Update of conditions for four-wheel drive access to Lilley’s Beach

Council has updated its Conditions of Permit and traffic management plan for driving on Lilley’s Beach following recommendations identified from the BITS Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (BITS SEMP).

Gladstone Region Councillor Darryl Branthwaite said Lilley’s Beach is a sensitive foreshore area that extends along the coastline for approximately 7.1 kilometres and is accessible by four-wheel drive, with vehicle access available via Handley Drive at Boyne Island.

“The BITS SEMP found that increased recreational use of the area has led to the loss of mature trees, vegetation degradation, clearing, and loss of native animal habitats that have accelerated long-term erosion of the foreshore,” Councillor Branthwaite said.

“The main contributing factor for the increasing erosion is four-wheel drive use on the soft sand above the intertidal zone, creating informal access tracks through dune vegetation, plus illegal camping occurring in other areas along the foreshore.

“This degradation increases the development of wind erosion and impacts potentially sensitive and vulnerable habitats, including turtle nesting areas and seagrass meadows.”

New traffic signage has been installed and the speed limit on the beach is 60km/h.

All Queensland road rules apply when traveling on the beach. Vehicles are only permitted to travel north of the Handley Drive beach entrance and are not to travel south towards the mouth of the Boyne River.

Permits for use of vehicles on Lilley’s Beach are still required, with an update to these permit conditions due to take place from 1 July 2023.

Updated permit conditions will impact new permit holders only. Current permit holders’ permits remain valid as the conditions were approved and in effect when issued.

If current permit holders’ wish to have their permit reissued with the new permit conditions, they can email info@gladstone.qld.gov.au to submit a request.

Permits can be purchased online via Council’s Online Services, or in person at Council Offices or the Boyne Tannum Community Centre.

Council Officers regularly patrol the area to ensure all vehicles hold a permit and are observing the permit conditions. Beach driving can be fun, but it can also be dangerous – do not take risks.

Plan your trip to travel a couple of hours before or after the high tide and drive to the conditions and avoid driving at night.

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/camping-beaches-1 for more information about Lilley’s Beach.

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