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Onkaparinga Council seeks feedback protection plans for beaches open to cars

Onkaparinga Council is investigating how to better protect its prized beaches from drivers – but some options could cost up to $120,000 each year.

Aldinga, Moana, Silver Sands and Sellicks are beaches in Adelaide’s south where it’s permitted to drive onto the sand.
Aldinga, Moana, Silver Sands and Sellicks are beaches in Adelaide’s south where it’s permitted to drive onto the sand.

Bollards and covert sensor cameras could soon be a feature on the southern suburbs beaches accessible by car.

Onkaparinga Council is seeking community feedback on plans to improve vehicle and driver compliance on Moana, Aldinga, Silver Sands and Sellicks Beaches.

Possible options including bollards or sand drift fencing range from just $180 up to $120,000 per year for increased staff patrols.

Onkaparinga Council city operations director Kirk Richardson said it was important to enable vehicle access to beaches while still protecting sensitive areas of the coast.

“Our coastal environment supports a complex ecosystem and geology that’s unique to our area,” Mr Richardson said.

Cars line the sand at Moana Beach. Picture: Dylan Coker
Cars line the sand at Moana Beach. Picture: Dylan Coker

“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.”

Options include:

■ Installing bollards alongside beach access ramps to guide vehicle traffic away from the “no cars” area at a cost of $180 per bollard

■ Installing sand drift fencing along “high beach” zones to collect windblown sand and prevent vehicle access at a cost of $180 per metre

■ Creating an alignment of signs to provide visual warning for drivers wanting to use the beach on high tide at a cost of $320 per sign

■ Adding covert sensor cameras to monitor vehicle activity at a cost of $800 plus ongoing administration costs

■ Installing permanent CCTV cameras with licence plate recognition at a cost of up to $20,000 with ongoing administration costs

■ Increasing community officer patrols at a cost of $120,000 per year

Community consultation on Onkaparinga Council’s website is open until November 9.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/south/onkaparinga-council-seeks-feedback-protection-plans-for-beaches-open-to-cars/news-story/a75c1fa491e5070b97829fd71edbdd11