Shire to leave whale carcass to rot on Preston Beach due to cost of removal

A whale carcass that washed up onto Preston Beach will remain there to rot due to the expense of removing it.

Shire of Waroona President Mike Walmsley told ABC South West that they are going to let "nature take its course unless it proves to be a hindrance".

It comes after the Shire paid about $20,000 to remove another whale that washed up on the same beach in late 2023.

The latest whale carcass was reported on Thursday afternoon.

A shark warning remains for beachgoers.

"It is possible the decomposing carcass will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming in close to shore along this stretch of coast," the DPIRD warning read.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.