Track Care WA News

Promoting safe and sustainable beach activities since 1999

Historically, Preston Beach was your typical beachside town enjoyed predominately by locals and residents as a quiet beachside getaway. Popularity for the town grew considerably which saw an increase in holiday makers, tourists and day trippers wishing to enjoy the many beautiful features this wonderful location has to offer. In 1999 a group of concerned residents approached the Shire of Waroona with a request to establish a formal arrangement to provide a volunteer ranger service at Preston Beach, with the intention of educating visitors and residents of their impact on the coastal environment and region, encourage responsible activities throughout the area (including 4W driving) and educating users on the suitable behaviours expected of the area. Today the role of the Volunteer Rangers is centered around welcoming visitors and providing local information to create a safe and memorable experience; encouraging users to retain and preserve the pristine beach and natural bushland environment; offering guidance on 4W driving; and providing initial support to emergency services in the event of an incident. Furthermore, the Volunteer Rangers educate visitors of the legal requirements of the area and monitor unwanted and inappropriate behaviour such as speeding, reckless driving, littering, lighting of campfires, illegal camping and the use of vehicles in prohibited areas. The Volunteer Ranger initiative has since become a vital service to the Preston Beach community and has strengthened the safety and preservation of the local area. Over the years the Volunteer Rangers have assisted

Police with relation to missing persons and stolen vehicles, aided ambulance officers and visitors in need, discovered and assisted in the removal and relocation of beached whales and other wildlife and attended countless vehicle rollovers. The Volunteer Rangers continue to educate beach users and protect the unique and wonderful environment for everyone to enjoy. In late 2021, the Preston Beach Volunteer Rangers and Shire of Waroona joined forces with Track Care WA to incorporate the Preston Beach brochure with the Code Off Road brochure. This project resulted in the promotion of consistent and standardised statewide advice on safe and responsible off-road driving on Western Australian beaches and coastal national parks, supported by organisations including Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Parks and Wildlife Services,

Western 4W Driver magazine and South Coast Natural Resource Management, whilst also including local Shire of Waroona - Preston CODE OFF ROAD Beach rules, emergency guidance and important contacts. The Preston Beach Code Off Road brochure has already proven to be invaluable to the small band of Volunteer Rangers who from Boxing Day to Easter, can be expected to www.trackcare.com.au facebook.com/trackcare have a presence on the beach every day. With the use of vehicles on many beaches around Australia prohibited, it is important that safe and responsible off-road driving is promoted and adopted to continue the enjoyment of the pristine Western Australian coastline, and the consistent messaging of the Code Off Road brochure is a significant resource to support this. For more information on the Preston Beach Volunteer Rangers, please contact the Shire of Waroona.

Consider undertaking 4WD training through a registered provider or joining an incorporated 4WD club. Sun glare and mist may reduce visibility on beaches, and off-road tracks are full of blind corners and hill crests. Drive slowly, respect conditions on the day and avoid driving at night. Always drive slowly on coastal off-road tracks and keep speed on beaches to 20km/h. Enjoy your drive and the

It is essential that tyre pressure is reduced to maximise the tyre footprint before entering sandy tracks and beaches. Your tyre should look like the example photo below. Make sure that your driving speed is also reduced to maintain control when the tyre pressure has been reduced. It is essential that tyres are reinflated whenever you encounter hard sand or surfaces and before driving on the road. Always carry an air compressor with a gauge for this purpose and check manufacturer’s specifications for your vehicle. A guide to safe and responsible off-road driving on WA beaches and coastal national parks. Everybody loves the stunning scenery, magnificent beaches and great outdoor activities on offer along the Western Australian coastline.

Engage 4WD before entering sandy tracks or beaches. Generally, in sandy conditions engage second or third gear in low range and steer clear of sharp turns or sudden braking Coastal ecosystems are some of our most fragile and they need special care when we are visiting them, so it is vital you know how to drive safely and lightly to protect yourself and our fragile environment. Responsible and skilled driving minimises degradation to coastal ecosystems, accidents and the spread of Phytophthora dieback. When driving on the beach, aim to travel at, but not above the high tide mark. Check tidal and weather conditions on the day. Avoid driving over piles of seaweed, be especially careful on high-energy beaches and be aware of steep drops caused by normal beach processes or storms surges. Remember all beaches are different. Passing points enable vehicles to pass without damaging vegetation. Please use them and resist the temptation to River and creek crossings can look deceptively shallow. Always stop and walk the crossing and if you can’t walk across it don’t attempt to drive. Wheel axle height is a good guide as to how deep you should go. HELP! Always tell someone where you are going and your expected return time and arrange to travel with another vehicle. If you become bogged or break down you are generally safer staying with your vehicle until help arrives, but if you have to hike out avoid walking in the heat of the day and leave a note in your vehicle of your intentions. Survival situations cannot be anticipated and bush survival training is definitely beneficial to everyone using the Code Off Road series. Ensure you have an approved Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) distress beacon or another form of reliable satellitebased communication equipment. In an emergency Contact emergency services by calling 000 or via your satellite communication device. For more information https://www.lnt.org.au/resources/green-guides.html https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/department/publications/ publication/off-road-vehicles-in-western-australiamanagement-of-off-road-vehicles