Hunter 4WD enthusiasts are rallying to prevent future restrictions on access to Nile Mile Beach.
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Lake Macquarie councillor John Gilbert established the Keep Nine Mile Beach Open Facebook group and an accompanying Change.org petition on the weekend following suggestions that restrictions may be introduced to prevent damage to the dunes.
The Facebook group had attracted more than 800 members within 18 hours.
The possibility of introducing further restrictions on 4WD access and camping was aired during last week’s inspection of the beach by the representatives of council’s coastal management committee, Belmont Wetlands Trust and Hunter Water, which co-manage the area between them.
“I called bulls---,” Cr Gilbert, who attended the meeting said.
“It was a power play by a group of people who don’t like 4WDs. It’s going to happen unless we fight it. There are plenty of people who are keen to join me.”
Rangers are employed to enforce conditions and inspect permits.
“There were about 870 vehicles on the beach on Australia Day. Obviously they are making plenty of money which should be enough to enforce existing conditions.”
Cr Gilbert said he planned to lodge a notice of motion calling on the council to support current beach access rights.
The Nine Mile Beach campaign is the latest chapter in a long-running battle between 4WD enthusiasts and conservationists in the Hunter.
A proposal to restrict 4WD access to parts of Stockton Beach in 2013 made national headlines in when thousands of 4WD enthusiasts descended on Newcastle to protest.
Fellow coastal management committee member Barney Langford said he was awaiting a report about the last week’s inspection.
Depending on the report’s findings, he said he may move that council investigate further restrictions on 4WDs.
“I have had advice from council staff that 4WDs are degrading the dune system in some areas,” he said.
“There are signs there but some people continue to disregard them.”
Belmont Wetlands State Park Trust secretary Helen Rogers said the permit system had been effective in reducing reckless behaviour on the dunes.
She said the group was in the process of preparing a dune management strategy and recreational needs study for the state government.
The reports are due to be completed by the end of the year.