The City of Joondalup in Perth has welcomed the announcement from the State Government that it will commit $400,000 towards an enclosure at Sorrento Beach.
State Treasurer Mike Nahan announced the Western Australian Government had allocated a further $200,000 towards the Sorrento Beach enclosure in the 2016-17 Budget, supplementing $200,000 of funding committed in July 2015.
Joondalup Council voted last week to accept a tender submitted by Eco Shark Barrier Pty Ltd for the supply, installation and maintenance of an enclosure at Sorrento Beach for a cost of $910,000, subject to receiving a State Government grant to assist with initial capital costs.
Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard commended the State Government for taking on board the City’s concerns over the significant costs associated with building an enclosure at Sorrento Beach.
“The State Government has acknowledged the need for a bigger financial contribution on their behalf to a Sorrento Beach enclosure and recognised this facility will be a regional asset catering for the needs of both local residents and the wider community,” said Mayor Pickard.
“Throughout the process we have had fruitful discussions with the State Government and worked collaboratively on bringing this very important project to fruition.
“The City will now work with all key stakeholders to deliver the beach enclosure, which will be completed by the start of summer.”
Eco Shark Barrier has designed similar beach enclosures, developing and installing a barrier for the City of Cockburn at Coogee Beach and for Ballina Shire Council (NSW) at Lighthouse Beach.
The 660-metre-long barrier is made from nylon, with a clip together interlocking system hung between a nylon float line on the water surface and an anchored line along the sea bed.
The mooring system is designed to keep the barrier in place all year round, ensuring it remains in good operational condition and providing a safer swimming environment.
The commitment to the Sorrento Beach enclosure is part of $1.54 million of funding allocated in the 2016-17 State Budget for Western Australia’s integrated shark mitigation program.
