Four-wheel drives (4WDs) are causing “unequivocal” serious and wide-spread damage to coastal dune ecosystems, according to a global study led by the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Researchers found that even low levels of off-road vehicle (ORV) use harmed the abundance, diversity and productivity of dune vegetation, for up to decades afterwards.
Lead author Professor Thomas Schlacher from UniSC, said the findings demonstrate a clear case for reconsidering current practices of 4WDs in coastal environments and exclusions from large sections of beaches.
“The evidence is irrefutable. Of the 253 coastal dune species observed across 20 studies globally, all suffered negative effects directly caused by off-road-vehicles,” Professor Schlacher said.
“We found most of the damage is caused by the first few passes of a vehicle. It appears that there is no environmentally safe level of 4WD use.”
Coastal dunes are typically used as beach access points by four-wheel drive enthusiasts, but they also play a crucial role in keeping those same beaches and the wider ecosystem intact.
“Not only does dune vegetation support a number of insect, reptile and bird species – it holds the dunes themselves together – which protects the beaches and surrounds from unchecked erosion and storms,” Professor Schlacher said.
“The conditions that create them are unique. Without protected dune vegetation, the beaches we love are in serious trouble.
“We’re talking about the degradation of the entire ecosystem, not just the plants on dunes.”
The study recommended more stringent restrictions on vehicle use – including large sections of the coastline becoming ORV exclusion zones.
Professor Schlacher believes beaches within national parks – one of the most popular four-wheel driving locations – should be the first port of call for re-examination.
“Paradoxically, some of the beaches in the worst condition are the ones being pummelled to death in our National Parks. That’s completely at odds with the very idea of national parks preserving nature,” Professor Schlacher said.
“There’s a balance between conservation and recreation. But it’s completely skewed right now - 90 percent of beaches inside national parks between K’gari and the Gold Coast are open to 4WD use. We need a more equitable split and meaningful refuges where nature can thrive”.
“Due to the sensitivity of this environment, this would mean bringing in complete ‘no-go zones’ for ORVs – with some allowances for emergency services, access by First Nations people to sites of cultural significance and existing landholders with no other means of access, of course.”
Co-author, Associate Professor Mike Weston from Deakin University, encouraged 4WD-users who enjoy these coastal environments to instead consider low-impact alternatives including cycling and hiking.
”Small-scale closures and restrictions on vehicle numbers do not work to protect beach ecosystems from the serious harm caused by 4WDs. The evidence clearly shows that the only effective way to protect them from off-road vehicles, is to create large and permanent traffic-free zones,” Dr Weston said.
Katie Walters, Program Manager at environmentally focused not-for profit Moreton Bay Foundation, which provided financial support for the research, said the findings provided valuable insight for land and ocean management.
“Our coastal community is deeply connected to the beachside lifestyle, but they're also equally committed to preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity that underpin that connection,” said Ms Walters.
“This evidence is invaluable for coastal managers, and gives the community hope that management actions will strike the right balance between enjoyment and conservation.”
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