09-Nov-2011

Some of South East Queensland’s most beautiful beaches are often explored with a four wheel drive vehicle, but without adequate training this can often result in injury or badly impact upon wildlife and vegetation. 

On Sunday, SEQ Catchments delivered a free four wheel driving training session on Stradbroke Island to the public together with P7 Offroad, to teach people how to drive four wheel drive vehicles safely on the beach whilst causing minimal disruption to local marine and birdlife.

Dave Darmondy from P7 Offroad shared a few important safety tips on the day and shared information on how marine and birdlife can be affected

‘‘The key is to utilise an appropriate pressure in your tyres increasing the length of the tyre’s footprint and better distributing the vehicle’s weight. The correct tyre pressure gives the driver more traction and therefore better control while minimising impact on the beach,’’ he said.

‘‘We need to acknowledge the role of the beach and foreshore, not just as a recreation area, but also as a habitat. We have found that drivers who exercise care for their vehicle and passengers by planning appropriate times to travel, and preparing themselves and their vehicles in accordance with best practice are also demonstrating all of the key beliefs of ‘Treading Lightly’ and caring for the area, and all of its users and inhabitants.’’

 ‘‘We should be aware of who we share the beach with and it is not just humans. I like to bring my kids to enjoy what these beautiful beaches have to offer, and hope to one day do the same for my grandkids, and we can help protect what’s here by encouraging a change in driver behavior.’’

Dave refers to the training as part of a ‘grassroots movement’ to stop pointing blame, encourage people to do the right thing and empowering them to promote best practice driving skills with their friends and families. The Better Beaches program was developed with extensive input from the 4WD community, it is a program that is positive in nature, with practical advice and tips to see foreshore users better prepare themselves to enjoy our unique coastal environment. 

‘‘It’s not about giving people more rules and pointing our finger and telling what not to do. It’s about giving people the right information about what they should do and equip them with best practice information for four wheel driving.’’

Tammy Drew hadn’t driven four wheel vehicles much in the past before and thought the session had increased her confidence in driving four wheel drive vehicles.

‘‘I got very little experience driving four wheel drive vehicles as my husband is normally the one behind the wheel. This training was great to increase my confidence and get some good tips,’’ she said.

‘‘It is all about enjoying nature while being safe and doing the right thing. This kind of training educates people. We all love to enjoy nature and this was the first time we’d heard about how bad driving can affect marine life and birds who may be nesting. We’d never want to harm any wildlife and after this training we’ll definitely be driving with more care.’’

Watch out for further similar training sessions as part of the “Better Beaches” program funded by SEQ Catchments over the next year! For more information about the Better Beaches Program, or other 4wd Driver Training, please visit – www.4x4training.com.au

The four wheel drive training program is being funded by the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country Initiative through the Regional Landcare Facilitator.

Further information: Sibel Korhaliller, Communications Officer, 0488 713 340 or skorhaliller@seqcatchments.com.au