Explosion of 4WD vehicles at Seven Mile Beach prompts ‘locals only’ debate

A councillor proposed a ‘locals only’ policy at the popular area, and the abolition of the one-day pass to the beach.

“Having a ‘locals only’ permit system removes the risk of 4WD tourism and large numbers of vehicles heading to Lennox to access the beach,” Mr Johnson said.

A traffic counter placed at the 4WD entry at Seven Mile Beach between April 1 and 30 this year counted 2,883 vehicles using the beach access during that period.

South Ballina Beach was closed to vehicle access by the NSW Government on March 31, due to ongoing concerns about public safety and impacts to the environment and Aboriginal heritage values.

Were the 4WD enthusiasts ‘driven’ to Seven Mile Beach by the closure?

The numbers have become so high that a councillor presented a motion to council to restrict permits only to vehicles owned by Ballina Shire residents.

Ballina Shire Council reports on the matter stated that up to May 14, in the 2020/21 financial year, 4WD users have purchased 3015 one-day permits, 130 30-day passes, 268 tickets for six months and 309 for 12 months, with a grand total of 3721 passes.

In the 2019/20 financial year, only 2611 passes were purchased from council, most of them one-day tickets, or 2086 of them.

Council currently has an automated ticketing machine at the four wheel drive entrance to Seven Mile Beach, which allows drivers to purchase tickets.

The environmental damage and hooning some drivers have cause at the beach prompted councillor Jeff Johnson so submit a motion to council that would restrict the purchasing of permits only to people who lived in the Ballina Shire.

The motion also suggested only selling six and 12 months permits.

The idea, he said at the meeting, was to remove the one-day pass, normally purchased by weekend visitors from interstate on inland areas.

Council discussed the idea at its Thursday May 27 meeting.

In his submission, Mr Johnson said while the beaches are Crown Reserves, they are managed by council and ratepayers money is used to maintain access tracks and administration of permits.

“Reducing the number of vehicles to Ballina Shire registered vehicles will provide a greater level of compliance with the existing Guidelines for 4WD vehicles on Seven Mile Beach,” he said.

“A key reason for the closure by the NSW Government of the beach south of Ballina was the hoons coming down from Queensland and disrespecting other beach users and the environment.

Ballina councillor Jeff Johnson. Photo Contributed

“Having a ‘locals only’ permit system removes the risk of 4WD tourism and large numbers of vehicles heading to Lennox to access the beach.

“I support local families, fishermen, surfers, and those with disabilities to continue to access the remote area of Seven Mile Beach.”

Council staff agreed that the increasing mix of four wheel drive vehicles, the off-leash dog area, people walking, exercising, surfing, fishing and more, means that council needs to proactively monitor the use of the beach to ensure that there are limited or no negative environmental impacts.

“Council is currently in the process of reviewing the Ballina Shire Coastal Reserve Plan of Management, and the forthcoming community consultation will seek feedback on the preferred uses of the Coastal Crown Reserves,” the document said.

Some councillors agreed with the spirit of the motion, but did not support changes to the management of the beach until the review of the Coastal Reserve Plan of Management is finished.

Matthew Wood, Manager of Strategic Planning at council, confirmed the plan is still “months away” from being completed.

Mr Johnson’s motion was lost with only two votes in favour: from him and Cr Sharon Parry.