Swan River shark barriers: Only one of seven councils commits to anti-predator nets after Stella Berry’s death

The McGowan Government’s Swan River shark barrier plan is flailing — with just one out of seven councils agreeing to commit to the life-saving structures. Apart from the City of Melville — which in February committed to building a shark barrier at Bicton Baths — none of the other six councils approached by the government to also erect the structures have agreed to come onboard. The Sunday Times can reveal Fremantle, East Fremantle, Mosman Park, Nedlands, Claremont and Peppermint Grove councils have failed to take up the government’s offer to fund the nets — made after teenager Stella Berry was killed by a shark in the river at North Fremantle in February. The location of barriers — and the ongoing issue of maintenance costs — appear to be stumbling blocks for councils. “Before the Town can make an informed decision to adopt any shark mitigation measures, the Town has begun working in close partnership with neighbouring LGAs, as well as meeting with State authorities including the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development,” Town of Mosman Park Mayor Paul Shaw told The Sunday Times. “This is a crucial step — and one that can take some time — before the Town considers putting any feasible options on the table as to how the maintenance of shark barriers can be funded in future. “ Town of East Fremantle Mayor Jim O’Neill said he couldn’t say whether his council would be part of the shark barrier plan. “I don’t know (whether we will agree on a shark barrier,” Mr O’Neill said. “If we are going to go ahead we need to know whether it is needed, is it good for the environment and everything else.” And the City of Fremantle wants to appoint a consultant to investigate the idea. Following Stella’s death, Fisheries Minister Don Punch announced the WA Government would fund the capital cost of a shark barrier for Bicton Baths — but ongoing costs associated with the structure would need to be met by the City of Melville. In the past week, there have been at least 40 shark sightings in the Perth area and in the South West. City of Melville Mayor George Gear said the City was progressing plans to install a shark barrier at Bicton Baths jetty “to improve water safety and give the community peace of mind when swimming.”. “Following all of the necessary regulatory approvals, we expect the shark barrier will be installed during the summer of 2023-2024.,” he said. Mr Punch said the door remained open for councils to participate in the shark barrier plan. “Our door remains open and we welcome the opportunity to work with councils and shires in shark mitigation strategies and program,” he said.