THE City of Busselton is running low on shark warning signs because of the number that have been stolen from local beaches.
It is a problem that has become endemic to the region, with signs warning that a beach has been closed because of a shark sighting also being stolen from beaches in neighbouring shires.
They include ones at Stratham beach where Busselton father of two Pete Kurmann was fatally attacked by a shark.
The manager of the city’s ranger and emergency services Tim Wall said the missing signs made it harder to protect local beaches.
Over the summer seven of our beach-closed signs have gone missing. This is very concerning and makes our job of protecting beachgoers all the more difficult. It’s hard to imagine the stupidity of some people. By tampering with these signs, or removing them, they are endangering the lives of others, he said.
Rangers do not put up these beach-closed signs without a lot of consideration. If the signs are up, there is a potential risk and we want all beachgoers to be aware of it.
Mr Wall said the city had been forced to pull signs in late at night and put them out again in the morning.
It’s not the ideal situation. We need to make sure we have enough until we get some new ones. They don’t just fall off the back of a truck. They cost $200 and we have ordered another 20.
So, if you know the whereabouts of any of the City of Busselton beach-closed signs please contact the city or return them to the administration building no questions asked.
