Attracting youth to secure Hervey Bay’s future
| 25 July 2024 Attracting youth to secure Hervey Bay’s future HERVEY Bay faces a critical juncture: if we don’t pivot our focus towards attracting younger generations, we risk severe workforce shortages within the next 20 years. Our current trajectory, heavily skewed towards catering to retirees, is unsustainable. As president of the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association, I see firsthand the urgency of this issue. Post-COVID, our city’s demographics have shifted dramatically. Our average age has increased from 48 to 51, and a large segment of our workforce is on the brink of retirement. This impending “retirement cliff” threatens to deplete our labor force, stalling economic growth and innovation. We must act now to reverse this trend. Key to this reversal is investing in infrastructure that appeals to a younger demographic. This includes enhancing our nightlife economy, aligning education with job opportunities, and developing modern, affordable housing. Such infrastructure not only attracts young professionals but also retains our youth, preventing the brain drain that has plagued us for years. Furthermore, we need to reimagine our city’s image. Moving away from being perceived solely as a retiree haven, we must market Hervey Bay as a vibrant, dynamic community with diverse opportunities for all ages. This paradigm shift requires political will and community support, but the rewards are manifold: a balanced, thriving population and a robust, sustainable economy. By embracing these changes, we pave the way for a prosperous future for Hervey Bay. Let’s build a city that not only supports our current residents but also attracts and nurtures the talent of tomorrow. The time to act is now. Published in the Hervey Bay Advertiser Interested in the Fraser Coast Property Industry? Join FCPIA Today | Click here to join
ABC Wide Bay Radio | 10 July 2024
FCPIA President Glen Winney Discusses the FCPIA’s Top 10 Priority Projects on ABC Wide Bay with James Taylor Listen to the Interview HERE The Fraser Coast Property Industry Association (FCPIA) is making waves with the recent unveiling of its Top 10 Priority Projects Document. FCPIA President Glen Winney, in an engaging interview on ABC Wide Bay radio, spotlighted these critical initiatives, urging local council and government to prioritize them as the region heads into an election year. With the Fraser Coast’s growth outpacing previous projections, Winney emphasized the urgency of addressing these key projects to ensure sustainable and balanced development. He underscored the FCPIA’s role in steering this momentum, highlighting the association’s proactive approach in shaping the region’s future. 2024 Priority Projects HERVEY BAY’S BRUCE HIGHWAY CONNECTORFRASER COAST GATEWAYPlanning for a direct connector from the Bruce Highway to Hervey BayIdentify land and locationFund feasibility studyEmbed in Wide Bay Regional Plan & Main Roads Fraser Coast Integrated Transport Strategy HERVEY BAY ESPLANADESignificantly reduce vehicle traffic on the EsplanadeMore Pedestrian, Bicycle and Scooter FriendlyEnhanced Recreation Hub / Night Life EconomyRemove Torquay forshore caravan park for community recreational spaceFunding to deliver master plan, including Esplanade footpath widening, cycle lanes and underground works FRASER COAST SPORTS AND RECREATION PRECINCTFunding to undertake detailed design and construction of a multi function indoor sports facilityAddress shortfalls in Indoor and Outdoor sports facilities10,000 Seat Stadium HERVEY BAY / MARYBOROUGH WATER GRIDProtecting our water supply by linking the Burrum River and Mary River Catchments – $60 Million (Stage 1)Improve resilience and drought proofing our communitySecuring water beyond 2050 MARYBOROUGH HERVEY BAY ROAD – Chapel Road IntersectionPlan and upgrade the intersectionAllow for another school in the areaCater for growth South of the ridge line/NikenbahProvide missing Connection – Maryborough Rail Trail YOUTH RETENTIONJob opportunitiesNight life economyChange Housing Model (Right Sizing)Education that suits jobs HERVEY BAY MEDICAL PRECINCTSet Up a Fraser Coast Health BoardSet Up a Cardio Ward and Other Age appropriate ServicesFuture Infrastructure for Post-COVID Growth and AgingCreate masterplans including TAFE area HERVEY BAY MARINA AREAComplete master plan and fund outcomesStreamline the multiple leasesCreate freehold opportunities for DevelopmentExpand to Harbour to Cater for GrowthIncrease tourism facilities & Maritime Services Hub HERVEY BAY CBDCreate an Education PrecinctRename it ‘Hervey Bay’ as a SuburbBring in State Government Departments (Regional Head Offices)Bring TAFE into CBD to Reignite Youth RetentionCreate a night life Economy and Food Precinct WIDE BAY REGIONAL PLANNeeds a complete reviewGrowth Figures need to be updatedInclude Schools, Road upgrades & Health in Hervey bayFraser Coast will be the main growth centre of Wide BayNeed to identify current and future infrastructure needs See more on ABC Radio HERE