The future of one of Mackay's most popular swimming spots is unclear after a wave of swimmers fell ill with gastro-like symptoms.
The Mackay Regional Council closed Platypus Beach due to public health concerns on Monday.
Water samples today returned results identifying the presence of E.coli and Enterococci — both types of bacteria found in the faeces of human, livestock and wildlife.
The site will remain closed amid further water sample collection and testing.
Chief Executive Officer Michael Thompson said council would investigate potential changes in its management of the site, which may include developing a regular monitoring plan.
The sandy bank along the Pioneer River near Mirani has affectionately become known at Platypus Beach, and is often full with cars and gazebos on a typical weekend.
Mr Thompson said this is the first occurrence of council hearing people becoming sick after swimming in Platypus Beach.
"As it's turned out, there is something in the water," he said.
While the beach will remain closed for further testing, Council has not ruled out re-opening the beach over the weekend.
Toilets may not be the solution
It was not clear how the contamination originated, but with no toilets on the site, some locals were concerned the incident could occur again.
Pioneer Valley resident Andrew McLellan said he was worried people were not going to nearby Mirani to use the public bathroom, instead relieving themselves on site.
Mr McLellan said it was vital visitors used common sense.
"These particular areas that we have in the Pioneer Valley and throughout the whole Mackay region are there for us to use, but we need to make sure we're doing the right thing," he said.
Mr Thompson, from the council, said even with restroom facilities there was no guarantee E.coli or other bacteria would not pop up.
"You could put facilities there and it might not change any of the outcomes here," he said.
"Because it might be the dead animal, it might be upstream, it might be people just going in sick anyway."
