Work to revitalise the Hervey Bay City Centre continues to progress thanks to investment from the Albanese Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council, with construction of a $2.5 million car park extension underway.
Supported by $1.3 million from the Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, and $1.18 million from Council, 168 additional car spaces will be delivered.
This will ensure locals and visitors can better access businesses and shared spaces in the Hervey Bay City Centre - which is currently under redevelopment as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal.
The redevelopment includes the construction of a new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre, with the overall construction contract being for $108.7 million, expected to be completed in mid-2026. - It is funded by $40 million from the Australian Government, and additional funding from Council.
Work to extend the car park - which is part of over $3 million flowing to Fraser Coast Regional Council under Phase 4 of LRCI, is being undertaken by local company Kirbro Contracting Pty Ltd and is expected to be completed by December.
The project includes excavation and earthworks, stormwater drainage, kerb and channel, pavement and new asphalt surfacing, construction of concrete footpaths, line marking, lighting and landscaping.
The Hinkler Regional Deal is a partnership between the Australian Government, Fraser Coast Regional Council and Bundaberg Regional Council that seeks to build on the area's strengths to provide economic growth and long-term employment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
"Having high-quality shared spaces and facilities in the heart of town is incredibly important, but regional people know that access to a good car park is often the difference between spending local or going somewhere else.
"That's why we're partnering with Fraser Coast Regional Council to get this high priority local project off the ground, which will ensure that locals and visitors can make the most of the revitalised Hervey Bay City Centre into the future."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
"We're delivering community focused projects, like this one, through the Hinkler Regional Deal which will benefit the Hervey Bay and wider Fraser Coast region for many years to come.
"This is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, which has seen a notable increase in the need for quality community infrastructure - which our government is proud to support."
Quotes attributable to Fraser Coast Regional Councillor, Denis Chapman:
"Council is partnering with the Australian Government through the Hinkler Regional Deal to redevelop the Hervey Bay City Centre, with the backbone a new library and Council Administration Centre.
"More than three-quarters of this development will be community space, with study zones, meeting rooms, creative spaces and areas for large functions available for community use, day and night.
"The new building will also bring hundreds of Council workers together into the city centre, meaning better collaboration between staff and more efficient services for the community.
"With more people coming into the Hervey Bay City Centre, there will be a need for more car parks, both for the general community and for Council staff.
"That's why we are extending the car park near the Hervey Bay PCYC, which will be just a short walk away from the new Hervey Bay Community Hub being built on the corner of Main Street and Torquay Road.
"The car park will also benefit users of the recently opened Hervey Bay pump track."
