Sharks deemed to be threatening swimmers in WA 'will be killed'

SHARKS that get too close to swimmers may be killed before they get a chance to attack, under the West Australian government's response to an unprecedented spate of fatalities.

The government today announced a $6.85 million package of strategies in response to five fatal shark attacks within 10 months.

It has allocated $2 million for a new Department of Fisheries service to track, catch and, if necessary, destroy sharks in close proximity to beachgoers.

The government has also changed the circumstances under which an order may be given to kill a white shark posing an imminent threat, Fisheries Minister Norman Moore says.

"Previously the orders were used in response to an attack, but now proactive action will be taken if a large white shark presents imminent threat to people," he said.

Drum lines could also be set where a danger is posed, the state government says.

A further $2 million will go towards continuing shark tagging programs, including the use of real-time GPS tracking systems, while $2 million will go into an applied research fund over four years.

The WA government also pledged $200,000 for a feasibility study and trial of a shark enclosure, $500,000 for extra jet skis for Surf Lifesaving WA and $150,000 for community awareness programs, including a smartphone application.

The most recent fatal shark attack in WA was in July, when 24-year-old Ben Linden was taken by a five-metre great white, 160km north of Perth.

Last month, Jon Hines, 34, was bitten on the torso and right arm while surfing about 140 kilometres north of Carnarvon at Red Bluff Point, but survived.

Surf Lifesaving WA will resume helicopter patrols of Perth beaches this weekend.