Revitalising the Hervey Bay City Centre continues to progress thanks to investment from the Australian Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council - with construction of the $108.7 million Hervey Bay Community Hub now one third complete.
The Hub will feature an expanded two-level library, Council Administration Centre, Disaster Resilience Centre, public plaza, and flexible spaces for community events.
The new library will be double the current library's size to cater for the region's growing population and to boost education outcomes, with the outdoor plaza to support markets and live music.
This project is being delivered as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal, with $40 million from the Australian Government and additional funding from Council.
National construction company Hansen Yuncken is delivering the project and has engaged several local companies for services including hydraulic works, scaffolding, and earthworks.
Construction on the five-storey building, located at the corner of Main Street and Torquay Road in Pialba, began in January and is on schedule for completion by mid-2026.
More details are available at: www.frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-library-administration-centre-inc-disaster-resilience-centre
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, which is exactly what this project will deliver.
"Our partnership with the Fraser Coast Regional Council will revitalise the Hervey Bay City Centre - supporting local jobs and boosting the region's liveability.
"The new library will open up opportunities for learning, studying and socialising - with the disaster resilience centre to support the community in the event of emergencies."
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 infrastructure - which our Government is proud to support.
"We will continue to work with Fraser Coast Council to deliver priority projects which will ensure locals and visitors can make the most of the revitalised Hervey Bay City Centre."
Quotes attributable to Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor George Seymour:
"Libraries are vitally important public spaces, where people can meet, discover new interests and expand their horizons. This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our city centre, create jobs and drive business investment.
"Bringing hundreds of workers into the city centre will boost nearby businesses and mean better staff collaboration, which ultimately means more efficient services for the community.
"More than three-quarters of the development will be community space with the new hub to be the community's one-stop spot for learning, socialising and accessing Council services."
Quotes attributable to Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Denis Chapman:
"There has been considerable progress this year, with 93 foundation piles and 371 basement wall piles constructed. The bulk excavation works were also completed, removing over 8,600 cubic metres of material.
"The basement and ground floor slabs have been poured and preparation works are underway for the level one slab. A 45-metre tall crane - now named 'Hercules' after a Name the Crane competition - was installed mid-year to help move heavy materials around during construction.
"We expect 2025 to be a similarly busy year as the building takes shape."
