City of Albany urged to consider Eco Shark Barrier during tendering process for Middleton Beach this summer

 Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert has welcomed part State Government funding for a shark barrier enclosure at Middleton Beach in Albany and has urged the City of Albany to consider a barrier that offers safety to swimmers without compromising the environment.

 “It is great to see Middleton beach has been offered $200,000 in part funding to install a shark barrier enclosure for 2015/16.

 “More and more we are seeing a far more logical and measured approach to reducing human-shark encounters with non-lethal measures.

 “This approach can be attributed to the tireless work of #nosharkcull campaigners who opposed shark culling whilst offering non-lethal solutions entrenched in science.

 “The tender for the design, supply and installation of a shark barrier at Middleton Beach has not yet been released.

 “I urge the City of Albany to consider the Eco Shark Barrier, which has been successfully trialled in Cockburn. It doesn't harm marine life while providing a safe environment for people swimming.

 “There is genuine community concern that seagrass may be impacted by a barrier in Middleton beach.

 “The Eco Shark Barrier has suitable strength to withstand rough waters and can be lied down during winter months so that seagrass can flourish.

 “It is clear the City of Albany is working to strike a balance between community safety, community consultation and environmental protection, I look forward to seeing this evidenced with a suitable barrier in the near future”.