‘The memorial has become a bit derelict because it’s in an exposed spot and we think it’s time for an upgrade as the area is being increasingly used and the potential for commercial development nearby could make it more of an attraction,’ Cottesloe Coast Care president Mike Ewing said.
Coast Care volunteers revegetated land west of the memorial five years ago and replanted a depression in the dunes several years ago.
Mr Ewing said a concrete memorial could have a timber boardwalk and steps replacing concrete slabs, which council staff said were dangerous at last month’s meeting.
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READ NOWIn 2008, the council rejected moving the memorial to Cottesloe Beach after the location of |Vlamingh’s landing on the Cottesloe coast on January 5, 1697, was contested.
The council plans to replace paving slabs in the 2013-14 budget.
‘There is uncertainty about the landing spot, but the current memorial site is the logical vantage point to views along the coast, out to Rottnest Island and the entrance to the Swan River,’ Mr Ewing said.
At last month’s meeting, councillors agreed to seek public comment on the redesign and budget for the work in 2013-14, including $8200 to replace the steps.
Refurbishing the column and plaques could increase the cost of the project to $20,000.