Wayne Brennand said the Kelp Beds should be "closed permanently to surfing".
"Honestly, how many more people have to suffer?" he said.
The search, involving jet skis and boats, was called off due to a lack of daylight on Friday evening, but resumed on Saturday morning.
Vessels from Volunteer Marine Rescue, Department of Transport, Esperance Port Authority and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are scouring the waters in the Kelp Beds area.
State Emergency Service volunteers are conducting a land-based search.
Drones are monitoring the area from above, with police divers also joining the massive effort.
Esperance Senior Sergeant Justin Tarasinski said up to eight surfers were in the water at the time of the attack.
"The surfboard washed up nearby to where the attack occurred and with obvious signs of shark attack," he told reporters on Friday.
"The chances of survival are obviously pretty slim considering some of the accounts that have been provided to us."
Premier Mark McGowan described it as a "very sad and potentially tragic" situation.
Shire of Esperance president Ian Mickel said the community was saddened by the tragedy.
"It's extremely sad to hear there's been a shark attack again," he said.
"We've had a lot of attacks over the last seven years. It's just really, really disappointing."
Esperance Ocean Safety and Support committee member David Swan told NCA NewsWire everyone was devastated.
"Our thoughts are with the family and close friends.
"Everyone's in a bit of shock and feeling very sad."
