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**PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT**
Permit Sales are now only available online Park Rangers will ensure all vehicles have a valid permit through a "Ranger App" that has been developed to ensure compliance to Park User Guidelines Permits are available through this website: BUY A BEACH PERMIT NOW Further Permit Information Registered 4 Wheel Drive vehicles are permitted within Belmont Wetlands State Park for 4WD Access to Nine Mile Beach. Permit stickers are no longer in use. Alternatively a confirmation email will be sent to your email address. Rangers are able check permits electronically via vehicle number plates. Those wanting to purchase permits can do so from the comfort of their own home at anytime of the day or night. The online system will provide greater safety mechanisms for Rangers and Park Users. It will also enable Park Rangers to have greater control of Park access which is significant in peak times. We would like to thank the service agents who have supported BWSP in the sale of Beach Permits over many years. Transfer Permits If you have a valid permit and you have changed registrations/vehicles during the permits validation period we would like you to transfer your permit over to the new registration/vehicle. To do this, please fill out the email form on our contact page. In this email please include your name, email address and the information you would like to change such as the registration, make, model, year and colour of the new vehicle. permit TYPES
Permit Options
Park Rangers have authority to issue $220 on the Spot Fines CONTACTS
Beach Access Channel: UHF 21
Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance Dial 000 Report Illegal Dumping (RID) Hotline 131 555 Volunteers and Community Events [email protected] In case of emergency/Fire: 000 |
All vehicle users must comply with the FOLLOWING Guideline conditions:All vehicles must comply with NSW Road regulations as well as all regulations outlined in the Permit Guidelines, including speed limits, blood alcohol limits and licensing of drivers. 4WDs need to take particular care for pedestrians, dogs and children within the Park, especially around sand dunes where families walk and picnic. Locked gates, blocked walkways and signage must be complied with. Please remember to lower your tire pressure for sand driving and carry appropriate recovery equipment. Vehicle recovery is your responsibility and cost. Take care of rising tides and avoid submerging your vehicle. Recommended tire pressure for beach driving is between 12 - 15 psi All vehicles must stay off regenerating sand dune and bushland areas. Sand Dunes are highly sensitive environments and require protection. Please stay on cleared tracks and do not drive into vegetated areas or areas that are not cleared.
Park visitor guidelinesONLINE BEACH PERMITS - November 2020 onwards
When you purchase your beach permit you are required to read and agree to the ‘Guidelines for Access and Use of Nine Mile Beach, Belmont NSW, by 4WD Vehicles’ and agree to abide by current CV19 Public Health Orders. pENALTIES & FINES
DRIVING ON THE BEACH
NSW road rules apply: i. Drivers must be licensed; ii. Seat belts must be worn; iii. Vehicles must be registered; and iv. Drivers must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • Pedestrians have right of way at all times. • Speed limits are enforceable: - 30km/h (unless within 30m of pedestrians) or - 15km/h within 30m of pedestrians. • Vehicles should stay 5m away from other vehicles. • Drive with care to avoid bogging, rolling and ocean waves. • Reduce tire pressure to 12psi. • No driving on vegetation in restricted areas. No parking, driving or camping on sand dunes or vegetation • Vehicles should only be driven on designated BWSP access tracks and beach. Do not stray onto Lake Macquarie City Council land. Refer to 'Map and Access Guidelines' and 'Important Driver Guidelines' links above. • Don’t park within 20m of access points to the beach or along the tracks. • Do not drive in a dangerous manner on the beach or access roads. • Exercise a high level of caution at all times. You are responsible for your own safety and that of your group. Hazards include, but are not limited to: unpatrolled ocean beach, very soft sand, water hazards and snakes. Always carry water, a mobile phone, first aid kit and recovery gear. • Enter and exit at designated access points only: (COVID 19 Restrictions) - 24 Hour Kalaroo Road, Belmont North SAND DUNES & BEACH PRESERVATION
This beach permit system is to support responsible 4WD access and safe use of the Nine Mile Beach front and hind dunes between Redhead and Blacksmiths. It also aims to encourage visitors awareness and protection of native vegetation along the dunes. Your cooperation is appreciated. Access to the beach has been improved and well defined tracks have been developed. Please only use the three access routes to the beach and do not make or use any other tracks. This will reduce damage to the vegetation and dunes. Please always consider the protection of plants and animals and the safety of other beach users. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS • No parking or camping on sand dunes or vegetation. • BWSP LMB reserves the right to close access to the beach in the event of heavy seas, beach debris and storm damage or if considered essential. • In the event of bush fire, users should listen to emergency broadcasts on ABC. RESPECT FOR OTHERS & THE BEACH
Whilst enjoying the beautiful Belmont Wetlands we ask that you follow the Park Guidelines, respect our Park Rangers, fellow Park users and our local community. BWSP supports the "Take 3 for the Sea" initiative https://www.take3.org/ and encourages all people enjoying the BWSP to take 3 pieces of rubbish with them when leaving the beach. If camping, please bring your own firewood (NO pallets) and fire-pit to keep fires off the ground and we ask that no glass be bought into the Wetlands due to the considerable harm it can do to local wildlife and Park users. We encourage campers to bring a portable toilet as the park currently has not toilet facilities. We ask that you take rubbish, waste and all other items bought into the Park home with you. Dumping of any kind of waste at the Park is damaging to the environment & unhealthy for visitors like you. We take dumping very seriously at B.W.S.P. Be warned that SEVERE penalties can be issued on the spot. • Take all ashes, wood and waste (glass, cans and rubbish) with you when leaving. Some waste skip bins are located at the site compound. • Keep your dogs on a leash or tethered when in the Park, horses must also be kept under control & please clean up after them. Horses also require pre-registration - see website: www.belmontwetlands.com.au As stated above, the dumping of any kind of waste (animal, human or rubbish) at the Park is damaging to the environment & unhealthy for visitors like you. We do take dumping very seriously and SEVERE penalties can be issued on the spot for failing to comply with Park Rules and Regulations. • We encourage users to report damage to park infrastructure and unlawful behaviour to Belmont Police on (02)49228899 or crime stoppers on 1800 333 000. |
PERMITS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE THROUGH LOCAL SALES AGENTS
Frequently Asked Questions
- What penalties apply? Penalties of $220 will apply for vehicles driving on the beach front without a permit, driving contrary to the regulations, driving in an area from which vehicles are excluded, breaking NSW road rules including driving in a dangerous manner, damaging native vegetation and illegal dumping. Permit holders must act in good faith in preserving the condition of the Park and co-operating with its staff. Permit Holders must follow staff directions and not abuse or interfere with staff nor bring them into disrepute. Breach of this condition will result in immediate revocation of the permit.
- Who can enforce these laws? BWSP Land Manager Board (LMB), BWSP Land Administrator, Rangers, Roads & Maritime Services and Police
- What is the process for getting a permit?
1. Purchase a permit on line available: https://permits.belmontwetlands.com.au/
2. Upload evidence of Concession if relevant to permit being purchased - 3. Keep evidence of purchase within vehicle (email confirmation) or affix to windscreen if permit is hardcopy
- Can motor bikes and quads get a permit? No. Motor bikes and unregistered vehicles are not allowed in the State Park and riders will be issues with an on the spot fine.
- Who does the money go to? Permit revenue is retained by BWSP to fund Park Rangers and continued repairs and maintenance to ensure the safety and protection of BWSP.
- Does a Permit guarantee me access to BWSP for the period it has been purchased for? No. There is no guarantee of access for Permit Holders. Once the park has reached capacity numbers the park will be closed. Safety of BWSP visitors and protection of the environment is our priority.
- Exemptions: Awabakal descendants are welcome to apply for exemption on application with proof of certificate of membership. Individual requests to be presented to BWSP Park Coordinator for consideration.
- Why a permit system? The permit system has been introduced to support responsible off-road vehicle access and use along Nine Mile Beach between Redhead and Blacksmiths. This system is designed to manage and monitor Park access and wherever possible encourage the environmental awareness of the users of the beach and surrounding wetland areas. The beach front is a wonderful natural resource that needs continual protection. The beach and the sand dunes are continually changing due to the forces of nature. The sand dunes are an important part of the beach ecosystem and require protection for its longevity. The dunes and the vegetation they support are effected by waves, wind and are easily damaged by human activity. Access to the beach has been improved and a well-defined trail has been developed through the work of the Park Ranger and Volunteer Teams.
- To assist in the protection of these sensitive areas we ask that visitor only use the two access routes to the beach. Rangers will enforce on the spot fines for those not adhering to the designated tracks. Please always consider the protection of plants and animals and the safety of other beach users.
- Is Third Creek a swimming hole? No Third Creek is a man constructed creek that is at risk of being contaminated by animal pollutants and urban runoff. Water quality is largely reliant upon natural water flows from the open ocean. When water is not flushed by natural flow, the presence of urban run off and animal pollutants remain for longer periods than usual in the water body. The ocean is the preferred option for swimming.
- We encourage everyone to have a great time and enjoy the wonders of the Belmont Wetland State Park!