Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly is urging Western Australians to benefit from a world first rebate scheme for personal shark deterrents which begins today.
The trial subsidy delivers on the McGowan Labor Government’s election commitment to protect water users who are most at risk, surfers and divers.
Since 2000, 13 of the 15 fatal shark attack victims in WA have been surfers or divers.
The trial offers a rebate of $200 for the first 1,000 independently verified shark deterrent devices purchased from retailers registered with the Department of Fisheries.
The Shark Shield Freedom 7 is an approved device and is available for the subsidy from today.
Shark Shield CEO Lindsay Lyon believes the rebate is a significant step forward.
“This is a significant step forward for governments in recognizing that those most at risk, surfers and divers, need individual deterrent protection and I commend Mr McGowan for delivering on his policy promise,” Mr Lyon said.
“Ensuring proven electrical deterrent devices such as Shark Shield are more readily available to those most at risk will greatly improve ocean sport safety and save lives.”
In order for customers to receive the $200, the rebate needs to be applied at the point of sale at a registered Shark Shield retailer.
The retailer will then be reimbursed by the Western Australian Department of Fisheries, rebates are also limited to WA residence and one per person.
Other devices will be included in the rebate scheme if they receive independent verification that proves the devices effectiveness.
For more information, including a list of registered retailers, visit http://www.sharksmart.com.au
