Not for sale: Audrius Macernis spurns state government’s offer to purchase prized $8m Far North headland

Taylor Point’s mystery owner has vowed not to sell the breathtaking coastal property “even for $100m” as he outlines his plans for the stunning headland and beach.

Businessman Audrius Macernis has purchased Taylor Point, the northmost parcel of land at Trinity Beach, for an undisclosed sum. The environmentalist plans to work with other conservation groups through his own organisation, the Macernis Group, to restore the 18ha site’s natural landscape. Taylor Point owner Audrius Macernis dismantles a tent that was set up on the headland by squatters. Picture: Brendan Radke

Taylor Point’s mysterious new owner has vowed not to sell the breathtaking coastal property “even for $100m”, with public access to the stunning headland and beach to return once critical areas have been restored.

Dressed in a fluorescent yellow high-vis vest, board shorts and sandals, Audrius Macernis dragged a torn blue mattress to the streetfront of his newly acquired $8m asset on Thursday morning and tossed it onto a rapidly growing pile of rubbish.

Audrius Macernis (left) speaks with a Trinity Beach local at Taylor Point before escorting him off his property. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Lithuanian-born businessman, who has been living in a tent in the bush since Monday, tilted his broad-brimmed hat back and flashed a cheeky grin as he began to explain his journey to Far North Queensland.

“My friends think I’m crazy,” Mr Macernis, who declined a request to have his portrait taken for this story, said.

A photo of businessman, Audrius Macernis, posted on social media. Mr Macernis has bought Tayor Point on Cairns' northern beaches. Picture: Facebook

The 45-year-old inventor confirmed that he bought the Trinity Beach property in March and erected a small fence and signs prohibiting visitors from trespassing earlier this week.

Limiting access to the site, which has been the subject of a decades-long campaign to return it to public hands, has led to community backlash.

An abandoned tent on the property's headland with a view of Double Island in the background Inside the tent were kitchen items, bedding and toilet paper. Picture: Brendan Radke

The new owner’s car window was smashed in recently and he’s had several heated arguments with angry residents eager to walk through the forest and appreciate views of Double Island from the beach.

“I’m not really intimidated by the low mentality stuff,” Mr Macernis said of threats directed towards him.

“I don’t really get affected by it.

“When it comes to public access there are already plans in drawing to have a footpath from the main entrance all the way 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.”

A sign has been erected at the property entance to notify bushwalkers and would-be four-wheel-drive enthusiasts that the land is now closed off to the public. Picture: Brendan Radke

The treasured retreat has been badly damaged by four-wheel-drives and squatters who’ve destroyed several areas of Taylor Point almost beyond repair.

On an hour-long tour of the 18ha headland, the engineer-turned-conservationist showed several areas in need of significant rehabilitation.

Businessman Audrius Macernis plans to work with other conservation groups through his own organisation, the Macernis Group, to restore Taylor Point’s natural landscape. Burned out cars that have been dumped and set on fire at Taylor Point. Picture: Brendan Radke

Clapped out abandoned cars previously set on fire have been left to rust inside the rainforest, foul camp sites and discarded piles of rancid waste near the beach will take work to clean up, he said.

While staring at two dilapidated jalopies covered in graffiti and weeds, Mr Macernis announced that four-wheel driving on the property will be banned.

“She has so many scars and has been so badly abused,” he said of Taylor Point.

“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.”

Inside an abandoned tent at Taylor Point. Picture: Brendan Radke

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford met with Taylor Point’s new owner on Tuesday with the state government willing to spend up to $10m to buy the property.

“I want to keep Taylor Point in public hands for future generations,” Mr Crawford said.

“I have delivered Earl Hill and Double Island, and if re-elected, will complete the trifecta and preserve Taylor Point for public use, forever.

“The acquisition of Taylor Point is the final piece of the puzzle.”

Businessman Audrius Macernis has purchased Taylor Point, the last undeveloped headland on Cairns’ northern beaches. Picture: Brendan Radke

But Mr Macernis said he won’t be entertaining any offers.

“It’s not about the money,” he said.

“I could still be building corporations if I was money driven.

“Instead, I’m picking up rubbish and sticking it in a trolley because I’m committed to this.

“Sure, people may smash my cars and maybe even steal things. I don’t care about cars. It’s a spiritual thing.”

Mr Macernis said he hoped to eventually build a “humble” home on the property and a small number of “eco-cottages” near Wilma St in the future.

Originally published as Not for sale: Audrius Macernis spurns state government’s offer to purchase prized $8m Far North headland