We’re reaching out because we’re seeking community feedback on a proposal to install permanent bollards along the existing no-vehicle zone at Sellicks Beach.
This engagement is about the bollard proposal only – vehicle access rules are not changing.
The proposed bollards aim to:
- maintain car-free beach areas for safe, uninterrupted pedestrian access
- improve safety for beachgoers
- protect the coastal environment
- prevent vehicles from entering restricted areas.
This engagement follows a deputation presented at the 14 October 2025 Council meeting and a subsequent notice of motion. It builds on previous Council discussions and community feedback about bollards and signage at Sellicks Beach, Aldinga and Silver Sands, which date back to 2018.
Your input will help determine whether bollards are installed and, if supported, what their design and function should be.
All community feedback will be considered by elected members in March 2026 before any decisions are made.
Have your say - Engagement is open until 1 February 2025
Ways to provide feedback:
- Complete the short survey below
- Email: mail@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
- Post: City of Onkaparinga, PO Box 1, Noarlunga Centre SA 5168
- In person: Any Council Customer Service Centre
Thank you for helping shape the future of our foreshore.
Engagement will focus on whether bollards are the right solution to support this restriction and, if so, how they should be implemented. Community feedback will directly influence whether permanent bollards are installed at Sellicks Beach. If supported, input will also help shape how they are designed and installed. Feedback will guide Council in balancing community safety, accessibility, and environmental protection when deciding the best way forward.
The existing no-vehicle zone south of the Sellicks Beach ramp will remain in place. This restriction is established under Council’s Foreshore By-law and is not under review.
No other zones/beaches are being considered through this process.
This engagement follows a deputation presented at the 14 October 2025 Council meeting, where residents raised concerns about ongoing vehicle access in the no-vehicle zone south of the Sellicks Beach access ramp. In response, a notice of motion was approved to consult the community on possible installation of permanent bollards.
Signs are currently in place indicating where vehicles are prohibited under Council By-Law 6. Despite current signage, vehicles regularly enter and drive in the prohibited zones prompting the need for the installation of these additional measures.
To read the full details within the Council meeting agenda including the request for deputation details please click on the following link: Council agendas and minutes 14 October 2025.
We are proposing to install round timber bollards driven into the sand, similar to bollards in place adjacent the Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
Round bollards are the most suitable as other shapes are prone to being knocked over in the wave zone.
The bollards will prevent vehicle access entering and exiting the beach where this breaches the current bylaws. The bollards planned for south of Sellicks Beach will prevent vehicle access into the prohibited area.
There will be signage installed at each ramp, warning vehicles to be mindful of the rising tide and to exit the beach while there is appropriate hard sand to drive on.
Emergency gate access will be included to ensure there is no danger of vehicle entrapment and for emergency and maintenance vehicle access.
There is very little impact anticipated. The bollards are driven and embedded into the sand approximately 1.5–2m deep. Dependant on the location, the bollards may embed into the underlying clay layer which is desirable for the bollards to remain stable. Bollards will not be driven into an exposed reef.
Preferred material for the bollards is timber as they will weather and blend into the beach and will replace the large signs that are currently in place. They will be installed at 1.5m high and be monitored throughout summer.
We will assess their heights when sand levels are up to a high point (end of summer) and potentially drive the bollards deeper to approximately 1m high of the existing sand level.
