It’s comforting to look back. To remember “how we used to do things” and preserve the parts of Hervey Bay that made it special. But when it comes to shaping the future, nostalgia can’t be the strategy.
The next generation doesn’t want to simply inherit the past—they want to shape what comes next. And right now, change is happening faster than ever. From four-day work weeks to remote offices, the very idea of how and where we work is shifting. AI is on track to become the greatest disrupter of our era, affecting everything from business models to transport, health care, education, and entertainment.
The facilities we build now—whether for work, sport, learning, or leisure—need to reflect where we’re going, not just where we’ve been. It’s not enough to build “what we’ve always had.” We need to be designing cities and infrastructure that embrace technology, flexibility, and a more dynamic way of living.
That means challenging the idea that preserving the past is always the best path. Yes, history matters—but progress requires courage. Courage to invest in innovation, plan for AI integration, rethink outdated zoning, and design environments that meet the expectations of tomorrow’s workers, students, and families.
The Fraser Coast can be a leader in this shift—but only if we choose to evolve. The rest of the world is moving. Will we keep up, or keep looking backwards?
Let’s build a future the next generation will be proud to call their own.
