Summary
Vehicles are not permitted on South Ballina Beach due to its adverse impacts on the environment, cultural heritage and the safety of other beach users. Maintaining vehicle exclusion ensures sustainable beach use.
- Location: South Ballina Beach, NSW
- Dates: 31 March 2021 – ongoing
Key points
- Vehicles are not permitted on South Ballina Beach from the Richmond River Nature Reserve southwards. Closures are in place at the following access points:
- Richmond River Nature Reserve
- Moylans Lane
- Keith Hall Lane
- Empire Vale Road
- Boundary Creek Road.
- Access is maintained through formal arrangements with relevant parties for approved activities.
- Pedestrians still have full access on foot.
- For information on other 4WD-accessible beaches in the Ballina Shire local government area, visit Ballina Shire Council.
Impacts
- Critical habitat for endangered shorebirds and nesting sea turtles has been protected and improvements for protection have been increased.
- Environmental degradation caused by vehicle activity has been eliminated.
- The decision for beach access closure involved community and stakeholder consultation, and responded to ongoing concerns about:
- Public safety risks to other beachgoers.
- Environmental damage to dune systems and wildlife.
- Impacts to Aboriginal heritage values, including burial sites and middens.