Shark Bay Shire is considering a backflip on its decision to protect a critically endangered bird habitat and allow a set of bush tracks to remain open to vehicles despite environmental damage they are causing.

BirdLife Australia has confirmed that as part of the World Heritage listed marine park, Little Lagoon Creek is considered important habitat for four critically endangered bird species, the eastern curlew, the curlew sandpiper, the bar-tailed godwit and the great knot, which breed in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern.

Critically endangered bar-tailed godwit. Credit:Georgina Steytler

A 2010 rehabilitation master plan was partially completed in terms of providing amenities such as shelters and barbecues, but action on the rehabilitation aspect has been lacking, sparking community concerns about degradation.

In August 2017 the council resolved unanimously to progress the rehabilitation aspect including vehicle track closures, given the impact 4WDs and quad bikes were having upon the fragile environment.