Reckless Driving at Goolwa Beach Sparks Serious Safety Concerns
A reckless driver at Goolwa Beach has raised alarms, prompting calls for stricter access rules to protect beachgoers and the environment
Goolwa Beach, South Australia, Reckless Driving, Environmental Concerns, Mayor Keith Parks
Goolwa: A driver made a reckless move at Goolwa Beach, and it’s got everyone talking. The mayor is seriously considering shutting down four-wheel-drive access after a driver sped down the beach and rolled over. This happened on a quiet Thursday, but it’s raised a lot of eyebrows.
Every year, folks flock to Goolwa Beach, just an hour from Adelaide, to enjoy the sun and surf. But some people are being irresponsible, driving without proper vehicles, and it’s putting everyone at risk. Plus, they’re leaving trash behind and damaging the dunes, which is just not cool.
Just days before this incident, local authorities warned that bad behavior would not be tolerated. The Alexandrina Council is saying that changes need to happen to keep the beach safe. Some residents are even suggesting a permit system to manage the crowds better.
Mayor Keith Parks is not happy about the situation. He mentioned that reckless actions like this could lead to permanent vehicle bans on the beach, which is the last thing anyone wants. It’s a popular spot, and people love it.
The driver involved, a 26-year-old from Victoria, is facing fines for losing control of his vehicle. Ignoring speed limits can lead to hefty fines and losing demerit points, so it’s a serious matter.
Local resident Lindy Downing, who visits the beach daily to clean up after others, shared her concerns. She avoids the beach during busy times because of the danger posed by 4WDs. Lindy believes that some sort of control is necessary to keep the beach safe.
She’s worried that if things don’t change, the beach might end up closed. Lindy thinks a registration system for drivers could make them think twice about their actions. Last year, the speed limit was set to 40kph, but many drivers don’t follow it, which is frustrating for her.
After busy periods, she spends a lot of time picking up rubbish left behind. It’s a shame that people don’t take their trash with them. A spokesperson from SA Water encouraged beachgoers to keep the area clean for everyone’s enjoyment.
Residents are concerned that Goolwa Beach might require expensive permits in the future due to incidents like this. Recently, it was announced that camping will be banned at some South Australian beaches to protect the environment, which shows how serious the situation is becoming.
From February 2025, overnight camping will no longer be allowed at Wauraltee Beach, as authorities aim to preserve the delicate ecosystem. The rise in off-road vehicles has been causing issues, and it’s clear that something needs to be done.