Should 4X4ers have to pay to access the beach? This is the question councils are starting to ask all across the country and the answers could drastically change the way we explore Australia. The Shire of Waroona in Western Australia is the first in the state to consider charging 4X4 owners a fee to access Preston Beach. This idea comes after a particularly hectic summer where the beach and its facilities took a serious beating. As 4X4ers, it’s worth asking what this might mean for our future access to some of the best beaches all across the country.
Preston Beach, just a couple of hours south of Perth, has always been a prime spot for 4X4ers. But this past summer saw an unprecedented surge in visitors, leading to overflowing bins, trashed toilets, and vehicles getting stuck in the sand. The Shire of Waroona has had to spend a considerable amount on repairs and maintenance, prompting them to explore ways to cover these escalating costs.
One proposal on the table is a permit system for 4X4 access. In essence, we might soon have to pay a fee to drive on the beach. The revenue generated from these permits would be allocated to maintaining and improving the beach facilities, thereby easing the financial burden on local ratepayers.
As responsible 4X4ers, most of us support the idea of keeping our favourite spots clean and well-maintained. If the permit fees are genuinely used to enhance the facilities and protect the environment, this could be a reasonable trade-off. However, it’s crucial to ensure that this system doesn’t become a bureaucratic nightmare, laden with excessive restrictions. 4X4ers are happy to pay to keep places open, but not paying to close them down.
There are alternative solutions to address the issues at Preston Beach without compromising our access to it. Increasing ranger patrols and enforcing litter fines could deter careless behaviour. Engaging the 4X4 community through local clubs in clean-up efforts can also make a significant difference. Gradual improvements to the facilities, funded transparently and fairly, can keep both the visitors and the local community on side.
Finding a balance is key. We need solutions that protect Preston Beach without diminishing the freedom and rights to explore this country and find a little solitude.
So, what do you think about the idea of a permit system for Preston Beach? Or any 4X4 beach for that matter? Throw a comment down below and let’s talk options for fixing these issues without locking us out. Keeping the conversation going is crucial to finding a solution that works for everyone.
