MidCoast Council rangers will be out in force during the holiday period, with a focus on illegal parking, driving on beaches without a permit, illegal camping and rubbish dumping.
"While we want to welcome visitors, we also have a responsibility to our local communities and our environment," explained Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell.
"We've increased the size of our ranger team and will be collaborating with NSW Police and the National Parks and Wildlife Service on enforcement activities.
"The rules around parking, camping and beach use are there to make the holidays safer and easier for all."
Rangers will be targeting illegal overnight camping especially in Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens, Seal Rocks, Crowdy Head and Harrington areas.
Visitors to the area are encouraged to book their accommodation well ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Failure to find accommodation is not an acceptable reason for illegal camping.
Visitors should also check parking and beach signage and comply with local regulations. Seal Rocks only has capacity for approximately 110 cars, which usually fills up early in the morning.
In past years, illegal parking has created traffic chaos, including roadblocks that compromise access for emergency services and waste collection.
Day trippers are encouraged to consider their holiday plans and seek out the range of inland experiences that are available across the Barrington Coast.
There are a number of areas in Seal Rocks that are 'no stopping' zones and there is no parking from 10pm to 5am along Number One Beach to help prevent illegal camping.
Mr De Szell explained that Seal Rocks is surrounded by the Myall Lakes National Park, so Council does not have the land to increase parking and road capacity.
Beach patrols are already underway, targeting drivers who do not have a permit or who do not comply with rules. Anyone planning to drive on a beach should check out www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/beach-driving.
The introduction of number plate recognition technology since the last Christmas period has resulted in Council rangers being able to be more effective when undertaking proactive parking patrols.
"Our vehicles fitted with this technology will be used to maximise coverage of high traffic tourist areas such as Forster and Seal Rocks and our rangers will be out and about at all times of the day, all days of the week, so those parking or camping illegally will be caught out," Mr De Szell warned.
Council will also implement signage at various locations such as Seal Rocks and Jimmys Beach to ensure the rules are clear.
Over the Christmas / New Year period, why not take the road less travelled and visit other parts of the Barrington Coast, including the hinterland and mountains. Escape the crowds for cool forest walks, waterfalls and chic cafes.
