Motorists can now drive across Hervey Bay more easily with the opening of the Boundary Road extension.
The Boundary Road extension includes the construction of a dual-lane, two-way road along the vacant road reserve between the roundabout at the Urraween Road and Kawungan Way intersection, connecting to the intersection at Boundary Road and Denmans Camp Road.
It also delivers new traffic lights at the Boundary Road intersections at Grevillea Street and Denmans Camp Road, with concrete shared pathways and on-road cycle lanes.
The 1.9-kilometre extension creates a second East-West thoroughfare through Hervey Bay, reducing traffic from Boat Harbor Drive.
The $32 million Boundary Road extension was funded by the Australian Government (over $9.6 million) as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal, the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (over $3.2 million) and Fraser Coast Regional Council ($19.1 million), which also funded associated upgrades to the existing roads and drainage network.
The Hinkler Regional Deal is a partnership between the Australian Government, Fraser Coast Regional Council and Bundaberg Regional Council that seeks to build on the area’s strengths to provide economic growth and long-term employment.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“The Australian Government is committed to delivering crucial infrastructure projects to our regions.
“Good infrastructure investment creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth and productivity.
“The new Boundary Road extension will improve current traffic congestion in Hervey Bay as it will ease congestion by taking pressure off other roads. These upgrades meet the needs of the Hervey Bay region’s growing populations and future traffic demands.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain:
“We’re pleased to partner with Fraser Coast Regional Council to deliver quality infrastructure that will provide better access to the Hervey Bay city centre.
“This upgrade will also ensure the busy intersections at Grevillea Street and Denmans Camp Road will be safer for children and parents accessing schools and childcare centres nearby.
“We will continue to partner with regional councils across Australia to deliver important infrastructure upgrades that will reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:
“Queensland has the biggest road network of any state in Australia, so it’s important we work collaboratively with local government to ensure they receive the upgrades they need.
“We’re proud to partner with Fraser Coast Regional Council to see the Boundary Road extension through to completion.
“Our roads are the lifeblood of rural and regional communities, and our TIDS program is a vital component in delivering necessary upgrades across our state.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm:
“This area is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia, and as more and more people choose to call Hervey Bay home, projects like these will be crucial to retaining the excellent quality of life that locals enjoy here.
“Our Government is committed to honouring the commitments made under the Hinkler Regional Deal and this is one of those worthy commitments, which will benefit the Hervey Bay community and the wider Fraser Coast region for many years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari:
“Hervey Bay has grown rapidly in recent years, so it’s important we continue to deliver the necessary road upgrades for our growing region.
“The new Boundary Road extension is a significant upgrade that is set to benefit locals and visitors to our beautiful region well into the future.
“It’s yet another a great example of what can be achieved when all three levels of government work together.”
Quotes attributable to Fraser Coast Mayor Cr George Seymour:
“The Boundary Road extension will provide alternative and improved access to the Hervey Bay city centre, major shopping centres, tourist destinations and the medical precinct.
“It will take the pressure off Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay’s primary east-west link, and set up the rapidly growing Fraser Coast region for the future.
“Put simply, this road will make it easier to get from one side of Hervey Bay to the other.
“Work began on this project in November 2021, and while there have been challenges along the way, including significant wet weather and material shortages, it is great to see the road now open.
“The Boundary Road extension has been planned since the 1980s, with most of the road reserve for the project dedicated in the 1990s, so it’s fantastic that it has been delivered now as a partnership between all three levels of government.”
Media Contact:
The Boundary Road Extension Project will provide for the completion of the missing link between Boundary Road and Kawungan Way which will give residents and visitors an alternative and improved access to the Hervey Bay CBD, major shopping centres, tourist destinations and the medical precinct. With the region’s population forecast to reach 150,000 within the next 20 years, an improved east-west road connection will cater for growth, limit traffic congestion and take pressure off Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay’s primary east-west link.
This connection has been planned since the 1980s, with the majority of the road reserve for the link dedicated in the 1990s.
Construction commenced on 15 November 2021 with works likely to be completed July/August 2024, weather permitting.
This project will provide for the construction of a dual lane two way road along the vacant road reserve between the roundabout at the Urraween Road and Kawungan Way intersection connecting to the intersection at Boundary Road and Denmans Camp Road. The project will include new signalised intersections at Grevillea Street and Denmans Camp Road. The project will also include road lighting, landscaping and drainage works. A shared path will be provided for the length of the road corridor which will improve the east-west connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Drainage modelling has been undertaken as part of the design to identify treatments to minimise stormwater inundation along Denmans Camp Road. Proposed stormwater works include the provision of a retention basin to help control the stormwater flows at the Denmans Camp Road culverts and rerouting of stormwater flows to the open channel drain along Boundary Road east of Maree Street.
The design will include the provision for some vehicle crossovers, where possible, at properties that currently have a defined rear access provision onto the existing
road reserve. Properties located on the northern side between Grevillea Street and Denmans Camp Road that may access the rear of their property through the large
drainage area will no longer be provided with access due to the corridor required for drainage purposes.
To limit traffic disruptions to this main thoroughfare, it should be noted that no additional rear access provisions over and above those being provided as part of this construction project will be permitted. Primary access to properties are through their front access streets.
No. Council will not be replacing or upgrading the existing private property fencing located at the rear of properties that adjoin the Boundary Road Extension road reserve; however, there will be areas of landscaping included between existing fencing and the road reserve area.
Yes. The works will require the use of various machinery such as excavators, profilers, loaders, rollers and trucks as well as hand tools such as demolition hammers and power saws. Noise from the works can generally be expected between 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. on weekdays. In extreme cases or emergencies where construction outside of these times are necessary residents will be notified.
The total cost of this project is estimated at $32M. This project is being partly funded through the Federal Government’s “Hinkler Regional Deal” with the Federal Government contributing $9.625M of funding towards the project and the State Government's contributing $3.272M through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme. The remaining $19.103M will be funded by Council.
Yes. Concrete shared pathways will be provided on both sides of Boundary Road. On road cycle lanes are also included as part of the design.
The speed limit for this section of Boundary Road will be 60km/hr.
Tree removal will occur within the road footprint and every effort will be made to minimise vegetation clearing within this corridor. New trees will be planted to off-set any vegetation removal that is undertaken as part of the project.
Yes. Residents who provide an email contact address will be provided with project updates monthly. Additionally, Council’s Project page for this project will also include details relating to progress of the project on a monthly basis.