The number of four wheel drives descending on Nine Mile Beach over the long weekend has the local wetland authority worried.
Hundreds of vehicles took to the strip between Blacksmiths and Redhead over the weekend, sparking concerns about environmental damage along the crown land reserve.
It's prompted the Belmont Wetlands State Park Board to consider conducting a review into how it manages the coastal strip.
One option being considered is to place restrictions on the number of vehicles allowed on the sand at any one time during public holidays.
Major public holidays such as Australia Day are drawing ever-increasing numbers to the beach, which is also putting cost pressures on the Board who provided bins and toilets and put on extra rangers to patrol the area.
The board has received government funding to commission two technical studies - one into the park's recreational use and another on coastal management.
The results of these studies will be used to guide a strategy on how to manage the number of vehicles and visitors during peak weekends next summer and press the case for government funding for new infrastructure which may be needed.
 |
| Four-wheel drives line the shore of Nine Mile Beach on Australia Day Photo: Heliservices Newcastle |
