Perth Voice Interactive

VISITORS to Bathers Beach will be without a shark net for the end of the warmer months after the City of Fremantle delayed the seasonal installation of its long-awaited beach enclosure until October. 

According to City CEO Glen Dougall, the net’s installation has been delayed due to being next to remnants of the heritage-listed Long Jetty, which means it will need approval from the heritage minister. 

“Given the state government is now in caretaker mode [prior to the election], it’s unlikely a decision would be made in time for deployment this summer,” Mr Dougall said. 

“While best efforts were made to have a protected swimming area at Bathers Beach this summer, the approvals process is thorough and cannot be rushed.” 

The enclosure is seasonal, so installing it only for it to be taken down in April would have cost over $61,000, according to Mr Dougall.  “The City plans to deploy the beach enclosure in early October 2025 for the summer season, and remove it at the end of April 2026,” he said. 

“We apologise for any disappointment caused and hope that the community understands the reasoning for this decision.”

Fremantle Chamber of Commerce CEO Chrissie Maus was stumped the heritage element of the net was not considered before the net was organised, but says the Chamber is satisfied with the City’s reasoning. 

“I just can’t understand how this wasn’t mitigated prior,” Ms Maus said. 

“In terms of the shark net going in later in time for summer, and the postponed deployment saving [the City] money, common sense has prevailed.”

She had previously told the Herald she was prepared to protest on the beach if the City had put up the net for just a month in order to get a couple of publicity shots.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER