Mid West shires combine to create strategy to assist environment while continuing to permit 4WDs

A trio of shires including some in the Mid West are banding together to implement a strategy to allow the continuation of recreational four-wheel driving, while also protecting the environment.

The shires of Dandaragan and Coorow in the Mid West, as well as Gingin in the Wheatbelt, have created the Coastal Recreation Track Management Master Plan, which is out for public comment until Thursday, May 15.

Coastline from north of Perth to north of Leeman is the target of the plan, with the shires claiming a number of factors have contributed to “diminishing conservation and cultural values”.

The aim of the plan was to protect the landscape by encouraging sustainable recreational use of the land in the areas.

Activities included four-wheel driving, swimming, fishing, and exercise.

Considered in the plan was the idea that more people are taking to four-wheel driving, which was impacting the land.

“A lack of management outside of DBCA managed lands has resulted in conflicts between visitors, loss of environmental values and a proliferation of depreciative land uses,” the report read.

“Increasing visitor use has resulted in a noticeable acceleration of site decline and loss of critical values over the last few years.”

A survey conducted in May last year identified residents wanted access to coastal tracks, and also wanted to prevent vehicle access on town beaches.

One recommendation to restoring some areas included to close all unused and unnecessary tracks and to rehabilitate the areas to resemble the surrounding environment.

The Shire of Dandaragan said, “As the stewards of the environment, it is essential that we work together to ensure these activities are sustainable, enjoyable, and appropriately accessible.”

Feedback on the strategy must be lodged with the Shire of Dandaragan prior to 4pm on May 15, with submissions able to be lodged via email through council@dandaragan.wa.gov.au

More information can be found on the Shire of Dandaragan website.