First shark barrier takes shape
It is a sight that will bring - warranted or not - welcome relief to the minds of hundreds if not thousands of swimmers and parents.
Courtesy of a breakthrough day of construction yesterday, this is the first image of what WA's first shark barrier will look like.
Somewhere between an over-sized Meccano set and an underwater plastic fence, the barrier is the work of Bibra Lake-based business Form Designs Australia.
The Eco Shark barrier is being installed at Coogee Beach, part of a push to make people feel safer after a horror spate of shark attacks.
Form Designs managing director Edward Khoury said that after months of confusion and delays from red tape, getting installation under way was as much a relief as the barrier will be for swimmers.
"It's been a long 18 months of preparation and hard work and it's nice to see it all finally coming together," Mr Khoury said.
Yesterday's milestone comes just in time for the peak summer swimming season and as Form Designs strives for the rights to build another barrier at Old Dunsborough Beach in the South West.
Mr Khoury said if the construction at Coogee Beach went to schedule it would be officially unveiled and thrown open to the public on Tuesday - a result he expected to draw swimmers from all parts.
The barrier is being installed for a four-month trial - with support from the City of Cockburn - to see whether it can safeguard swimmers while not harming marine life.
