Stop the Mackay Port Access Road

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The new Mackay Port Access road would be devastating for our local mangroves and nature. It is planned to be a double-laned, 9.5km from the Ring Road to the Mt Bassett Cemetery Road, clearing all in its path, for more freight movements from the Port and to the coal-fields.

If this new road goes ahead it would clear 20ha of precious mangroves in Vines Creek, declared fish habitat area, plus destroy habitat of the threatened native water mouse, the flying fox colony area behind the Mackay Christian College and displace species that depend on mangroves like crabs, fish, waterbirds ...

The new Mackay Port Access road would be devastating for our local mangroves and nature. It is planned to be a double-laned, 9.5km from the Ring Road to the Mt Bassett Cemetery Road, clearing all in its path, for more freight movements from the Port and to the coal-fields.

If this new road goes ahead it would clear 20ha of precious mangroves in Vines Creek, declared fish habitat area, plus destroy habitat of the threatened native water mouse, the flying fox colony area behind the Mackay Christian College and displace species that depend on mangroves like crabs, fish, waterbirds and crustaceans.

It would also increase noise and air pollution behind homes and schools, with the Mackay Christian College losing their mangrove site used for science lessons.

1. Destruction of mangroves

Mackay's mangroves are most southern end for many Qld mangrove species - meaning that these mangroves & plants and animals that rely on them have nowhere to go but north, if they are cleared. As climate change makes things hotter, this is a death sentence.

Mangroves are also vital for ecosystems, some local fish breeding cycles and protection from storm surges.

2. Revoking 20ha of Declared Fish Habitat Area (FHA)

The Department of Transport and Main Roads will revoke a FHA, but say they will "add" in 40ha. This extra habitat already exists and working as a fish habitat, so this won't actually "add" anything - only on paper. This area should also be protected.

3. A waste of taxpayers money

The road was first costed at $350 million of taxpayers money, split between the QLD state (20%) and federal governments (80%). It is now reported that the cost has blown out to $1.49 billion. In a cost of living and climate crisis, there are far better ways to be spending our taxpayers money on.

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Email MP's who can stop the Road

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Send an email today to the Hon Catherine King MP - Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

We'll also link in QLD State Ministers:

Anthony (Tony) Perrett MP - Minister for Primary Industries
Brent Mickelberg MP - Minister for Transport & Main Roads
Nigel Dalton MP - Member for Mackay
Andrew Willcox MP - Member for Dawson

We highly encourage you to write your own email, as it will have the biggest impact!

Or feel free to use our pre-written one.

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Dear the Hon Catherine King MP,

I am writing as a concerned local about the proposed new Mackay Port Access road in northern Mackay.

This project will ultimately be coming to you and your department for a decision, and we urge you not to approve this destructive, costly project.

If this new 9.5km, double-laned road goes ahead it would clear important mangroves in Vines Creek, 20ha of declared Fish Habitat Area (FHA), plus destroy habitat of the threatened native water mouse, the flying fox colony area behind the Mackay Christian College and displace species that depend on mangroves like crabs, fish, waterbirds and crustaceans. The road would also add more noise and air pollution to our community.

I am calling on you to use your powers to help cancel this road by retaining the protections of the FHA and advocate for the removal of federal funding of this project.

1. Economic cost
The road was originally budgeted at $350 million in taxpayers' money, with 80% funded by the federal government and 20% funded by the Queensland government. That figure has now ballooned to $1.49 billion. At a time of cost-of-living pressures and a climate crisis, there are far more urgent and worthwhile priorities for public spending.

2. Mangroves Need to be Protected
The mangroves in the area have been studied extensively and shown to store 4-10 times of carbon than land forests, and up to 8 metres deep. Some of the mangroves are hundreds of years old and the area is important culturally for mud mussels and traditional foods.

Mackay is the southernmost location for some mangrove species, like the wrinklepod and small leaf mangrove - meaning if they are lost, these species and the animals that depend on them are forced north. In a warming climate, this will be a death sentence.

2. Revoking 20ha of Declared Fish Habitat Area (FHA)
The Department of Transport and Main Roads will revoke a FHA, but say they will "add" in 40ha. This extra habitat already exists and is working as a fish habitat, so this won't actually "add" anything - only on paper. FHA's are vital for many fish species - both recreational and commercial - and these areas provide crucial habitat for fish breeding and nurseries.

FHA's should be respected and remain as protected areas, not destroyed and replaced with offsets, which are problematic and proven not to work.

3. Community opposition
The local media ran stories when this project was made public and the community became alarmed. Locals made submissions against the plan to revoke the FHA and the large sentiment is that this road makes no sense for the damage it will cause, and the noise and air pollution it will bring.

New roads are rarely the best answer to congestion. Better and safer cyclepaths and options for cycling and public transport, and town planning can reduce traffic.

Again, this road makes no environmental, social or economic sense. We urge you to reject the Mackay Port Access road and pull the Federal Government's commitment to fund it.

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