The following blog contains my personal views on a sensitive issue. These views are not necessarily supported by the Preston Beach Progress Assoc and/or its executive nor members.
How often do you think about the consequences of driving on the beach? Every time our tyres hit the sand I think of what a privilege it is to be able to drive to our favourite fishing spot, instead of lugging all our equipment down to the water by hand. I see people go flying past in high powered 4X4’s without a care for the environment, other beach goers or even their own safety and I think, this isn’t going to last!
Over the years the Progress Association has tried many ways to educate drivers and raise awareness of the need to take great care of our beach. At almost every meeting, someone will suggest changing the signs to read more clearly or erect new signs to get our message across.
Signs have been replaced, redesigned and rehashed numerous times but still you hear stories back from the Rangers who have pulled someone up for infringing the rules and they say “there are no signs’ or ‘I didn’t see any signs’ when they are actually standing next to the sign! It boils down to the fact that people just don’t read signs.
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| Clearly visible, easy to read and erected in a prominent position - can you see the sign? |
So, what is the solution? Closing the beach has been offered up as the next step. This is an end not a solution and unfortunately it will be brought about by people who don’t live here, don’t pay rates here nor give a damn what happens here. If they can’t hoon on the beach they will find somewhere else to do it. So, where does that leave us?
It’s a privilege not a right to use 4WD vehicles on the beach and we should expect to pay for privileges. The Shire of Waroona is responsible for the stretch of beach within its boundaries. This beggars the question why don’t they issue permits to vehicle owners. By this I would suggest annual fees for regular users and day fees for visitors, the same as applies to National Parks.
This is not a new concept by any stretch of the imagination - here are a few links;
http://www.hastings.nsw.gov.au/www/html/940-vehicles-on-beaches.asp
http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/discover.aspx?id=666
http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/sdsbch.htm
Introducing permits would have multiple benefits. It would give the Shire the opportunity to educate drivers in the safe and sensible use of the beach at the time of issuing the permit. Control and regulate access. There would be additional funds available to put full time Rangers on the ground in suitable vehicles, taking the pressure off volunteer services. It would reduce the number of vehicles using the beach. Joy riders would quickly learn by the pain in their pocket.
Permits attached to windscreens would be easy to identify and those without a valid permit could then be legitimately stopped and removed from the beach. Permit users who offend would lose the privilege and face penalties.
Beach goers would be safer.
Putting up speed signs and handing out leaflets is folly! Volunteer Rangers work their butts off, take abuse on daily basis and give up many hours of their time because they care. The Ranger service makes a huge difference but as more communities close beach access to vehicles, forcing inexperienced weekend warriors to Preston Beach in pursuit of happiness, the problem grows greater as each year goes by.
The only solution (other than closure) is effective and permanent policing of the beach by qualified and paid Rangers. There is no other way to keep the beach open. The Shire can’t afford to do this without funding so why not make the user pay. It might be unpopular but who wants to win a popularity contest?
If you do nothing else, consider joining the Volunteer Rangers and help to keep our beaches safe until such time as alternative solution is found. Contact me for details.
To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing. (Elbert Hubbard)
