Eight local companies secure work on new community hub

Eight local companies have secured sub-contracts valued at about $12.2 million for goods and services needed during the construction of a new Hervey Bay City Centre community hub.

Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman said the Australian Government was partnering with Council through the Hinkler Regional Deal to revitalise the Hervey Bay City Centre, and the cornerstone was a new Library and Council Administration Centre.

“Council awarded the tender to develop the new Hervey Bay City Centre community hub to national construction company Hansen Yuncken, who have begun preparing the site for construction to start this month,” he said.

“Hansen Yuncken has so far engaged eight local companies for trade packages valued at around $12.2 million.

“This includes Sam’s Plumbing and Gas securing a $2 million subcontract for hydraulic services and Wombat Civil and Earthworks being awarded a $1.2 million subcontract for bulk earthworks.

“There will be many more opportunities for local businesses to secure work over the next two and a half years, with the AEC Group estimating the new building will support $146 million in industry output for local businesses during construction.

“Any local businesses wanting to find out more about how they can get involved in this project are encouraged to contact Hansen Yuncken directly at FCLAB@hansenyuncken.com.au”

Cr Jade Wellings said the new community hub would include an expanded library over two levels, a new public plaza, and flexible spaces that could be booked for meetings or events both day and night.

“More than three-quarters of this development will be community space with the new hub to be the community’s one-stop spot for learning, socialising and accessing Council services,” she said.

“Bringing hundreds of workers together into the city centre will also boost nearby businesses. It will mean better collaboration between staff and, ultimately, more efficient services for the community.

“While there will be some disruption during construction, the end result will be a major transformation of a key part of the Hervey Bay City Centre that will set the standard for other developments and pave the way for business investment into our growing city.”

The Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre) is a commitment under the Hinkler Regional Deal.

The overall construction contract has been awarded to Hansen Yuncken for $108.7 million, and is funded by a $40 million Australian Government commitment, Council’s general revenue and land sales.

Construction is due to start later this month and be completed in mid-2026.

The eight local companies that have secured subcontracts so far include:

• Electrical, Communication and Security – JGP Electrical CQ Pty Ltd;
• Hydraulic Services – Sam’s Plumbing and Gas Pty Ltd;
• Temporary Fencing – Handy Hire Trading Pty Ltd;
• Telehandler/Forklift Hire – Handy Hire Trading Pty Ltd;
• Geotechnical – Geotechnical Services (Wide Bay) Pty Ltd;
• Skip Bins – Coastal Skip Bins Hire Pty Ltd;
• Shed Cleaning – Bluebell Services Wide Bay;
• Bulk Earthworks – Wombat Civil and Earthworks;
• Surveyor – Surveyors at Work Pty Ltd.

More details about the Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre project is available on Council’s Engagement Hub website at: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-library-administration-centre-inc-disaster-resilience-centre