With more than 190 kilometres of pristine coastline, the Mid Coast local government area (LGA) is an ideal playground for every four wheel driving enthusiast.
But, not without a 2018-19 beach vehicle access permit.
With the start of the new financial year looming, now is the time to renew beach vehicle access permit, available at Visitor Information Centres, MidCoast Council customer service centres and selected local stores.
Obtaining a beach vehicle permit not only gives entry to a range of beautiful, unspoilt beaches across the region, but it also comes with a responsibility to comply with beach rules which are enforced by council rangers and the NSW Police Force.
It is important to know which beaches and access points can be uses and to keep an eye out for any beach closures.
The maximum beach speed is 40km/h, with pedestrians always having right of way, and vehicles must stay at least 15 metres away from pedestrians.
Vehicles must also drive between the tide marks, which means remaining below the high tide mark and above the low tide mark.
“Our beaches offer a great opportunity for four wheel drivers to get off the beaten track, and so long as people do the right thing by following a few simple rules, we welcome locals and visitors to take advantage of our stunning coastline,” MidCoast Council waste and regulatory services manager, John Cavanagh said.
Annual permits are valid from July 1 through to June 30 and must be clearly displayed on the bottom passenger side of a vehicle’s windscreen.
For short-stay visitors and locals who required a short-term permit, a 30-day permit was available across the entire region.
All permit fees contribute to maintaining beach access points, dune rehabilitation and weed control.
“Part of your responsibility as a permit holder is to help us protect our local flora and fauna by sharing the shore,” Mr Cavanagh said.
“Our beaches are home to a number of endangered shorebird species like the Little Tern, and while we aim to fence off and place signage around nesting sites, vehicles can inadvertently destroy hidden nests, their eggs and baby chicks.”
For more information on where to purchase a permit, guidelines for driving on beaches, and the rules that apply, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/beachpermit .
A brochure with maps showing beach access points also can be downloaded from the web page.
2018-19 Beach Vehicle Access permits are required for all vehicles driving on accessible MidCoast beaches from this Sunday, 1 July.
* Please note: Permits are currently being distributed to stockists across the region and may not be available at all outlets until later this week.
