Tradies and Subbies for Hervey Bay Community Hub

Local tradies and subbies are being reminded of the opportunities to secure during the construction of a new Hervey Bay City Centre community hub following the awarding of the $7 million subcontract to a local electrical contractor.

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

"Council awarded the tender to develop the new Hervey Bay City Centre Community Hub to national construction company Hansen Yuncken earlier this year, and Hansen Yuncken is now starting to award subcontracts and go to the market with trade package opportunities," he said.

"The Pialba office of JGP Electrical CQ Pty Ltd has been awarded the subcontract for an electrical, communications and security trade package and there are a range of trade packages now in the market or about to go to the market.

"This includes but is not limited to scaffolding, hydraulic services, bulk earthworks and detailed excavation, to name just a few.

"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@hansenyunken.com.au."

Hansen Yuncken project manager Rod Derbyshire said it was great to see the level of interest from local contractors and suppliers.

"The award of this large package to a local business will only help support local employment through the course of the project," he said.

Cr Chapman said the new community hub 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.

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

“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 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 overall construction contract has been awarded to Hansen Yuncken for $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