4WD users need more education ‘not rules’ according to peak body

A peak motoring body has responded to a call for a state ban on beach driving by saying drivers need more education - “not rules”.

4WD Queensland has hit back at calls for a statewide ban on beach driving claiming drivers need more education - not more rules.

Environmentalist Diane Oxenford made the call, fearing uncontrolled access of 4WDs on Bribie Island will cause erosion and destroy nesting grounds of endangered turtles.

Mrs Oxenford said from an “environmental perspective”, 4WDs should not be driving on beaches.

Miles Brennan, spokesman for 4WD Queensland, the body representing 4WD clubs and members, called on the State Government to implement a safety campaign for off-road drivers.

Mr Brennan said a blanket ban was not the solution.

“We want more people to plan appropriately when driving up the beach,” Mr Brennan said.

Mr Brennan said it was important 4WD users drove two-hours either side of the high tide and avoided travelling on soft sand or dunes.

“We support the idea of staying off the dunes and the importance of stable dunes to our environment,” he said.

4WD ban on beaches opposed.

In response to a Bribie Island resident’s claims she had to reverse several kilometres up the beach and park on dunes to allow a stream of incoming vehicles to pass at Bribie Island’s Ocean Beach, Mr Brennan believed it illustrated an access issue in the region.

“That to me is an access issue from the township to the beach and council should get that track widened if that’s the issue,” he said.

“There’s no need to have rules. What we need is more education and for drivers to plan the trips around the tides.

“We can’t put in more rules or we will become a nanny state.”

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman said there were no specific 4WD safety campaigns under consideration.

“Beaches in Queensland are considered public roads and the same road rules apply,” she said.

“The Department of Environment and Science regularly publishes alerts on beach driving conditions on its website and we advise all drivers to exercise appropriate caution when driving on beaches.

“We encourage anyone planning to drive on beaches to first complete an appropriate course with a professional driver trainer.

“This summer, our road safety campaigns will target drink driving and seatbelt use which are critical issues that have a significant impact on road trauma.

“In addition other Fatal 5 behaviours will be targeted through social media including fatigue, distractions and speeding.”