Beach drivers all require permits, and should be acutely aware of what their permit type entitles, specifically which areas upon Jimmys, Bennetts, and the Yacaaba Dunes they are legally allowed to drive.

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“There are different levels of beach permits for Jimmys and Bennetts Beaches.

“Some of the beach is 4WD-accessible, while other parts are only accessible by commercial fishers or restricted permit holders, such as people with mobility issues,” a Council spokesperson outlined.

“There are specific rules outlined in the beach permits that help protect our beaches from coastal processes such as erosion, they also aim to keep everyone safe, including the wildlife that lives on the beaches.”

Specifically, 4WDs have been spotted mounting the dunes to cross from Jimmys to Bennetts Beach, ignoring the only permissible crossover point that is located about halfway down the beach, approximately 900 metres south of the Jimmys Beach 4WD access point.

“Please use this area only when crossing between the beaches,” said Paul De Szell, MidCoast Council’s Director of Liveable Communities.

“We ask that our residents and visitors to the area be respectful of the environment, the cultural significance of the area, and the wider community when driving on beaches in Hawks Nest.

“We have installed signage on the beach to identify important areas where access is prohibited or restricted.”

‘General Access’ permit-holders may only turn left to enter Bennetts Beach from the Sanderling Avenue access, and require a National Parks (NP) permit once parallel with the Myall Lakes NP demarcation.

The area south of Sanderling Avenue is alternatively ‘Commercial Fishermen’ and ‘Restricted Permits’ only, while the crossover between Bennetts and Jimmys Beaches is clearly indicated.

The area south of the designated crossover says ‘Strictly No Vehicle Access’.

Jimmys Beach is also a mix of ‘Commercial Fishermen’ and ‘Restricted Access’, with no ‘General Access’ indicated at all.

Drivers can find more information about beach permits at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/beachpermit.

Council has indicated that the fees from the Beach Permits support maintenance of beach access points and help to protect the shorebirds that nest on the dunes, a culturally significant site that is inherently important to the local community.

By Thomas O’KEEFE