News & Alerts

Fisheries Minister Joe Francis today reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to public safety, with $1.54 million funding in the 2016-17 State Budget for Western Australia's integrated shark hazard mitigation program.

"This funding will ensure the maintenance of real-time satellite-linked detection receivers for the Shark Monitoring Network and includes a capital works allocation of $495,000 for the replacement of up to 18 prototype receivers with the latest versions," Mr Francis said.

"With more than 860 sharks already tagged, including more than 220 white sharks, the world-class detection network is providing invaluable information on the presence of potentially dangerous sharks off our popular beaches.

"The Budget funding will also enable the Department of Fisheries to continue tagging more sharks when opportunities arise.

"SharkSmart's website functions will be maintained to provide a valuable information source for all water users on current shark alerts, detections, sightings and other details.

"This $1.54 million Budget commitment will support an ongoing strategy to raise community awareness of high shark risk areas, how to take protective measures and how to report shark sightings.

"The department will also provide hazard monitoring and a response capacity in the event of a shark attack, identification of a serious threat or whale carcasses."

Treasurer Mike Nahan said the Government had allocated a further $400,000 towards beach enclosures in 2016-17, of which $200,000 would be for a new enclosure at Quinns Rocks and the remaining half would be used to supplement funding committed last year for an enclosure at Sorrento.

"This will bring to five the number of beach enclosures across the State, with three already installed at Dunsborough, Busselton and Albany," Dr Nahan said.

Fact File

• Since 2008, the State Government has committed more than $28 million to shark hazard mitigation
• There are currently three State-funded beach enclosures in WA at Dunsborough, Busselton and Albany
• For shark awareness information, visit SharkSmart at http://www.sharksmart.com.au  

Treasurer's office - 6552 5700

Fisheries Minister's office - 6552 6500