Latest news with #Schlacher
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Calls for rule change as Aussie beach problem spirals out of control: 'Cannot continue'
One of the world's leading beach ecology experts has again renewed the push to limit the number of four-wheel drives allowed on Australian beaches, warning that the growing popularity of camping and 4WD activity is contributing to irreversible harm along fragile shorelines. It's a beloved pastime for thousands around the country, with many arguing it's a cost-effective way to spend a weekend and a chance to unwind and enjoy family time outside of their regular, busy schedules. But according to research conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast's Thomas Schlacher, driving along the shore and on dunes has a huge ripple effect on the countless organisms that rely on them. Earlier this year, Schlacher published a comprehensive analysis of the ecological consequences of off-road vehicle (ORV) use on coastal dune ecosystems. Collating data from 443 records across 253 species, it highlighted the extensive and statistically significant negative impacts of ORVs on dune vegetation. Released in March, the study found that even minimal ORV traffic, such as one or two vehicles, can cause serious ecological harm, indicating that there may be no safe threshold in these sensitive environments. In particular, off-road vehicles compact sand, destroy vegetation, and can crush nests, posing serious threats to marine organisms like turtles that rely on undisturbed dunes for nesting. The disruption of these habitats can reduce hatchling survival and alter coastal ecosystems. It's something Jan Waters from Cooloola Coast Turtle Care recently spoke to Yahoo about. Based on the Sunshine Coast, she warned Aussies of the serious consequences of beach driving. "The hatchlings have to cross the deep 4WD tracks to reach the ocean [and] the tracks, created ... on the beach close to the dunes at high tide, are 25cm deep and 25cm wide," Waters told Yahoo. "The small hatchlings are only five centimetres, and once they're caught in the tracks, they will most likely perish." Waters encouraged drivers to travel on the hard, wet sand to ensure they leave behind no ruts. According to Schlacher's study, there's still no "safe level" of beach driving. Despite this, he's still not an advocate for a total ban on beach four-wheel driving, but he is now calling for the practice to be more strictly monitored. "There is no such thing as a trip down a beach, in a vehicle, that doesn't have some form of impact," Schlacher told The Project. In Australia, more than 90 per cent of the country's beaches allow cars on the sand, including in national parks, with Victoria the only state to outlaw the move. In South Africa, it's been banned for two decades. In Queensland, at least one popular tourist beach reported attracting an incredible 2000 cars in a day. "We created national parks to protect nature," Schlacher argued, adding that he'd like to see "some sections", at the very least, reserved for only emergency vehicles. Advocates for 4WD access on beaches often argue that it supports recreation, tourism, and local economies, particularly in coastal towns where off-road driving is a long-standing cultural pastime. Many believe that, when done responsibly, 4WDing allows people to enjoy remote natural areas without causing lasting harm. Supporters also contend that with proper regulation, such as designated driving zones, seasonal restrictions, and education on environmental sensitivity, beach driving can coexist with conservation goals. Brett Lynch of the Bundaberg 4WD Club is a major supporter and said that it's a minority of misbehavers ruining it for everyone. Lynch said the activity is one of the most important memories he has of his late father. "My fondest memories growing up with my parents are camping. My father passed away last year; that's all I have of him now is that," he told The Project. "Being able to share that with my kids, it just helps them have those memories and keeps those memories alive." While acknowledging the cultural significance of four-wheel driving and camping on our beaches, Schlacher said some middle ground must be found. Calls grow for total 4WD ban on Australian beaches Drivers banned from popular 4WD beach after reckless act 4WD owners warned as tourist beach braces for imminent phenomenon "I'm not an advocate or a proponent for a blanket ban — never. But we cannot actually continue [at this rate], which jeopardises what all of our kids want to enjoy in decades to come," he said. "We've got an incredible moral obligation to pass on ecosystems, and not dead piles of sand." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Calls for rule change as Aussie beach problem spirals out of control: 'Can not continue'
One of the world's leading beach ecology experts has again renewed the push to limit the number of four-wheel drives allowed on Australian beaches, warning that the popular camping and 4WD activity is irreversibly damaging the fragile ecosystems along the shoreline. It's a beloved pastime for thousands around the country, with many arguing it's a cost-effective way to spend a weekend and a chance to unwind and enjoy family time outside of their regular, busy schedules. But according to research conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast's Thomas Schlacher, driving along the shore and on dunes has a huge ripple effect on the countless organisms that rely on them. Earlier this year, Schlacher published a comprehensive analysis of the ecological consequences of off-road vehicle (ORV) use on coastal dune ecosystems. Collating data from 443 records across 253 species, it highlighted the extensive and statistically significant negative impacts of ORVs on dune vegetation. Released in March, the study found that even minimal ORV traffic, such as one or two vehicles, can cause serious ecological harm, indicating that there may be no safe threshold in these sensitive environments. In particular, off-road vehicles compact sand, destroy vegetation, and can crush nests, posing serious threats to marine organisms like turtles that rely on undisturbed dunes for nesting. The disruption of these habitats can reduce hatchling survival and alter coastal ecosystems. It's something Jan Waters from Cooloola Coast Turtle Care recently spoke to Yahoo about. Based on the Sunshine Coast, she warned Aussies of the serious consequences of beach driving. "The hatchlings have to cross the deep 4WD tracks to reach the ocean [and] the tracks, created ... on the beach close to the dunes at high tide, are 25cm deep and 25cm wide," Waters told Yahoo. "The small hatchlings are only five centimetres, and once they're caught in the tracks, they will most likely perish." Waters encouraged drivers to travel on the hard, wet sand to ensure they leave behind no ruts. According to Schlacher's study, there's still no "safe level" of beach driving. Despite this, he's still not an advocate for a total ban on beach four-wheel driving, but he is now calling for the practice to be more strictly monitored. "There is no such thing as a trip down a beach, in a vehicle, that doesn't have some form of impact," Schlacher told The Project. In Australia, more than 90 per cent of the country's beaches allow cars on the sand, including in national parks, with Victoria the only state to outlaw the move. In South Africa, it's been banned for two decades. In Queensland, at least one popular tourist beach reported attracting an incredible 2000 cars in a day. "We created national parks to protect nature," Schlacher argued, adding that he'd like to see "some sections", at the very least, reserved for only emergency vehicles. Advocates for 4WD access on beaches often argue that it supports recreation, tourism, and local economies, particularly in coastal towns where off-road driving is a long-standing cultural pastime. Many believe that, when done responsibly, 4WDing allows people to enjoy remote natural areas without causing lasting harm. Supporters also contend that with proper regulation, such as designated driving zones, seasonal restrictions, and education on environmental sensitivity, beach driving can coexist with conservation goals. Brett Lynch of the Bundaberg 4WD Club is a major supporter and said that it's a minority of misbehavers ruining it for everyone. Lynch said the activity is one of the most important memories he has of his late father. "My fondest memories growing up with my parents are camping. My father passed away last year; that's all I have of him now is that," he told The Project. "Being able to share that with my kids, it just helps them have those memories and keeps those memories alive." While acknowledging the cultural significance of four-wheel driving and camping on our beaches, Schlacher said some middle ground must be found. Calls grow for total 4WD ban on Australian beaches Drivers banned from popular 4WD beach after reckless act 4WD owners warned as tourist beach braces for imminent phenomenon "I'm not an advocate or a proponent for a blanket ban — never. But we can not actually continue [at this rate], which jeopardises what all of our kids want to enjoy in decades to come," he said. "We've got an incredible moral obligation to pass on ecosystems, and not dead piles of sand." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Aussies warned as chaotic Easter scenes hit popular 4WD and camping spot
A long weekend in Australia's Sunshine State is hardly complete without a trip to one of the world-famous 4WD beaches. But as more and more people flock to the area, chaotic scenes have emerged showing dozens of 4WDs lining up as early as 2 am on Good Friday to make their way onto Queensland's K'gari island (formerly Fraser) for the Easter weekend. It comes as Aussies have been reminded not to disobey road rules while they enjoy camping, fishing and exploring at any of the state's iconic beaches. Queensland Police warned officers will "saturate" the roads and beaches to keep a close eye on campers and 4WD enthusiasts. Additional support has been deployed to popular 4WD spots, including K'gari, Teewah and Rainbow Beach for the holidays to remind drivers that road rules apply on the sand. Officers will be focusing on seatbelt, speeding, drink and drug driving offences, as well as keeping an eye out for modified and defective vehicles. "Not only will we see an increased volume of vehicles on our roads, we will also have plenty of people visiting or driving through the area that are not familiar with our roads," Wide Bay Burnett District Officer Superintendent Anne Vogler said earlier this month. "I urge you to think of the consequences of dangerous driving — you may lose your licence, you may be issued a hefty fine or charged and have to attend court, or you may lose your life or end someone else's. "I urge you to not drink or have any drugs in your system before driving, take frequent rest breaks, wear a seatbelt, get off your phone or any other distracting devices, and drive to the speed limit and the conditions. They sound simple but these measures will save your life, and ensure you don't hurt someone else's." While some saw the images from K'gari and were keen to find out more information ahead of their own voyage over to the island, others said they "couldn't think of a worse time" to visit than over Easter or Christmas. Other Aussies were envious of the adventure, adding that the weather was "supposed to be mint". Meteorologists told Yahoo the forecast in Queensland is expected to remain dry and warm to start the long weekend Despite being a popular tourist activity in the area, calls were made last month to restrict beach access to 4WD users. University of the Sunshine Coast researcher Thomas Schlacher warned that 4WD activity on Queensland's beaches is causing "unequivocal" damage to coastal dune ecosystems. Schlacher said Queensland's southeast is among the worst affected areas when it comes to 4WD damage, with numerous species effectively being "pumelled" and "crushed to death". He said in Victoria, cars are already banned from beaches, and in NSW, authorities are currently having a "strong debate". In South Australia, some spots are facing limited access by 4WD users, and it's something Queensland should consider, Schlacher argued. "The four-by-fours running over [marine species are] basically crush them to death. It only takes one vehicle to cause very, very severe impacts," he told the ABC. Aussie dad slapped with $700 fine for son's illegal road act Shocking change to famous Aussie swimming spot Aussies flock to adult-only campsite Late last year, 22 shore birds and a dingo were found dead as a result of "reckless driving behaviour". Schlacher warned urgent action is desperately needed, as delaying further will only exacerbate the damage. "Southeast Queensland has probably the world's single strongest evidence base for serious harm caused by four-by-fours," he said. "So we are basically in the driver's seat, here to make sensible decisions." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Calls for total 4WD ban on Australian beaches over 'serious and widespread damage'
Four-wheel-driving on beaches is a beloved pastime for many all around the country, particularly those living in coastal regions. But according to the results of a damning new Australian study, it's causing catastrophic damage to numerous forms of life. Research conducted by Queensland's University of the Sunshine Coast examined over 250 dune-dwelling species, including vegetation, birds and sea creatures, across 20 international studies. The findings revealed that 4WD activity is causing "unequivocal, serious and widespread damage" to coastal dune ecosystems. Lead author Thomas Schlacher said every dune species had suffered serious negative effects as a result of vehicles on the sand — particularly in hugely popular regions like Noosa, Rainbow Beach, K'gari and Bribie Island. Schlacher explained that invertebrates like pipis and crabs, which serve as key food sources for fish at high tide, are buried in the hard sand. However, 4WDs often fatally crush them. He said that turtle hatchlings are becoming trapped and disorientated in the grooves left by tyres, where eventually many die. It's something Jan Waters from Cooloola Coast Turtle Care recently spoke to Yahoo about. Based on the Sunshine Coast, she warned Aussies of the serious consequences of beach driving. "The hatchlings have to cross the deep 4WD tracks to reach the ocean [and] the tracks, created ... on the beach close to the dunes at high tide, are 25cm deep and 25cm wide," Waters told Yahoo. "The small hatchlings are only five centimetres, and once they're caught in the tracks, they will most likely perish." Waters encouraged drivers to travel on the hard, wet sand to ensure they leave behind no ruts. But according to the study, there's no "safe level" of beach driving. Schlacher said Queensland's southeast is among the worst affected areas when it comes to 4WD damage, with numerous species effectively being "pumelled" and "crushed to death". He said in Victoria, cars are already banned from beaches, and in NSW, authorities are currently having a "strong debate". In South Australia, access to some spots is becoming limited, which is something Queensland should consider, Schlacher argued. "The four-by-fours running over [marine species are] basically crush them to death. It only takes one vehicle to cause very, very severe impacts," he told the ABC. "That's a bit of a surprise because people often argue, 'Oh, all we have to do is regulate the volume of the traffic and we will be right.' The only thing which works is to get the cars off for sizeable proportions of the beach … at least half — that's a good starting point." Drivers banned from popular 4WD beach after reckless act New rules as camping banned after 'secret' 4WD beach exposed The wild move to crackdown on 4WD tourists along Aussie beaches Conservationists on Bribie Island are calling for a ban on 4WDs along a five-kilometre stretch of beach and the installation of gates to prevent access at high tide. With up to 1,200 vehicles on the sand in a single day, volunteers working to protect endangered loggerhead turtle nests say illegal dune driving is destroying their efforts. However, 4WD advocates oppose restrictions, highlighting their role in beach clean-ups and responsible driving initiatives. They point to compromises, such as seasonal night bans, as a potential middle ground. Queensland's Environment Minister Andrew Powell acknowledged the concerns but stressed the need for a balance between conservation and public access. "My job is to make sure we find the balance between conserving and protecting the environment and allowing people to get out there and enjoy it," he said. "I appreciate for many, they would love to see four-wheel drives off the beaches, but I for one can't see that as an outcome that would be acceptable." But Schlacher warned that urgent action is desperately needed, as delaying further will only exacerbate the damage. "South-east Queensland has probably the world's single strongest evidence base for serious harm caused by four-by-fours," he said."So we are basically in the driver's seat, here to make sensible decisions." Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
