Shark barrier schedule confirmed for Quinns

Installation of the $420,000 eco-friendly barrier is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2017 which should allow for the opening of the swimming enclosure by the end of January.

Mayor Tracey Roberts said the community response to the barrier had been overwhelmingly positive.

“What we’ve been hearing is that people who have been too fearful of the ocean in the past, are now looking forward to swimming at Quinns, safe in the knowledge that there will be a barrier between them and large predators,” Mayor Roberts said.

“However, unlike traditional shark nets which can trap small marine creatures, the barrier will allow smaller animals to move freely and safely.”

The location of the barrier has been confirmed in consultation with the Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club.

The southern end of the barrier will be installed 10 metres from the start of the concrete beach access ramp, so as to not interfere with pedestrian and vehicle access and will extend 300 metres to the north and 85 metres offshore from the water line.

The State Government provided $200,000 funding for the shark barrier.