An environmental group is calling a southern council’s step away from further beach wildlife protection ‘‘cowardly’’.Sea Society founder Sian Mair posted a scathing criticism of the Clutha District Council online recently, after she discovered the council had decided not to continue investigating strengthening its vehicles on beaches bylaw The investigation was triggered following repeated incidents involving harassment of sea lions by vehicles driving on Catlins beaches last summer.
Several sea lions from the area were also killed by unidentified assailants.
At a council meeting in February last year, then-Clutha district mayor Bryan Cadogan urged councillors to vote for a review of the council’s 2023 vehicles on beaches bylaw, criticised by some for being ‘‘watered down’’ and ineffectual. The council agreed to review the bylaw following local body elections in October.
However, at a workshop on December 11 the new council — now led by mayor Jock Martin — moved to cancel the review.
Ms Mair told the paper the decision not to even review the bylaw was ‘‘cowardly’’ and favoured recreational interests over protecting nationally endangered wildlife like the New Zealand sea lion.
‘‘This is very disappointing, if not surprising.
‘‘During the five years of back and forth I’ve had with the council over protecting Catlins beaches with safe zones, it was really only [Mr Cadogan] who showed any support.
‘‘The rest of the council have either been sitting on the fence or overtly favouring recreational users over what are species of national importance ...
‘‘To take this stance after the deliberate killings of three sea lions is cowardly and I’d like to see people put respectful but meaningful pressure on the council to change its mind and really make a difference to the long-term survival of these precious species.’’
A council spokesperson said the council was working with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to consider speed limits for beaches and promote good behaviour.
‘‘[The] council is concerned about [unsafe driving on beaches] and has considered this important matter on a number of occasions.
‘‘[The] council is seeking to balance the access to beaches, the needs and safety of all beach users and protection of wildlife.
‘‘Council rangers also undertake daily summer visits to key beaches to ensure vehicles are abiding by the bylaw.
‘‘Rangers take appropriate steps to stop any poor behaviour ... and issue infringement notices if necessary.
‘‘They communicate ... with police, Doc, NZTA and locals on a regular basis.
‘‘Doc has the primary regulatory role in protection of wildlife, and police enforcement addresses illegal and careless driving.’’
