Govt has advised that erosion wall at McEwens Beach must go

Topics: erosion, mackay, mackay regional council, mcewans beach, wall

A MAKESHIFT erosion wall at McEwens Beach has to go.

The State Government has advised Mackay Regional Council to remove or fix the 230m-long, illegally constructed seawall.

But the council has opted to remove it completely, after an independent engineer advised it posed a "high to extreme risk to the safety of the public".

Mayor Deirdre Comerford said the State Environment Minister had advised it was council's responsibility to remove or modify the structure as it was on freehold land owned by Mackay Regional Council.

"Based on the engineering advice, we have decided to remove the wall in May 2014," she said.

"The department agrees with our proposed timeframe and has acknowledged the steps we've taken to make the area safe for the public," she said.

The timber retaining wall has been isolated by temporary fencing erected by the council in October. This left some residents frustrated by their limited access to the beach.

Cr Comerford and departmental representatives met with McEwens Beach residents on Friday to explain the situation and answer further questions on coastal erosion issues.

"We are governed by stringent beach protection guidelines and this structure has not been approved by either council or the State Government," she said.

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Govt has advised that erosion wall at McEwens Beach must go