Councillor: Master plan will breathe new life into Hervey Bay city centre

A NEW master plan for the Hervey Bay city centre will act as a catalyst for change – ensuring the city has a flourishing local economy that will help it compete at state and national levels for new business and industry, tourism expenditure and skilled workers.

A new master plan will guide the development and revitalisation of the Hervey Bay city centre over the next 20 years.
IMAGE: Supplied.

That is the view of Fraser Coast Division 9 Councillor David Lee.

Cr Lee made the comment after Council announced a new master plan would help guide and shape the revitalisation of the Hervey Bay city centre over the next 20 years.

He said the Fraser Coast Regional Council was partnering with the Australian Government through the Hinkler Regional Deal to breathe new life and opportunities in the city centre.

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“The revitalisation of the Hervey Bay city centre will transform it into a primary destination, a popular destination, a cultural and creative precinct, with diverse food, dining, social and shopping experiences on offer,” Cr Lee said.

“The plan has been developed with community input from two rounds of consultation which has helped us understand and refine how, together, we can create a more vibrant, green, and inclusive city centre.

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“The community feedback, coupled with learnings from previous master plans, has led to the development of a Master Plan which will act as a catalyst for change. The plan offers a picture of what the future looks like, but more importantly, how we get there.

“The plan sets out how we can celebrate the best of our region, our city and our community, while embracing our natural coastal advantages and relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

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“It sets the vision for developers and Council to follow for the next 20 years as the city centre is developed.”

IMAGES: Supplied.

Actions proposed in master plan include, but are not limited to:

Streetscape enhancements
Improving walking, cycling and scooter networks
Developing better connections between the beach and the city centre
The development of a City Centre Parking Strategy
Re-imagining City Park as Hervey Bay’s main civic parkland – our green city heart
The development of a new library and Council administration centre as a priority project
Improving public transport access
Encouraging the development of high-quality residential apartments and tourism accommodation as well as mixed use and commercial buildings and;
Encouraging the university to grow and diversify education options.

A copy of the plan and more information about the Hervey Bay city centre revitalisation is available, here.

The Hinkler Regional Deal for the Bundaberg – Hervey Bay region is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the local councils that seeks to build on the area’s strengths to provide economic growth and long term employment.

Under the Deal, the Hervey Bay City Centre redevelopment will receive $40-million from the Australian Government.

For more on the Regional Deal, click this link.