City to conduct shark warning trial

The City of Busselton will conduct a three-month trial of the Spectur HD5 shark warning system at Castle Rock Beach and Yallingup Beach this summer.

The solar-powered, cloud-based system provides a remotely activated pre-recorded message alerting beach-goers of shark sightings.

It draws on the SharkSmart network, which keeps track of sightings in the State, and will help the City determine an appropriate response based on the shark’s size and location.

The system will enable the City to activate a warning remotely and more promptly, and is intended to supplement, rather than replace, existing response protocols.

City of Busselton acting mayor John McCallum said it would help beachgoers make better-informed decisions on when and where they enter the ocean.

"Beach-goers and other water users need to take personal responsibility for their own water safety and staying informed is crucial to this,” he said.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is also conducting a three-month trial of two of these systems.