Early this week, Invercargill City Council's Infrastructure and Services Committee approved the installation of a new fence for the site at an estimated cost of $60,000.
The wharf was closed to the public in 2016 after a report identified several hazards due to the state of the surface timber planking.
Council decided to immediately fence off the wharf to prevent public access for safety reasons.
However, public interest in the site has prompted an investigation into proposals to either permanently fence the structure or reopen the wharf, at an estimated cost of $720,000.
No decision was made at that time, but on Monday the committee approved a staff recommendation to replace the temporary wire fence with a semi-permanent fence and landscape the area.
Council parks planning officer Lesley McCoy said the work was within budget, aesthetically appealing, and sensitive to the heritage values of the area.
"The fencing and landscaping can be easily removed in the future should council decide to pursue a more extensive restoration."
She also noted the costs could be higher than the $60,000 estimate, as it did not include any cost associated with obtaining an archaeological authority if the work required one.
Ms McCoy said it was not possible to predict if that would be necessary, but they were trying to achieve the least disruption to the ground possible.
"It will be determined as we go."
The recommendation was approved by the full council at its meeting yesterday.
