The new charges announced by the Aboriginal-owned Worimi Conservation Lands (WCL) will see annual permits increase in price from $30 to $88 and three-day permits rise from $10 to $33.

Annual pensioner permits will go up from $20 to $44, annual RVA (recreational vehicle area) permits (for conditionally registered quads and motorbikes) from $30 to $88 and replacement permits from $10 to $20.

WCL board of management spokesperson Andrew Smith said it would be the first increase in more than a decade, aligning the fee with other publicly accessible beach driving areas.

“Since the land was handed back to the Worimi Aboriginal owners in 2007, visitation has steadily increased. These fees help to manage increasing costs, including staffing, visitor management and the board’s responsibility is to protect Worimi cultural sites and natural values.

“The board has already invested more than $2 million in the upgrade and maintenance of the Lavis Lane and Gan Gan 4WD entrances to provide safer and sustainable recreational and commercial access to the popular park.”

Mr Smith said that the fee change would enable the board to continue to provide safe and sustainable visitor access at the park.

But the huge fee hikes have angered many 4WD users who say there was very little warning and no consultation with users. A petition is being prepared to alert motorists wanting to access the beach after January 1. Comments on social media expressed concern about affordability for local users and the restrictions already in place.

Permits purchased before the fee change are still valid until their expiry date and access is free if you ride a bike or horse, or walk in the park.

All vehicles driving in WCL must be registered and display a valid beach vehicle permit which can be purchased in Port Stephens from BP Service Station at Anna Bay; BP at Salt Ash; Metro at Williamtown; Port Stephens Visitor Centre in Nelson Bay and National Parks & Wildlife office in Nelson Bay. Visit worimiconservationlands.com/beach-driving.