$200 off the price of the so called Sharkshield freedom 7 is now available to 1000 first in first served WA people with WA identifying ID.

Correct me if I'm wrong but it appears to be this long tangly thing, not other shark deterrents that are not long tangly things.
sharkshield.com/shop/freedom7/

Available from this list of registered retailers
www.sharksmart.com.au/staying-safe/registered-retailers/

More Info
www.sharksmart.com.au/staying-safe/rebate-faqs/

Good news is the rebate might be available to other products in the future, given they pass testing requirements.

"8. WHEN WILL A SUITABLE DEVICE BE INDEPENDENTLY AND SCIENTIFICALLY TESTED FOR SURFERS?
It is hoped that additional personal shark deterrent devices will be added to the Shark Deterrent Rebate in the coming months.

9. WILL OTHER PERSONAL SHARK DETERRENT PRODUCTS BE CONSIDERED FOR THE REBATE IN THE FUTURE?
Yes. Companies who have had their products independently tested and scientifically verified are encouraged to contact the Department of Fisheries. " (According to www.sharksmart.com.au/staying-safe/rebate-faqs/)

Although dot point 10 does not state additional $200 rebates will be added after the expenditure of the first 1000 units sold of the SF7.

"10. HOW LONG WILL THE REBATE BE AVAILABLE FOR?The rebate is limited to the first 1,000 applicants."

I think if the government was really serious about this they would be assisting guys like Katana who applied for funding grants in the past without success. Hopefully they now are or seriously considering it or I'm out of the loop & that is happening & people other than the SharkShield company are receiving help. $200,000 towards 1000 units most regular surfers would not consider useful is not tackling a growing problem in my opinion. But if you are a diver I think this is a good opportunity to get a discount on a product I've heard has been beneficial to those in the diving community...

Unfortunately as someone who surfs 4 different surfboards regulary & doesn't fifo or have a high end $ job. Surf deterrents are still out of reach financially & if the government is going to continue meddling with the ecosystem by protecting a species of fish clearly no longer endangered. They need to do a great deal more than what they currently propose or loosely suggest they might do.

Spot on Razz, would like to hear something official from Dave on the matter, we all have our opinions and I agree with Razz but some facts about how it works for funding would be great.

Apologies if you have already posted about this Dave, just think we should deal with facts and I can't remember if you have posted on this topic before!

BTW I have 2 boards with Rpela, I know it's no guarantee but if it helps in the slightest - job done.

MickPC said..
Exactly guys...if the government can't at least assist other device makers like Katana. The least they could do is provide independent testing to give other products a chance of getting on the rebate scheme. The independent testing itself is not cheap.

Surely this independent testing could be done with funds provided to the WA Marine Bio boys so the money stays in WA & develops scientific data & commercial exposure for a WA developed product. Win-Win from my point of view.

I can explain this, so Shark shield received around $300000 to try and develop a product that would be more suitable for surfing. Then the government spent a further $600000 to test the shark shield freedom 7 and other products that UWA sort fit. They tested products like the EDCS and i think one other (Cant remember sorry). Didn't test RPELA

So one company has had around a million bucks support and our mate who has a product that is superior in so many ways has had to do it on his own. That should give you some idea of what its costing to get the product to market..

Im not sure Dave will reply so will say his product has been tested extensively and is currently being written up by an independent scientist. Once that is done, Rpela will be added to the list. Dave and Mandy have worked directly with Dave Kelly from the government and their has been indications even if the shark shields dive versions takes up all of the 1000 units, they are keen to subside the Surfing versions like Rpela.