On Tuesday, City of Mandurah councillors will discuss the length of the Falcon Shark Barrier and if the proposed community consultation plan for it is adequate.
The consultation plan will help council understand the potential impacts on the amenity within the area and the possible solutions to those impacts.
If given the greenlight the plan will seek public feedback on a 265 metre barrier, which would be installed in an ‘L-shape’ encompassing the swimming pontoon in Falcon Bay.
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If approved by council, the community consultation will commence in the early part of 2018, with key findings being presented back to councillors in March or April.
The consultation will include face-to-face community workshops.
The estimated cost to undertake the complete community consultation is in the order of $5,000 to 10,000.
The decision on the community consultation plan comes after an interim report, tabled at council on October 10.
The interim report, written by waterways and marina manager Neil Carrol, detailed the type of barrier and three options in terms of length including: 265 metres, 475 metres and 680 metres.
The report also recommended that a further report should be presented to council outlining the proposed community consultation process.
A feasibility study, presented to council in October, addressed options for shark attack mitigation, site constraints and costs associated with the installation, which varies depending on the length of the barrier chosen.
The estimated cost of this option is $312,000, which includes design and construction costs.
There could also be an additional cost up to $100,000 for ongoing annual maintenance.
City of Mandurah received an offer for a one-off grant of $200,000 from the State Government that is specifically to provide a safe area for swimmers at Falcon Bay.
At this time, the City of Mandurah has not budgeted any funds for this project.
Key stakeholders that have been or are to be consulted in this project include:
- State government
- Elected members
- Experts (input into feasibility study)
- Ric Gerring
- Falcon Bay residents
- Falcon Bay lobby group
- Falcon Bay and surrounding community associations
- Residents within two kilometre radius and beachfront
The broader Mandurah community
For more information go to haveyoursaymandurah.com.au.
To view the agenda for the meeting on December 5 visit the City of Mandurah’s website.