Protecting East Point Vehicle Ban Extended to Safeguard Foreshore

A successful education and compliance campaign restricting vehicle access to foreshore areas north of East Point is being extended to further protect the environment.
An ordinary meeting today resolved to implement measures to prohibit vehicle access to the foreshore and beach on council-controlled land from Harbour Beach to East Point.
Access inland to the Pioneer River in this area will remain unchanged and there is pedestrian access to East Point from there or along the beach.
Mayor Greg Williamson said council was mindful East Point was a popular location for land-based fishing and other recreation. 

He said vehicle access had historically been via tracks along the foreshore and dunes. 

“Over time, vehicles have caused significant damage to the foredune, impacting on the coastal flora and fauna, and turtle and shorebird nesting sites. 

“The impact of that damage over many years is threatening the ecological integrity of this area.”
Mayor Williamson said council was also receiving complaints about motorbikes being ridden on the foreshore and beach.
He said joint patrols between council’s Local Laws officers and Queensland Police Service were planned.
Mayor Williamson said today’s decision would help rejuvenate and revegetate the foreshore.
“There will be no change to access inland from the mangrove swale, which acts as a natural barrier to protect the beach and foredunes from vehicle access,’’ he said.
In October last year, coinciding with the start of the turtle nesting season, council began a successful education and compliance campaign at East Point.
It included signage restricting vehicle access and cameras to monitor use, with council issuing a handful of PINS (Penalty Infringement Notices) of $774.
Mayor Williamson said the benefits of that campaign were evident.
There was reduced vehicle activity along the beach and foredune and as a result ground cover vegetation in the protected areas quickly started to recover.
“The success was temporary, however, as once the campaign concluded at the end of the nesting season, vehicle access resumed.”
Mayor Williamson said following the success of the campaign stakeholders collaborated to apply for a grant to undertake fencing and revegetation to provide more permanent protection.
“Reef Catchments were awarded the grant and planning work has started. NQBP are also key stakeholders supportive of protecting the cultural and environmental values of the site.”
Other stakeholders involved range from YUWI to Mackay and District Turtle Watch and Birdlife Mackay.
The turtle nesting season closure restricted vehicle access on Lot 70, SP315437 a Reserve for Environment managed by council.
This new, permanent closure will extend to Lot 900 SP104486 and the adjacent bathing reserves. Lot 900 is a Reserve for Environmental and Recreational purposes.
Mayor Williamson said the Reserve tenure did not support use as a vehicle access track.
“Vehicle access to the area is unlawful and, as trustees of the foreshore reserve, council should be taking steps to restrict its use in this way,’’ he said.

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