Have your say on how Nikenbah and Dundowran grow

Published on 18 November 2025

Fraser Coast residents, landowners and businesses are being invited to have their say on a draft plan setting out how the Nikenbah and Dundowran areas could grow over the coming decades.

Planning and Development spokesperson, Cr Denis Chapman, said the ‘working draft structure plan’ was shaped by community feedback and technical studies, and will help guide future development across the region.

“This is a working draft, which means it’s evolving,” Cr Chapman said. “It’s an opportunity for the community to help shape the final version – so don’t wait, have your say while the plan is still being refined.”

“We’re planning for the future now to ensure these communities are liveable, sustainable and connected as they grow,” he said.

“The working draft structure plan sets out where homes, roads, shops, schools, parks and services could go, and how we can balance growth with the protection of creeks, bushland and green spaces.”

While the draft plan focuses on how Nikenbah and Dundowran could grow, Council is also balancing the addition of homes in existing suburbs over time, like apartments near the Hervey Bay Esplanade or duplexes and townhouses within walking distance of centres and schools.

“This balanced approach aims to ensure we cater for future growth while preserving the lifestyle and character of our region,” Cr Chapman said.

“It also reflects what we heard from hundreds of residents and groups in the initial community consultation earlier this year – that people want well-planned communities with a mix of housing, strong connections and access to services and open space.”

The broader Nikenbah and Dundowran investigation area covers more than 3,500 hectares, with the structure plan focusing on just over 3,000 hectares.

In the long term, the area could support around 20,000 new homes and a future population of over 50,000 people. That’s like adding a new community the size of the current Hervey Bay to the Fraser Coast.

Cr Chapman said while the plan looks beyond the next 20 years, it also identifies areas that could be developed sooner to meet short to medium-term housing demand.

“We want to hear from residents, landowners, community groups, businesses and anyone with an interest in the area and how it will grow,” he said.

“Your feedback will help us refine and improve the plan before it’s finalised.”

Community members can have their say on the working draft structure plan by completing an online survey or providing feedback via Engagement Hub before Friday 19 December 2025.

Alternatively, community members, landowners, and businesses can register on Council’s website to attend one of the workshops on Wednesday, November 27, between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm at Hall B in the Hervey Bay Community Centre in Charles Street Pialba.

To learn more about the project, the workshops, and to complete in the survey, visit Council’s Engagement Hub website at frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/luipi

This project is being led by Council with support from specialist planning consultants and is funded in part by a $350,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Scheme Supply Fund, which helps local governments meet housing supply and planning needs.