Following the various articles in The Hervey Bay Advertiser and written by its Editor, the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association (FCPIA) wishes to record its position on the future of the Torquay foreshore and the land taken up by the Torquay Caravan Park.
For the development industry the Esplanade foreshore is the jewel in the crown that attracts people and investment to Hervey Bay – the lifeblood of our industry.
The FCPIA has advocated for the enhancement of the Esplanade foreshore as recreational space for the benefit of locals of all generations and tourists, with reduced vehicle traffic and made more friendly for pedestrians, bikes and scooters. We support the Master Plan for the Esplanade Foreshore recently adopted by the Fraser Coast Regional Council, which in our view should be more ambitious.
When a resolution to spend some $22 million on redevelopment of Council caravan parks came to the Councillors, the FCPIA was concerned that this would lock away prime spaces of the Esplanade from use by the whole community for another generation without considering their alternate use as recreational hubs – a more inclusive option that allows everyone, not just caravanners to enjoy those parts of the foreshore – and the economic benefits of that enhancement.
The FCPIA provided a letter of support for a Council motion to temporarily pause the redevelopment to allow for further review, which was passed by a majority of Councillors and then a letter of support for the subsequent motion (also passed by a majority of Councillors) to develop concept plans for the Torquay Caravan Park as open space with basic facilities or a premium playground and recreational hub and then seek community feedback on its future.
Until those plans are available any public debate is necessarily limited and, in our view premature.
The FCPIA is of the view that it is misleading to characterise this issue as a decision to close the Torquay Caravan Park. This is about competing visions for the use of this part of the Torquay foreshore that requires consultation with the whole community when both options are on the table. And the FCPIA would be open to that consultation evolving alternative proposals.
This is a passionate and divisive issue with great costs and benefits for both scenarios which is why we strongly support a structured, respectful, and informed community conversation.
The FCPIA will consult its members and express the development industry views during the public consultation process and we encourage all stakeholders to engage constructively at that time.
David Buckley, Vice President Fraser Coast Property Industry Association
