Council backs long-term future for Yanchep Lagoon 

At its September Ordinary Council Meeting, Council endorsed the Yanchep Lagoon Foreshore Management Plan as a long-term planning guide for the precinct, alongside the next stage of planning to address coastal erosion and improve beach access. 

Mayor Linda Aitken said the decisions provided a clear direction for Yanchep Lagoon while recognising the importance of getting future improvements right. 

“Yanchep Lagoon is a special place and we know how much it means to the local community and the many people who visit, swim, fish and spend time there,” she said. 

“As Yanchep continues to grow, we want to protect what people love about the Lagoon while making sure we are planning responsibly for the future. 

“There is still more work to do before individual projects are delivered and there will be further opportunities for Council and the community to have input as that work progresses.” 

The Foreshore Management Plan provides a high-level guide for the 30-hectare Yanchep Lagoon precinct, with a focus on protecting its coastal character and cultural heritage while improving public spaces, access, connections and recreation opportunities. 

The Plan considers five areas across the precinct: The Settlement, The Lagoon, The Promenade, The Homestead and The Dune Park. 

Council has authorised further planning and project development, with individual stages subject to future Council approval and budget funding.  

This includes further investigation of a proposed boardwalk connection between The Settlement and Mary Lindsay Homestead, as well as additional traffic analysis of the proposed Brazier Road one-way arrangement, including consideration of a two-way option, before any detailed design or works proceed. 

Council also endorsed the next stage of the Yanchep Coastal Management Project, progressing detailed design for works to respond to coastal erosion and improve access along the Yanchep coastline. 

This includes staged renewal of the existing Capricorn Groyne, improvements to beach access at Yanchep Lagoon, improved pedestrian and vehicle access at the Capricorn Beach carpark and an extension of the southern beach access staircase at Fisherman’s Hollow. 

A future extension of the Capricorn Groyne may also be considered if required, supported by ongoing beach renourishment to help maintain beach amenity and coastal resilience. 

The coastal management approach follows two years of technical investigations, coastal modelling and engagement with the community, including the Yanchep Coastal Management Advisory Group and Aboriginal Knowledge Holders, helping inform an approach that respects the area’s environmental and cultural values. 

Mayor Aitken said community feedback had played an important role in planning for the area. 

“We have heard how important it is to protect the natural qualities of Yanchep Lagoon while making sure it remains safe and accessible for the community,” she said. 

“These plans give us a way forward that responds to our changing coastline while allowing future improvements to be carefully considered.” 

The coastal works are estimated at about $2.6 million, with the City continuing to pursue external funding opportunities to support delivery. 

The City has already delivered improvements along northern Brazier Road, including a new shared path, additional parking, traffic calming, drainage, kerbing and revegetation.