East Point Reopens With Eyes On Conservation

East Point is set to welcome vehicles back in a carefully staged reopening by Mackay Regional Council, while keeping its delicate environment protected. Dunes Boulevard has been closed since March as work continues on the latest stage of the Dunes residential estate at Harbour Beach.

The road will reopen this Friday, October 31, but vehicle access will remain restricted across the area, including the foreshore reserve. With turtle breeding season in full swing, council has created a temporary car park at the end of Dunes Boulevard, giving locals a safe way to enjoy the area without disturbing the wildlife.

Vehicle access beyond this car park is prohibited, with any offenders to be fined $834. After the wet season next year, council will push a legal access track to a second car park closer to East Point.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the staged re-opening balances community access with environmental protection.

“The restrictions on four-wheel-drive vehicles and motorbikes in this area in the past couple of years have resulted in excellent revegetation,” he said.

“The dunal system had been degraded over many years, but is now being rejuvenated. This staged approach not only ensures the protection of the area but also recognises the community’s historical connection to East Point.”

The temporary car park includes fencing, plantings, and educational signage, while the old access track remains blocked and monitored by a surveillance camera.

“Any offenders accessing the beach or the dunal system on vehicles or motorbikes will be fined,” Mayor Williamson added.

Mackay and District Turtle Watch President Steve Fisher highlighted the positive impact on wildlife.

“The work undertaken here over the last couple of years has re-established a solid nesting area for these turtles,” he said.

“Human interference is one of the biggest issues, which we are managing with council and community involvement.

“Mackay has a unique genetic strain of turtles that predominantly nest on these beaches. If you see hatchlings, stand back and watch; don’t shine lights on them or interfere with their journey.”

Katrina Dent, CEO of Reef Catchments, said, “East Point is an iconic location across Mackay, and it’s important that we invest in the area.

“There’s always more we can do, but it’s great to show what can be achieved in a relatively short amount of time.”

Birdlife Mackay President Greg Strohal noted, “It’s important for migratory shorebirds and terrestrial birds, that their environment is untouched, and that’s the best way we can protect them.

“Vehicles, trail bikes, people, and dogs disturb nesting sites and feeding grounds, especially for migratory shorebirds arriving from overseas. In Australia, 87% of the population lives within 50 kilometres of the coast, so natural environments are often disrupted.”

Irene Adams, Board member of the YUWI Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, highlighted the importance of protecting and managing the area for the community and future generations.

“We’re looking forward to the master plan for the beach – it’s about moving forward and working with the community.

“The focus now is on collaboration and bringing the whole community together for the future of this area.”

‍

Representatives from Reef Catchments, Mackay and District Turtle Watch, Birdlife Mackay, Yuwi and council gathered at East Point for the first stage of the reopening. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

‍