Councils to close unofficial 4WD tracks on WA coastline

Four-wheel drivers heading up Western Australia’s Turquoise Coast will start seeing changes soon, as local councils move to shut down unofficial beach tracks and manage access more closely.

The ABC has reported the shires of Coorow, Dandaragan and Gingin have officially adopted the coastal recreation masterplan. First announced in April, the plan was released for public consultation in May and received mostly positive feedback. It has now reportedly been given the green light.

The move targets the stretch from Guilderton to Leeman, where growing numbers of 4WDs and beach campers have led to damage in some high-use areas. Tracks cutting through dunes and duplicated access points have been eroding the landscape and putting long-term access at risk.

Rather than banning beach driving, the plan will close down informal tracks and guide vehicles onto a smaller network of official routes. These will be clearly signposted, with boundaries in place to keep drivers on track. Councils also plan to apply for funding to install cameras and monitor activity.

Popular spots like Sandy Cape, Green Head and the Moore River mouth are all included in the plan. While most of the main access points will stay open, drivers will need to pay more attention to signs and stick to marked tracks.

Rehab work will follow, with help from local volunteers and community groups to restore closed areas and stabilise dunes.