Kempsey Shire Council is reminding residents and visitors to be mindful of the wildlife that call the coastline home during the festive season,
Together with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Mid North Coast Police, council is carrying out compliance patrols across beaches and campgrounds.
Council's rangers team leader, Shaun Tomaszewski, says that council is committed to protecting the habitat and breeding areas of shorebirds, especially during the nesting season in spring and summer.
"Local residents are concerned about the impact that unsafe beach driving, unleashed dogs and overly enthusiastic beachgoers can have on beach-nesting shorebirds, particularly the endangered species that call the Macleay Valley Coast home," Mr Tomaszewski said
"For people planning to enjoy the Macleay Valley Coast, please ensure you are aware and comply with rules and regulations in place for National Parks and beach areas."
Council is asking for off-road drivers and beachgoers to help keep beach-nesting birds safe by:
- Looking out for bird-nesting signs or areas and follow advice
- Walking dogs on dog-friendly beaches
- Driving only on designated beaches, below the high-tide mark
- Sticking to the wet sand and giving birds plenty of space when near nesting areas
During the first weekend of patrols by officials, over 50 members of the public were engaged for matters relating to:
- safe usage of campgrounds
- anti-social behaviour
- beach driving permits
- dogs in National Park areas
- random breath tests
- licence and vehicle checks.
Additional patrols will be carried out across the Christmas and New Year period, to ensure that everyone enjoys the Kempsey Shire in a safe manner.
Council will also be installing the new dog walking signage, that will coincide with the amendment to the rules around dogs on beaches. Unfortunately, due to the knock-on effect of COVID, the signs have been delayed until early 2022.
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