- The Cook Government delivering on commitment to expand comprehensive shark hazard mitigation strategy to the Swan Canning Estuary
- The project includes investing $300,000 to build the $320,000 Bicton Baths beach enclosure
- Bibra Lake business Global Marine Enclosures awarded contract
Bibra Lake based business Global Marine Enclosures has been appointed to design, construct and install the new beach enclosure at Bicton Baths during the summer swimming period.
It follows the State Government's commitment to partnering with local councils along the Swan and Canning rivers to deliver shark mitigation strategies including the installation of swimming enclosures at popular swimming spots.
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 50m long and 50m 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.
The City of Melville has worked closely with the 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.
The Cook 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.
Shorewater Marine have been awarded the tender to install access ladders along the jetty, as part of the beach enclosure system.
Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"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.
Comments attributed to Bicton MLA Lisa O'Malley:
"Bicton Baths is a special place for my local community, and I commend the Cook government and the City of Melville for their commitment to having the beach enclosure in place for swimmers to enjoy this summer.
"I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Safer Swimming in the Swan campaigner Cameron Wrathall for his tireless advocacy in support of the construction of the beach enclosure at Bicton Baths.
"Cameron's determination to see a safe place created for other local swimmers is to be commended."