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,
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
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
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.
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