Shire of Capel to review four-wheel-drive access to beaches as colony of shorebirds are pushed to the edge

The Shire of Capel will be assessing four-wheel-drive access to beaches as a colony of shorebirds is pushed to the edge by reckless drivers. The colony of red-capped plovers is fighting for survival on Capel’s Peppermint Grove Beach, as their nesting area is used as a thoroughfare for 4WDs. A shire spokesperson said as part of the community engagement for the foreshore management plan, which is under preparation, beach access for 4WD vehicles would also be discussed. However, Peppermint Grove resident Kevin Bray — who initially raised the plight of the plovers — said he wants cars off the beach as soon as possible. “I’ve been here for two year and I’ve noticed that there was quite a lot of plovers actually, on the beach, and there’s been no protection in that time,” he said. “The amount of traffic vehicles that we’re having on Peppermint Grove Beach has increased dramatically. “There’s all these pressures on the beach, more people, more vehicles, more of an impact on the local nesting birds . . . there soon won’t be anything left.” Mr Bray started a petition to end beach driving and has garnered more than 100 signatures. “A single driver can wipe out a whole generation — it’s that simple,” he said. “You can hardly see plovers when you’re walking, it’s just so easy to destroy their whole world.” In the interim, the shire spokesperson, said they would install temporary signage at beach access points to minimise disturbance to breeding birds. “Historically, the shire has not undertaken specific protection activities relating to beach-nesting birds — the signage provided by Birdlife Australia represents the first step toward more active management,” they said. “The shire recognises the need to balance recreational use with environmental protection and the safety of all beach users. “Beach users can also contribute by slowing down near nesting areas, avoiding roped or signed sites, and keeping dogs on leash during the breeding season. The threat to the plovers comes almost a year after the South West’s largest colony of fairy turns was wiped out in the Bunbury Port area by someone walking their dog off-leash in the area. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions regional leader of nature conservation Kim Williams said the Bunbury colony had not returned in full force, with the majority of birds settling in the Peel region. “The numbers were too small to form a viable colony and they have chosen to not nest in Bunbury this year,” she said. “DBCA conducts ongoing site monitoring and liaises with the Southern Ports Authority every year, many months prior to the start of nesting season to ensure the Bunbury site is ready for the birds.” Ms Williams said the public should increase their knowledge and awareness of local beach nesting species, participate in community science programs. She said anyone who sees someone doing the wrong thing around nesting shorebirds should assess the situation, collect details such as precise location, date and time, take photos of the incident and people involved and send the information to their local DBCA office.