Torch and pitchfork brigade still coming for new $100M Council headquarters

WAY back in August of last year, I expressed my unequivocal support for the new Council development in the Hervey Bay City Centre as a fantastic landmark initiative.

My view on that has not changed at all. I just don’t get the backlash that has remained so consistent.

The thing that has surprised me the most has been the unrelenting pushback towards this project on forums and social media.

In my time in Hervey Bay, I have not seen such a visceral reaction to a Council initiative, with the possible exception of the sports precinct, which ironically is now recognised as one on the best projects Council has undertaken.

This is a once in a generation opportunity to reshape our city centre in Hervey Bay, to create jobs and to drive economic growth and investment.

Hundreds of jobs will be created, and local businesses will reap huge benefits during and after construction of the new Council building.

More than three quarters of the development will be community space, and the current Hervey Bay Library is only half the size it should be. The new one fixes that.

There is currently an absence of vibrancy and economic activity at Pialba that would be expected and indeed is necessary for a successful City Centre. The project fixes that.

There is an enormous amount of chirping about why the current Council Chambers in Tavistock Street isn’t just getting a lick of paint and some new carpet, but that building is no longer fit for purpose.

That premises lacks the services that most of the detractors of the new project would simply not put up with in their own workplace.

I love the new Council development in the Hervey Bay City Centre; it’s a great project.

I would equally love for you to prosecute an argument via a letter or email, to tell me why I’m wrong and how that pile of cash could have been better spent.

Just make sure you don’t include the $40M of government co-funding, as you won’t be getting that.