Every local government has (or should have) policies and strategies designed to stimulate economic growth, and polices and strategies that create safe and inviting places for people to live and visit. Of course, the two are intertwined; investing in unique attractions, events, and infrastructure is a no-brainer when it comes to promoting your town or region to boost spending and foster a vibrant local economy.
An influx of visitors – local, regional and interstate – drives up the demand for products and services, and your local businesses will love you for it.
What natural assets and infrastructure does your LGA have that bring people in and boost local businesses? If you have an ocean coastline, or a river or estuary foreshore, there’s one attractor right there. But how well is it used? Could there be a way to optimise both its safety and appeal for residents and visitors, and boost economic growth around it?
A growing number of LGAs are exploring the advantages of having a safe swimming area at their beach, not just for the obvious tourism advantages and benefits for local residents, but as an economic stimulator. People come for the appeal of being able to swim in the ocean and feel safe, but with the right business and infrastructure support, they’ll stay on and spend. Increasingly, people want to know where the safe swimming areas are; they are finding out and basing their decisions on where to visit and/or stay, on that knowledge. Sites such as Localista are providing that information.
One of the first great success stories is at the City of Busselton. After the success of the trial shark barrier at Dunsborough, the City of Busselton invested in a barrier to enclose its very popular foreshore beach. Designed and manufactured by Safer Swimming Australia and installed in 2015, the barrier created a clearly marked zone for safe swimming that has become a major destination. It neatly fits within the City of Busselton’s recent foreshore renewal project. It is now a thriving destination that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, with a visitor centre and exhibition space, along with a skate park, nautical-themed playground and walking promenades among the long list of features that have added to the appeal of the area. It is delivering important social, economic and cultural benefits for the City of Busselton.
Then Minister for Regional Development, Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC, said, “The redevelopment project has enhanced the experience offered on the Busselton Foreshore and offered commercial, retail, hospitality and tourism opportunities. The development will continue to draw additional tourists and investors to the region, and provide economic benefits to the State.”
The safe swimming area is in the heart of this activation and has been a proven attractor every summer in its own right, as part of a busy, thriving precinct.
City of Fremantle councillors also believe a shark barrier could be a tourist attraction for one of the precinct’s less popular beaches, and have approved the installation of a safe swimming area at the inner-city Bathers Beach. Late in 2025, a barrier will stretch for 340m between South Mole and Challenger Harbour, creating an enclosed safe swimming area of about 60,000 sqm between the existing breakwaters. The council strongly believes this could be the perfect activator for a beach that to date has been under-utilised, and is surrounded by amenity and infrastructure – local hospitality, retail and accommodation services, as well as carparks and public transport.
Other shark barriers (or safe swimming areas) have been installed at Coogee, Dunsborough and Middleton Beach at Albany, among others. Kids and their families travel from as far as Kalamunda to swim at Coogee Beach and visit the cafe, while Albany has enjoyed a significant tourism impact, with people holidaying in Albany specifically because of the barrier. That positive impact rolls over to accommodation providers, hospitality, retail and local services. It’s a win-win for everyone.
State funding has been made available through the state government’s shark mitigation strategy, so now is a good time to start exploring your options. Safer Swimming Australia has over a decade of experience designing, manufacturing and installing shark barriers, safe swimming enclosures and stinger nets. We have the knowledge and the expertise to guide you through the process, ensuring all the relevant legislation and environmental and sustainability requirements are met. Our proven swimming enclosures are customised to suit the particular coastal movements of your chosen beach, specifically designed to avoid harming marine life and reduce disruption to the ocean floor.
Safer Swimming Australia is dedicated to providing coastal councils and shires with the confidence they need to create affordable, safer, more attractive places for their communities. It could be the economic driver your LGA needs! Let us know if you’d like to have a chat.