Coastal and Foreshore Management

Hinchinbrook Shire is home to more than 200 kilometres of coastline, extending from Crystal Creek in the south to Lucinda and Dungeness in the north. These coastal and foreshore areas are valued for their natural beauty, cultural significance and recreational opportunities. 

Council manages foreshore reserves at Taylors Beach, Forrest Beach and Lucinda, working to balance community access with protection of sensitive coastal environments. 

This page provides information on foreshore management, recreational vehicle access, erosion planning and Council’s role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef. 

Council manages coastal and foreshore reserves to: 

  • Provide safe, inclusive and accessible public spaces; 

  • Protect dune systems and coastal vegetation; 

  • Reduce erosion and environmental damage; 

  • Support responsible recreational use; and 

  • Enhance long‑term resilience of coastal communities. 

Coastal environments are dynamic and can change due to tides, weather, erosion and climate influences. Careful management and responsible behaviour help protect these areas for future generations.

Recreational vehicle beach access

Vehicles are permitted on certain beaches within the Shire, however responsible use is essential to protect sensitive dune systems, wildlife habitats and the safety of all beach users. 

Council has identified impacts from inappropriate vehicle use, including damage to vegetation, erosion and disturbance of nesting areas for shorebirds and sea turtles. 

Responsible beach vehicle use 

Do: 

  • Use suitable 4WD vehicles only; 

  • Access beaches within two hours either side of low tide; 

  • Drive on firm sand within the intertidal zone (between the waterline and the high‑tide mark); 

  • Use designated beach access tracks only; and 

  • Follow road rules and drive to conditions. 

Recommended speed: 

  • Recommended: 20 km/h 

  • Maximum: 50 km/h 

Please remember 

  • Reduce tyre pressure appropriately; and 

  • Be courteous to other beach users, including walkers, anglers and families. 

Do not: 

  • Drive on dunes or vegetated areas; 

  • Leave marked access tracks; and 

  • Engage in reckless driving or hooning behaviour. 

Reckless driving and hooning are illegal and will not be tolerated. 

Report hooning or reckless driving to Queensland Police: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/Hooning  

Fines and penalty points may apply. 

Beach access maps and fact sheets 

The following resources provide guidance on permitted vehicle access locations and conditions: 

Off‑Road Beach Access Fact Sheet(PDF, 479KB)

Shoreline Erosion Management Plan

The Hinchinbrook Shire Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) provides a long‑term framework for managing coastal erosion and improving resilience in response to: 

  • Changing environmental conditions 

  • Reduced sand supply 

  • Rising sea levels 

  • Increased frequency and intensity of severe weather events 

The SEMP: 

  • Was developed through extensive community consultation 

  • Uses best‑available scientific and technical information 

  • Identifies practical, sustainable erosion management options 

  • Supports protection of coastal settlements and infrastructure 

The final draft SEMP was adopted by Council in June 2023 and subsequently endorsed by the Queensland Government.

Hinchinbrook Shire Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP)(PDF, 12MB)

For further information, contact Council on (07) 4776 4600.

Lucinda Groyne Field Replacement

The Lucinda Groyne Field has reached the end of its design life and requires replacement. 

Technical assessments have confirmed: 

  • The existing groyne configuration has performed effectively 

  • Replication of the current arrangement provides ongoing stability 

  • Replacement aligns with leading industry practice and historical performance 

Council has undertaken community consultation and shared technical findings with residents. 

Available resources include: 

 

Reef Guardian Council

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is a proud member of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Reef Guardian Councils Program. 

The Great Barrier Reef is a vital part of the region’s: 

  • Natural environment 

  • Economy 

  • Community identity 

As a Reef Guardian Council, Hinchinbrook is committed to: 

  • Reducing land‑based impacts on the Reef 

  • Lowering greenhouse gas emissions 

  • Supporting environmentally responsible planning and development 

  • Managing water, waste and land use in ways that protect reef health 

Council actions are guided by the:

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Reef Guardian Action Plan(PDF, 3MB)

Climate change and reef protection  

The Reef Guardian Councils Program is a collaborative stewardship partnership between: 

  • Local governments within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, and 

  • The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is one of 19 councils participating in the program. 

In October 2022, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority released a Reef Guardian Councils Climate Change Initiatives Snapshot, highlighting actions councils are taking to reduce their community’s carbon footprint.

Click here to learn more about Reef Guardian Councils

 

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