April 16 2018 Government needs to do more to mitigate shark attacks Another major WA event has again received global headlines for all the wrong reasons, the Opposition said today. Shadow Tourism Minister Libby Mettam said it is the second time the Margaret River pro has been interrupted within a year due to a shark, and the first time it was cancelled because of a shark attack. “In the last 12 months the swim leg of the Busselton Ironman was cancelled and the Rottnest Channel Swim interrupted due to shark sightings,” Ms Mettam said. “This year the Busselton Ironman attendance is down 30%, so clearly we are seeing an impact on ocean events as a result of sharks. “It is fortunate that the shark attack victim is stable in hospital and receiving care. My thoughts are with him. “Thank you to the surfers and first responders who came to his aid so quickly.” Ms Mettam said it was imperative the Government looked at more options than a subsidy for a single retail product. “This is not a campaign we want to bring to the next election and I would hope the Government will now take the issue of public safety more seriously,” Ms Mettam said. “There are a number of options available to reduce the risk of shark attacks, including clever buoys and SMART Drumlines which the NSW government have invested in. Evidence at a recent Senate Estimates committee from the Federal Department of Environment and Energy highlighted the success of the SMART Drumline trials and their positive impact on shark behaviour. “The Federal government have urged the State to further protect beach goers by investing in additional measures. “This Fisheries Minister has such a narrow view when it comes to preventing shark attacks and the subsidising of the shark shield falls well short of a comprehensive shark mitigation policy. “We know that one of the key reasons international visitors come to Western Australia is for our coastline, but the Minister’s limited policy response will not protect tourists. “The Minister’s comments that he is awaiting more scientific evidence is not good enough. He must act now.” Media Contact |
