Hay Point is a coastal locality in Mackay Region, Queensland, Australia. It contains two towns, Hector on its north coast (-21.2769°N, 149.27°W) and Half Tide on its south coast (-21.2972°N, 149.2919°W). In the, the locality of Hay Point had a population of 1,306 people.

Geography

Hay Point is located approximately 40 km south of the city of Mackay. With a tidal range of 7.4m (the highest on the east coast of Australia), Hay Point has potential for electricity generation via tidal power.

History

The town of Hector was first surveyed in 1902.

Demographics

In the, the locality of Hay Point and the surrounding area had a population of 1,386. In the, the locality of Hay Point had a population of 1,348 people. In the, the locality of Hay Point had a population of 1,306 people.

Coal export terminals

Hay Point has two bulk coal terminals. Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT) is owned by the Queensland State Government and leased for 50 years to Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure (formerly Babcock & Brown Infrastructure), who in turn engage Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd to operate, maintain and develop it. Hay Point Services Coal Terminal is owned and operated by [BHP Mitsubishi Alliance](https://bliptext.com/articles/bhp-mitsubishi-alliance) a joint venture between BHP and Mitsubishi, and operated by Hay Point Services. In 2003–4, 77 million tonnes of coal was exported through the two terminals. This makes Hay Point one of the largest coal ports in the world. 97 million tonnes was exported in 2021-22.

Education

There are no schools in Hay Point. The nearest government primary school is Alligator Creek State School in neighbouring Alligator Creek to the south-west. The nearest government secondary school is Sarina State High School in Sarina to the south-west.

Amenities

The Mackay Regional Council operates a mobile library service on a fortnightly schedule at the corner of Valroy and Carey Streets.