Grasstree Beach beach accesses

Recent king tides have caused significant erosion of the coastal foredune at the northern end of the Grasstree Beach Esplanade. Unfortunately, this has led to unsafe conditions for the public wanting to access the beach.

The engineered beach stairs, installed near the public toilets, fared well, and continue to be available to access the beach. The accesses fitted with sand ladders have been damaged beyond repair. Thankfully, the emergency vehicle access escaped major impact and remains in use. Please refer to map below.

As previous attempts to repair the sand ladders were a short-term fix and the existing engineered beach stairs have proven to be successful, council plans to construct another set of engineered stairs mid-way along the northern stretch of the esplanade directly opposite Patterson Street. In the interest of public safety, the damaged accesses fitted with sand ladders will be permanently closed.

Council will proceed with immediate repairs to the northern stair ladder access which allow temporary access to the beach until the new beach stairs are in place.

Options to help stabilise the foredune area and re-establish vegetation cover are being investigated.

While repairs and other safety measures are being implemented, and later when construction of the new engineered stairs is under way, there will be some noise and dust disturbances with various plant and equipment on-site. We thank you for your patience during these essential works.

Should you have any questions, please contact council's Community Engagement team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or email engagement@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Existing engineered stair Damaged stair ladder