New Far North MP reveals her plans for stunning coastal headland
A Far North MP won’t rule out compulsory acquisition of Taylor Point in the future but says securing public access to the headland for residents is her main priority.
A Far North MP won’t rule out compulsory acquisition of Taylor Point in the future but says securing public access to the headland for residents is her main priority.
Businessman Audrius Macernis revealed that he had bought the breathtaking coastal property, located between Kewarra Beach and Trinity Beach, in October, ending decades of community lobbying to establish a public park on the site.
Prior to the state election, former Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said a Labor government would attempt to compulsorily acquire the 18ha headland, if re-elected.
But incoming MP Bree James said her plan was to work with the current owner who has vowed to open parts of the property to the public once critical areas have been restored.
“The Labor government knew that it was a priority for the community for a decade,” Ms James said.
“They completely ignored the community and did nothing for such a long time. It wasn’t a priority for the (former) environment minister (Meaghan Scanlon) and unfortunately that land has been sold.”
But Ms James vowed that she would work to ensure that the community could access the beachfront, featuring stunning views of Double Island, in the near future.
“He seems like he has the right intentions,” Ms James said of the Lithuanian-born businessman.
“But, trust me, I’ll be holding him to account to make sure that he follows through with what he intends to do with the land.
“My job now is to advocate for that new owner to give public access in the future.”
Last month, Mr Macernis declared that a footpath would be established from the main entrance of the property to the beach.
“I want there to be solar lights and everything else to make it proper … so it’s about repairing Taylor Point first and then implementing the drawings,” he said.
But four-wheel-driving inside the treasured retreat will be banned.
“She has so many scars and has been so badly abused,” Mr Macernis said. “It’s like a sick body. It needs peace and rejuvenation and this is exactly what she needs.
“This is Taylor Point’s time to heal. For so many years nothing has been done.”
M
eanwhile, Ms James has been named assistant minister for tourism, early learning, creative industries and Far North Queensland
“This will ensure our Far North region has a voice at the leadership table, including for tourism which is a vital industry for our region and critical thousands of local jobs,” she said.
The incoming MP said she hopes to speak with Taylor Point’s new owner once she is sworn-in later this month.
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Originally published as New Far North MP reveals her plans for stunning coastal headland
