Spectur Shark Warning System

Published on 14 December 2018

The City of Busselton will be conducting a three-month trial of the Spectur HD5 Shark warning System at Castle Rock Beach and Yallingup Beach during the summer months.

The Spectur system is a solar powered, cloud based system that provides a remotely activated pre-recorded message alerting beach-goers that a shark has been sighted in waters off the beach on which they are visiting. It is a stand-alone, battery and solar powered unit with its own 3G/4G connection to the Cloud. The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has also commenced a three-month trial of two of these systems. More information on the system itself can be found at www.specture.com.au/shark-warning/system.

The City receives notifications of shark sightings through the SharkSmart network and determines the appropriate response based on the size of the shark, its location and distance from shore, and where the reported sighting originated.

Where necessary, the City will place warning signs along beaches where there has been a shark sighting. The Spectur HD5 shark warning system will enable the City to activate a warning remotely and more promptly with the system intended to supplement rather than replace existing response protocols.

City of Busselton Acting Mayor John McCallum said that Council supported the trial of this new technology in the expectation that it will help beachgoers decide when and where they enter the ocean.  “Beach-goers and other water users need to take personal responsibility for their own water safety and staying informed is crucial to this.”

Information on staying safe in the waters off our coast can be found on the State Government SharkSmart website http://www.sharksmart.com.au/

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the website prior to entering the water to get updated information on current shark sightings and warnings. All reports of shark sightings should be made directly to Water Police on 9442 9600, attacks should be reported to 000. Outcomes and objectives outlined in this statement align with Key Goal Area 1 in the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (2017): A friendly, safe and inclusive community with a strong community spirit.

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