Help us protect our beaches

Published on 11 March 2022

MidCoast Council is putting beach drivers on notice that rangers will issue fines for driving above the high tide mark on sensitive coastal dune systems.

Rangers will focus on areas of Old Bar Beach including Mudbishops and Farquhar Inlet.

These are popular areas for swimming, fishing and four-wheel driving. The dunes are also home to endangered shorebirds who nest and raise their young there.

Vehicles must stay between the low and high tide marks and keep off the dunes, saltmarsh and vegetation for their protection.

“We welcome responsible driving on our MidCoast beaches. Please do the right thing to protect this delicate environment,” said MidCoast Council’s Manager of Open Spaces and Recreation, Liam Bulley.

“Finding a balance between continuing to enjoy these places and protecting what makes them unique is a challenge.”

Patrols by rangers are increasing after calls from concerned community members. Rangers will issue fines and may cancel permits of anyone driving illegally.

“We thank our community for calling us. Our rangers will continue to patrol the beaches. They will be looking out for illegal driving, fires and littering,” added Mr Bulley.

Find more on our unique local environment and threatened species here Share the Shore - MidCoast Council (nsw.gov.au)

See all our beach driving information on rules and permits here Driving on Beaches - MidCoast Council (nsw.gov.au)