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.
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
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…
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.”