Australia is a country with beautiful beaches, but vehicles entering picturesque visions are causing great damage, leading to calls for a ban on such practice.
As reported ABC Newsa study by the University of Sunshine Coast (USC) found that 4×4 people caused “clear and extensive damage” to the coastal dune ecosystem, and its lead author said there was no “safe beach driving” level.
According to Thomas Schlacher, the lead author of the study, 20 dune species from 20 international studies were found to be negatively affected by vehicles.
“Hard sand is buried in it, things like pipis and crabs, and when fish are climaxing, especially at night, they are important fish foods.” ABC News.
“The 4×4 run basically crushes them to death.
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“Just need one car will have a very, very serious impact.
“It’s a little surprising because people often argue, ‘Oh, all we have to do is regulate traffic volume, and we’re going to be right.”
“The only thing that works is to remove the car for a considerable proportion of the beach…at least half – it’s a great starting point.”
There are multiple beaches in New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia where there are vehicles. Depending on the beach, fines can be applied to drive on a dune or interfere with a turtle nest.
Victoria does not allow driving on the beach, and South Australia is strengthening its laws – although the holiday status says “no intention to prohibit all vehicles on all beaches” but rather “commit to better manage access (to ensure) the coastline remains sustainable”.
Professor Schrach, Queensland’s statement – popular beach attractions such as North Shore, Rainbow Beach, K’gari and Bribie Island allow driving – is the best proof of the damage caused.
“Southeast Queensland is probably the most powerful evidence base in the world, demonstrating the serious harm caused by 4×4,” he said.
“So we are basically in the driver’s seat to make informed decisions.”
The results of this study are not surprising for those who spend a lot of time in the area, such as Darren Jew, a member of the Bribie Island National Park conservation team.
Mr. Jewish told ABC News On Brible Island, a massive number of vehicles can cause chaos and devastating local wildlife at some point in the year.
Mr. Jewish said: “Bribery almost no beach with high tide…so it’s chaos. Sometimes it’s the wild west.”
“It’s ridiculous that there can be 1200 cars on the beach in one day. It’s like a wool parking lot.
“We have (Loggerhead Turtle) nests that have been laid on dunes for about a month, in relatively safe locations, driving through illegal dunes.
“We have hardly any hatcheries trying to go from nest to ocean, and the ruts created by the four-wheel drive…become their obstacles.
“Instead of going to the ocean, maybe a 50-meter journey, it’s a rut to the north or 500-meter south, dying from dehydration.”
While potential bans or restrictions on beach driving may affect the car clubs surrounding the event, Bundaberg 4WD Club Chairman Brett Lynch said members provide training to reduce losses, and 4x4s can help provide community services.
Mr. Lynch told ABC News.
“You wouldn’t be able to do this kind of work without a 4×4 to make this garbage stand out from the environment and help protect it.”
Queensland’s Minister of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said it is unacceptable to ban 4×4 people on state beaches.
“My job is to make sure we are balanced between protecting and protecting the environment and allowing people to enjoy it there,” Minister Powell said in his report. ABC News.
“I’m grateful to a lot of people who would love to see the 4WD on the beach, but I can’t see that it’s an acceptable result.”
However, in the north of McKay, local council further restricted beach access for motorists last September.
Driving on fronts and beaches on city council-controlled land from Harbour Beach to East Point is no longer allowed, and cameras are installed to monitor the area, while those who ignore the $774 fine rule.
“Over time, the impact of vehicles on coastal and flora and fauna and on the site of turtle and shore birds in nesting,” Mayor Greg Williamson said.
“For years, the impact of this damage threatened the ecological integrity of the region.”
More: The First Timer Guide to Beach Driving
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