PLEASE FIX THE RADICAL BAY ROAD

And open the road for vehicle access for the general public.

Here are some photos from March 2019 of the Radical Bay Road. The road has been damaged further in the past 7 years, there has been little if no maintenance carried out during that time. The road was closed in 2021.

Both Scott Stewart and then Mayor Jenny Hill faced severe back lash from residents with the decision and were not transparent with the local community.

" According to a Lands Department spokesperson, the Townsville City Council has been privy to secret negotiations to achieve this closure in direct contradiction to Mayor Jenny Hill’s promise in May to the Magnetic Island Residents and Ratepayers Association meeting that the Council would consider fixing the road as far as Florence Bay and creating a carpark there."

When asked why there is No community Consultation " the spokesperson said it was a matter of safety and far too important to let the community have any input."

When Jenny Hill said council would consider restoring the road to Florence Bay and building a carpark the MIRRA launched a petition which garnered over 2,000 signatures- the petition has been forwarded to Adam Baillie.

Here is a joint statement which was issued by the then Member for Townsville and Minister for Lands Department Scott Stewart and councillor Ann Maree Greaney on 18th August 2021.

The media release clearly states that the road will now become a walking track.

The road has been left to detriorate since its closure and currently there is no vehicle access for our emergency services, it is unsafe for walkers. The road is unallocated State Land.

.'Maggie Island’s Radical Bay access track to be devoted to bushwalkers only

A 40-year-old track into a long-closed former resort will be reserved for bushwalkers to provide more opportunity to safely experience Magnetic Island’s vast walking trail network.

Resources Minister and member for Townsville Scott Stewart announced works would start next month to bring an end to vehicle use on the Radical Bay access track, a legacy of the Radical Bay Resort which closed in the early 1990s.

“Maggie Island is a truly special place with breathtaking views and picturesque beaches and bays,” Mr Stewart said.

“Currently the shared access track is not a public road and is in a poor state and unsafe for walkers and drivers alike.

“Devoting the Radical Bay access track to bushwalkers only will ensure we do not spoil our treasured spots on the island while still allowing the public to safely enjoy them.

“Both locals and tourists will be able to walk the track and they will be rewarded by seeing stunning views, wildlife and visiting the secluded Radical Bay.

“Utilising more of our natural assets for eco-tourism is an important part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and this new dedicated walking track will create flow-on benefits for businesses across the island.”

Since 2012, Juniper Property Holdings has held approval for a 24-lot housing development near Radical Bay on Magnetic Island, which included upgrades to the 3.5km access track.

However, the proposed development will not go ahead, and the company has applied to surrender the permits held over the existing track footprint.

Gates will be installed at the entrance to the track opposite Horseshoe Bay Road and opposite the residence at Arthur Bay.

Local councillor Ann-Maree Greaney welcomed the decision to limit vehicular access to eligible users only, while continuing to make it available to bushwalkers.

“The Radical Bay access track has never been a gazetted road and over the years its condition has deteriorated significantly which has caused issues for those using it,” Cr Greaney said.

“With the development permits for Radical Bay being surrendered, reserving the track for use by bushwalkers and limiting vehicular access to eligible vehicles only is the most appropriate course of action.”

Keys to the gates will be provided to eligible users such as emergency services, park rangers and the owner of the Arthur Bay residence.

Mr Stewart said it was important that police, fire and ambulance services were able to access the track with a vehicle in case of an emergency situation.

This initiative will complement the Palaszczuk Government’s commitments to providing a range of new eco-trail experiences on Magnetic Island like the recently completed $2.35 million Forts Junction Hub, which has enhanced community access, provided much-needed amenities, as well as an orientation centre for the island’s trail network.'

Article Debbie Denison

Pictured: This was the Townsville Bulletin's take on the closure at the time