Media response - vehicle compliance on beaches

Published on 19 October 2020

Response to The Advertiser.

• I’m going to write a story about the consultation for possible vehicle compliance measures for the protected foreshore areas. Can you please provide short council comment? Why is it important to look at these measures to protect certain beaches? Are there specific beaches which are most at risk? 

Comments attributed to Kirk Richardson, Director City Operations

The community engagement process is designed to seek feedback and ideas from the community on methods for improving compliance to the existing Foreshore By-law 2016, not to increase restrictions on vehicle access. The bylaw is aimed at enabling vehicle access while also protecting sensitive areas of the coast such as sand dunes, pebble banks and habitat for wildlife.

Our coastal environment supports 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, and while the majority of beachgoers respect these areas, there are the few that don’t.

Vehicles are permitted to drive on sections of the sandy beach at Moana, Aldinga, Silver Sands and Sellicks Beach and this engagement is focused on these areas.

ENDS