Beach also has an enclosure funded by the City of Cockburn

Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Don Punch:

"Working closely with local governments to support the installation of beach enclosures is an important part of the State Government's world-class shark hazard mitigation strategy,  a multi-faceted approach to help ensure swimmers feel safe in the water this summer.

"I commend the City of Fremantle for progressing the new beach enclosure for Bathers Beach so quickly, to provide families and the local community with another protected swimming area.

"It is also great news that the Town of Cottesloe's replacement enclosure should be in the water at Cottesloe Beach by the end of the month.

"This will give peace of mind to swimmers at one of Perth's most popular beaches.

"As we head into summer, I encourage everyone to download the SharkSmart WA app to stay informed and make sure shark sightings are reported to Water Police immediately on 9442 8600."

Comments attributed to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:

"This is another great investment for Fremantle. The installation of a swimming enclosure at Bathers Beach will be an important addition to what is already a significant precinct for visitors and locals.

"Our beaches in Freo are already world class and this will make them even safer for everyone to enjoy."