Grasstree Beach beach accesses

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Recent king tides have caused significant erosion of the coastal foredune at the northern end of the Grasstree Beach Esplanade. Unfortunately, this has led to unsafe conditions for the public wanting to access the beach.

The engineered beach stairs, installed near the public toilets, fared well, and continue to be available to access the beach. The accesses fitted with sand ladders have been damaged beyond repair. Thankfully, the emergency vehicle access escaped major impact and remains in use. Please refer to map below.

As previous attempts to repair the sand ladders were a short-term fix and the existing engineered beach stairs have proven to be successful, council plans to construct another set of engineered stairs mid-way along the northern stretch of the esplanade directly opposite Patterson Street. In the interest of public safety, the damaged accesses fitted with sand ladders will be permanently closed.

Council undertook immediate repairs to the northern stair ladder access which allow temporary access to the beach until the new beach stairs are in place.

Options to help stabilise the foredune area and re-establish vegetation cover are being investigated.

While repairs and other safety measures are being implemented, and later when construction of the new engineered stairs is under way, there will be some noise and dust disturbances with various plant and equipment on-site. We thank you for your patience during these essential works.

Should you have any questions, please contact council's Community Engagement team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or email engagement@mackay.qld.gov.au.


Existing engineered stair Damaged stair ladder

Recent king tides have caused significant erosion of the coastal foredune at the northern end of the Grasstree Beach Esplanade. Unfortunately, this has led to unsafe conditions for the public wanting to access the beach.

The engineered beach stairs, installed near the public toilets, fared well, and continue to be available to access the beach. The accesses fitted with sand ladders have been damaged beyond repair. Thankfully, the emergency vehicle access escaped major impact and remains in use. Please refer to map below.

As previous attempts to repair the sand ladders were a short-term fix and the existing engineered beach stairs have proven to be successful, council plans to construct another set of engineered stairs mid-way along the northern stretch of the esplanade directly opposite Patterson Street. In the interest of public safety, the damaged accesses fitted with sand ladders will be permanently closed.

Council undertook immediate repairs to the northern stair ladder access which allow temporary access to the beach until the new beach stairs are in place.

Options to help stabilise the foredune area and re-establish vegetation cover are being investigated.

While repairs and other safety measures are being implemented, and later when construction of the new engineered stairs is under way, there will be some noise and dust disturbances with various plant and equipment on-site. We thank you for your patience during these essential works.

Should you have any questions, please contact council's Community Engagement team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or email engagement@mackay.qld.gov.au.


Existing engineered stair Damaged stair ladder

  • Project update: October 23, 2025

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    Mackay Regional Council wishes to provide you with an update regarding the beach access stairs project.

    The design for the new engineered beach stairs, to be located opposite Patterson Street, has now been finalised.

    Preparations are currently under way to develop the tender documentation, after which the project will be released for open tender.

    Construction is anticipated to commence in 2026.

    Mackay Regional Council wishes to provide you with an update regarding the beach access stairs project.

    The design for the new engineered beach stairs, to be located opposite Patterson Street, has now been finalised.

    Preparations are currently under way to develop the tender documentation, after which the project will be released for open tender.

    Construction is anticipated to commence in 2026.

  • Project update: December 11, 2024

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    The design for the engineered stairs will be commencing in early 2025. Construction will occur in the 2025/2026 financial year.

    As part of the design process surveying will be undertaken, then development and environmental approvals and an associated works permits will be sought.

    Approval is also required by the State Assessment and Referral Agency due to the works being undertaken on dunes.

    Council thanks you for your patience while these works are under way.


    The design for the engineered stairs will be commencing in early 2025. Construction will occur in the 2025/2026 financial year.

    As part of the design process surveying will be undertaken, then development and environmental approvals and an associated works permits will be sought.

    Approval is also required by the State Assessment and Referral Agency due to the works being undertaken on dunes.

    Council thanks you for your patience while these works are under way.

Page last updated: 23 Oct 2025, 04:21 PM