Conservation group flags concerns four-wheel drives are ruining Margaret River’s iconic beaches

The region’s peak conservation group has flagged strong concerns about the increase in four-wheel drivers damaging some of Margaret River’s most iconic beaches.

Nature Conservation Margaret River Region general manager Drew McKenzie’s remarks come as the group identified greater support for the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park was needed, with the pressure on beaches along the coast and adjoining the park cited during a recent local summit.

“Nature Conservation is concerned by the increasing pressure from 4WD numbers and people pushing into new areas of the coast,” Mr McKenzie told the Times.

“It is not only a conservation issue, but in some cases it is also a safety issue especially when 4WDs are interacting with other beach users, or crossing or using the Cape-to-Cape Track.

“We are seeing vehicles in areas not appropriate for 4WDs and sometimes associated with illegal camping, toileting issues and campfires in summer.

“It is one of the many increasing pressures on the LNNP that we are drawing attention to.”

Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association chair Stuart Hicks said beach access was among the points identified in his group’s six-point plan focused on the LNPP and submitted to the State Government.

“There are currently more than 50 access points into the LNNP, some which allow direct vehicular access onto the beach,” he said.

“To protect the environmental and cultural values of the park, and deliver appropriate infrastructure upgrades, the park’s access points needs to be reviewed and rationalised.”

However, WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby said access to national parks as well as marine parks was a vital issue for West Australians.

“I’m a big supporter of keeping our national and marine parks open to tourists so they can experience, learn about, and enjoy our State’s natural environment,” he said.

“This includes, where appropriate, allowing visitors to use their vehicles on beaches.”

The Minister noted accessing beaches came with a responsibility on users.

Mr Whitby declined to back calls to ban 4WDs altogether.

“They have a duty to follow the rules and leave the park as they found it,” he said.

“The vast number of visitors to our State’s national parks are doing the right thing, and I urge everyone to pay attention to signage and treat our environment with the respect it deserves.”

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions was tasked with unsealed track improvements and beach access where required.

A spokesperson said any changes to beach access would require revisions to the LNNP’s management plan.