North Fremantle Residents Demand Immediate Action on Shark Barrier at Harvey Beach
North Fremantle residents have intensified their calls for the installation of a shark barrier at Harvey Beach, expressing growing fears that community members are becoming increasingly reluctant to use the popular local beach due to shark concerns. The issue has resurfaced prominently, with locals urging the council to prioritize safety measures without further delay.
Community Safety Concerns Highlighted at Council Meeting
During the March 11 ordinary council meeting, North Ward resident Kat Goddard emphasized the urgent need for action, stating that safety is a critical issue for the community. "Locals are increasingly reluctant to use our town beach because of shark concerns, and that presents a real loss for our community," she said. Goddard acknowledged the presence of bull sharks in the river but argued that practical steps, such as installing a barrier, could make the area safer while coexisting with marine life.
Successful Precedent at Bicton Baths Cited
Ms. Goddard pointed to the successful installation of an eco-barrier enclosure at Bicton Baths in 2023 as a model for Harvey Beach. This barrier, funded with a $300,000 contribution from the Western Australian Government to the City of Melville, was completed by local contractor Global Marine Enclosures. It features durable plastic struts connected between flexible polymer rods, designed to prevent small marine life from getting caught while blocking larger marine life from entering.
Key features of the Bicton Baths barrier include:
- Use of hemispherical anchors to avoid damaging the riverbed.
- A design that minimizes harm to marine animals.
- Year-round installation potential to reduce maintenance costs.
Expert Support for Shark Barriers Over Nets
Global Marine Enclosures director Sharon Khoury advocated for physical barriers as the most effective way to protect humans from shark attacks. "We have always believed the only way to protect humans against sharks is to create a physical, rigid barrier from seabed or riverbed to the surface," she said. Khoury highlighted that their barriers have never resulted in marine life by-catch or breaches by sharks, and community surveys show overwhelming support for such installations.
Khoury contrasted barriers with temporary shark nets, noting that barriers offer peace of mind by protecting both humans and marine creatures, while also creating living reefs and recreational spaces. She emphasized that the Aquarius shark barrier, designed in Western Australia for local conditions, is a durable and easy-to-maintain solution.
Frustration Over Lack of Council Action
Ms. Goddard questioned why the council has not budgeted for consultation and installation at Harvey Beach in recent financial years, despite alignment with the State Government's shark mitigation strategies. "Lives, safety, and community well-being are at stake," she asserted, expressing frustration over the project's removal from the council's agenda.
Council Response and Future Plans
A City of Fremantle spokesperson explained that a shark enclosure at Bathers Beach was prioritized over Harvey Beach due to the need for more preparatory work at the latter site. A 2024 site investigation revealed that while Harvey Beach has features compatible with a protected swimming area, challenges such as depth, space, and access to amenities persist.
The city has allocated funding for a feasibility study in its long-term financial plan for 2028-29, with additional steps required including:
- Community engagement.
- Aboriginal Heritage Act approval.
- Further maritime and government agency approvals.
- Design development for a grant submission to the State Government.
City of Fremantle director of infrastructure Graham Tattersall noted at the March 11 meeting that the project does not align with the council's current priorities but can be revisited during the annual budget process for further discussion.
Background and Government Initiatives
The push for a shark barrier at Harvey Beach dates back to 2023, when residents petitioned the council following a nearby shark attack that killed teenager Stella Barry. Recently, the Cook Government committed $500,000 to the City of Fremantle for a 340-meter shark enclosure at Bathers Beach, completed in January as part of Western Australia's shark hazard mitigation strategy.
Residents argue that Harvey Beach, with its shallow water for wading, deeper areas for stronger swimmers, and shelter from prevailing winds, is well-suited for a similar installation that could enhance safety and community well-being year-round.
