Great white sharks that stray too close to beaches on Australia's west coast will be caught and killed under a new government plan in response to an unprecedented spate of fatalities.
Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett unveiled a A$6.85 million (HK$55 million) package in shark mitigation strategies, including a track, catch and destroy programme, in the wake of five fatal attacks over the past year.
Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said the move would enable "proactive action" as soon as a great white was detected close to beachgoers instead of waiting for the animal to strike.
"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," said Moore.
The funding package includes A$2 million for shark hunting and killing and A$2 million for a tagging and tracking programme that is already under way and providing real-time alerts on social media when sharks enter populated areas.
A further A$2 million would be set aside for shark research, while the remaining funding would be devoted to extra jet-skis for lifeguards, a study and trial of enclosures and a smartphone application for shark alerts.