Proud legacy of Harry's track

Above: Mayor Peter Flannery, Kylie Payne, Kent Payne, Cr Brooke Savige and Cr Mark Booth at the opening of Harrison Payne Track.

A beachside track has been officially named after teenager Harrison ‘Harry’ Payne, who died in a 4WD crash at Woorim in 2021.

Ocean Beach Access Track is now Harrison Payne Track, with a sign bearing Harry’s name and details of The Harrison Payne Initiative.

Inscribed on the sign is: “This track is dedicated to Harrison Payne, remembered for his passion for nature and the joy he brought to those around him”.

Moreton Bay City Council approved the renaming after a request by State Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan and public consultation.

Harry’s mother Kylie described the sign as an “incredibly moving tribute”.

“Having this track renamed in Harry’s honour means his name will live on in a place that held so many special memories for him and for us as a family,” Mrs Payne said.

“It’s a symbol of remembrance, but also of purpose - a reminder that from deep loss can come meaningful change.

“Every person who travels this track will now carry a small part of Harry’s story with them.”

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said renaming of the track will serve as a powerful reminder for drivers to take care on the beach.

“The story of Harry is a story of inspiration,” he said, “his young life may have been cut short but through this tragedy, but we honour his legacy by reminding people to take care when driving on our beaches.

“Any loss of life on our roads and beaches is unacceptable and as a community must do all we can to encourage safe and responsible driving. Today, we take another step towards doing that.”

The Payne family created the Harrison Payne Initiative as a not-for-profit to create change around beach, 4WD and road safety. It also supports families experiencing similar tragedies.

“We hope by naming this track after Harry, it will spark curiosity - people will pause, read Harry’s story and think about how their own choices can have lasting impacts,” Harry’s father Kent said.

“The Harrison Payne Initiative was created to share that message: that safety and awareness can save lives.

“If this dedication encourages one person to slow down, take care, and make safer decisions, then it’s a powerful legacy for Harry.”

Mrs Payne added: “Harry loved the beach, the outdoors, his mates and the sense of freedom that came with it.

“We think he’d be absolutely stoked and a little embarrassed with his rosy-red cheeks — and probably have a cheeky grin on his face — knowing there’s a track carrying his name and his story forward.”

Mr Payne said the support the Initiative had received since it first launched was “extraordinary”.

“From local families to schools, community groups, and council representatives — everyone has embraced Harry’s story and the Initiative’s message with open hearts,” he said.

“It’s shown us the incredible power of community: people coming together, not only to remember but to make a difference. That collective support has given us strength and has truly kept Harry’s spirit alive.”

Cr Brooke Savige (Div 1) said the sign would encourage beach goers to learn more about Harry’s story and the message.

“Through the Initiative’s message of Strength to Change, we keep the conversation going around the potential dangers of reckless driving on our beaches and encourage our loved ones to slow down and obey the rules,” she said.

State Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said the sign would allow Harry’s legacy to resonate with drivers for generations to come.

“We cannot allow Harry’s story to go unheeded,” she said.

“It serves as much as a warning as it does a reminder to our young people to find the strength to change driving behaviours and how we think about safety when it comes to driving on our beaches.”

Mrs Payne encouraged drivers to take care when enjoying the beauty and freedom of the beach.

“Always remember the decisions you make behind the wheel don’t just affect you; they affect everyone around you,” she said.

“Slow down, stay alert, and look out for others. Every journey should end safely, and every life is worth protecting and everyone having the knowledge that they will get to return home safe to their loved ones.”