Taylor Point purchase a ‘high priority’ for Barron River MP Craig Crawford ahead of next election

The push for the Queensland government to purchase a popular but privately owned headland in Cairns’ northern beaches has bipartisan support ahead of the October state election.

Taylor Point at Trinity Beach, which is on the market for $8m, is the subject of a reinvigorated campaign for the state government to acquire it. Picture: Supplied

The push for the Queensland government to purchase Taylor Point from a private developer has bipartisan support ahead of the October state election.

Barron River MP Craig Crawford has declared the acquisition of the 18.8ha parcel as one of his top campaign priorities ahead of the October election.

He said he would raise the matter with the premier, treasurer and other relevant ministers to explore all options under which the acquisition could be made possible.

“It’s one of the last headlands sitting out there that isn’t already national park or protected,” Mr Crawford said.

“It needs to be community accessible land. We can do consultation with community leaders to see what could be done with it. But what we need to do next is get access to the title.”

Barron River MP Craig Crawford said he would lobby the Premier to secure Taylor Point ahead of the state government election in October. Picture: Peter Carruthers

In 2022 Mr Crawford’s enthusiasm was subdued by then-environment minister Meaghan Scanlon comments that the acquisition was more appropriate for Cairns Regional Council.

Mr Crawford said other government departments could take it on.

“I’ll be looking for a government commitment toward it and allow them to work it out,” he said.

“I’m very happy to talk with council if they’re interested in running it under their network,” he said.

The land is owned by developer Robert Prettejohn.

It is currently on the market for $8m.

Bree James, the LNP’s Barron River candidate, said Taylor Point needed to be preserved.

Bree James, the LNP's Barron River candidate, with LNP environment spokesman Sam O'Connor, at Taylor Point in October 2023. Picture: Supplied

“The community has told me they want to see Taylor Point secured as a public green space to be preserved and enjoyed. I’ve listened and I agree,” Ms James said.

“Places where people can have more green time instead of screen time are a high priority for me.

“I challenge (Craig Crawford) to secure the purchase and transfer of Taylor Point as a public green space before the coming state election.”

Division 9 councillor Brett Olds has said the council should work with the state government to ensure Taylor Point returns to the community’s hands. Picture: Romy Bullerjahn

Cairns’ Division 9 councillor Brett Olds said the best approach would be for the Queensland Government to purchase the land but transfer it to the council as a trustee to look after it.

“As long as the community owns it, it’s a good outcome,” Mr Olds said.

“We’ve had huge hooning, illegal dumping and itinerant problems there. Once you activate that area, you’ll get rid of the scallywag behaviour.

“You can create some proper, maintained walking tracks in there.

“There’s political will, and we’re coming up to an election.

“Of the doors I’ve knocked on at Trinity Beach, 75 to 85 per cent of people are asking ‘what are you going to do about Taylor Point.’”

Originally published as Taylor Point purchase a ‘high priority’ for Barron River MP Craig Crawford ahead of next election