The shark barrier at Quinns Beach is on track to be re-installed next week while the protective device at Cottesloe has been delayed.
The enclosure was to go back in the water at Cottesloe Beach yesterday, but on Tuesday the Town of Cottesloe said swell and weather forecasts meant installation would be unsafe for contractors.
It is now scheduled to take place on October 12, in the same week Quinns Beach’s barrier returns, weather permitting.
Cottesloe mayor Melissa Harkins said she understood the community was keen to have the extra security at the beach.
“Cottesloe Beach is a world-class and much-loved beach, and it is also one of Perth’s safest thanks to the Town’s commitment to the shark barrier every year,“ she said.
“We are mindful the community is eager to have the shark barrier installed as soon as possible, given recent tragic events at Sorrento and increased shark activity at local beaches.
“We look forward to welcoming swimmers to our beautiful beach for a safe summer of swimming after next Monday’s installation is complete.”
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said funding remained available for local governments to “support the installation of beach enclosures as local governments see fit”.
“We’re happy to talk to local governments about how that might work.
“We will of course continue to assess new technology surveillance and make sure that we always improve our mitigation activities, as we have done for a decade.”
Quinns’ barrier walls are removed each April and reinstalled each October.
The anchors remain in place on the seabed throughout the year.
A City of Wanneroo spokesperson said the city’s contractor used a team of at least five to install the enclosure, depending on weather and site conditions, with divers connecting the barrier walls to the existing anchors.