STATE Government Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace recently announced that work would soon begin on a new master plan for Urangan Harbour. This plan aims to provide a blueprint to guide decision-making, development, and investment to support a sustainable maritime industry.
Minister Grace recognised Urangan Harbour as a strategic maritime asset and a gateway to the Great Sandy Marine Park and K’gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area.
She stated that the planning process would officially begin in mid-2024, with public consultations expected in early 2025 and the final master plan document anticipated by late 2025.
The master plan will outline future land use intentions and redevelopment opportunities, ensuring the Harbour’s role in the region’s economic growth.
The process will incorporate community and stakeholder feedback, high-level technical investigations, background research, and the latest Recreational Boating Demand Forecasting.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads, which owns Urangan Harbour, will partner with Economic Development Queensland to deliver a master plan that also considers the broader harbour precinct.
This initiative is highlighted in the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan as a key contributor to tourism and economic development in the Fraser Coast region.
Minister Grace emphasised Urangan Harbour’s significance as a key tourism and maritime destination, with the potential to become a central hub within the Fraser Coast region’s tourism sector.
She noted the underutilised land around the harbour and the potential for economic redevelopment, particularly leveraging Hervey Bay’s status as a Whale Heritage Site.
“The strategic master planning of Urangan Harbour will be the first step towards its revitalisation,” said Grace.
“It will attract new investment in residential and commercial land uses, further developing Urangan Harbour’s role as the region’s home for whale watching, boating enthusiasts, and recreational fishers.”
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari emphasised the harbour’s critical role in tourism as the gateway to Hervey Bay’s Whale Heritage Site.
He highlighted the importance of providing all-tide deep-water access to recreational boaties from far and wide.
“The master plan will offer a long-term vision to guide decision-making and future development, supporting recreational and commercial boating activities and a sustainable maritime and tourism industry,” said Tantari.
