Clean-up works to improve Harbour Beach access

• NQBP will commence clean-up works at Harbour Beach from Wednesday 14 October to improve public access and safety.
• Large amounts of woody debris have once again accumulated along the shoreline.
• NQBP is working with Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club to deliver the clean-up, with the beach access point in front of the Club remaining open throughout.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will commence clean-up works at Harbour Beach from Wednesday 14 October to help improve public access and safety following the accumulation of large amounts of woody debris along the shoreline.

NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said NQBP is pleased to once again support the Mackay community and help improve access to the popular beach.

“Last year, we helped with a clean-up at Harbour Beach following severe weather, which resulted in large amounts of woody debris washing up along the shoreline,” Mr Webb said.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen a significant amount of debris build up again, which is affecting access in some areas.

“Harbour Beach is outside our port area, but it sits alongside our operations and we have a long-standing relationship with the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club.

“When the Club raised its concerns with us, we were only too happy to see what we could do to help.

“For us, it’s about being a good neighbour and playing our part to look after a place that’s important to the local community and contributes to the liveability of the Mackay region.”

The clean-up works will involve temporary closures of some beach access points while machinery is operating.

The access point directly in front of the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club will remain open throughout the works.

As large debris is removed, access points will be progressively reopened.

The works will be carried out under all required approvals and permits.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP welcomed the works as an important contribution to the liveability of the Mackay region.

“Mackay is renowned for its beaches, and the Surf Lifesavers are an iconic part of our coastal lifestyle,” Mr Dalton said.

“When members of the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club approached me for help in dealing with the debris on the beach, I was keen to help find a solution.

“I thank NQBP and CEO Brendan Webb for taking proactive action to help restore safe and easy access to Harbour Beach.

“I also thank our community for their patience while these works are underway. This short-term disruption will help deliver a cleaner, safer coastline for everyone to enjoy.”

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club President Luke Griffith said the Club was grateful for the collaborative effort to improve access to the beach.

“As the ‘Guardians of Harbour Beach’, our Club sees firsthand how important a safe and accessible beach is to our members, visitors and the wider Mackay community,” Mr Griffith said.

“With woody debris again affecting parts of the shoreline, we really appreciate NQBP working with the Club and other stakeholders to help restore access and improve safety at Harbour Beach.

“It’s great to see this collaborative effort continuing to look after a much-loved community asset, and we thank everyone involved in making the clean-up happen.”

For public safety, community members are asked to stay clear of operating machinery, including excavators and trucks, and follow all on-site signage.

Initial mobilisation, including establishing safe access for machinery, will begin ahead of full operations commencing on Wednesday 14 October with completion planned on Friday 16 October.

Images for download

Image | North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation CEO Brendan Webb, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP and Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club President Luke Griffith.

Image | NQBP is working with Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club to deliver the clean-up, with the beach access point in front of the Club remaining open throughout.

Image | Large amounts of woody debris have once again accumulated along the shoreline.

Image | The clean-up works will involve temporary closures of some beach access points while machinery is operating.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact:

Emilie Power | Senior Advisor Community Relationship
07 4969 0773 | epower@nqbp.com.au