Call to protect nesting birds from the cars on SA's Goolwa Beach
A Ngarrindjeri elder says he would love to see vehicles removed from a South Australian beach as endangered breeding birds and global wanderers are welcomed back to the Coorong.
Ngarrindjeri elder Cedric Varcoe has called for restrictions on vehicle access to Goolwa Beach in South Australia to safeguard nesting birds and the environment. Currently, drivers can access the 12-kilometre stretch of beach leading to the Murray River's mouth. Ngarrindjeri rangers are partnering with Birdlife Australia to monitor and protect the endangered birds on this coastal stretch.
A Ngarrindjeri elder opened the breeding season with a ceremony at the Coorong, emphasizing the cultural significance of the birds as totems and spiritual guides for the community. The fairy tern, listed as a high-risk species, nests in the Coorong, where the nests are exposed and difficult to spot. While some residents believe beachgoers are responsible, a ban on vehicles is unpopular.
Adelaide University's Craig Styan, who studied beach usage, acknowledges the environmental impact of vehicles but highlights the challenge of managing the issue, as the allure of the natural environment often outweighs the potential harm from human presence. South Australia's Environment Minister Emily Bourke stated that the state government will collaborate with relevant agencies and local councils to address the safety and protection of beaches and coastal environments.
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