PAW PATROL Shire and GORCC team up on new beach patrol vehicle

THE Surf Coast Shire and the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) have rolled out a new all-terrain vehicle to patrol the beaches of Torquay between Point Impossible and the Torquay SLSC clubhouse.

Shire and GORCC rangers are patrolling together in the two-seat vehicle and are on the lookout for issues such as public
safety (such as smoking, drinking alcohol and lighting fires), observation of dog and horse regulations, litter control, protection of dunes and vegetation, illegal camping and wildlife offences.

However, the initial focus of the patrols is raising awareness of by-laws and public education, not enforcement.

“To begin with, education is very important,” GORCC chief executive officer Vanessa Schernickau said.

“It doesn’t work to go in with enforcement without first explaining why it’s important to look after our coast, particularly when we have increased visitation of more and more people coming to share the same spot who all have different uses for the beach.

“It could be a boat, or a dog, or surfers… everyone has different uses, so that’s the challenge for us.”

She said GORCC and the shire were hoping for “voluntary compliance”.

“We want people to enjoy their holidays but that also means respecting the beach, and respecting other people who want to enjoy the beach.”

Shire mayor Rose Hodge said the council was pleased to be a partner with GORCC on the project.

“This vehicle provides officers with far greater mobility, access and visibility for their proactive work, ensuring that people stay safe, and that our beautiful beaches are welcoming for all.”

The impact of dogs on beaches is a perennial issue on Surf Coast beaches, and penalties for dog-related infringements
include fines of $161 for having dogs off leads in dog-free or time share zones, $242 for not having dogs under effective control, and $250 for failing to pick up dog waste.

Littering can bring fines ranging from $322 to $645 under the Environment Protection Act.

GORCC supports the Take 3 for the Sea principle – which encourages people to take three extra pieces of rubbish with them when they leave a beach – and completes daily collections from public beach rubbish bins.

With bins often becoming full this time of year, GORCC urges people to take rubbish home rather than stack it beside bins.