Environment Minister pledges funding for erosion management plan during Midge Point inspection

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles today (Sunday) announced Palaszczuk Government funding of $20,000 to Mackay Regional Council to help combat erosion on Midge Point.

Dr Miles made the commitment during an inspection of the beach this morning with Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and members of the Midge Point Progress Association (MPPA), ahead of Community Cabinet in Proserpine.

“Unlike the former LNP Government who made empty promises, I made it a priority to see for myself issues raised and give them support to address this issue,” Dr Miles said.

“The Mayor and members of the MPPA joined me in inspecting the foreshore and the geo-fabric, before discussing alternative options to manage coastal erosion and storm tide inundation at Midge Point.

“Midge Point is also one of the communities on the frontline in the battle against rising sea levels and possible increase in cyclone intensity as a result of climate change.

“That means accelerated coastal erosion, permanent inundation of low lying areas and an increase in the areas impacted by storm tides.

“I appreciate residents have invested considerable time and funds towards beach stabilisation using geo-fabric.

“Going forward, any erosion protection works needs to be a properly engineered solution that is fully approved, and that all parties are happy with.

“That is why the Palaszczuk Government is committing $20,000 to the Mackay Regional Council to assist in further Shoreline Erosion Management Planning (SEMP),” Dr Miles said.

“In addition to the funding, the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection will provide technical support and advice to council in preparing a SEMP.

“We now have the opportunity to find the best possible solution to the threat of erosion at Midge Point.

“Until we have an agreed solution to safeguard Midge Point from the impacts of coastal hazards, no work will occur on the beach in the interest of public safety – and for now, I have asked Council to leave the geo-fabric material in place.

“I look forward to hearing from Council once their engineers have explored all suitable options to manage coastal hazards at Midge Point beach,” he said.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said was happy to be involved in this morning’s meeting.

“I am pleased the Minister is making time to meet with the Midge Point Progress Association and council to discuss the issue and to explore options moving forward,’’ he said.

Midge Point Progress Association Acting President Lance Greenwood said the meeting was a “move in the right direction”.

“We are optimistic that there will be a permanent, long term solution that will protect our beach for the future and also relieve the association of its concerns about the threat of fines,” Mr Greenwood said.

Dr Miles said every coastal council in Queensland needed to develop these kinds of long-term coastal management strategies and seek participation from the public and local businesses.

ENDS

MEDIA 0422 580 342