Barunga West Council moves to ban beach camping and 4WD access ahead of draft plan

While a draft plan restricting 4WD access to Yorke Peninsula beaches is finalised one council has jumped the gun with plans to restrict access to two beaches after mounting damage to dunes.

A Yorke Peninsula council is moving to restrict access to two beaches, even before a draft plan on 4WD access to beaches across the entire peninsula is finalised.

Barunga West Council also has knocked back a request for special access for local people to camp at one popular beach.

Mayor Leonie Kerley moved a motion asking Landscapes SA for “immediate action to prevent access to the cliff and dunes at the Back Beach site, and to implement remedial measures including the installation of fencing and large obstacles to restrict vehicular activity and protect the area from further degradation.”

The move follows a Facebook post by a concerned resident about the beach near Port Broughton.

Sand dune damage at Back Beach on Yorke Peninsula.

4WD access track at Back Beach on Yorke Peninsula which may be blocked.

Calling Back Beach a “beloved local treasure” that needs protection, Ms Kerley noted: “It has become evident the continued abuse and degradation of the cliff and dunes at the Back Beach site have reached a critical point.

“These areas are regularly subjected to damage by motorbikes, quads, and 4WDs, especially during weekends and holiday periods. The primary concern is the persistent destruction of both the cliff face and the surrounding native vegetation.

“With every visit, the damage increases, which directly impacts the environmental integrity of the area.

“Over the years, this ongoing degradation has compounded...it’s imperative we take decisive action to prevent further destruction and preserve this vital coastal area for future generations.”

District Council of Barunga West Mayor Leonie Kerley

Ms Kerley slammed Landscapes SA, saying the council has contributed almost $1m to it over the past four years for upkeep of the region with little return.

“There are growing concerns regarding the value and effectiveness of the services provided in return,” Ms Kerley says.

“It appears there is a disconnect between the funds allocated to the region and the tangible outcomes for conservation and environmental management, resulting in limited evidence to suggest these funds have been specifically allocated or effectively utilized within our district.”

Council papers show a Ms Briony Williams asked if “locals can be issued permits of some sort” to continue camping on Barkers Beach.

The response at a council meeting on Tuesday night stated Barkers Beach is Crown land with a licence to the council for care and control.

It has a history of informal camping and “there has been an increase in visitors and anti-social behaviour” including “littering, toileting and collection of firewood. There has been flora and fauna destroyed along with the destruction of the actual dunes through dune bashing.”

Council has banned camping, is fencing off dunes and there is just one access point for day visitors only.

“Council will not be issuing permits for locals or any other person to camp at Barkers Beach in the future,” it states.

Originally published as Barunga West Council moves to ban beach camping and 4WD access ahead of draft plan