Shark nets for 22 WA beaches

Prototype: The shark net at Dunsborough. Picture: Angela Pownall/The West Australian

Up to 22 WA beaches could be fitted with nets to keep out sharks after a review identified areas along the State's coast suitable for non-lethal barriers.

Cottesloe, Gracetown, Rottnest Island, Bunker Bay - all sites of recent fatal shark attacks - are among beaches earmarked for netting in a new State Government-commissioned report.

As the Government moves away from its controversial drum-line policy it scrapped two weeks ago, Premier Colin Barnett is expected to make an announcement about new beach enclosures in the South West today.

Mr Barnett told The West Australian yesterday there were opportunities to install shark-proof nets at beaches beyond Dunsborough, where a 500m-long enclosure was tested last summer.

"Enclosures are best suited to protected areas and popular or highly utilised beaches," he said.

"Given the recent spate of shark attacks, beaches in the South West would be a priority."

Environmental consultancy Hydrobiology was commissioned to review the trial in Dunsborough, where shark-proof netting was held up by permanently installed pilings, and to identify other beaches suitable for nets.

"Much of the central and southern coastline of Western Australia, the most populated area, has a low tidal area range, which is ideal for installation of beach enclosures," the report said.

"There are many locations that would facilitate the construction of further beach enclosures without initiating significant engineering works."

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Shark nets for 22 WA beaches

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