July 4 2018 Government must reconsider SMART drumlines The State Opposition has urged the McGowan Government to commence a trial of SMART drumlines in light of new estimates which show a trial could cost twelve times less than the figures previously quoted by the State Government. Shadow Minister for Tourism Libby Mettam said federal estimates have shown the real cost of a trial would be approximately $5-7 million, much less than the politically inflated estimate of $75 million suggested by Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly. “Based on publicly available tender documentation from the NSW SMART drumline trial the estimated cost of purchasing, maintaining and operating the 176 SMART drumlines is around $5-7 million for a six month period," Ms Mettam said. "Given this information, Mr Kelly must explain why he put the figure at $75 million. "Mr Kelly must explain why he fobbed off a SMART drumline trial without explanation, without consideration and without discussion with stakeholders. Ms Mettam said earlier this year the McGowan government declined an offer from the New South Wales Government to utilise five SMART drumlines to trial in WA. "The NSW SMART drum line trial is currently tracking 251 White Sharks, 60 Bull Sharks, and 36 Tiger Sharks, and the preliminary results from the white sharks that have been caught, tagged and relocated one kilometre under the SMART drum lines system show their immediate response is to move away from the coast for several weeks. “This issue is too important to ignore and must be taken seriously by the McGowan Government in the interest of public safety. “Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly can no longer put this issue in the too-hard basket – the time for action is now. "The Minister can no longer sit on his hands saying the subsidies on a personal shark deterrent is enough to make people feel safe, particularly when it is extremely limited. “It is important the McGowan Government consider every measure to address the issues of public safety and provide confidence to beachgoers. "The presence of sharks, shark attacks and the publicity of these interactions have a significant impact on tourism and events. “This is a public safety issue, it is having a significant impact on our way of life and it is time the McGowan Government took the issue seriously." Media Contact 0422 631 990 |
