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,
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
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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…
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.”