Have your say on protecting Yorke Peninsula’s coastline

The strategy was developed with input from consultation sessions held with stakeholders, local landholders, councils, local progress associations, 4WD representatives and the tourism sector.

It’s not intended to remove people’s access to beaches but instead aims to protect our delicate coastal areas while ensuring we can continue to enjoy them responsibly.

Go to www.bit.ly/YPCoastalStrategy to complete the survey or visit your local council office for a printed copy. Consultation closes on Thursday, 20 March, 2025.

Led by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, the draft strategy has been developed collaboratively with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), Barunga West, Copper Coast and Yorke Peninsula councils, Yorke Peninsula Tourism, Narungga organisations, local stakeholders and community members.

Northern and Yorke Landscape Board General Manager Tony Fox said people have a right to enjoy our coastal spaces, but it’s important to get the balance right.

“While we all love to see people flocking to Yorke Peninsula, social media is driving a visitation boom that’s unsustainable for the coastline’s existing facilities, infrastructure and the environment.

“This is resulting in increased impacts on the coastline including pollution, trampled vegetation and damage to dune systems and native animal habitats.

“And the solution isn’t just about people taking their rubbish home with them.

“This is why this strategy is so important, it’s about working together to ensure Yorke Peninsula beaches are not harmed beyond repair so that it continues to be an attractive destination to live, work and holiday – now and in the future.”

Yorke Peninsula’s coastal areas are managed by councils, DEW, Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT), Department for Infrastructure and Transport and private landholders.

Mr Fox said the strategy provides suggested options and details priorities and principles that will help guide decision making by these land managers about the sustainable management of coastal resources under their care and control.

“The ultimate goal is to ensure that people continue to visit their favourite beaches while reducing damaging behaviours such as making new tracks and unnecessarily driving through fragile coastal sand dunes.”

Proposed actions include:

• Enhancing visitor education through campaigns and signage to promote responsible behaviour.
• Improving infrastructure, such as designated access tracks and facilities, to support sustainable recreation.
• Restricting access to sensitive areas to prevent further ecological and cultural damage.

All feedback received will be considered as part of the development of the final strategy, which is expected to be finalised by mid-2025.