Community concerns after Taylor Point at Trinity Beach sold in secret deal
Mystery surrounds the buyer of Taylor Point at Trinity Beach, which was sold in a secret deal that has shocked a community that has lobbied for a public buy-back. Here is what we know.
Mystery surrounds the buyer of Taylor Point at Trinity Beach in the Cairns Northern Beaches, which was sold in a secret deal that has shocked the community.
The undeveloped 18.81ha headland is believed to have quietly changed hands within the past few days, after being on the market for $8 million for several years.
It had been marketed by Colliers Cairns managing director Stacey Quaid, who declined to make any comment about the deal other than to say it was no longer for sale.
The Cairns and Far North Environment Centre recently posted an update on social media saying they had confirmation the headland had sold privately.
“This is shock news after decades of campaigning for the site to be in public hands, and major efforts from CAFNEC and all across the community to secure election commitments for its buy back,” the post said.
“CAFNEC has reached out to what seems to be the new owners, the Macernis Group, who recently published this website indicating their vision for the site.”
Trinity Beach is a popular holiday destination, which often attracts interstate and overseas visitors.
Publicly-available property records show that the 18.81ha site was purchased 24 years ago by resort developer Robert Prettejohn for $4.15 million in 1999.
Prettejohn is the owner of the Thala Beach Nature Reserve and Resort.
In an online statement, CAFNEC described Macernis Group as a “largely unknown organisation”, adding that they had not had any contact from the group.
On its website, Macernis Group describes itself as a team “comprising experts and visionaries” who are “committed to fostering a sustainable future through our efforts in environmental protection”.
It calls Taylor Point a “coastal beacon now suffering from the effects of unauthorized access and damage”.
“Years of unchecked intrusion and misuse have resulted in a decline that demands immediate and decisive action,” the group says on a newly-minted project page titled “Taylor Point: Reversing the Impact of Unauthorized Access”.
“Stepping into the breach, the Macernis Group has launched an initiative to not only halt the insidious parade of degradation but to propel Taylor Point toward a renaissance of environmental health,” it says.
“Our action plan is the embodiment of dedication to ecological reverence and restoration.”
A single quote attributed to Audrius Macernis says: “At Macernis Group, we embody the belief that unity is strength, especially when it comes to being guardians of our planet’s fabric”.
It lists its “leading contractor” as Visada, a company described as a “global leader in gate and fence hardware solutions” with contact numbers in the US and Australia.
Under the sub-heading “A Green Battle”, the Macernis Group claims: “Over the years, however, this haven has faced severe degradation due to unauthorized public access, littering, off-road vehicle activities, and vegetation destruction. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the Macernis Group has committed to protecting, repairing, and preserving Taylor Point, ensuring its survival for future generations.”
It states that its mission is “to reverse these adverse effects through a comprehensive preservation plan”.
“This initiative will involve a multifaceted approach to restoration, starting with restricting unauthorized access,” it says of it splan for the site.
“By installing barriers and signage, the organization aims to prevent further damage from off-road vehicles and unregulated foot traffic.
“These measures will help safeguard vulnerable areas, allowing the ecosystem to recover and thrive without unauthorized human interference.”
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Further, the Macernis Group says it was “spearhead extensive clean-up operations to remove litter and debris”, replant native species and restore habitats.
“Through these efforts, the Macernis Group aims to restore Taylor Point to its former glory, transforming it into a protected private area where nature can heal and thrive,” it says.
When it was listed for sale, Taylor Point was described as an “unapologetic headland paradise” with pristine bush and dramatic rocky outcrops.
“The location delivers outstanding panoramic mountain, coastal and ocean views with absolute beach frontage, in an area of abundant natural beauty within easy reach of the essentials of modern life,” the listing said.
“A single title freehold parcel with boundaries extending to the high-water mark and beaches on two sides.
“This significant freehold headland offers a unique development opportunity in a majestic setting whether an exclusive home, or a prestige residential enclave - this inspirational headland property is waiting to be redefined.”
The local community had lobbied for years for Taylor Point to be returned to the public, with some MPs backing the buy-back plan ahead of the upcoming state election.
Prior to Prettejohn purchasing the significant holding, it had been owned by the Anglican Church, according to the ABC.
News Corp has reached out to Macernis Group for comment.
Originally published as Community concerns after Taylor Point at Trinity Beach sold in secret deal
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