Urangan Pier reopens as coastal protection works wrap up

Two major projects to protect Urangan’s coastline and preserve the historic Urangan Pier are now complete, making the area safer and more accessible for the community.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Zane O’Keefe said restoration works had been carried out on the iconic Urangan Pier and a new rock revetment wall had been built along the Urangan foreshore.

“Construction began in November 2024 along the Urangan foreshore to extend the existing seawall 150 metres east of the Urangan Pier, aiming to protect the natural beach environment and reduce the risk of future damage to nearby infrastructure,” he said.

“Coastal protection is essential for the Fraser Coast, where our 112 kilometres of shoreline supports critical infrastructure and valuable community assets.

“The project involved excavation and earthworks, construction of the rock revetment wall, installation of a beach access staircase, and landscaping and revegetation to stabilise the area.

“Construction of the seawall required approximately 9,300 tonnes of rock, sourced from three different quarries, with some individual rocks weighing up to six tonnes each.

Cr O’Keefe said a six-wheel-drive articulated dump truck and a 38-tonne excavator were used to manoeuvre the massive rocks into place, building a structure that now stands about one metre higher than any other rock wall in Hervey Bay.

"This showcases the scale and durability of the structure, which has been engineered to withstand harsh coastal conditions and safeguard the foreshore well into the future.

“Council is grateful to the Australian Government for their generous $2.43 million funding contribution towards the $3.2 million project through their Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said this project highlights the Albanese Government’s work to safeguard coastal communities and infrastructure.

“The completion of this coastal protection infrastructure demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to building disaster resilience in vulnerable areas,” Minister McBain said.

“This $2.43 million federal investment will ease the minds of Fraser Coast residents knowing their community is getting the right support, with the scale of this project showing how serious our government is about reducing disaster risk.”

Cr O’Keefe said during construction, a 480-metre section of the beach was fenced off temporarily closing five formal beach access points.

“Council thanks the community for their patience and understanding, as these temporary closures were necessary to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.

“This project will help protect critical infrastructure from future erosion, ensuring the area remains resilient and accessible for years to come.

“The Urangan revetment wall officially opened to the community last week.”

Fraser Coast Regional Council has also been carrying out restoration work on the iconic pier since January 2025 to ensure it remains safe and can continue to be enjoyed for fishing, walking and sightseeing for generations to come.

Cr O’Keefe said the 868-metre Urangan Pier has stood for more than a century and was originally built to export sugar, coal and timber from the Fraser Coast to the world.

“Maintaining this much-loved landmark is a priority for Council so future generations can continue to enjoy it,” he said.

“The $1.43 million Urangan Pier rehabilitation works, funded through the State Government’s Works for Queensland program, included replacing and reinforcing damaged timber, installing new railings and kerbs, restoring heritage features, and repainting.”

Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the Queensland Government was delighted to work closely with Council to ensure this landmark can be enjoyed by locals and visitors well into the future.

"Ask any local and they'll tell you that a visit to Hervey Bay is not complete without a stroll down the historic Urangan Pier.

The Urangan Pier rehabilitation works are proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s 2024-2027 Works for Queensland Program in association with Fraser Coast Regional Council.

“We’re proud to have been able to support this work to restore this beautiful pier and give the community back something that is so greatly loved.”

Council thanks all levels of government for their support in delivering these vital projects and remains committed to preserving the Fraser Coast’s unique natural and built environment for current and future generations.

You can view Council's Shoreline Erosion Management Plan here: www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/beaches-coastlines-page/beaches-coastal-management-3/2