Trails, playgrounds, and viewing decks could be among the new amenities at the Coodanup Foreshore after a masterplan was endorsed by councillors on Tuesday.
The plan also includes more areas for recreation and activity, shelters, seats, a bird hide upgrade and an environmental fence to protect migratory birds.
Cr Lynn Rogers, who moved the motion, said the Coodanup Foreshore was in desperate need of an upgrade.
"I think the masterplan is great - it's about time Coodanup got some attention and it's finally getting it," she said.
Four bird species use that Creery Wetlands quite a lot and where that fencing will potentially benefit the birds is by preventing access of foxes.
- Birdlife Australia representative Vicki Stokes
However, the suggested changes to the Coodanup Foreshore masterplan saw deputations against it ensue, with some residents concerned about the environmental fence.
"Some limestone bollards were put into the waterline and from that point I noticed there was a change in the way the estuary would function," Coodanup resident Luke Garbin said.
"I believe those bollards created such an impact to the long shore drift, which created a very shallow area - it's my belief the extension of the fenceline will have a similar effect on the Creery Wetlands almost as if it's environmental vandalism."
Coodanup resident Bill Warner agreed with Mr Garbin's comments while Katherine Davies made mention that kite surfers would only have access to the wetlands in winter when the migratory birds weren't there.
"There is a misconception that kite surfers are damaging to the wetlands," she said.
However, Birdlife Australia representative Vicki Stokes supported the addition of environmental fencing.
"Four bird species use that Creery Wetlands quite a lot and where that fencing will potentially benefit the birds is by preventing access of foxes," she said.
"The issue we have particularly with migratory birds is that because of their migration they fly over 10,000km every year - after they've made that journey they are very exhausted, they are underweight and they are all about feeding.
"Predatory avoidance isn't their primary concern - that's why it's important to prevent foxes coming into that area for that reason."
She also made mention of all recreational activities that involve access to the water having the potential to create disturbance to the shorebirds.
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Despite deputations against parts of the project, council unanimously endorsed the Coodanup Foreshore masterplan.
However, when City officers complete a final design on each zone it will be reported back to council for approval.
The project is set to be undertaken by 2025 and is expected to cost $2.5 million.
