Combined action to make Ripiro Beach safer

A full time police presence, surf lifesavers, education and investigations into trial speed limits will help make Ripiro Beach safer and more environmentally friendly this summer.

But Kaipara Mayor Neil Tiller warns that beachgoers also have to do their bit by thinking of others and adopting responsible attitudes.

The moves are part of a joint approach by Kaipara District Council, Police, Northland Regional Council, Department of Conservation and the community to address growing concern about safety, especially involving vehicles on the beach.

This has been growing as more people and vehicles are attracted to our beaches, exacerbated by other districts imposing controls on their beaches. Last New Year’s Eve a 13 year-old girl was killed at Glinks Gully when hit by a motorcycle.

Sixty three percent of people surveyed at Ripiro Beach last summer identified vehicles, especially speed and irresponsible driving, as their most pressing concern. But only seven percent wanted to ban vehicles.

Mayor Tiller says the situation is complex, involving a number of agencies and jurisdictions but that the organisations involved are working towards a long term solution. He is disappointed at progress but notes that positive actions have been organised for this summer.

These include an arrangement between Dargaville Police and Kaipara District Council which will see Senior Constable Ian Anderson stationed full-time at Baylys for six weeks from 20 December. He will patrol the whole beach, covering a wide range of policing issues but especially focusing on driver and general behaviour, “to help ensure everyone is able to enjoy themselves. “

Kaipara District Council has also provided $5,000 for a trial in which Surf Life Saving Northern Region provides 7 days-a-week lifeguards at Baylys from 27 December 2008 to 18 January 2009, patrolling between 11am and 6pm.

There will also be a recruitment campaign aimed at establishing a locally based lifeguard service. About 40 people attended a public meeting at Baylys on 2 December to discuss this.

Following a legal opinion that the Minister of Conservation could be the road controlling authority over the foreshore and seabed, Department of Conservation is planning a speed limit trial for Glinks Gully. However, the process required means it is unlikely the trial restriction, probably 30 kilometers per hour for two kilometers either side of the access point and 70 kilometers per hour in the next two kilometers, will be in place this summer.

The initial emphasis is on consultation which will include meeting Glinks residents.

Department of Conservation says if the trial proves successful, speed restrictions could be introduced to other coastal communities where vehicles on beaches are an issue and district boundaries remain at Mean High Water Springs.

Also, Kaipara District Council has installed traffic counters which record speeds in Marine Drive at Glinks Gully in response to residents’ concerns.

Education includes Department of Conservation and Northland Regional Council erecting signs at a number of entry points, urging safe driving and encouraging people to use the beach but to care for wildlife and other users.

The Regional Council is also holding education days at Baylys and Glinks on 20 December 2008 and 9 January 2009. These will include information displays plus activities like beach clean-ups and dune walks, aimed at involving as many people as possible.

Mayor Tiller says while progress is being made on beach safety issues a lot is up to individuals.

“Rules and signs can only do so much. At the end of the day people need to realise bad behaviour won’t be tolerated and that a lot can be achieved by common sense and respecting other beach users and the environment.

“People need to take responsibility for their actions.”

For more information contact the partners in this project: Kaipara District Council, Northland Regional Council, Dargaville Police and the Department of Conservation.