THE PENDING outcome of the Torquay Caravan Park has become one of Hervey Bay’s most divisive and passionately debated issues.
At the heart of the debate lies a massive petition effort, among the largest in the region’s history, aimed at preserving the beloved park.
Meanwhile, various stakeholders continue to press competing visions, either advocating for a change in direction or defending the status quo.
The community watches closely, awaiting a decision that will shape Hervey Bay’s identity and future.
The Advertiser had the privilege of speaking with Simon Kuestenmacher, one of Australia’s foremost demographers, renowned for his sharp, data-driven insights and strategic vision for communities.
A two-time guest of the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association (FCPIA), Simon has assessed Hervey Bay’s growth trajectory with a pragmatic lens.
When it comes to the region’s future, he doesn’t just look at the numbers—he deciphers what they truly mean.
Simon offered his perspective on the potential closure of the Torquay Caravan Park.
“To retain young people in the region and attract young families, the primary focus must be on affordable housing and sustainable career opportunities.
“Equally important is ensuring access to high-quality education, healthcare, and essential services.”
“While amenities such as playgrounds and a lagoon pool enhance visitor appeal, they are not the key drivers for long-term resident retention or a primary factor in younger demographics choosing to settle in a location.”
“They are more likely to be a tourism element than a retention element.”
Nicki Hutley, a highly experienced economist, with broad-based expertise in both macroeconomics and microeconomic policy, appears to also be at odds with the notion that young people bring prosperity.
“The spending of people aged between twenty-five and thirty-four fell across 2024 compared to a year earlier, while the spending of people aged between thirty-five and sixty rose.”
“What that means is that, on average, once you take into account the growth in prices, everyone below the age of 60 was spending less, and in some cases, much less,” said Nicki.
“Even with inflation, those aged 60 and above, particularly 75 and older, are spending more than the rate at which prices have increased.”
Simon Kuestenmacher went on to emphasise that such developments like the push to redevelop Torquay Caravan Park often carry a political agenda, an unavoidable reality in urban planning.
Meanwhile, Hervey Bay’s booming tourism industry requires consistent investment in cafes, restaurants, and supporting infrastructure.
“Caravan parks are very much a key part of that equation, as are a mix of other forms of short-term accommodation,” Simon said.
He urged decision-makers to take a broader, more strategic view.
“Think of it like a computer game called ‘Build Hervey Bay.’ The goal is to assemble all the right elements to create the most attractive living experience.”
Simon also commended efforts to establish a thriving City Centre in Pialba, calling it a major step in the right direction, however he cautioned against short-sighted decision-making, in the rush to handle change.
“You could make a case for removing one caravan park, but with so much available foreshore land, are we just solving one problem by creating another?”
“Saying ‘the land is too good to be a caravan park’ is the wrong way to look at it. There is an abundance of foreshore land in both the peak tourist and resident areas to provide options.”
His parting message was clear.
“Hervey Bay’s focus should be on encouraging visitors—young or old—to stay longer.
The longer they stay, the stronger the city grows.”
Simon is a globally recognised expert in data visualisation and demographic trends.
Named one of the world’s Top 50 influencers in data science, he is a columnist for The Australian and reaches over 30 million people each month via social media.