As the weather warms up, thousands of 4WDs are expected to tear up beaches across the country. However, controversial calls to ban the Aussie pastime across our most popular beaches have sparked bitter disagreements in one coastal region.
The issue left one wildlife advocate forced to flee the country after he received death threats for pushing to end 4WDing on popular beaches.
Leading ecologist Professor Thomas Schlacher said there was “no such thing as a trip down to a beach, in a vehicle, that doesn’t have some form of impact” on coastal species and habitat and called for a total ban across the state earlier this year.
The University of Sunshine Coast scientist has spent the past three decades studying Queensland beaches and warned that even one car can inflict a devastating impact.
His plea was aired on national television, relating to 4WD access to Bribie Island, including Woolum Beach, where up to 1000 drivers at a time rip up the sand over the peak summer period.
Schlacher claims he has received multiple death threats, with one including a photo of his car parked in his driveway at his home. He fled the country, fearing for his safety.
“I literally had to go into hiding after that,” Schlacher told The Courier Mail.
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Conversations are again eying limiting the number of four-wheel drives allowed on Australian beaches. Source: University of the Sunshine Coast
Death threats have pushed advocate to fight ‘hard, dirty’ battle
While he admits that there are responsible 4WD owners who do the right thing, there are many more who do not.
Since his return to Australia, Schlacher has doubled down on his “hyper masculine” opponents and claims the death threats have pushed him to fight the “hard, dirty” battle against 4WD activity.
“I can’t help myself,” he said. “Somebody has to advocate for those habitats and for those species.”
Authorities have no plans to ban 4WDs despite impact on wildlife
Yahoo News has reported on countless incidents where 4WD activity on Aussie beaches has had a devastating impact on wildlife.
Turtles, in particular, have copped a tough time from the activity, with endangered species having their nests and young crushed as vehicles drive along dunes.
Research conducted by the University of 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.
Queensland authorities recently stepped in to urge 4WDs to stay clear of wildlife when exploring popular locations, warning drivers they could face fines of $2,670 if they get too close and disrupt animals on K’gari.
However, the state’s Environment and Tourism Minister, Andrew Powell, said there are “no plans to restrict access to beaches in key tourism areas” ahead of summer.
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