The Western Australian Government and the City of Albany have committed to jointly fund a replacement beach enclosure at the city's Ellen Cove.
The Ellen Cove beach enclosure was installed in March 2016 as part of the three-year trial by the City of Albany - which took on responsibility for its maintenance.
However, as of last year, the barrier, part of the Western Australian Government's suite of shark hazard mitigation measures, had degraded to such an extent that it needs replacement.
Intended to replace the current enclosure at the southern end of Albany's Middleton beach - giving swimmers peace of mind and encouraging tourism - the Western Australia Government will provide funding on a dollar for dollar basis with the City of Albany up to a total of $200,000 for the new barrier.
Commenting on the funding, Western Australian Premier, Mark McGowan stated "Middleton Beach is one of Albany's greatest tourist attractions and the enclosure at Ellen Cove has provided beach users and bathers with an additional sense of safety and security since it was first installed in 2016."
"The funding to help install a new enclosure will create up to four local jobs during the construction and installation phase and support two full-time jobs for the ongoing maintenance of the facility."
The enclosure was installed eight years after schoolteacher Jason Cull was mauled by a 4 metre white pointer in Ellen Cove.
Speaking in 2018, Joanne Lucas, who pulled Cull from the water after the attack, told the Albany Advertiser that the barrier had returned a sense of safety to the beach.
She advised "since the shark net (was installed), people have come back in droves."
However, in late 2018, two sharks were found inside the swimming enclosure.
The barrier was installed by Global Swimming Enclosures.
Ellen Cove enclosure images courtesy of Global Swimming Enclosures.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
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