AusLeisure

Bibra Lake based business Global Marine Enclosures have been awarded the contract to design, construct and install the Swan River’s first-ever shark barrier in Bicton Baths.

The WA Government is investing up to $300,000 into the project being led by the City of Melville, as part of Western Australia's Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy, which provides a range of strategies and tools to help people enjoy the beach and water with confidence.

This follows the tragic death of Stella Berry, 16, who was attacked by a shark in Swan River, North Fremantle, where she was jet skiing with friends in February 2023.

Beach enclosures offer a protected swimming area with a physical barrier to reduce the risk of a shark encounter, and unlike the netting programs used on the east coast, they are designed to be non-lethal towards marine life.

Global Marine Enclosures has previously supplied and installed swimming enclosures at Quinns Beach in Mindarie and Middleton Beach in Albany.

The Bicton Baths beach enclosure will be attached to the existing jetty structure and will be approximately 50metre long and 50metre wide.

It will be made from solid, durable plastic struts that are connected between flexible, high strength horizontal polymer rods to create 30cm by 30cm openings.

The design will prevent swimmers and small marine life from getting caught in the enclosure, while preventing large marine life such as sharks from coming through.

Shorewater Marine have been awarded the tender to install access ladders along the jetty, as part of the beach enclosure system.

The City of Melville has worked closely with the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on the design, to assess potential environmental and Aboriginal heritage impacts and obtain all necessary approvals for the beach enclosure.

Construction is expected to take place in stages from October to December.                   

WA Fisheries Minister Don Punch notes "Bicton Baths is a popular swimming area for families, the local community and sporting groups. I commend the City of Melville for progressing the beach enclosure to ensure its ready in time for summer.

"Five beach enclosures funded by the Cook Government are already in place at Quinns Beach, Busselton, Old Dunsborough, Middleton Beach (Albany) and Esperance. Coogee Beach and Cottesloe also have enclosures funded by the City of Cockburn and Town of Cottesloe.

"As the weather warms up, I encourage beach, estuary and river users to download the SharkSmart WA app to stay informed and make sure they report any shark sightings immediately to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Image. Credit: City of Melville

Related Articles

23rd August 2023 - Coastal pool to be centrepiece of Perth’s Ocean Reef Marina development

30th June 2023 - City of Bunbury looks to develop $18 million ocean pool project

28th April 2021 - Council calls on NSW Government to remove shark nets from Sydney’s northern beaches

18th March 2018 - NSW shark net trial kills endangered marine life

26th February 2017 - NSW shark nets kill endangered dolphins and turtles

16th March 2023 - Perth’s Swan River shark attack prompts expansion of Western Australia tagging program

25th February 2023 - City of Fremantle explores shark barrier options

4th November 2022 - SharkSmart WA app hits 100,000 downloads milestone

26th September 2022 - $5.1 million delivered for Western Australia’s shark mitigation strategies

28th July 2022 - Surf Life Saving Queensland given $6 million to expand trial of shark spotting drones

22nd June 2022 - Fremantle community support enforced shark fishing ban

21st April 2022 - Three new next-gen shark monitoring receivers installed on Busselton Jetty

21st February 2022 - New shark fishing rules introduced for Fremantle beaches

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.