WA catch-and-kill shark policy: Federal approval application withdrawn by Barnett Government
The Western Australian Government has withdrawn an application for federal approval of its controversial shark catch-and-kill shark policy, but said it had thrashed out an agreement that would allow it to target sharks posing an imminent threat.
The State Government rolled out a trial program, which saw baited drum lines deployed near popular swimming spots on the WA coast for 13 weeks, at the beginning of this year.
It had lodged an application under federal environment law to extend the program for another three years, but the Premier announced in September he would not pursue the policy after the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommended against its continuation.
In a statement today, WA Premier Colin Barnett said in light of the EPA's decision, the State Government had now withdrawn the application for Federal Government approval of the program.
But Mr Barnett said an agreement had been reached with the Commonwealth that would ensure the State Government could take "immediate action" and respond quickly if a shark was posing a threat, or following an attack.
"It is important that that we can take action to protect human life when necessary due to an imminent threat, without delay," the statement said.
"Protocols are being developed to this effect, consistent with federal environmental law so no ongoing further approvals would be required from the Commonwealth.
"This approach strikes the necessary balance between protecting public safety and protecting our environment.
"The federal and state governments will work together so that the State Government can take appropriate action to protect public safety when there is an imminent threat from a shark, as was the case in the recent attack in Esperance."
Earlier this month, Sean Pollard lost his left forearm and his other hand at the wrist in an attack at Kelpid's Beach near Esperance.
Two great white sharks were caught and killed after WA's Department of Fisheries deployed drum lines off the beach following the incident.
WA must be able to take action 'to protect human life'
In a statement, Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt said it was important the WA Government could take action to protect human life when necessary, due to an imminent threat.
"Safety must be paramount, and the capacity to deal with an imminent threat without a permanent drum line deployment is a very sensible balance of both safety and responsible environmental management," he said.
The protocols will need to ensure WA can respond to an "imminent threat" from a shark in a way that complies with national environmental law.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act controls actions that can have a significant impact on listed threatened species without approval.
The catch-and-kill program had sparked mass protests and environmental concerns earlier this year.
