The Shire of Shark Bay engaged Ecoscape to undertake a master planning process for the Little Lagoon recreation area vested in the Shire, with a focus on the channel day-use area. The master planning project was originally commissioned in 2010 by the Department of Environment and Conservation, however only the proposed shelters around the eastern side of Little Lagoon progressed to construction stage due to funding constraints. Ecoscape’s role was to review and update the Master Plan to reflect current expectations and site conditions.

The Master Plan was required to ensure that development at Little Lagoon proceeds in a manner that is beneficial to the area’s natural and social environment.  The channel day-use area provides opportunities for both conservation through the protection of remnant native flora, and recreation through enhancement of existing facilities, into a resource of regional importance.

Prior to engaging Ecoscape, the Shire conducted a survey to determine the community’s opinion on proposed 4WD track closures at Little Lagoon Creek. While many respondents indicated they would prefer no track closures, some suggested the closure of unnecessary tracks with varying amounts of remaining access. The project brief was therefore to balance community desires for access around Little Lagoon with the Shire’s responsibility to manage the natural environment.