4WD ACCESS DENIED

Mary River Traveston Crossing bridge area access will still be allowed for walkers, swimmers, kayaks and canoes.

4WD ACCESS TO END

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will fence off a popular section of the Mary River at Kybong, to prevent vehicle access and stop further damage from four wheel drives to the riverbank, plants and rare turtle nesting habitat. Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee chairman, Ian Mackay said what was once a rallying point for the community is being ruined by thoughtless visitors and free campers, who are leaving behind litter, toilet paper and faeces. “Traveston crossing is an area that's being really trashed,” Mr Mackay said. “A lot of the locals who used to love to go down there for a swim now don't like to do it because they say there's bikes driving around and cars driving around and there's broken glass.” A Queensland Agriculture and Fisheries spokesperson said the department is consulting with stakeholders, before a fence, including steel posts and rails is installed later this year. There will also be signage and a surveillance camera installed to monitor the area. The Mary River is one of the five highest contributors of fine sediment to the Great Barrier Reef along with the fact that millions of dollars has been spent on riverbank regeneration projects. Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee