A CANNONVALE man will appear in court after allegedly being abusive to police when he walked through the taped-off crime scene at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre.

After fire tore through the complex on Sunday night, a crime scene was declared "for the purpose of forensic examinations and also for public safety reasons", police say.

It's alleged the 49-year-old male Cannonvale man was observed by a security guard and police officer to walk through a section of the declared crime scene.

Police further allege that when asked to move out of the designated area, the man was abusive and non-compliant and physical force was necessary to move him to a place of safety.

The male was served with a notice to appear at the Proserpine Magistrates Court on May 2 to have the charges of contravening a direction and obstructing a police officer heard.

Police urge all residents to respect the designated crime scene area at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre as "genuine safety concerns exist linked to the structural integrity of the affected building".

Island Drive remains closed to traffic and pedestrians, with authorities maintaining a close eye on the wall on that side of the building.

People with any information regarding the fire are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.