A Vision for a Vibrant and Sustainable Fraser Coast

Dear Editor,
I am excited to share with the Fraser Coast community my candidacy for Division 6 in the upcoming elections. With a background spanning over 20 years in early childhood education and corporate leadership, I am eager to bring my skills and passion to the local government.

Having worked across three states and excelled in various leadership roles for over 20 years, I have developed a keen understanding of strategic planning, financial control, and community development. My commitment to carefully designing the infrastructure of our community aligns with my desire to keep the Fraser Coast beautiful, particularly along the Esplanade.

As a single mother who escaped domestic violence, I understand the challenges of balancing bills and running a small business. Transitioning from a corporate job in 2020 to pursue entrepreneurship and council candidacy in the last election has given me unique insights into the struggles faced by many in our community.

My vision for Division 6 and the entire Fraser Coast is rooted in safety, mental health & well-being, business development, and effective financial planning. I advocate for low rates to encourage investment, ensuring roads facilitate smooth traffic flow and less congestion. With ongoing developments in progress, strategic planning is crucial to avoid unnecessary debt costs that could burden future generations.

I stand as a candidate who listens to the voice of the community, dedicated to serving and realising the aspirations of the people. Together, let's build a vibrant, safe, and sustainable Fraser Coast.
Sincerely,

Alicia A. Wade
Fraser Coast Resident and Division 6 Candidate

Development

I am absolutely appalled the Hervey Bay council is proposing to build a 21 story building along the Esplanade. Why are they not listening to the locals who do not want this sort of development on their coast.
They are following other areas such as the Sunshine Coast which has been totally ruined by high rise development.
Wake up Council and listen to the people who voted you in.

Marg Powell – Torquay

New airport management model needed to make Hervey Bay fly

I refer to Andrew Broad's letter published in the Hervey Bay Advertiser on the 16th of November. As I read Andrew's letter, I felt a strong sense of deja vu as I was sure I had heard this proposal somewhere before. After a little digging I found the Advertiser's story of 19 April 2023 titled 'Councillor wants Bay airport to be privatised'.

Andrew may not have been aware that David Lee has already led the charge to seek a review of the Hervey Bay Airport's management arrangements. I understand Fraser Coast Regional Council consequently agreed to fund a consultant to undertake the review. While Andrew's comments are valid and the management arrangements a Mildura may be a good option to emulate, I think we should wait to see the results of a process that is well in train.

Greg McHugh - Torquay

Letters to the Editor column

Dear Sir

I object to your section of the newspaper being used by people who are putting themselves up for the next council election as a means to gain public profile.

This column should be a place for everyday people to speak out their concerns and not be a political platform.

If prospective councillors wish to promote themselves for political purposes then they should have the decency to purchase advertising space like everyone else who wants to make their business known and stop expecting freebies.

Jenny Johnston

Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce

Dear Sir

Congratulations on your editorial regarding the Fraser Coast Chamber of Commerce. Leaders of our business community need to work together with all politicians, regardless of their political persuasion, for the betterment of the whole community.

Equal time and access is all that is asked for.

Ross & Loraine Olm - Urangan

Let’s keep the ambience of Hervey Bay

This new 21 storey tower proposed will create major issues during the construction phase and traffic issues. The amenity of what is so appealing about Hervey Bay is that it isn't like the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast.

The wind tunnels this will create will be problematic not to mention the shading. We already have way too much congestion on our roads and this will only add to it. Let’s keep in line with current heights and maintain the current ambience of Hervey Bay.

Neil Ford – Torquay

Yes to development but not of this scale

I am not opposed to development of this area but for a town without a single nightclub or adequate transport, this monstrosity is surely overkill.

Tripling the height of existing high rise on the esplanade equates to a scar on the land which will be seen for miles. With hundreds of units peering down, the private walks you've enjoyed along the beach and the beautiful unobstructed view of the sunsets that Hervey Bay is famous for will be a thing of the past.

This is not the Gold or Sunshine Coast. Check the geography - Hervey Bay is a bay that faces north -- not east so it makes sense that the long shadow cast will impact surrounding residents. High rises have been kept away from our main beaches for a reason. It just simply would not be Hervey Bay any more with this enormous building dominating the landscape

Marie Smith