Efforts are being made to preserve Dunedin’s beaches this summer.
The Dunedin City Council and Department of Conservation hope the implementation of signs and rangers at Dunedin beaches will prevent damage, protect wildlife and stop driving on beaches.
Council assistant parks and recreation planner Stephen Hogg said following input from community boards, signs at beaches across Dunedin will be upgraded to make the rules clear about cars and horses on beaches, boat launching, dogs, wildlife, camping and fires.
The Reserves and Beaches Bylaw 2017 prohibits cars on beaches and reserves, with some exemptions, to prevent damage to beaches and to protect wildlife.
During consultation on the bylaw, 71% of the 433 submissions received said vehicles should be prohibited from beaches, Mr Hogg said.
Community rangers will be patrolling at beaches from November to April, to distribute information to beach users about the bylaw and collect infringement data.
They will also patrol freedom camping areas and Doc sites, speaking to people about the importance of sharing beaches with wildlife.
The ranger roles will be funded by the council and Doc.
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I do hope they manage to persuade the person who regularly takes their quad bike along Allans Beach not to.
Here's hoping Clutha District Council decides it is time to preserve their beaches as a place of nature for animals, plants and people to be in peace and coexist ... not another "road" for motorbikes, quads, joyriding cars to "utilize" to hoon up and down.
Beaches are one of the few equitable, easily accessible places where people can enjoy nature and be in nature - there is a beach near most communities & it doesn't take the luxury of money and luxury of time to visit (versus conservation parks etc., which are the preserve of the well-off).
CDC: Bikes & cars roaring up & down beaches obliterate any feeling of peace with "nature" from other humans and animals; and erratic (often underage) drivers take safety away from vulnerable beach visitors e.g. those who can't walk or move fast, are visually impaired, too young etc. There are roads & tracks galore for motors. How about creating space for beach wildlife & humans to enjoy harmoniously without the roar of engines or danger of being hit?
For disabled people & those fisherman who need to put boats in the water - there could be a rule allowing them to take the shortest safe route to the water in their vehicle.