Plans for a shark barrier in Perth’s north are set to be revived after last week’s fatal attack at Sorrento Beach.
City of Joondalup mayor Daniel Kingston has confirmed he will put forward a proposal on beach safety measures to the council next month, which could pave the way for a new shark barrier.
Since 63-year-old Greg O’Neill was killed in the attack last Friday, residents and beachgoers have questioned if more can be done to keep people safe in the water.
Mr Kingston said he “understood” why people were calling for greater protection and they “deserved to have those questions taken seriously”.
“Next month, I will bring a motion asking council to reaffirm its commitment to investigating commercially available and reliable beach safety measures, working in partnership with the State and Federal governments, and engaging directly with the responsible State agencies,” Mr Kingston said.
“This does not rule any appropriate solution in or out.
“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 Beach previously had a shark barrier near the Hillarys Boat Harbour end of the beach, but it was removed in 2020 and never replaced after sustaining significant structural damage.
In 2018, large chunks of the barrier started washing ashore, while dolphins were spotted swimming inside it.
Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club president Rob Doherty said the club had not yet had any discussions with the City of Joondalup about a new enclosure, but was willing to work with relevant stakeholders on measures to improve ocean safety.
“Sorrento SLSC has not been involved in discussions or consulted about a new ocean enclosure since the previous structure was removed,” Mr Doherty said.
“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.”
Last year, the City of Joondalup received a $500,000 reimbursement through a confidential settlement after taking the company behind the failed shark barrier to court.
The Northern Suburbs Weekly asked the city if the reimbursed funds had gone towards any beach safety measures.
“The payment relating to the former Sorrento Beach enclosure was finalised during the 2025/26 financial year and any future allocation of those funds will be considered as part of the annual Budget process,” Mr Kingston said.
The previous enclosure was funded by both the City of Joondalup and the State Government at a total cost of about $910,000.
Hillarys State MP Caitlin Collins said she would be open to supporting efforts for a new enclosure in Perth’s north.
“I understand that the technology has since improved significantly since then, which may support reviewing a new enclosure,” Ms Collins said.
“There are funds available under the shark hazard mitigation strategy to support local governments in installing beach enclosures where it is appropriate to do so, through jointly funded projects.
“The Minister (Jackie Jarvis) has stated that she is open to working with local governments interested in installing new enclosures and I will work with our community to look at future options for Sorrento.”
There are shark barriers at several Perth beaches during the warmer months, including Quinns Beach, Cottesloe Beach, Coogee Beach and Bathers Beach in Fremantle.
Carine MLA Liam Staltari, whose electorate includes Sorrento, said there needed to be “a good hard look” at if a new shark barrier was viable.
“A range of options need to be on the table to ensure that our beaches are safe and give the community confidence,” Mr Staltari said.
“That should include a good hard look at whether a new shark barrier will work, a stronger drone presence along the coast, and a review of the State Government’s shark mitigation strategy.”
The Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club is bringing forward its volunteer weekend patrols to this Saturday, ahead of the long weekend.
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