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How Platypus Beach will be monitored over swimming season dailymercury.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailymercury.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Mirani has the best of both worlds being on the doorstep of nature's playground while only a short drive from the city. How many rural townships could boast about having a swimming pool, basketball court, a pub, schools, a library, butcher, chemist and more while being just minutes away from gorgeous natural swimming spots? Mirani Library at 16 Victoria St, Mirani. Picture: Mackay Regional Council The Daily Mercury's My Town series will head to the Mirani Library on Tuesday, March 9, to meet with locals about what they think makes the area great, but also delve into what more is needed to make their home even better.
Council is recommending people stay out of the water at Platypus Beach almost a fortnight after dangerous bacteria was detected there. A Mackay Regional Council statement issued on Friday said ongoing tests showed little change to moderate E.coli and Intestinal Enterococci levels. “Council recommends that members of the public don’t swim in the area,” the statement said. “Anyone swimming in the area does so at their own risk.” Platypus Beach, a popular swimming spot under the bridge at Mirani. Picture: Mackay Regional Council “(It) will outline an approach on how to best manage the site into the future,” the council’s statement said.
The results found e.coli and intestinal entercocci were present in the water – both of these organisms are found in faeces, including human, livestock and wildlife. Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay Regional Council made the swift decision to close the beach because people had reported vomiting and gastro. “Staff from council’s water laboratory undertook testing on Monday afternoon,” Cr Williamson said. “Due to these findings, Platypus Beach will remain closed while further water sample collection and testing is completed.” Council chief executive Michael Thomson said it would be investigating a way forward to manage the site. “Options such as implementing a recreational management plan will be discussed,” he said.
Premium Content Subscriber only Mirani MP Stephen Andrew has issued an alert for parents following reports of small children being washed downstream at Platypus Beach. In a statement on his Facebook page, Mr Andrew urged people to be cautious of strong currents, combined with underwater trees and debris. âIt has come to my attention that there is quite a flow in the Pioneer system through Platypus Beach,â he said. âA concerned kayaker has told me of a number of small children he rescued downstream almost out of sight from their parents. â ⦠Always be alert and always have more than one lookout if you are otherwise engaged.â