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
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
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
How Hervey Bay’s property market shapes our community
IN THE HEART of Hervey Bay, the property market stands not just as a sector of our economy, but as the very lifeblood of our community.
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.
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.”