Question On Notice No. 419 asked in the Legislative Council on 31 October 2017 by Hon Diane Evers
Question Directed to the: Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Fisheries
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
(1) I refer to answers by the Department of Primary Industries to questions submitted prior to the 2017-18 Budget Estimates hearings and ask, by what date or month does the Minister hope to make a rebate available for scientifically tested personal shark deterrents used specifically in surfing?
(2) In relation to (1):
(a) which brands and products of deterrent suitable for surfing are being tested;
(b) which organizations are doing the testing;
(c) in what location(s) is the testing being done;
(d) with which species of shark is the testing being done;
(e) is the Western Australian Government funding the testing and, if so, how much money in dollars has it contributed; and
(f) are any of the products being tested suitable for boogie boards and, if so, will the Minister please name them?
(3) Noting that as of 28 September 2017, less than seven per cent of applications for the rebate available for the Shark Shield Freedom 7 were made by people aged under 25, will the Government investigate options for making personal shark deterrent devices more affordable or accessible for low-income people?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) If yes to (3), what options is the Government considering?
(6) Given public feedback I have received shows that many ocean-users do not know about the rebate or do not understand the testing and verification of the devices that has been done, does the Minister agree that there would be merit in doing more publicity and awareness-raising about the rebate and the deterrents?
(7) If no to (6), why not?
(8) A Shark Shield Freedom 7 retails for around $700, so even with the $200 rebate, its cost may be beyond the reach of low-income ocean-users, and I ask what is the Government’s view about increasing the value of the rebate, for example to $300?
Answered on 5 December 2017
(1) The timing will be dependent on the completion of testing the surf specific products.
(2) (a) – (d) The testing of devices is being coordinated by the manufacturers of shark deterrent devices on their targeted species. The manufacturers are arranging independent testing by universities or scientists having appropriate experience in this area.
(e) No and not applicable.
(f) The manufacturers will advise if the devices will be suitable for boogie boards once testing has been completed.
(3) – (8) The Government will continue to monitor the rebate program and make adjustments as necessary. When the shark deterrent rebate scheme was launched on 26 May 2017, the WA Government widely publicised the scheme in the media, on social media and on the SharkSmart website. On 21 September 2017 further formal media promotion of the scheme was undertaken, with an associated social media campaign to encourage the take-up of the rebate.