Funding for Cottesloe shark observation tower

An observation tower to enable surf lifesavers to better monitor conditions at Cottesloe Beach is to receive $300,000 in Western Australian Government funding.

Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett has announced that the Western Australian Government will fund the tower as part of its shark mitigation strategy - in addition to $6.85 million in shark mitigation funding announced last September.

Premier Barnett said Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) had identified a site at the foot of the Cottesloe groyne as the best place to build a tower, explaining "this would give an almost 270 degree view and allow volunteer surf lifesavers and full-time life guards to look out over Cottesloe Beach."

Premier Barnett said lifesavers would not only keep watch for sharks but also rips and dumping swells. A tower would also allow them to better monitor swimmers who might get into trouble and keep an eye on the behaviour of other beachgoers.

He added "lifesavers with binoculars will be also able to see several kilometres offshore and also up and down the coastline."

Premier Barnett said Cottesloe was one of the most popular beaches in Western Australia, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the metropolitan area, as well as tourists from across the country and the world.

It is also the site of several open water swimming events, including the start of the Rottnest Channel Swim.

The Premier concluded "it is very important surf lifesavers have the best equipment and infrastructure to help create the safest environment for all beachgoers."

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