Study explores Hervey Bay’s character

Back

Heritage

A Hervey Bay Character Study has revealed the city has many examples of distinctive Queensland architecture and building styles that reflect the history of the city’s development and holiday lifestyle.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the results of the study, released at this week’s Council meeting, provided a detailed analysis of areas in Hervey Bay that display character.

“The character of Hervey Bay differs from other Queensland towns and is worth preserving, especially as it has shaped our sense of identity,” he said.

“The housing styles and development of Hervey Bay are rich and varied.

“The study found Hervey Bay has post-war, coastal style dwellings with some good examples of early Queensland architecture from the Victorian and Interwar periods. 

“The Hervey Bay Character Study will help inform future planning scheme amendments and the findings could be used in other projects concerned with the city’s identity, such as precinct master plans, signage and development guidelines.

“It is important to continue to educate the community on the significance of character and encourage people to express their values, and to understand how the built form can ultimately contribute to the character of the region.

“By publishing the findings online, an educational resource is being provided to the community that informs them about the importance of character in building our identity as a city.” 

As part of the study, local arts students contributed art works for a free ‘Streetscape Character of Hervey Bay’ coffee table book which is available from various outlets including Fraser Coast libraries, the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum, and Council’s Customer Service Centres.

For more information about the Hervey Bay Character Study, go to: https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/heritage-character