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.
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,
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…
A bold vision Hervey Bay: SIMON KUESTENMACHER | 17 May 2024
Following up on his sold-out presentation last year, Simon Kuestenmacher is looking at our region through the demographic lens.
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.
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
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