A ticketing machine will be installed opposite the Lennox Head surf club to enable four-wheel drive owners to access Seven Mile Beach.
Ballina Shire councillors are expected to endorse a staff recommendation today that will change the way locals and visitors can buy their permits.
The permits cost $10 a day or $30 a month, and are currently available at the council’s office or service stations.
Under the new policy, tickets will be dispensed from a machine at the Pacific Parade entrance to Lake Ainsworth, opposite the Lennox Head Surf Club.
Staff said the machine would be installed by the end of next month.
The council advertised its revised four-wheel drive policy for Seven Mile Beach for four weeks and received just one submission from Dr Lyn Walker.
Dr Walker suggested that the number of four-wheel drive access permits be limited but staff said ‘the revised policy does not support this approach’.
The new policy also outlines changes to the way disabled people might access the beach.
The previous policy allowed disabled people to access the beach using a motorized vehicle other than a four-wheel drive.
But because the policy prohibits vehicles such as dune buggys, motorbikes and quad bikes, staff advised there were significant safety and conflict concerns.
If adopted today, the new policy would require disabled people to access the beach in a four wheel drive like other users.
Councillors are meeting today in the Ballina Shire Council chambers in Cherry Street.
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