Draft Beach Driving Policy

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Consultation has concluded

Our Beach Driving Policy assists us in managing recreational vehicles on our beaches and adjacent reserves, while protecting other beach users and the environment.

Recently, we asked you about your experiences with vehicles on beaches, to assist us in reviewing our current Beach Driving Policy. From your feedback, we've developed an updated Policy and we invite you to share your thoughts!

All feedback received has been considered and will assist us with future education programs to ensure our beach driving guidelines are understood and everyone can enjoy our beaches safely.

Proposed changes made in our Draft Beach Driving Policy are:

  • In response to customer complaints, stakeholder feedback and 51% of survey responses supporting a reduction in speed limit, the maximum speed limit will be reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h. This is consistent with Mid Coast Council, RMS School Zones and recommendations from National Parks and Wildlife Services. Vehicles are required to slow to a speed of not more than 25km/h when within 100 metres of people on beaches.
  • As a result of numerous complaints regarding vehicles being parked too close to beach access points and to ensure safety in high traffic areas, with support from key stakeholders, a restriction of parking at least 25 metres away from beach access points will be implemented.
  • Beach driving permits will now be available for purchase via the PayStay App and will provide the option for annual permits to be valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Permits will continue to be sold at Council customer service centres, the Glasshouse Information Centre and nominated outlets.

The Policy reviews are the first step of Council’s broader review of Beach Management, including signage and community education.

Public Exhibition

The Draft Policy is on public exhibition until midnight Monday 21 June. There are a number of ways for you to find out more and have your say.

You can view the current Beach Driving Policy, Draft Beach Driving Policy and a summary of results from our previous engagement in the Document Library (located to the right of your screen or below if viewing this page on a mobile device). You can also pick up a hard copy of these documents from one of our customer service centres.

  • Complete our online survey (available by using the submission tab below).
  • Visit us at our pop-up on Saturday 5 June, 11am-1pm at Lighthouse Beach (vehicle access point end).
  • Visit us at our pop-up on Tuesday 15 June, 1:30pm-3:30pm at Washhouse Beach, Dunbogan.
  • Register for our online community meeting on Tuesday 15 June, 5pm-7pm via Zoom. This meeting will also include the Draft Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy.
  • Drop off your feedback over the counter at any Customer Service Centre, email it to engagement@pmhc.nsw.gov.au or post it to: CEO, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, PO Box 84, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.

Our Beach Driving Policy assists us in managing recreational vehicles on our beaches and adjacent reserves, while protecting other beach users and the environment.

Recently, we asked you about your experiences with vehicles on beaches, to assist us in reviewing our current Beach Driving Policy. From your feedback, we've developed an updated Policy and we invite you to share your thoughts!

All feedback received has been considered and will assist us with future education programs to ensure our beach driving guidelines are understood and everyone can enjoy our beaches safely.

Proposed changes made in our Draft Beach Driving Policy are:

  • In response to customer complaints, stakeholder feedback and 51% of survey responses supporting a reduction in speed limit, the maximum speed limit will be reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h. This is consistent with Mid Coast Council, RMS School Zones and recommendations from National Parks and Wildlife Services. Vehicles are required to slow to a speed of not more than 25km/h when within 100 metres of people on beaches.
  • As a result of numerous complaints regarding vehicles being parked too close to beach access points and to ensure safety in high traffic areas, with support from key stakeholders, a restriction of parking at least 25 metres away from beach access points will be implemented.
  • Beach driving permits will now be available for purchase via the PayStay App and will provide the option for annual permits to be valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Permits will continue to be sold at Council customer service centres, the Glasshouse Information Centre and nominated outlets.

The Policy reviews are the first step of Council’s broader review of Beach Management, including signage and community education.

Public Exhibition

The Draft Policy is on public exhibition until midnight Monday 21 June. There are a number of ways for you to find out more and have your say.

You can view the current Beach Driving Policy, Draft Beach Driving Policy and a summary of results from our previous engagement in the Document Library (located to the right of your screen or below if viewing this page on a mobile device). You can also pick up a hard copy of these documents from one of our customer service centres.

  • Complete our online survey (available by using the submission tab below).
  • Visit us at our pop-up on Saturday 5 June, 11am-1pm at Lighthouse Beach (vehicle access point end).
  • Visit us at our pop-up on Tuesday 15 June, 1:30pm-3:30pm at Washhouse Beach, Dunbogan.
  • Register for our online community meeting on Tuesday 15 June, 5pm-7pm via Zoom. This meeting will also include the Draft Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy.
  • Drop off your feedback over the counter at any Customer Service Centre, email it to engagement@pmhc.nsw.gov.au or post it to: CEO, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, PO Box 84, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.