Fraser Coast Property Industry Association

Does the Fraser Coast Lack Vision?

Over the decades, regional cities that embraced bold, ambitious projects have transformed into thriving hubs, boasting vibrant economies and attracting young families. These cities didn’t settle for the status quo—they invested in transformative infrastructure and bold ideas that created pride, opportunity, and lasting change. So where does the Fraser Coast stand? Sadly, we seem to be stuck in a cycle of playing it too safe. The last truly great community-led project was the Brolga Theatre. Since then, what have we done on a similar scale? A recent example of this hesitation was the near failure of the Council’s new library and admin centre, opposed by both our previous state members and even several Councillors. Without leadership willing to take risks, projects that could transform our region risk never seeing the light of day. But it’s not just our governments that need to step up. Community leaders and groups must also show vision, ambition, and a willingness to unite behind bold ideas. We need to rise above divisive NIMBYism and focus on what’s best for the region—not just for today, but for decades to come. Real change demands a shared commitment to the future and the courage to dream big. 2025 must be the year we turn the tide. Let’s demand leadership that looks 20, 30, even 50 years ahead and unites us behind transformative projects. The Fraser Coast can be more than beautiful—it can be a beacon of growth, innovation, and opportunity. Let’s embrace the bold, the visionary, and the future our region deserves.

The Silent Edge: Leveraging Body Language for Property Success with Allan Pease

Prepare to decode the mysteries of communication with international No.1 best-selling author, Professor Allan Pease, affectionately dubbed “Mr. Body Language”! In his captivating presentation, ” The Silent Edge: Leveraging Body Language for Property Success”, Allan unveils the secrets to sidestepping conflicts and distinguishing fact from fiction. With his trademark wit and wisdom, Allan’s presentations are as enlightening as they are entertaining. He will leave you armed with actionable insights and a whole new perspective on effective communication. Ticket Includes – Allan and Barbara’s best seller, “The Definitive Book of Body Language” Valued @ $29.95PLEASE NOTE:Doors Open 11.45amSeated for Lunch 12.15pm Date Friday 16 May 2025 11:45 AM – 3:00 PM (UTC+10) Location Hervey Bay Boat Golf Club – The Club House Function RoomPialba Qld 4655

Reimagining Hervey Bay: Infrastructure and innovation for a changing world

AS HERVEY Bay’s population ages, we stand at a pivotal economic crossroads. The world is changing rapidly, and we must change with it. Our infrastructure, education system, and urban landscape need a radical overhaul to attract a younger, more dynamic demographic and ensure our community thrives in the coming decades. Our education system must be redefined to cater to future jobs. Imagine a combined multi-university and TAFE campus right in the CBD. This hub of innovation and learning would not only provide cutting-edge education but also revitalize our accommodation and nightlife economy, turning Hervey Bay into a bustling, vibrant city that attracts and retains young talent. Our Esplanade, the jewel in Hervey Bay’s crown, also needs a transformation. It’s our main tourist attraction, but it must offer more to a wider range of age groups. Picture an Esplanade with a mix of family-friendly activities, adventure sports, and chic cafes and restaurants. This would not only draw more tourists but also make Hervey Bay a more exciting place to live. Infrastructure is the backbone of this vision. We need better transportation networks, modern healthcare facilities, and robust digital infrastructure to support new businesses and remote workers. But it’s not just about building more; it’s about building smart. We must create spaces that encourage community interaction, innovation, and economic growth. The time for bold ideas and decisive action is now. Hervey Bay must evolve to meet the demands of a changing world. This is our chance to create a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous future for all. Are we ready to seize it? Published in the Hervey Bay Advertiser Interested in the Fraser Coast Property Industry? Join FCPIA Today | Click here to join Tagged 2024 Priorities, FCPIA, Hervey Bay advertiser, Hervey Bays Future, Youth,

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

Rethinking Community Glue: Investing in Sports for a United Fraser Coast

AUSTRALIA is changing, and as a region, we need to change with it, finding new ways to create our social glue. Insightful demographer Simon Kuestenmacher recently highlighted a profound shift: religion no longer serves as the primary social glue in our communities. Research shows that only 47.8% of the Fraser Coast identifies as Christian, while 41.3% have no religious affiliation at all. This raises a critical question: how do we pull our community together? The answer lies in a common denominator that now binds Australians: sport. From the Matildas’ inspiring performances to the fervour of the State of Origin. Sports have a unique ability to unite us. Therefore, if we are to invest in infrastructure, sports facilities and events should be at the forefront. Sports not only serve as the fabric of Australian communities but also play a crucial role in keeping our youth engaged, improving health and fitness, and fostering a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, our sports infrastructure has been underfunded and overlooked for too long. By developing better sports facilities capable of hosting state-level competitions, we can attract more events. Boost local pride, and provide our youth with opportunities to excel. Investing in sports is not just about building fields and stadiums; it’s about creating a vibrant, healthy, and united Fraser Coast. It’s time we prioritise sports infrastructure and recognise it as the essential glue that can hold our community together in these changing times. Interested in the Fraser Coast Property Industry? Join FCPIA Today | Click here to join Published in the Advertiser on the 26th June 2024

##SOLD OUT!!!! Women in Heels – Listen Learn & Be Inspired

JOIN US FOR AN INSIGHTFUL AFTERNOON  WITH SOME OF THE FRASER COAST’S LEADING WOMEN ENJOY AN INSIGHTFUL AFTERNOON WITH SOME OF THE FRASER COAST’S LEADING WOMEN 1 COURSE LUNCHEON Raffle Tickets / Auction / Prizes for Best Heels (or Boots for Blokes) Friday 30th August Hervey Bay Golf Club – The Clubhouse Doors Open 11.30 am Seated 12.00pm – 4pm Compare Kathy Paget – RetireInvest Panellists Kylie Waldock – Lattitude 25 Vicki Maynard – Prime Agents Debbie Potts – Advice Centre Melonie Geck – Detective Senior Sargent– Qld Police Service Supporting – Fraser Coast Mates Thanks to our Media Sponsor – The Hervey Bay Advertiser

Begin with the end in mind: the future of Hervey Bay | 30/5/24

RECENTLY, one of Australia’s leading demographers, Simon Kuestenmacher from The Demographics Group, visited Hervey Bay. His presentation made it clear that our town needs to change direction. Currently, Hervey Bay has an aging population with an average age over 51. Over the next 20 years, this population will require high levels of care. Our current healthcare sector is already understaffed, and this situation will worsen as our workforce ages. To address this impending crisis, we must attract a younger population to Hervey Bay. This means offering education opportunities and training to retain young people, ensuring they can cater to our future needs. Traditional housing models do not appeal to younger generations; they seek alternatives in medium-density housing, along with a lifestyle that includes entertainment and career opportunities. Changing our direction involves rethinking our infrastructure, lifestyle opportunities, and even the culture of our city. We need to create an environment where young people want to live, work, and raise their families. This means improving marketing and promotion efforts to highlight the benefits of living in Hervey Bay. Our civic leaders must urgently replan for the future, targeting specific sectors of the Australian population to move here. By developing the right infrastructure and fostering a vibrant, youthful community, we can ensure that Hervey Bay thrives. Knowing what we want our future to look like is the first step in making it a reality. Let’s begin with the end in mind and act now to secure a prosperous future for Hervey Bay. Looking for more details on Simon Kuestenmacher ? Click here FCPIA is your dedicated property voice for the Fraser Coast… Join TODAY Click Here to Register

CONTENT FRONT PAGE

Welcome to the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association (FCPIA) At FCPIA, we are more than just a group of industry professionals – we are a powerful voice shaping the future of the Fraser Coast. Our members enjoy a range of exclusive benefits that not only enhance their professional growth but also contribute to the development of our vibrant community. Our Members are proud to be a part of our Industry Only 100% Fraser Coast Local Property Group. Join the FCPIA today…

Fraser Coast future: booming population demands bold planning | 2 May 2024

AS WE Navigate the post-COVID landscape, Fraser Coast is experiencing a transformative population boom. Pre-pandemic, our population stood at approximately 106,796. Fast forward just four years, and this number has surged to 118,505. With projections originally set for 130,706 by 2041, current trends suggest we could see numbers between 150,000 and 160,000 within 20 years. This rapid growth isn’t just a statistic; it’s a clarion call for urgent action. The average age in our community has increased from 48 to 51 years during the pandemic, indicating a shift towards an older demographic. This demographic shift requires us to rethink our housing strategy. Moving beyond traditional houses to more diverse living options that cater to an aging population. However, the most pressing challenge lies in our infrastructure. Current planning still relies on outdated pre-COVID growth figures, leaving essential services like health, roads, schools, sports, community facilities and town planning underprepared for the future. This oversight could significantly impact our quality of life and the economic vitality of the Fraser Coast. Moreover, we must address the exodus of our youth. As our brightest leave for opportunities elsewhere, our region risks stagnation. The recent decisions, such as the Scarness Caravan Park development, underscore a missed opportunity to create spaces that attract and retain young people. Blending local charm with modern attractions. It could have been a lagoon pool, nightlife and entertainment precinct, bustling with restaurants, parks and things to do for the younger generation. Instead we catered for the retired visitors. To secure a thriving future, we must embrace change. Innovate our approach to urban planning, and build a community that holds promise for all ages. The time to act is now, ensuring that Hervey Bay not only grows but thrives. Published in the Hervey Bay Advertiser 2 May 2024 Interested in the Fraser Coast Property Industry? Join FCPIA Today | Click here to join

Does the new Town Planning Scheme plan for AI? | 5 April 2024

AS THE Fraser Coast Regional Council gears up to unveil its town planning scheme in 2025, a pivotal opportunity looms on the horizon—an opportunity to embrace the transformative wave of artificial intelligence (AI) that is set to redefine our future. With the plan poised to chart the region’s course over the next two decades, the absence of a strategy to integrate AI into the fabric of our community could be a glaring oversight. AI’s impact on society extends far beyond the realms of employment and electric and autonomous vehicles; it promises to revolutionise the very essence of community needs and public infrastructure. The traditional paradigms of city planning and living are on the brink of obsolescence. In less than a decade, the failure to adapt to these changes could render our current models irrelevant. Consider the potential of AI to streamline traffic management, making our roads safer and more efficient for autonomous vehicles. Imagine smart buildings that not only reduce energy consumption but also adapt to the changing needs of their inhabitants. Reflect on the power of AI to enhance public services, from predictive healthcare to personalised education, thereby elevating the quality of life for all residents. Moreover, the housing market is on the cusp of a revolution. The future demands flexible living spaces that can accommodate home offices, virtual reality entertainment areas, and more. Reflecting the shifting priorities of a digitally native population. The Fraser Coast Regional Council stands at a crossroads. By integrating AI into the new town planning scheme, it can lead the region into a future where technology and humanity converge to create a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive community. The time to act is now; the future waits for no one. Let’s not just plan for the next 20 years; let’s envision a future that embraces the full potential of AI, ensuring the Fraser Coast remains at the forefront of innovation and progress. Published in the Hervey Bay Advertiser 4 April 2024 Interested in the Fraser Coast Property Industry? Join FCPIA Today | Click here to join

07/02/2024 Are Internet Trolls holding Hervey Bay back?

IN HERVEY Bay, the presence of internet trolls on social media platforms like Facebook, who vocally criticise every development, poses a significant challenge. These individuals, who can be likened to the Muppets’ characters Waldorf and Statler, are not only vocal but their actions have real consequences. Their negative and misleading commentary can adversely affect property prices and the perception of developers, creating hesitancy among potential investors. This results in long-term impacts on property valuations and impedes the city’s growth and development. Ironically, many of these trolls benefit from the very developments they oppose, living in local subdivisions and utilizing shopping centres, medical facilities, and other amenities, all made available through developers. Their stance is comparable to conspiracy theorists who criticise technology while using it themselves. Notably, a few of the more prolific attackers leading this charge are some older men who have been retired for many, many years and are obviously not worried about securing any opportunities for the youth of the area. The adage “Money is like water; it finds the path of least resistance” aptly describes the situation. If development in Hervey Bay becomes too burdensome due to opposition, investors will simply move their funds to more welcoming cities, helping them to prosper and leaving Hervey Bay lagging behind. The solution lies in the hands of the silent majority. It’s time for them to speak up against this negativity and advocate for a prosperous future for Hervey Bay, ensuring job opportunities and activities that retain the younger generation. Politicians, too, must focus on the greater good rather than being swayed by a vocal minority. In this election year, it’s crucial to support candidates who promote positivity and growth for the future of Hervey Bay.

30/11/2023 – Fraser Coast is in the Shadows!

WHEN is the Fraser Coast going to get out of the shadows of the Wide Bay and really form its own identity as a region, like the Sunshine Coast? The Wide Bay as an entity disadvantages the Fraser Coast. We are always treated as the poor cousins when it comes to funding from government departments, and we are not seen as the major growth area even though Hervey Bay will be the biggest city in the Wide Bay. It’s time we start trading on the “Fraser Coast” entity that lines up with our council boundaries and fight for infrastructure for the Fraser Coast. The recent Wide Bay Plan by the State Government was a disgrace. It was Bundaberg-centric and completely overlooked the Fraser Coast for key infrastructure. Even when industry and Council complained about this, it fell on deaf ears in State Government. We have a Wide Bay Health Board, again Bundaberg-centric and focusing on future hospitals up there even though we have an aging population and faster growth rates here. We should have a Fraser Coast Health Board. Our Federal Members are based in Bundaberg and Maryborough and are conflicted representing four major cities of which two sit outside the Fraser Coast. Why don’t we have one Federal Member for the Fraser Coast? The Main Roads Department sits in Bundaberg and has done the planning for that area but is years behind on road infrastructure on the Fraser Coast. The list goes on of key government departments that sit outside the Fraser Coast but are supposed to be representing our interests. The Fraser Coast, and in particular Hervey Bay, will be the major city in the Wide Bay over the next 20 years. We need Fraser Coast representation, and we need to promote our area as a destination like our tourism does.

02/11/2023 Should Politicians focus on infrastructure?

AFTER a failed “Voice” campaign incurring over $450Mil in costs and months of distraction from the key issues affecting the majority of the population, you must ask what our politicians’ priorities are.You would think infrastructure and the cost of living and housing should be up there as key priorities.In Queensland, we have State and Council elections coming up in 2024.Imagine spending that $450 million on infrastructure.That could have been over 740 social homes built locally, the Tiaro Bypass, a Level 5 Hospital, a convention centre or sporting facilities for the next 20 years.We need to see the focus back on our community’s infrastructure projects.I would like to see every politician or want-to-be politician come up with their top ten priority infrastructure projects that they want to happen in the Fraser Coast.That way everyone knows what they stand for and the choices become clearer at election time. It will also make politicians accountable during their term if elected.This is a simple model, with no spin or feel good, warm, fuzzy statements, just tangible projects that will benefit the community.For private development and the building industry to keep growing, we need public infrastructure to service the demands of the growing population, increased traffic, recreation, education, community etc.Let’s get the politicians to tell us what their vision is for the Fraser Coast.Will they freehold the marina, expand the hospital precinct, enhance the Esplanade, expand the sports precinct, redevelop the CBD’s, expand the airport flights and capacity or expand the industrial precinct in Maryborough?We also need water, roads, sewerage, and other enhancements, to cater for the growth.We are just letting the growth occur without the infrastructure to support it.I want to know what the next group of politicians have as their vision if they are putting their hand up for office.Let’s become bold, visionary, positive and progressive and elect the politicians that have the clearest and best vision for our future that the population wants.As John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a Leader.”

Past Events 2023

FCPIA Events of 2023

Discover the FCPIA Events of 2023 Professional Development Workshops Workshop 1 – 14 September 2023 The first in a series of member “Professional Development Workshops” on the roles of the various people working in the property industry. The lawyers drew the short straw, so they went first! Our motivation around the Workshops is to learn and understand how other roles work, helping us with our part in the development process. So what do lawyers really do on property developments, are they really necessary, how do you keep them under control, what do they really say to your buyers & do you need a licence to keep one as pet? Guest Speakers – David Buckley – BDBSarah Smith – CSG LawMikaela Harris – Law Essentials Workshop 2 – 29 November 2023 Our second workshop focused on Town Planners… Our motivation around the Workshops is to learn and understand how other roles work, helping us with our part in the development process. Making it all fit… Understanding the role of our Town Planners with your developments. Guest Speakers – Ward Veitch – Urban PlanetCameron Sonter – Insite SJC Women in Heels – 25th of August, 2023 JOIN US FOR AN INSIGHTFUL AFTERNOON WITH SOME OF THE FRASER COAST’S LEADING WOMEN Meet the women in heels… FCPIA are proud to host our next event ‘Women in Heels’ featuring 5 entrepreneurial women who are leaders in their industries. Jade Wellings is Councillor for Division 5 on the Fraser Coast Regional Council. She lives in Dundowran Beach with her husband and 3 children. She is passionate about good communication and serving the residents of Division 5 in an efficient and proactive manner. Genevieve de Szoeke has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry since 1989, joining the RI Advice Group in 2002 and completing the transition to Financial Adviser in 2005. She has held roles Client Service, Para planning, and Financial Advising and became a part owner of Retireinvest in 2008. She enjoys using her qualifications, knowledge and experience, to help clients achieve their financial goals. Tracey Messer has strong family links to the Fraser Coast community and has been within the local Property development scene for many years. Currently the director of Kingston Estate her qualifications within Urban development include project conceptualisation, positioning and marketing. Tracey’s involvement in many community organisations displays her commitment to strengthening our region Kara Mehmet is a Solicitor and recently appointed Partner at Bell Dixon Butler Lawyers. She has practiced in the area of Property and Commercial Law and Wills and Estate since 2014. Kara was born and bred in Hervey Bay (multi generational local) and has lived in Hervey Bay all of her life except when relocating to attend university. She approaches her work as a lawyer in a professional and honest way that connects with clients of differing ages and demographics. Kara is also on the board of directors for Rally For A Cause and has volunteered her time to the charity since 2019.  Leah Quinn is a dynamic young real estate professional, heading up her fourth highly successful selling enterprise. With a Bachelor of Communications – Marketing and Media, Leah is a master communicator. With more than 20 year’s experience as a company director, Leah has been at the forefront of several multi-million dollar start-up businesses as well as steering market leading organisations from a Managing Director and Executive Board Member level. As with most things in life, the answer to Leah’s success can be summarised in just two words, Attitude and Activity. Leah looks, acts, thinks and behave as someone her customers will look to for advice and guidance. Taking the lead, asking the right questions, engaging the prospect and matching key requirements are the skills that Leah uses every day in her firm to match buyers and sellers. As the leader of Prime Agents, Leah has crafted together the leading group of professional sales agents on the Fraser Coast FCPIA AGM – 2nd of August, 2023 AGM is for FCPIA Members Only Simon Kuestenmacher – 30th of June, 2023 Simon Kuestenmacher | Demographics &Data Management Stop the bus! Simon Kuestenmacher – Data Management and Demographer is coming to Hervey Bay. FCPIA were proud to present this event, held on the 30th of June, 2023. If you missed it, simply follow the link to view. CLICK HERE https://youtu.be/9ZpmtD3MXHo

Maggie Brennan Secretary

Secretary Maggie Brennan Born in Maryborough and raised in Hervey Bay, Maggie is a proud local dedicated to both her community and profession. A former student of Kawungan State School and Urangan State High School, Maggie returned home after university to build her career, raise her family, and give back to the region that shaped her. Now the Property Manager at Hervey Bay Commercial Property Management (HBCPM), Maggie brings over 15 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and trust account compliance. As a qualified accountant and auditor, she blends financial precision with practical leasing insight – offering commercial property clients a calm, capable approach and a genuine passion for raising industry standards. Outside of work, Maggie wears many hats – she’s a wife, mum of two, Treasurer of the Fraser Coast Anglican College P&F, and a certified Les Mills fitness instructor, teaching both Body Combat and Body Pump at World Gym Hervey Bay. Whether managing leases or leading a workout, she believes in showing up with discipline and heart.