Hervey Bay City Centre

Strategy to guide Hervey Bay City Centre development

Greener streets, more outdoor dining, pop-up events and prioritising pedestrians are among the key elements of a strategy to revitalise the Hervey Bay City Centre.

At its meeting 24 July 24, Fraser Coast Regional Council agreed to adopt the ‘Public Realm and Placemaking Strategy’ to guide the themes and standards for developing public places and infrastructure in the Hervey Bay City Centre. The Council endorsed the Vision document for Public Realm and Placemaking for the Hervey Bay City Centre at its meeting on 28 June 2023.

Mayor George Seymour said the strategy detailed a range of ways to reshape the Hervey Bay City Centre streetscape to meet the needs of our changing community.

“Our aspiration is to create a series of beautiful, green, lively streets and places that reflect the city’s distinct identity and enable all users to feel welcome and comfortable in Hervey Bay’s new city centre,” he said.

“The design concepts prioritise walkability and slow vehicle speeds to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment, revitalise street life, and support access to shops and businesses.”

Cr Seymour said the strategy will assist Council to prioritise projects as funding becomes available.

“Raised zebra crossings have been proposed in the short term near the Main Street/Torquay Road roundabout with the ultimate long-term design solution to be traffic lights at this intersection to slow down cars and prioritise pedestrians,” he said.

“Another key proposal is adding a lane and covering the section of the mobility corridor that will link the new Hervey Bay Civic Centre with a new car park near the Hervey Bay PCYC. This would provide all users better, safer, well-lit, all-weather access.

“Activating Freedom Park, new paving and landscape treatments, footpath dining and pop-up events with food vans are all part of the vision to create a lively, inner-city hub with places to stop and sit, get a bite to eat and catch up with family and friends.

“The new Hervey Bay Civic Centre incorporating a new library and Council administration centre will bring hundreds of workers together in one location to provide centralised community services when it opens in mid-2026.

“The proposed public realm upgrades in conjunction with this new development will help transform the city centre into a vibrant and thriving place.”

A copy of the Hervey Bay Public Realm and Placemaking Strategy is available on Council’s website at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/publications or on the Public Realm & Streetscaping project page here.

The first sod was turned at the site of the new Hervey Bay Library & Council Admin Centre in late January 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irbaj8WLqFo&t=2s

The transformation of Hervey Bay’s city centre is officially underway!

The first sod was turned this morning to mark the start of construction of the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre, which also features a Disaster Resilience Centre.

More than three-quarters of this development will feature community space, with the new building to be a one-stop spot for learning, socialising and accessing Council services. There will be an expanded library over two levels, a new outdoor public plaza and flexible community spaces.

The current library network in the region is only half the size needed to meet current Australian and Queensland building standards. With over a third of the Fraser Coast’s population holding library memberships, this transformation is much needed and numbers are continuing to grow!

The Australian Government and Council are partnering up through the Hinkler Regional Deal to deliver this transformation project for Hervey Bay’s city centre. More details about the project are available here:

https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-library-administration-centre-inc-disaster-resilience-centre

Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman said the Australian Government was partnering with Council through the Hinkler Regional Deal to revitalise the Hervey Bay City Centre, and the cornerstone was the development of a new Library and Council Administration Centre.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the city centre, create jobs and drive business investment,” he said.

“More than three-quarters of this development will be community space with the new hub to be the one-stop spot for learning, socialising and accessing Council services.

“There’ll be an expanded library over two levels, a new outdoor public plaza and flexible spaces that could be booked for meetings and community events day and night.

“Bringing hundreds of workers together into the city centre will also boost nearby businesses. It will mean better collaboration between staff and ultimately more efficient services for the community.”

Cr Jade Wellings said undergrounding power around the site had been completed in recent weeks, which visually enhanced the area and paved the way for the building’s construction to start.

“Council awarded the tender to national construction company Hansen Yuncken in July to develop the new community hub, and with the detailed design now complete, site mobilisation and construction can start within weeks,” she said.

“This is a massive project that will be built over a two-and-a-half-year period, with an independent economic analysis by the AEC Group estimating the new building will support $146 million in industry output for local businesses during construction.

“Any local tradies or subbies wanting to find out more about how they can get involved in this project are encouraged to contact Hansen Yuncken directly at FCLAB@hansenyuncken.com.au

“While there will be some disruption during construction, the end result will be a major transformation of a key part of the Hervey Bay City Centre that will set the standard for other developments and stimulate business investment into our growing city.”

Cr David Lee said the AEC Group’s analysis found that constructing a new library and Council administration centre was between $42.5 million and $53.6 million cheaper than upgrading the existing library and existing Council offices.

“The relocation of Council’s administration centre has been on the drawing board for decades, local business groups support it as the number one project to grow the economy, and the Hinkler Regional Deal funding means it can finally become a reality,” he said.

“The sale of Council’s Tavistock Street site, which is in a residential area in Torquay, will help offset the costs of the new city centre community hub and potentially help address the housing availability crisis in our region.

“About 50 residential housing blocks, up to 200 units or about 120 homes in an over-50s lifestyle community development could be built on the Tavistock Street site.”

The Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre) is a commitment under the Hinkler Regional Deal.

The construction contract has been awarded for a price of $108.7 million, and is funded by a $40 million Australian Government commitment, Council’s general revenue and land sales.

Construction is due to start in early 2024 and be completed in mid-2026.

More details about the Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre project is available on Council’s Engagement Hub website at: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-library-administration-centre-inc-disaster-resilience-centre

Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Fraser Coast and Gympie Regional Office is hosting an industry briefing for upcoming projects in our region to better connect local suppliers to major buyers, in partnership with the Fraser Coast Regional Council, Regional Development Australia Wide Bay Burnett and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources - AusIndustry.

The event will showcase the supply chain opportunities and procurement schedules of some of the largest infrastructure projects in the Fraser Coast and Gympie region and enable regional businesses to connect with buyers face-to-face.

You’ll hear from:

• Downer Group - Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

• Equis – Lower Wonga (Woolooga) Battery Energy Storage System

• Energy Solution Industries – Battery Manufacturing Facility

• Hansen Yuncken – Fraser Coast Library and Administration Centre

• Queensland Health - Regional Projects

• Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Communities and the Arts – Declared Projects.

• and more …

The event also offers a valuable opportunity to network and connect one-on-one with industry and government. Come prepared with your business pitch and capability statement!

Event details:

Date: Wednesday 11 October 2023

Time: 9:00am to 2:00pm (registrations open 8.30am)

Venue: The Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, 5 Walker Street, Maryborough

Cost: $40.00 (incl. GST)

Inclusions: Morning tea and light lunch provided

Register: click here to register

Registrations close - Wednesday 6 October 2023

More information:

Jennifer Morrice, Senior Economic Development Fraser Coast & Gympie Regional Office, Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning

M: 0437 920 436 E: Jennifer.morrice@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au

Connect with us @GrowingQld

Building a new Hervey Bay Library and Fraser Coast Regional Council Administration Centre will cost less than upgrading existing facilities, a report by independent economic experts has found.

The report’s release comes as Council today officially gave the green light for the project to go ahead, awarding the contract to finalise the design and construct the new building to national construction company Hansen Yuncken.

Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman said Council had commissioned the AEC Group to examine the need for the new building and compare the costs, benefits and economic impacts with other options.

“AEC Group found that doing nothing was not an option,” he said.

“The current library is less than half the size it should be to meet Queensland and Australian library building standards, while the Hervey Bay Council Administration Centre is at the end of its useful working life and cannot meet the organisation’s operational needs.

“AEC Group found that bringing Council teams together would lead to better strategic planning, operational efficiencies and improved service delivery for the Fraser Coast community.”

Cr David Lewis said AEC Group used Queensland Treasury long-term financial modelling and a ‘net present value’ analysis to compare the costs of building a new library and administration centre with the costs of upgrading existing facilities.

“Their analysis highlighted that building a new library and administration centre was between $42.5 million and $53.6 million cheaper than the alternative option,” he said.

AEC Group found there was a “clear need for change” and a range of benefits of the new library and administration centre beyond just lower financial costs, including that it:

• Activates the Hervey Bay City Centre;
• Enhances the university’s ability to provide education and training to local students;
• Maximises cultural, learning and recreational opportunities;
• Maximises energy efficiency outcomes; and
• Provides a central facility for disaster resilience agencies to come together to respond to disaster events in the region.
• The Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre) is a commitment under the Hinkler Regional Deal.

More details about the project and a copy of the AEC Group’s report is available on Council’s Engagement Hub website at: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-library-administration-centre-inc-disaster-resilience-centre
The report can be downloaded immediately here: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/projects/download/15547/ProjectDocument

The transformation of the Hervey Bay City Centre will start within months after Fraser Coast Regional Council today awarded the tender to develop a new community hub to national construction company Hansen Yuncken.

Cr David Lee said the Australian Government was partnering with Council through the Hinkler Regional Deal to revitalise the Hervey Bay City Centre, and the cornerstone was the development of a new Library and Council Administration Centre.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the Hervey Bay City Centre, to create jobs and drive economic growth and investment. We must do it right,” he said.

“Council has today officially given the project the green light with Hansen Yuncken awarded the contract to finalise the design and construct the new building.

“Work is about to get underway on undergrounding power in the area, which is expected to be completed by November, paving the way for construction of the new building to then start.”

Cr Jade Wellings said the building would be a community hub including an expanded library over two levels, a new public plaza, and flexible spaces that could be booked for meetings or events both day and night.

“The new Library and Council Administration Centre will be a place to support learning and innovation, and a place where the community can come together to socialize and benefit from centralised Council services,” she said.

“More than three-quarters of this development will be dedicated to community space.

“By improving the library’s floor space and design, we can cater for our growing population and help improve education outcomes in our region.

“Our young children deserve a quality library to assist in giving them the best start to life, our students deserve to have somewhere they can do their study while living locally and our aging population deserve to have somewhere they can build friendships and stay connected.

“As well as that, our staff deserve to have a modern and fit for purpose work environment so they can more efficiently and effectively provide much needed and loved services to the whole Fraser Coast. I’m proud that we are able to offer these things to our community.”

Cr Zane O’Keefe said Hansen Yuncken had a strong track record of delivering major projects, such as the Hervey Bay Hospital Emergency Department redevelopment and the University of Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay Foundation building.

“Hansen Yuncken were initially selected in November 2022 to assist Council in progressing the design development for the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreement,” he said.

“This process helps leverage the builder’s significant experience, reduces risk and ensures we have the most cost-effective design for the building.

“The design and construction contract is being awarded as a Guaranteed Maximum Price tender, which provides cost certainty and protects against future cost overruns.

“Council will also share in any cost savings if the cost falls below the Guaranteed Maximum Price.

“This is a very significant project with the development occurring progressively over the next three years and completion due by June 2026.

“While there will be some disruption during construction, the end result will be a major transformation of the area into a community and civic centre that will set the standard for other developments and pave the way for business investment into our growing city.”

The Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre) is a commitment under the Hinkler Regional Deal.

The contract has been awarded for a price of $108.7 million, and is funded by a $40 million Australian Government commitment, Council’s general revenue and land sales.

More details about the Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre project is available on Council’s Engagement Hub website at: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-library-administration-centre-inc-disaster-resilience-centre.

The business case for change report can be downloaded immediately here: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/projects/download/15547/ProjectDocument

A new hotel or apartments could be built on vacant land across from Seafront Oval in Hervey Bay, with Fraser Coast Regional Council seeking expressions of interest to buy and develop the prime site.

Cr Darren Everard said Council was looking to sell the land it owned at 7 – 19 Hillyard Street in Pialba with proposals sought that would contribute to the revitalisation of the Hervey Bay City Centre and deliver an iconic development that met community aspirations.

“Council is partnering with the Australian Government to build a better lifestyle for the Fraser Coast by creating a world-class city centre and civic hub in Hervey Bay,” he said.

“Council bought land in Hillyard Street in Pialba in 2019 as a potential site for a new administration centre but subsequently decided to co-locate the new administration centre with a new library on the corner of Main Street and Torquay Road.

“As we no longer need the Hillyard Street site, Council will invite expressions of interest to buy and develop the land to provide maximum social and economic benefits for the Fraser Coast.

“It provides an opportunity to develop a greenfield, mixed-use commercial building providing high-density permanent residential living or tourist accommodation in the form of short-stay apartments or a hotel.

“One scenario is for an integrated hotel and conference/meeting/event facility, while there is also an opportunity to establish a public pedestrian overpass or walkway to Seafront Oval.

“This type of development would not only boost the city centre’s tourism and event venue offerings but also provide a valuable asset for a growing business community through high-quality accommodation and business facilities for intercity and interstate business travellers.”

Cr Everard said proposals would be assessed on their ability to ensure the urban renewal of this site supported an attractive and functional Hervey Bay City Centre.

“To realise the full potential of this site, Council will engage the services of a commercial real estate firm to market the site on our behalf,” he said.

A vacant building on the corner of Main Street and Torquay Road in Pialba is being demolished ahead of the installation of underground power and the construction of the new Hervey Bay Library and Fraser Coast Regional Council Administration Centre.

Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman said the Australian Government was partnering with Council through the Hinkler Regional Deal to build a vibrant community hub in the heart of Hervey Bay.

“The new development in the Hervey Bay City Centre will feature a public plaza, a larger library over two levels, a Council Administration Centre incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre and flexible community spaces that can be booked day and night,” he said.

“This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the Hervey Bay City Centre, to create jobs and drive economic growth and investment.

“Detailed design of the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre is underway now, and work on undergrounding power near where the new building will be is due to start later this month.

“Before that can happen, the vacant building that Council owns on the corner of Main Street and Torquay Road must be demolished. That work has started this week and is expected to be finished in the coming days.

“The work to underground power is expected to be completed by November, weather and construction conditions permitting.

“There will be traffic management in place while the works are underway to underground power, including a full closure of Torquay Road from the Torquay Road roundabout west while trenching works are completed.

“Council will be working with Ergon to ensure businesses in the area have continued power supply while the process to underground power is underway.

“We thank businesses and residents in advance for their patience while this important work occurs.”

Cr David Lewis said more than three-quarters of the new city centre development would be community space.

“The new Library and Council Administration Centre will be a place to support learning and innovation, and a place where the community can come together to socialise and benefit from centralised Council services,” he said.

Local tradies and sub-contractors are being urged to register their interest in participating in the construction of the new Fraser Coast Regional Council library and administration building (incl disaster resilience centre) in the Hervey Bay City Centre.

Early Contract Involvement head contractor Hensen Yunken is currently seeking expressions of interest from local trades and suppliers, with construction work expected to start in late 2023 and be completed by late 2025.

Council is partnering with the Australian Government through the Hinkler Regional Deal to improve local economic outcomes and create opportunities in the Hervey Bay City Centre.

In developing a new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre), we want to create a building that sets the benchmark for business, investors and developers.

The Library and Council Administration Centre will be a central civic hub where individuals, professionals and families can come to learn, network, socialise and benefit from Council services.

The project is expected to create more jobs for local people, with tradies and subbies encouraged to register their interest in working on the new Hervey Bay Library and Administration Centre via Council’s Engagement Hub websites - for tradies & sub-contractors and local suppliers. There is an online form to fill out to register some details about your business.

It is important to note that registering your interest is not a guarantee of the work, as the head contractor will ultimately be responsible for organising sub-contractors and doing due diligence before developing any sub-contracting agreements.

The development of a new Hervey Bay Library and Administration Centre (incl Disaster Resilience Centre) is a key element of the Hervey Bay City Centre Master Plan, which was finalised and adopted by Council in 2022, following significant community consultation. It is a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the city centre in Hervey Bay to create jobs and to drive economic growth and business investment.

Need for a new library:

The current Hervey Bay library had about 225,000 visitations a year and is only half the size it should be to meet Australian and Queensland library building standards. By improving our library’s floor size and design, we will have the opportunity to improve and build on our programming, offering excellent learning opportunities and hopefully make a contribution to lifting our region’s overall education standard.

The new library will be more than double the size of the current library with a range of modern, community spaces to ensure we can cater for our growing population over the next 20 years and beyond.

The building work will be funded through a combination of Australian Government funding, Council land sales and Council borrowings.

More details about the Hervey Bay Library and Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre) project is available at https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-library-administration-centre-inc-disaster-resilience-centre

Additional background

The Hinkler Regional Deal for the Bundaberg-Hervey Bay region is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the local Councils that seeks to build on the area’s strengths to provide economic growth and long-term employment.

Traffic speed on a section of Main Street will be lowered to make it safer for pedestrians as part of the Hervey Bay City Centre revitalisation.

Fraser Coast Regional Council engaged engineering consultants GHD to do traffic modelling as part of the delivery of the 20-year Hervey Bay City Centre Master Plan and ahead of the development of a new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Building.

The modelling examined four scenarios to reduce traffic speed and volume through the city centre to make it more pedestrian friendly.

“The scenarios covered a range of options from reducing speed limits to 10km/hr on Main Street and lowering speeds to 20, 30 or 40km/hr along Main Street and Torquay Road,” Cr Denis Chapman said.

“The modelling, using 2021 traffic figures, also looked at how changes to city centre speed limits would redistribute traffic across other roads and intersections.

“The modelling determined where the traffic would reroute through the network and looked at how the changes to traffic volumes under each scenario would impact other roads and intersections.

“It found that reducing the speed to 30km/hr along Main Street and Torquay Road would be the best outcome to support the Hervey Bay City Centre Master Plan 2021-2041.

“This scenario balanced diverting some traffic from Main Street and Torquay Road while maintaining key access routes through the Hervey Bay City Centre.

“Additionally, it would make it safer for pedestrians and provide opportunities to ensure the city centre is a pedestrian-friendly destination rather than a thoroughfare.”

Council will now start further investigations into what would be needed to upgrade intersections to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimise traffic congestion across the Hervey Bay network as the city centre is revitalised.

The investigation will focus on intersections at:

• Beach Road/Old Maryborough Road,
• Main Street/Old Maryborough Road,
• Torquay Road/Taylor Street,
• Taylor Street/Esplanade and,
• Main Street/Torquay Road,

as well as improvements to Tooth Street and Torquay Road.

“The investigation will also examine ways to divert traffic from Beach Road to Tooth Street as an alternative north-south route, including reducing speeds on the Esplanade,” Cr Chapman said.

“Options include reprioritising the traffic signals at the Main Street-Old Maryborough Road intersection to favour vehicles on Old Maryborough Road and changing the Taylor Street-Esplanade T-intersection to provide priority for cars in and out of Taylor Street.

“For the next step Council will use intersection software to develop concept options that will help us plan for intersection upgrades to ensure smooth traffic flow as the Hervey Bay City Centre is revitalised.”

Council has recently released the ‘Hervey Bay Placemaking and Public Realm Vision’ document, which builds on the 20-year master plan for the city centre and outlines how the streetscape could be reshaped.

Residents and businesses can fill in a survey and view a copy of the vision document at https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hbcc-streetscaping

The survey is open now and closes Sunday, 2 April 2023.

As part of the implementation of the Hervey Bay City Centre Master Plan, a public realm and placemaking strategy is to be developed to provide a vision for public spaces and to establish areas to enhance and activate the new city centre.

Place Design Group (PDG) has been selected to develop the strategy and to undertake the stakeholder engagement to inform the strategy, with the assistance of the Council’s community engagement team.

Aspects of the project include establishing areas defined as public realm, streetscape improvements, network planning for active travel and public transport, connectivity, programs for temporary pop-up interventions to challenge and change driver behaviour, embedded cultural and learning functions, crime prevention, and an implementation plan.

The Vision Document to guide the development of the strategy is now available for community feedback. More information can be found here: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hbcc-streetscaping. There is a survey which people can fill in to "have your say". The survey closes on Sunday 2 April at 11:55 pm.

The final public realm and placemaking strategy is anticipated to be delivered in the first half of 2023.

A national construction company that has developed major government, commercial, health, retail and entertainment projects will be appointed as the building contractor for the next stage of the new Hervey Bay Library and Fraser Coast Regional Council Administration Centre.

Cr Denis Chapman said the Australian Government was partnering with Council through the Hinkler Regional Deal to build a vibrant community hub in the heart of Hervey Bay.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the Hervey Bay City Centre, to create jobs and drive economic growth and investment,” he said.

“The appointment of Hansen Yuncken as the building contractor is an important step in the delivery of this project, with detailed design underway now and construction expected to start next year and be completed in 2025.”

Cr David Lewis said the building would include an expanded library over two levels, a new public plaza, and flexible spaces that could be booked for meetings or events both day and night.

“The new Library and Council Administration Centre will be a place to support learning and innovation, and a place where the community can come together to socialize and benefit from centralised Council services,” he said.

“More than three quarters of this development will be dedicated to community space.

“By improving the library’s floor space and design, we can cater for our growing population and help improve education outcomes in our region.”

Cr Zane O’Keefe said Hansen Yuncken had a strong track record of delivering major projects, such as the Hervey Bay Hospital Emergency Department redevelopment and the University of Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay Foundation building.

“Council is using an Early Contractor Involvement model for the delivery of the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre,” he said.

“This means that a building contractor will work with Council and its architects on the final design of the building before submitting a final tender to construct the building.

“This process helps leverage the builder’s significant experience, reduces risk and ensures we have the most cost-effective design for the building.”

The Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre) is a commitment under the Hinkler Regional Deal.

The project is estimated to cost around $100 million, and is funded by a $40 million Australian Government commitment through the Community Development Grants Programme, Council’s general revenue, land sales and borrowings.

The Hinkler Regional Deal for the Bundaberg-Hervey Bay region is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the local Councils that seeks to build on the area’s strengths to provide economic growth and long-term employment.

More details about the Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre project is available on Council’s Engagement Hub website at: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-library-administration-centre-inc-disaster-resilience-centre

Local tradespeople, sub-contractors and suppliers can register their interest in working on the project via the Engagement Hub website.

Additional background about the Early Contractor Involvement process

Hansen Yuncken has been selected as the preferred tenderer to assist Council in progressing the design development for the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreement.

Following completion of the ECI stage and acceptance of the developed design and pricing, Council will enter into a Design and Construct Agreement with either the ECI contractor or an alternative contractor to finalise the design and construct the new building.

At its October meeting, Council approved the construction of a staff car park near the Hervey Bay Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) and the existing library.

The car park will connect to the existing rail trail and provide a direct link to the new Library and Administration Centre site.

The works will also include a lighting upgrade from the Carpark to the Library and Administration Centre.

The approved car park and its location is pictured below.

Overhead powerlines and communications cabling down Main Street in Pialba will be moved underground as part of the Hervey Bay City Centre revitalisation.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Denis Chapman said Council was partnering with the Australian Government through the Hinkler Regional Deal to breathe new life and opportunities into the Hervey Bay City Centre.

“The revitalisation of the Hervey Bay City Centre will transform it into a primary destination, a popular destination, a cultural and creative precinct, with diverse food, dining, social and shopping experiences on offer,” he said.

“The undergrounding of overhead powerlines aligns with the Hervey Bay City Centre Master Plan that Council adopted earlier this year following extensive community consultation. It is also a key associated project to the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre.

“Moving the powerlines on Main Street between Old Maryborough Road and Torquay Road underground will help visually enhance the main corridor through the Hervey Bay City Centre.

“It will help pave the way for the new development in the Hervey Bay Centre that will feature a public plaza, a larger library over two levels, flexible community spaces and about 100 underground public car parks.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the Hervey Bay City Centre, to create jobs and drive economic growth and investment.”

The undergrounding of Main Street powerlines is expected to cost around $2.5 million with the work expected to get underway in early to mid-2023. Council anticipates attracting a state government grant to offset the costs of the project.

More details about the Hervey Bay City Centre Master Plan is available here - https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-city-centre-revitalisation-project.

More details about the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre) is available at https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-library-administration-centre-inc-disaster-resilience-centre.

A new master plan will guide and shape the revitalisation of the Hervey Bay City Centre over the next 20 years.

Council is partnering with the Australian Government through the Hinkler Regional Deal to breathe new life and opportunities into the Hervey Bay City Centre, Cr David Lee said.

“The revitalisation of the Hervey Bay City Centre will transform it into a primary destination, a popular destination, a cultural and creative precinct, with diverse food, dining, social and shopping experiences on offer,” he said. ​

“The plan has been developed with community input from two rounds of consultation which has helped us understand and refine how, together, we can create a more vibrant, green, and inclusive city centre.

“The community feedback, coupled with learnings from previous master plans, has led to the development of a Master Plan which will act as a catalyst for change. The plan offers a picture of what the future looks like, but more importantly, how we get there.

“A revitalised City Centre will ensure Hervey Bay has a flourishing local economy and can compete at a state and national level for new business and industry, tourism expenditure and skilled workers.

“The plan sets out how we can celebrate the best of our region, our city and our community, while embracing our natural coastal advantages and relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

“It sets the vision for developers and Council to follow for the next 20 years as the city centre is developed.”

Actions proposed in the Hervey Bay City Centre Master Plan include, but are not limited to:

• Streetscape enhancements
• Improving walking, cycling and scooter networks
• Developing better connections between the beach and the City Centre
• The development of a City Centre Parking Strategy
• Re-imagining City Park as Hervey Bay’s main civic parkland - our green city heart
• The development of a new library and Council administration centre as a priority project
• Improving public transport access
• Encouraging the development of high-quality residential apartments and tourism accommodation as well as mixed use and commercial buildings and
• Encouraging the university to grow and diversify education options.

A copy of the plan and more information about the Hervey Bay City Centre revitalisation is available here.

The Hinkler Regional Deal for the Bundaberg – Hervey Bay region is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the local councils that seeks to build on the area’s strengths to provide economic growth and long term employment.

Under the Deal, the Hervey Bay City Centre redevelopment will receive $40 million from the Australian Government.

For more on the Regional Deal, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regions/regional-deals/hinkler

The Community Engagement process for the Hervey Bay City Centre master plan has now been completed, and the report combining both stage one and stage two of the community engagement has been made available to view here.

There were 424 responses to the survey providing feedback, as well as five workshops held with key stakeholders, several pop-up kiosks and attendance at the Seniors’ Lifestyle Expo. Several formal submissions were also forwarded to Council for consideration.

The majority of responses indicated positive support for the draft master plan as shared with the community in October 2021.

The planners contracted to design the master plan, Place Design Group, will now consider this feedback and make any final adjustment before sending it to Council for final endorsement.

Fraser Coast Regional Council is partnering with the Australian Government through the Hinkler Regional Deal to breathe new life and opportunities into the Hervey Bay City Centre.

The Hinkler Regional Deal for the Bundaberg–Hervey Bay region is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the local councils that seeks to build on the area’s strengths to provide economic growth and long term employment.

Under the Deal, the Hervey Bay City Centre redevelopment will receive $40 million from the Australian Government.

Congratulations to Gerard McConnell of Kawungan who has won a $250 Buy Local Fraser Coast Gift Card after completing the survey on the Draft Hervey Bay City Centre Master Plan.

The master plan will guide the future shape and direction of the Hervey Bay City Centre over the next 20 years.

The recent stakeholder and community engagement into the draft plan will be analysed over the next couple of months and incorporated into a final plan.

The initial survey results showed more than 80 per cent of respondents supported the draft while more than 85 per cent supported the vision of being ‘vibrant, green and inclusive’.

The Hervey Bay City Centre redevelopment is a key initiative of the Hinkler Regional Deal, a partnership between the Australian Government and the local Councils that that seeks to build on the area’s strengths to provide economic growth and long term employment.

Fraser Coast residents are being asked to review and provide feedback on a new Draft Master Plan to guide the future shape and direction of the Hervey Bay City Centre over the next 20 years.

Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said Council had been overwhelmed by the support and significant community input into early consultation rounds, which resulted in a range of ideas about what should be preserved and what could be improved for our future city centre.

“Fraser Coast Regional Council is partnering with the Australian Government through the Hinkler Regional Deal to breathe new life and opportunities into the Hervey Bay City Centre,” he said.

“The redevelopment of the Hervey Bay City Centre will be the catalyst for activating an attractive, vibrant, resilient, environmentally sustainable and liveable community and economy.

“The Hervey Bay City Centre Draft Master Plan has pulled together the views of all to offer a picture of what the future looks like, but more importantly, how to get there.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said getting community input on what will be one of the most significant redevelopments in Hervey Bay was a key stage in the process.

“Talk of creating a true city centre in Hervey Bay has been around for years, even decades, and now its funded and planning is underway, it’s important that it has the right facilities to accommodate growth in the region,” he said.

“I encourage Hervey Bay residents, families, businesses and community organisations to get involved and have their say on the draft master plan.

“The aim of the Hinkler Regional Deal is to have a clear delivery plan for the infrastructure and new opportunities in Hervey Bay, and Bundaberg, to ensure these projects support the future needs of the region. “A number of commitments under the Hinkler Regional Deal are progressing well: the Hervey Bay Airport upgrade was finished last year and the Fraser Coast Hospice will open next month.”

Actions proposed in the Hervey Bay City Centre Draft Master Plan include, but are not limited to:

• Streetscape improvements;
• Improving walking, cycling and scooter networks;
• Better connection between the beach and the City Centre;
• New outdoor venues for events;
• Phasing out surface car parking for new retail, employment and community service uses;
• Enhancing City Park as Hervey Bay’s main civic parkland;
• The development of a new library and Council administration centre;
• Improving public transport access;
• Encouraging better buildings; and
• Encouraging the university to grow and diversify education options.

Cr Denis Chapman said Council was conducting a second round of engagement to consult with the community to test and refine the thinking proposed within the current draft.

“Council is seeking feedback from the community to understand their views on the draft Master Plan and the strategies proposed, and which of those are the priorities in the short, medium and long term,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to review the Draft Hervey Bay City Centre Master Plan, complete the online survey or find out other ways to have a say by visiting Council’s Engagement Hub page at https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-city-centre-revitalisation-project

All survey participants who provided contact details will go into the draw to win a $250 Buy Local Gift Card. The survey closed on 15 October 2021.

Council will also held stakeholder workshops, two ‘open house’ events at the Beach House in October and had a kiosk display at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre in Pialba for two weeks. The kiosk was attended in person at stages and included copies of the Draft Master Plan and survey forms.

Once it is formally adopted later this year, the Hervey Bay City Centre Master Plan will be used as a key decision making tool to protect and guide local growth as it occurs over the next 20 years.

The Hinkler Regional Deal for the Bundaberg–Hervey Bay region is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the local councils that seeks to build on the area’s strengths to provide economic growth and long term employment.

Under the Deal, the Hervey Bay City Centre redevelopment will receive $40 million from the Australian Government.

For more on the Regional Deal, visit www.regional.gov.au/regional/deals/Hinkler.aspx

For more information on the Hervey Bay City Centre Revitalisation and the master plan project, visit https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-city-centre-revitalisation