Council identifies priority projects to take region forward

THE STREETSCAPE improvements in the Hervey Bay City Centre is among 39 priority projects identified by the Fraser Coast Regional Council.

At its meeting on 27 September, Council endorsed the ‘Priority Advocacy Projects 2024’ document, which will be used to seek partnerships and commitments from the Australian and Queensland Governments to support critical local priorities.

Mayor George Seymour said the Fraser Coast was growing strongly as more and more people realised it was one of the best places in the world to live, work and play.

“Council has an active role in long-term planning to ensure infrastructure and services are delivered as they are needed in our community,” he said.

“The Priority Projects for Advocacy document provides decision-makers with clear and consistent messages about what is needed to take the Fraser Coast forward.”

Cr Seymour said the 39 priority projects listed would be the focus of Council’s advocacy activities with the Australian and Queensland Governments.

“Council is determined to ensure our region continues to flourish while preserving the relaxed Fraser Coast lifestyle and protecting our beautiful natural environment at the same time,” she said.

“Securing funding and support for these projects would help Council deliver services and infrastructure to meet the unique needs of our growing community and maintain our long-term financial sustainability.”

Examples of priority projects include, but is not limited to:

• Road and footpath upgrades in Howard;
• Streetscape improvements to help revitalise the Hervey Bay City Centre;
• An upgrade of Boundary Road from Robert Street to Booral Road;
• Delivering the next stage of the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct Master Plan including an athletics precinct and premier oval;
• A glass recycling facility;
• A Hervey Bay desalination plant business case;
• Replacement of Kunst Bridge at Munna Creek to increase the load limit for heavy vehicles; and
• Refurbishment of the Urangan Pier.

The document contains a list of seven projects for which the State Government is responsible that Council wishes to highlight in representing the needs of the Fraser Coast community.

This includes, but is not limited to, an upgrade of the Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road to four lanes, a Urangan Harbour master plan and promotion, as well as rebranding and other activities to facilitate the Queensland Government’s name change from Fraser Island to K’gari.

A copy of the Fraser Coast Priority Advocacy Projects 2024 document is available on Council’s website at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/publications