The Easter long weekend is just around the corner, and for many of us, it brings to mind images of heading to the coast, feeling the sand between our toes, and breathing in that fresh sea air.
You may even have plans for off-road adventures along the familiar stretches of beach you have enjoyed for years. There is a real sense of freedom in that, isn’t there?
However, a new study has prompted authorities to reconsider whether to ban one of our favourite ways of enjoying the beach due to unintended impacts on the very environment we cherish.
Australia is renowned for its stunning coastlines and pristine beaches, which serve as a playground for locals and tourists alike. Four-wheel driving (4WD) on these sandy shores has long been a cherished activity for adventure seekers and families looking to explore the great outdoors.
However, recent research has raised the alarm about the potentially irreversible damage this pastime is causing to our coastal ecosystems, prompting calls for an immediate ban on 4WDs on Australian beaches.
The University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland conducted a comprehensive study analysing the impact of 4WDs on over 250 dune-dwelling species, including plants, birds, and marine life.
The stark results revealed ‘unequivocal, serious and widespread damage’ to the delicate dune environments.
Thomas Schlacher, the study’s lead author, highlighted that every species examined suffered significantly from vehicles on the sand. Popular destinations such as Noosa, Rainbow Beach, K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island), and Bribie Island are among the worst affected.
The study found that invertebrates like pipis and crabs, crucial for the coastal food chain, are being crushed by the weight of 4WDs. These creatures are vital for fish populations, especially during high tide, when they emerge to feed.
The plight of sea turtles is particularly heart-wrenching. Jan Waters from Cooloola Coast Turtle Care spoke about the challenges turtle hatchlings face, who become trapped and disoriented in tyre ruts, leading to many deaths.
The tracks left by 4WDs can be deep and wide enough to prevent these tiny creatures, often no larger than five centimetres, from reaching the safety of the ocean.
‘The small hatchlings are only five centimetres, and once they’re caught in the tracks, they will most likely perish,’ Waters said.
Despite suggestions that driving on the hard, wet sand might mitigate the problem, the study asserts that there is no ‘safe level’ of beach driving.
The damage is not limited to Queensland; other states are grappling with similar issues. Victoria has already banned cars from beaches, while New South Wales is in a heated debate on the issue.
On the other hand, South Australia has restricted access to certain areas, a measure Queensland is urged to consider.
‘That’s a bit of a surprise because people often argue, “Oh, all we have to do is regulate the volume of the traffic, and we will be right.” The only thing which works is to get the cars off for sizeable proportions of the beach at least half—that’s a good starting point,’ Schlacher said.
Conservationists, particularly those on Bribie Island, are also advocating for a ban on 4WDs along specific stretches of beach and the installation of gates to prevent access during high tide.
Their efforts to protect endangered loggerhead turtle nests are undermined by illegal dune driving, with up to 1,200 vehicles crowding the beaches on peak days.
While 4WD enthusiasts argue for their positive contributions, such as beach clean-ups and responsible driving campaigns, and suggest compromises like seasonal night bans, the evidence of harm is compelling.
Queensland’s Environment Minister Andrew Powell has acknowledged the concerns but emphasised balancing conservation and public enjoyment.
‘My job is to make sure we find the balance between conserving and protecting the environment and allowing people to get out there and enjoy it. I appreciate for many, they would love to see four-wheel drives off the beaches, but I, for one can’t see that as an outcome that would be acceptable,’ Powell said.
However, Schlacher warned: ‘South-east Queensland has probably the world’s single strongest evidence base for serious harm caused by four-by-fours. So we are basically in the driver’s seat, here to make sensible decisions.’
Have you seen the effects of 4WD vehicles on your local beach? Is a total ban on beach driving necessary, or are there alternative solutions that could protect our coastal ecosystems while allowing for responsible beach driving? Join the conversation in the comments below.
Also read: South Australia beachgoers, beware! Mystery foam threat continues to lurk
I have noted that every single 4WD commercial depicts the 4WD driving through Beach Sand, Sand Dunes or Outback Dirt Tracks, and virtually ripping them up !!!
And then wonder why the drivers of these vehicles actually try it for themselves !!!!