Coode Street Foreshore Upgrade Begins

Work will soon begin to restore the Coode Street riverbank as part of a range of upgrades happening at Sir James Mitchell Park.

The Coode Street Riverbank Restoration project will help stabilise the riverbank and renaturalise the foreshore environment to deliver long-term benefits for the environment and community.

The project is funded by a $2.1million grant from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, alongside $850,000 from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Riverbank Program and a $1.3 million investment from the City of South Perth.

It builds on community and stakeholder feedback gathered in 2022 about the Coode Street foreshore area. This input has helped shape plans to improve the area, which also include the recently completed accessible public toilets, a planned new regional play space(subject to funding) new plantings, and upgraded lighting and irrigation.

Works will be delivered in two stages along the foreshore, from the Scented Gardens to Djirda Miya. The project aims to improve river health, protect the foreshore from erosion, strengthen connections between the river and surrounding wetlands, expand habitat for native species, and enhance access and amenity for visitors.

Stage 1 works will begin in May this year at the Coode Street foreshore and are expected to be completed by October.

Key works include:

• Moving the pedestrian path further inland to protect sensitive habitat areas
• Constructing two headlands to help protect the beach from erosion and rising water levels (one planted and one grassed)
• Reshaping river beaches to create separate areas for wildlife and recreation
• Reconnecting the river with surrounding wetlands through new planted areas
• Expanding habitat for local wildlife, including the rakali and endangered fairy tern
• Popular recreation areas near the StrEATs event site and Funcats will be retained and improved, with better pedestrian access around the Boatshed Café.

Stage 2, planned for April to October 2027, will focus on the foreshore between the Boatshed Café and the boat ramp.

Key works include:

• Further reshaping of river beaches to support recreation and wildlife
• Adding habitat protection near the freshwater outflow by the jetty
• Removing the failing river wall between the boat ramp and Djirda Miya
• Constructing a new gently sloping beach (1:20 gradient)
• Building vegetated headlands to stabilise the new beach
• Creating a habitat corridor connecting Djirda Miya and Lake Douglas
• Establishing new plantings to strengthen ecological connections

This project is one of several enhancements we’re making to Sir James Mitchell Park.

Works have been planned to minimise disruption. Local businesses have been informed, and the City will continue working with them throughout the project. Signage is in place, and park users are asked to follow all signs and fencing in work areas.

Find out more and view FAQs on the City’s website.