Beach bylaw on vehicle use seen as a ‘cavein’
A NEW bylaw governing vehicle use on South Otago beaches has met with mixed reactions from residents.
On Thursday, the Clutha District Council adopted a new vehicles on beaches bylaw, following extensive community consultation begun in May, and garnering about 800 unique submissions.
The new bylaw leaves all beaches open to vehicles, while providing broad guidelines for safe and respectful driver behaviour.
This was a significant step back from the council’s initial proposals to ban vehicles from eight named beaches, and impose a 30kmh speed limit on all others.
Some contacted by the Otago Daily Times yesterday praised the council for a ‘‘common sense’’ decision, while others said they were ‘‘gutted’’ by what they saw as a council ‘‘cavein’’ to nonconservation interests.
South Otago Forest & Bird chairwoman Jane Young said the group was disappointed by the ‘‘weak and diluted’’ bylaw.
‘‘I’m gutted, but not surprised. Of the four possible options for a bylaw, they’ve chosen the weakest. I don’t believe this is a compromise, it’s a cavein.’’
Mrs Young noted the bylaw did allow for interim changes, providing some hope.
The bylaw allows for ‘‘safe zones’’ banning vehicles from specific beaches to be created by the council ‘‘following appropriate and tion’’.
‘‘We’ll continue to lobby council for greater protection for wildlife on our beaches, and help provide education about the effects monitoring consultaof vehicle use.’’
Kaka Point resident Marilyn Dunn, who coordinated submissions against a vehicle ban during consultation, said she was pleased with the outcome.
‘‘I think there’s a lot of common sense in [the bylaw]. Those who use vehicles on beaches do so because they love to get into nature, so their interest is in preserving wildlife and habitat.
‘‘I believe this will make all of us a bit more aware, and take greater care of our beaches.’’
Sea Society founder Sian Mair, who first brought the issue to light in 2020, said the bylaw was a good start, and could be built upon.
‘‘We consider this a step in the right direction, and are appreciative of the [council’s work].
‘‘More stringent regulations are what is necessary for New Zealand sea lions/pakake and yelloweyed penguin/hoiho protection longterm.
‘‘I, and I’m sure many others, will be watching and monitoring the beaches to see the bylaw’s effect, and raise issues as required.’’