Transformational Projects

The following transformational projects have been identified through research, analysis and consultation with key stakeholders. These infrastructure projects, as outlined in Council’s Economic Development Strategy - Fraser Coast Futures 2036(PDF, 11MB), have the potential to significantly impact and enhance the local economy. Most of these projects would require significant capital expenditure and would often require some co-funding from either the Queensland Government or the Australian Government, or both.

The transformational projects for the region include:

Urangan Harbour Master Plan and Redevelopment

The Master Plan aims to steer the long-term future development opportunities for the Urangan Harbour. The plan includes resolving constraints around land tenure, exploring the feasibility for relocation or colocation of government services within the marina precinct, facilitating expansion plans of existing tenants, identifying development and investment opportunities and investing significant funding for infrastructure upgrades and masterplan implementation. While the Master Plan is critically important and currently underway, the implementation of the Master Plan and the Harbour’s redevelopment will be the significant catalytic project.

Slaughterhouse Road and Moonaboola Industrial Estate Extension

The project includes upgrading and extending Slaughterhouse Road to enable sufficient road access that will facilitate investment into the expansion of Moonaboola Industrial Estate. The road works will greatly improve access into the existing estate and will also immediately unlock surrounding land (much of it already zoned for industrial development). This project is required to address the shortage of industrial land in the short-term (while the Industrial Land Study plans for the long-term supply of industrial land).

Hervey Bay Esplanade Masterplan

The Hervey Bay Esplanade Masterplan guides the future development of significant upgrades to the Hervey Bay Esplanade. The implementation involves projects across various areas such as Point Vernon, Pialba, Scarness, Torquay and Urangan. The plan aims to improve active transport links, expand and improve parkland and public realm areas, create additional space for parkland and al fresco dining, enhance resiliency and coastal protection and upgrade pedestrian crossings. The project will ultimately provide active transport links to Mary to Bay Rail Trail (once completed), and to a range of recreational trails and shared pathways along the foreshore, of which most are flat, that you can walk or cycle along with ease. This contributes to improving the liveability in the region and attracting young families.

Hervey Bay City Centre Masterplan

The project focuses on implementing the placemaking and public realm plan for the City Centre. The project includes building a new state-of-the-art library and administration centre, streetscape improvements in Main Street and raised pedestrian crossing facilities. The plan aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure and provide a modern customer service experience. While the construction of the new Community Hub including library and administration centre is due for completion in 2026, the implementation of the remaining elements will improve the attractiveness of the city and support the attraction of young families and young professionals as well as drive demand and increased activity for many of businesses in the City Centre.

Maryborough Revitalisation Plan

This project seeks to revitalise the Maryborough CBD by developing an adaptable, sustainable and flexible library, improving community facilities and service delivery and providing a modern customer service experience. Additional projects include placemaking and public realm improvements, development of a new parkland, enhanced pedestrian facilities and activation of private commercial buildings. The project will improve the liveability and attractiveness of the Maryborough CBD to encourage the rejuvenation of many historical buildings and support the attraction of new residents.

Enabling Education Outcomes in the Fraser Coast Region 

Fraser Coast Regional Council aims to improve education outcomes in the region by collaborating with educational institutions and stakeholders. The focus is on enhancing educational facilities, supporting innovative teaching methods and providing opportunities for skill development and lifelong learning. The project would directly support increased capability and educational offering locally, ensuring residents (particularly younger people) are not forced to leave the area to pursue their educational objectives. The desired outcome is a clear pathway and overall concept for future education expansion in the region, as well as utilising the existing Hervey Bay library building (once vacated) to unlock the region’s potential and create a thriving education hub.

Fraser Coast Sport and Recreation Precinct  

The precinct is a major centralised sporting precinct for the region that has already delivered several benefits to residents. The remaining elements of the project include the development of an indoor leisure centre, athletics facility, beach volleyball courts, outdoor stadium and supporting infrastructure and landscaping. The precinct aims to support the sporting and recreational needs of the community and attract larger-scale sporting events. The staged completion of the project will greatly enhance the recreational offering in the region and support the attraction of young families (who likely have access to similar facilities in their current residential location).

Marine Interpretive Centre 

A marine interpretive centre would provide a land-based, all weather visitor attraction that could significantly augment the existing tourism offering. Such a Centre would also address the current challenges regarding weather impacts for whale watching tours and other traditional outdoor activities (during peak periods) as well as add a new commissionable product to the region. The Centre could augment the existing offering providing an immersive marine or whale experience, while also focusing on education, Aboriginal culture, research and/ or conservation. Previous studies have highlighted the need for such a centre and its potential benefits as a major visitor attraction for the region.