Coasts and communities

 

Benefits of coastal vegetation

The native vegetation in coastal areas plays an important role in stabilising the surface against wind erosion and provides habitat for wildlife. Coastal dunes provide a buffer against coastal hazards such as wind erosion, wave overtopping and tidal inundation during storm events. They also provide a source of sand to replenish the beach during periods of erosion. For this reason, the protection of coastal vegetation is important for the long-term protection of beach front properties.

Find out about the importance of coastal vegetation, how to protect it and what acts constitute vandalism.

Coastal vegetation factsheet(PDF, 2MB)

Coasts and Communities program

The Mackay Coasts and Communities program was initiated to set a vision for the future of the Mackay coast and to engage local communities in coastal management activities. The project provides a strategic and coordinated approach to managing our coasts, developing local management plans to enable all organisations, community groups and local residents to work together to better use and attract resources and achieve the best outcomes for our coastal environments.

The strategic management intent for our coastal zone is outlined in the Mackay Coastal Guidelines.(PDF, 2MB)

Beach management plans have been developed in consultation with coastal communities for public coastal land under Mackay Regional Council's jurisdiction. Implementation of priority activities in many of these areas is now underway, including coastal fencing, weed control and revegetation.

Local coastal plans

• Midge Point Summary(PDF, 4MB) (adopted 2018)
• Midge Point(PDF, 8MB) (adopted 2018)
• St Helens Beach(PDF, 18MB) (adopted 2022)
• Seaforth(PDF, 5MB) (adopted 2010, revised 2012)
• Haliday Bay(PDF, 4MB) (adopted 2010)
• Ball Bay(PDF, 4MB) (adopted 2010)
• Shoal Point(PDF, 4MB) (adopted 2010)
• Bucasia Beach Summary(PDF, 761KB) (adopted 2017)
• Bucasia Beach(PDF, 6MB) (adopted 2017)
• Eimeo(PDF, 4MB) (adopted 2010)
• Blacks Beach Summary(PDF, 534KB) (adopted 2017)
• Blacks Beach(PDF, 5MB) (adopted 2017)
• Blacks Beach Spit(PDF, 2MB) (adopted 2013)
• Slade Point Summary(PDF, 3MB) (adopted 2019)
• Slade Poin(PDF, 8MB)t (adopted 2019)
• Slade Point Reserve - developed in 2008
• Harbour Beach - in development
• Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve(PDF, 4MB) (adopted in 2009)
• Town and Far Beach(PDF, 2MB) - (adopted 2013)
• McEwens Beach(PDF, 20MB) - (adopted 2019)
• Dunrock - in development Louisa Creek Beach (adopted 2007)
• Half tide Beach(PDF, 651KB) (adopted 2007)
• Salonika Beach(PDF, 591KB) (adopted 2007)
• Grasstree Beach Summary(PDF, 692KB) (adopted 2017)
• Grasstree Beach(PDF, 12MB) (adopted 2017)
• Campwin Beach(PDF, 504KB) (adopted 2007)
• Sarina Beach(PDF, 12MB) - Summary (adopted 2023)
• Sarina Beach(PDF, 19MB) - Part 1 (adopted 2023)
• Sarina Beach(PDF, 10MB) - Part 2(adopted 2023)
• Armstrongs Beach(PDF, 524KB) (adopted 2007)

 

The Mackay Coasts and Communities program is delivered in partnership by Mackay Regional Council and Reef Catchments, supported by the Natural Environment Levy and the Australian Government's Caring for our Country Program.

Get involved

Get involved in coastal management activities at your local beach. Lend a hand planting seedlings, controlling weeds and collecting rubbish on our coast.

Follow our social media to keep up to date on upcoming activities including planting days.