Beachside track renaming leaves proud legacy

The memory of a beloved Moreton Bay teen whose life was cut short in a tragic crash has been immortalised after the dedication of a beach track in his honour by City of Moreton Bay. 

Harrison ‘Harry’ Payne was 18 when he lost his life in a 4WD crash on Woorim Beach in May 2021, leaving behind devastated friends and family. Following a request from Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan on behalf of the Payne family earlier this year, council unanimously approved the renaming of Ocean Beach Access Track to Harrison Payne Track in September after public consultation. 

The sign is inscribed 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’ – and was celebrated by the Payne Family who held a special community day at Woorim Beach on November 16. 

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said council was honoured to have supported the renaming of the track, which will now serve as a powerful reminder for drivers to take care on the beach. 

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.” 

Following Harry’s death, the Payne family created the Harrison Payne Initiative - a not-for-profit that aims to create change around beach safety, 4WD safety and road safety while providing support for families who have experienced similar tragedies. 

“We hope that by naming this track after Harry, it will spark curiosity — that 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 even one person to slow down, take care and make safer decisions, then it’s a powerful legacy for Harry.” 

Councillor Brooke Savige said the sign would encourage beachgoers to learn more about Harry’s story and the powerful message it offered. 

“I know Harry would be incredibly proud of the amazing work being done by his parents Kent and Kylie through the Harrison Payne Initiative,” she said. “Dedicating this track in his name not only honours Harry’s legacy, but it will save lives. 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. Together, we can stop another needless tragedy from occurring.” 

Ms 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. 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,” she said. 

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

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

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery, Kylie Payne, Kent Payne, Councillor Brooke Savige and Councillor Mark Booth at the official opening of Harrison Payne Track on November 16, 2025.