Media response - cars on beaches

Published on 03 July 2023

Response to the Fleurieu Sun.

• The journalist asked for some comments responding to a recent Council meeting (20 June) deputation around the impacts of cars on beaches.

Comments attributed to Acting CEO, Julia Grant

Council’s proposed By-laws 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, which have been out recently for public consultation, will be considered at the 18 July Council meeting, and By-law 6 – Foreshore proposes a new clause prohibiting vehicles from Hooded Plover breeding sites (part of the foreshore within 20m of a sign that indicates the words ‘Hooded Plover breeding site’). 

This would complement protections put in place last year when Council remade its Dogs By-law, which introduced clauses prohibiting dogs from Hooded Plover breeding sites, and requiring dogs to be on lead in an area where Hooded Plovers may be present.

These controls seek to reduce two of the hazards that can impact on successful Hooded Plover breeding (vehicles and dogs), however there are other hazards including tidal inundation of nests, and predators such as gulls, cats and foxes.

Birdlife Australia’s 2021/22 Hooded Plover monitoring report, for example, indicates fox predation as the suspected cause of nest failure in 66 per cent (14 of 21) of nests along Onkaparinga's beaches, with no reported nest failures or fledgling deaths associated with vehicles.

We’re always looking at ways to better protect sensitive areas of the coast while balancing recreation and vehicle access at Moana, Aldinga, Silver Sands and Sellicks.

Our coastal environment is one of our most important natural assets, supporting a complex ecosystem and geology that’s unique to our area. 

The community and social value of the coastline is also significant, with sites of Aboriginal cultural heritage, high scenic amenity, and recreational activities including public vehicle access on the beach, where a 10km/h speed limit applies.

ENDS