WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?

The Mackay Port Access Road is a new proposed 9.5 km, two-lane road connecting the Mackay Ring Road to Harbour Road near the Port of Mackay.

The proposed route runs directly through the Bassett Basin, a sensitive coastal wetland system made up of mangroves, tidal creeks and declared Fish Habitat Area (FHA).

To enable the construction of the road, over 20 hectares of declared Fish Habitat Area would need to be revoked, including areas classified as Management B, which are recognised for their ecological importance and role in supporting fish diversity.

This would involve clearing over 20 hectares of mangroves in Vines Creek. These mangroves support fish breeding cycles, protect the coastline and provide habitat for a wide range of species, including crabs, fish, waterbirds and threatened wildlife.

WHY DO WE OPPOSE IT?

This project is short-sighted and removes our critical mangroves during a climate and eco-crisis. A new road for trucks through mangroves is also ridiculous as sea levels are rising and storms becoming more frequent.

The construction would require:

• +$1.49 billion of taxpayers money
• Revoke 20ha of declared Fish Habitat Area
• Clearing of over 20ha of mangroves that are vital for fish nurseries, flying fox habitat, and that of the vulnerable-listed native water mouse
• Air and noise pollution from heavy trucks near our homes, schools and community

WHAT'S AT RISK

The Bassett Basin Fish Habitat Area exists to protect ecosystems that are essential for marine life and coastal stability.

Mangroves and associated wetlands in this area provide nursery habitat for fish, crabs and prawns, support birdlife and coastal biodiversity, store significant amounts of carbon, stabilise shorelines and reduce erosion, and act as natural buffers against storm surge and extreme weather.

These functions are interconnected. When one is weakened or removed, the others are affected.

If this project proceeds, the impacts will extend beyond the immediate footprint of the road, affecting ecological processes across the wider coastal system and the communities that depend on them.