4WD permits planned | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

4th February 2010

DENIS Magnay has welcomed moves by Ballina Shire Council to introduce a four-wheel-drive permit system for Lennox Head’s Seven Mile Beach.

But the president of both the Northern Beaches Users Club and the Southern Beaches Users Club said he wouldn’t want to see any further moves to restrict 4WD users, like bans on weekends or public holidays, as they can only use 3.3km of the beach anyhow.

Council approved the permit plan last week, and will now call for submissions, with a likely introduction date of July 1.

It would cost $55 for an annual permit or $33 for six months. A 30-day permit would be available for $22.

Mr Magnay said the permit system would get rid of the ‘hoon element’ off the beaches, and allow genuine beach users access – including older people – access to fishing spots.

“We’ve always advocated a permit system,” he said.

“The hoon element spoils it for genuine beach users.”

He said he would like to see the fees spent on maintaining the beach access tracks.

But Mr Magnay has concerns that, in the future, 4WD users could have to pay for three permits to use local beaches, saying Richmond Valley Council was considering introducing a permit system for South Ballina beaches to the south of Boundary Creek, and it was possible the Land and Property Management Authority could look at a permit system for the stretch of beach north of that.

“Once you get a permit, that should let you go on all the beaches without having to get another permit,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lennox Head Landcare’s Malcolm Milner said they were happy with the decision to introduce a permit system.

“Our main interest is ensuring that drivers who are using the beach are properly aware of all the factors that need to be taken into consideration, especially environmental concerns,” he said.

“The dunes must be protected.

“We hope that by having a permit system, permit holders will get something to set out the reasons behind the rules that they must follow.

“It’s about educating drivers.”

Cr Jeff Johnson, who has been lobbying for a permit system, said it was a win-win situation.

“Most 4WD users are responsible and do the right thing, but some don’t, so it will be good to have this more formal process,” he said.

“And the money we collect from the permits will go back into looking after the beach.”

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