Arabic version: بلدية بيرث تواجه فاتورة بقيمة 180 ألف دولار لإزالة حوت من شاطئ سيتي بيتش

According to ABC News, the Town of Cambridge faces an almost $180,000 cost to remove a dead humpback whale from City Beach, with the Perth council seeking state government assistance for the expense.

The 31-tonne, 13-metre carcass washed up at the popular beach and was removed after the council was tasked with the operation on September 27. Initial estimates put the cost between $40,000 and $100,000. On October 1, a 72-tonne crane was used to move the whale for transport to Red Hill landfill in Perth’s north-east.

Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack said the full breakdown of the bill was not yet available, but the 44-kilometre journey required several costly elements. He said specialist cranes and operators added an unanticipated expense, while the council also needed a sealed truck to prevent whale exudate from reaching the freeway.

Mack said the City Beach operation was particularly challenging because thousands of people came to see the carcass. The council had to keep visitors safe during heavy earthmoving work. He said whale removals in country areas would likely cost less than those in city locations.

Costs for whale carcass removals in Western Australia have varied. The City of Karratha spent $10,000 removing a 14-metre humpback in 2009, while the City of Stirling spent $188,000 on a 17-metre whale at Scarborough Beach in 2014. A motion calling for a state-funded response mechanism to reimburse local governments is scheduled for October 27. Mack said that without state support, the town may need to redirect money from infrastructure projects already approved in this year’s budget.