Stella Berry: Shark barrier to be installed at river where teen was killed while swimming with dolphins
BICTON, AUSTRALIA: Local authorities in Australia have come up with a solution to stop future shark attacks after a teenage girl died while swimming in Swan River. Stella Berry was fatally mauled by the marine animal in the river on February 4 while swimming with dolphins as her friends watched in horror. She was declared dead at the scene despite efforts to save her.
Now, the West Australian government and the City of Melville have joined hands to erect a shark enclosure at Bicton Baths in Perth's south. Fisheries Minister Don Punch reportedly said that he’s in talks with six other councils regarding the project. ABC News citing Punch reported, “But we also have to take note of traffic and environmental factors as well.”
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“So this is going to be an ongoing conversation with councils along the river [Swan] to see how we can improve confidence to ensure the river is a great place for families to enjoy into the future,” he noted.
‘The state will meet the capital cost’
It has been said that the total expense of the barrier would come between $200,000 and $400,000. Punch told the publication, “The state will meet the capital cost ... and the local government meets the operational costs and maintenance costs into the future.” Reports also said that other councils, like Mosman Park, the Fremantle, East Fremantle, Nedlands, Peppermint Grove, and Claremont, have aided with the funding too.
Besides, the project has been appreciated by a shark attack survivor, Cameron Wrathall, who had a face-off with the predator in January 2021 while swimming close to Blackwall Reach. Wrathall reportedly stated that the infrastructure that is already up at Bicton Baths will back the upcoming barriers. He told ABC News, “It's already used as a swimming space for vacation swim lessons and local schools and the local community, and there's some lovely parkland in that area. They're also upgrading toilet facilities, paths, and parking in that area so it is a great opportunity to add a further upgrade and provide a safe swimming space for families.”
‘Stella was a vibrant and happy girl’
This comes after the death of the teen left her family heartbroken. As per parents, Matt and Sophie Berry, “Stella was a vibrant and happy girl with plans of living in Europe after school. She was a caring person and was a dear friend to many, across a variety of schools in the area. She had an infectious laugh which we couldn't help laughing at too when we heard it. Our thoughts are with Stella's many friends at this time.”
“Stella loved creating art and spending time with her friends, particularly at the river and beach. She had her skipper's ticket and often took friends out on the river for a day of ‘scurfing’. She was a beautiful and loving big sister and the best daughter we could have hoped for,” they added as reported by The Independent.