Nationals WA Hon Rob Horstman MLC says the tragic fatal shark attack at Sorrento has again exposed how heavily Western Australia depends on thousands of volunteers to help keep people safe along its coastline, raising broader questions about whether they are being adequately supported.
“Whether it is bushfires, ambulance services or beach safety, volunteers repeatedly form a critical part of Western Australia’s frontline response,” Mr Horstman said.
WA has more than 6,500 trained volunteer surf lifesavers who contribute more than 100,000 patrol hours each year.
Mr Horstman said their contribution was extraordinary, however, volunteers should be backed by appropriate government investment, infrastructure and professional capability.
“They give their weekends, their skills and their time to protect the community. Government needs to make sure that goodwill is supported by the resources and systems required to do the job safely.”
The Cook Government announced on 11 September that metropolitan helicopter patrols would operate only on weekends until daily patrols began on 26 September, with coverage extending from Mandurah to Yanchep and Rottnest Island. The fatal shark attack at Sorrento occurred on Friday 18 September, during that limited operating period.
“Aerial surveillance is a key part of WA’s shark hazard mitigation strategy, and it is reasonable to ask whether its coverage and operating periods are keeping pace with the coastline Western Australians actually use,” Mr Horstman said.
“We cannot continue expecting volunteers on the beach to carry more of the burden if government-funded surveillance and mitigation measures are not being adequately supported.
“Nearly a decade on from the 2017 investment in observation infrastructure, it is reasonable to ask what further action the Government has taken to strengthen surveillance, response capability and support for volunteers along WA’s coastline.
“No system can prevent every shark incident, and yet the question remains whether WA’s current approach matches the scale of our coastline and the reliance placed on volunteers.
“Our surf lifesavers deserve enormous credit. They should also be able to expect a State Government that continually examines where the gaps are and invests accordingly.”