Another shark patrol season is underway in Western Australia as the state government commits $12 million of funding to the program.
The state budget funding of $12 million, allocated until 2024/25, will continue WA's program of beach and aerial patrols, integrated communications systems and its jet ski response team, Fisheries Minister Don Punch said on Saturday.
It will also ensure Surf Life Saving WA's two helicopters, which last season spent a combined 1000 hours in flight patrolling the state's coastline, can stay in the air.
"With sunny, warm days on the horizon, more Western Australians are expected to head to our world-class beaches for a surf or a swim," Mr Punch said in a statement.
"The helicopter patrols form one component of the McGowan government's comprehensive shark hazard mitigation program, providing world-leading, evidence-based measures to help keep Western Australians safe."
This funding announcement, made days ahead of the state budget, comes after the WA government committed $5 million to increase white shark tagging, fund beach enclosures, and meet demand for subsidised shark deterrent devices.
The WA budget is due to be handed down on Thursday.
