Beach track to honour Harry

A Bribie Island beach track will be renamed in honour of inspirational teenager Harrison “Harry” Payne.

Moreton Bay City Councillors have backed changing Ocean Beach Access Track to Harrison Payne Track - following public consultation.

The decision comes four years after Harry died in a 4WD crash on Woorim Beach in May 2021. He was 18.

A board will be installed with the words: "This track is dedicated to Harrison Payne, remembered for his passion for nature and the joy he brought to those around him.”

His family has also created the Harrison Payne Initiative - a not-for-profit aiming to create change around beach safety, 4WD safety, road safety and support families experiencing similar tragedies.

The Initiative welcomed the new track name saying on Facebook: “It’s a tribute to Harrison - a son, brother, friend and young man who was full of life, love and adventure.

“Bribie Island was one of Harry’s favourite places and the 4WD track brought him joy and freedom. To know it now carries his name is deeply emotional for us.

“But this renaming is not only about remembrance. It is also about prevention.

“If Harrison’s name on this track makes even one driver stop and think,
if it saves even one life, then his legacy is making a difference.”

Renaming the beach access track follows a public consultation period, during which there were 12 submissions – seven in favour.

A Council report said some raised “precedent, environmental impacts and the appropriateness of memorialising a fatal accident at a recreational site”.

But Cr Brooke Savige (Div 1) said: “Given this is an existing track and we do not endorse hooning of any type, I fail to see how those claims could impact my ability to support this.

“As a council we are very proactive working with young people and our broader community on safe driving. We only endorse those actions on beaches that are appropriate.”

Cr Mark Booth (Div 2) said: “It will be a reminder for people that enter the track of risks involved and hopefully they will think twice when driving along there.

“The work Harrison’s family has done since his passing has been phenomenal in the safety space. It’s a great legacy out of such a tragic event.”

Mayor Peter Flannery added this is “about the passion he (Harrison) had for the area”.

State Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan and State Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg made initial requests to Council to rename the track.

For more visit www.theharrisonpayneinitiative.com.au