Plan to ban 4WDs, trail bikes from sensitive parts of Yorke’s coastline

Parts of a popular SA coastline would be off limits to vehicles under plans to protect environmentally and culturally sensitive sites, which 4WD advocates fear will see a rush of heritage claims.

Four wheel drives, trail bikes and even hovercrafts face being banned from large areas of the Yorke Peninsula’s 700km coastline, with access tracks blocked and campsites closed under a draft plan.

The move prompted by environmental and Indigenous considerations may become a template for beaches across the state.

As well as bans on vehicle access, documents seen by The Advertiser show there are broader moves for more general “access restrictions and closure of adjacent tracks” to protect areas declared as Indigenous cultural heritage sites.

Lucy Zadoyanchuk, Oleg Zadoyanchuk, Henry Zadoyanchuk, Scarlett Shigror, Lena Shigror, Misha Shigror and Gabriel Shigror enjoy a day at Wauraltee Beach near Port Victoria on Yorke Peninsula. Picture: Tim Joy

While officials say they are seeking “balance,” the Draft Coastal Access Strategy seen by The Advertiser shows the entire peninsula is regarded as “of significance for Narungga people.”

“There are land formations and songlines that cover the entire peninsula, as well as particular places and features of cultural significance,” the document states.

As well as protecting Indigenous sites, the plan aims to safeguard fragile dunes, shorebird nesting sites, wildlife habitats and other environmentally sensitive areas.

4WD tracks on Yorke Peninsula beaches. Picture: Farrin Miller

There are environmental concerns for Yorke Peninsula sand dunes.

Initial moves include an audit of coastal access tracks “to identify opportunities for track closure or consolidation.”

The strategy also will provide support for “Narungga to undertake cultural mapping of the coastline to identify, record and register cultural sites, to better understand and protect culturally significant sites.”

No specific coastal sites, beaches, tracks or campsites are named in the draft.

The 10-year plan led by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board is being developed with the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation (NNAC), councils, government and stakeholders.

It notes 4WDs on beaches are increasing each year with pollution, trampled vegetation and damage to culture sites and claims vehicles driving through sand dunes “has exposed burial sites in many areas” but does not give details.

NNAC chair Cyril Kartinyeri said the coast is central to Narungga cultural identity.

“Our ancestors have lived along these shores for thousands of years, and the coastal environment holds deep spiritual and cultural significance,” he said.

“Coastal areas are integral to our traditions, stories, ceremonies and practices and maintaining these places is essential for preserving our culture.”

NNAC chief executive Doug Milera said: “By protecting the coast of Guuranda you’re also protecting sea country. Land, sea and sky are connected, it’s all country.

“Our ancestors walked what is now known as the sea floor and our living connection to country dates back to time immemorial. In protecting Narungga’s ancient shorelines, we protect our culture now.”

However, Four Wheel Drive South Australia president Greg Chase said his members are deeply concerned about loss of access due to large areas potentially being declared culturally important.

“We respect culturally significant areas but have noticed there seems to be increasing cases of large areas suddenly being significant, which is of concern if this is used as a reason to block access,” he said.

A 4WD on the beach at Hardwicke Bay.

“We understand the need to respect areas of cultural significance but are worried about the blanket closure of large areas — and are very concerned this will start a statewide trend of blocking access due to large areas being declared of cultural significance.”

Mr Chase noted closing trails would result in only the fittest hikers being able to get to some beaches.

Yorke Peninsula Council Mayor Darren Braund said the coastline is stunning but delicate.

“This strategy is about protecting those areas while ensuring we can continue to enjoy them responsibly.” he said.

Copper Coast Council Mayor Roslyn Talbot said it was important to get the balance right, saying: “People have a right to enjoy our coastal spaces, but it’s imperative that they do so in a way sympathetic to the cultural and environmental overlay.”

Barunga West Council Mayor Leonie Kerley said: “By working with our partners and the community, we are ensuring a future where access and conservation coexist.”

People having fun in their 4WDs at Wauraltee Beach near Port Victoria, Yorke Peninsula. Picture: Tim Joy

Lucy Zadonyanchuk, who has been camping on Warraulti Beach for six years, said her family would be devastated if the ban came into effect.

“It’s something that you can’t do anywhere, we don’t take it for granted, we respect nature, we don’t make a mess, we don’t drive when we are not supposed to and we would love that to still be the case,” Mrs Zadonyanchuk said.

“We are responsible and we understand the opportunity the kids get out here, and us, just to relax, get in our cars and go for a drive.”

Her seven-year-old son Henry said he looked forward to the holiday every year.

“I’ve been coming here my whole life,” Henry said.

“I want me and my family to stay here over New Years and keep camping here.

“Coming here with my family and my cousins is so fun because I’m an only child and get to play with people.”

Misha Shigror said his family would stop holidaying at Warraulti Beach if the four-wheel-drive ban came into effect.

“I’ve been coming here since I was five years old,” Mr Shigror said.

Yorke Peninsula Mayor Darren Braund at Edithburgh jetty. Picture: Supplied

People say the beach is just not the same as it used to be.

“It (the proposed ban) doesn’t make sense, you are going to shut it off to do what? Stay inside in a building somewhere? We’ve brought our kids here to get out and get away from their screens.

“The four-wheel driving proposed ban, coupled with the camping ban here, most of these towns rely on it.

“You take that away and you are going to start struggling to have reasons for people to come down here.”

Rosemary Bormann, who has owned the Port Victoria Foreshore Kiosk with her husband Terry for 15 years, said the proposal would better protect the beach.

“The beach is just not the same as it used to be,” Mrs Bormann said.

“Since COVID, more people are camping and using caravans.

“One person sees a nice beach and puts it on social media and everyone wants to go there.

“It’s just a shame to ruin the beaches because a few people do the wrong thing.

“You should see the rubbish that is left behind, tents and awnings, nappies, people just use the sand dunes as a toilet.

“If they would take their rubbish with them, just leave your footprints, it would be good.”

The final strategy is expected to be released later this year.

Originally published as Plan to ban 4WDs, trail bikes from sensitive parts of Yorke’s coastline