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New horse permits

A new permit system is being implemented from 1 December 2017 for the riding and/or leading of horses on the beach north of Norsemens Road toward Corinella.

By Portal Admin - 6th November 2017 - Back to News

Horses are not permitted at all on the beach south of Norsemens Road towards Coronet Bay.

The new permit system is the result of community discussion and forms part of the safety measures agreed upon by Bass Coast Shire Council at their June Ordinary meeting this year.

General Manager Healthy Communities and Governance, David Elder, explained the permit system places controls on horse access to the Corinella Foreshore Committee of Management beach at the end of Norsemens Road in Coronet Bay.

"These permit conditions have been introduced to support the safe sharing of the beach by all users," Mr Elder said.

"The system aims to find the best way to ensure that the beach is safe and open to beach users, particularly during the busy hotter times over school holidays, and that our local horse riding community is still able to enjoy the pleasure and advantages of riding along the beach."

Permit applications can be made by filling out the forms accessed through Council’s website and available at Council’s Customer Service Centres. Completed forms can be returned by email, post or in person. Permits are annual and must be renewed each year by 1 December.

Recreational riders and pony clubs located in Bass Coast will not be charged a permit fee, but are still required to obtain a valid permit. Details on all fees and access to the permit form is available at basscoast.vic.gov.au/horsepermit,

The permit conditions reinforce that all horse excrement must be removed from the beach, access track and carpark areas, and horses are to be kept at a safe distance from other beach users and slow to walking pace within 20 metres of pedestrians. There are also parking controls in place so the carpark can be shared appropriately by all beach users.

Permit conditions will be enforced by Council and failure to adhere to permit conditions will lead to permits being revoked without refund. Bass Coast Shire Council Officers will be actively patrolling the beach and car park during peak periods.

There are periods when no horses are allowed on the beach, even with a valid permit. These periods include 25 December to 1 January (inclusive), 26 January and from Good Friday to Easter Monday (inclusive) each year.

There are also time restrictions during the summer and Easter public school holidays. During these holidays, professional trainers must be off the beach by 9.30am and all other riders are permitted only between 9.30am and 11.00am.

The permit system, starting December 2017, will be reviewed after two years to ensure all requirements have been included.

Council intends to upgrade the current shared beach access path to further improve safety. Investigations have identified the need for a Cultural Heritage Management Plan to be completed in order to widen the track. For now, horse riders and pedestrians can continue to use the current shared path and horse riders are directed to give way to pedestrians.

To find out more information on applying for a permit visit basscoast.vic.gov.au/horsepermit or contact Council's Community Safety Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com