A Joondalup councillor wants the city to investigate if a “modern non-lethal” shark barrier could be installed at Sorrento Beach in conjunction with a planned foreshore redevelopment.
After last month’s fatal shark attack at the beach, which killed 63-year-old Greg O’Neill, two motions on notice calling for further action on beach safety and shark mitigation are set to go before the council.
Cr Phillip Vinciullo, who represents the South-West ward where the attack occurred, is calling on the city to assess the feasibility of a new enclosure at the beach, including looking at recent developments in barrier technology.
He stressed his proposal was not about pointing fingers but about gathering updated information on shark safety options following the tragic event.
“This motion does not seek to attribute blame, suggest that any particular measure would have prevented this incident, or predetermine that a new beach enclosure should be installed,” Cr Vinciullo said.
“Its purpose is to ensure council has current information on the shark safety and mitigation options available for Sorrento Beach.”
The beach previously had an Eco Shark Barrier from 2016 to 2020 but it was permanently removed after an independent assessment found significant structural damage and faults.
As early as 2018, large sections of the barrier were washing ashore after strong storms, while dolphins were also spotted swimming inside it.
The Joondalup council voted in November 2021 not to replace the barrier, but agreed to keep investigating alternatives until a commercially available and viable option could be found.
Seemingly little progress has been made on the investigations, with the city’s 17km coastline remaining without a shark barrier for nearly six years.
Cr Vinciullo believes now is the time to revisit the issue as the city also progresses plans for the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club and foreshore redevelopment, which was sent back to the drawing board in August after tender estimates came in millions of dollars higher than expected.
“With the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club and foreshore redevelopment now progressing, it is timely for council to receive an update on investigations undertaken since 2021, assess what commercially available and reliable options now exist, and understand potential funding, partnership and implementation opportunities,” he said.
“This will allow any future decision by council to be made on current evidence, recognising that no shark mitigation measure can eliminate all risk.”
His motion also requests city officers to engage with the State Government and Sorrento SLSC throughout the investigation process.
As flagged at last month’s council meeting, Joondalup mayor Daniel Kingston is also set to put forward a separate motion seeking to improve beach safety and shark mitigation measures at Sorrento Beach.
His motion seeks to “reaffirm” the city’s 2021 commitment to investigating shark safety measures and renew calls for the State Government to help address shark risks and improve beach safety.
Mr Kingston recently said he understood residents’ concerns following the fatal shark attack, with his motion seeking to renew the city’s commitment to beach safety.
“This does not rule any appropriate solution in or out,” he said.
“Any long-term solution must be effective, practical and supported by a clear understanding of which level of government is responsible for delivering and funding it.”
Sorrento SLSC president Rob Doherty said last month the club was willing to work with relevant stakeholders to improve ocean safety but there were other factors to consider beyond shark barriers.
“While an enclosure is one idea being discussed publicly, we are keen to contribute to constructive discussions about any practical measures that enhance ocean safety and surveillance,” Mr Doherty said.
The two motions were discussed at the city’s agenda briefing on Tuesday night, with a final vote expected at the council meeting on October 27.