Shore can do vote

Sipping a cup of coffee while overlooking the Leschenault Estuary is a step closer after Harvey Shire Council’s endorsement of stages 3 and 4 of the Ridley Place Foreshore Master Plan.

Councillors endorsed the footprint for the proposed upgrades at last week’s council meeting, paving the way for the installation of a new toilet block, replacement of the current play area with a nature playground, and investigations into a cafe or restaurant to be built along the foreshore.

Harvey shire chief executive Annie Riordan said further development of a cafe-restaurant could now be investigated to determine the most viable option.

“In the revised proposed development plan the proposed building has been moved closer to the estuary and a reconfigured path network has been included to incorporate the proposed new building footprint,” Ms Riordan said.

“The proposal will also include bike parking, extended grass areas, a possible solar charging bench, barbecues and picnic tables.

“A half-basketball court, interpretive centre and RV dump point are also under consideration.”

Due to deterioration to the existing playground’s rubber base, the first priority would be to progress the planning and implementation of the new play area.

Shire president Tania Jackson said technical officers were investigating durable materials to create a nature playground in the area.

“We are great advocates for nature play at the shire,” Cr Jackson said.

“I think this would be well received by families in the community.”

She said these initial upgrades formed part of the long-term plan for that area, which has included upgraded boating facilities, jetty and carpark modification.

“We will continue to deliver high quality upgrades each year.”