The first annual progress report for the $260 million Hinkler Regional Deal has been released today, detailing the progress of the 5-year plan and how the benefits can be seen across Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and the surrounding area.
The Hinkler Regional Deal, the second Regional Deal in Australia, is a placed-based approach that recognises the unique challenges and opportunities of the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay region. The Deal highlights how governments working together with the community can maximise the region's potential.
The Australian Government committed $172.9 million to the Deal, which is supported by over $90 million in investment from the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regional Councils and other key implementation partners.
Key achievements of the Hinkler Regional Deal outlined in the Annual Progress Report include:
- Completion of the new Fraser Coast Hospice
- Completion of the Hervey Bay Airport Redevelopment
- Set up of the Bargara Ag-Tech Facility, situated within the Bundaberg Ag-Tech Hub
- Planning the construction of the multi-use conveyor at the Port of Bundaberg.
Progress has also been made on several other projects under the Regional Deal, including the Urraween to Boundary Road Extension project, which will start construction in coming weeks, and the Childers Road Overtaking Lanes project, which is now almost complete.
In a year shaped by the challenges of a global pandemic, the Deal has continued to deliver for local communities, by growing the region through economic development, resilience and improved liveability.
The three completed projects under the Deal - the new Fraser Coast Hospice, Hervey Bay Airport Redevelopment and set up of the Bargara Ag-Tech Facility - have helped to support approximately 250 jobs in the region.
The Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the
Hon Nola Marino MP said: "The progress of commitments under the Deal in such uncertain times shows the value of governments working together."
"The Hinkler Regional Deal has played an important role in helping local industry and the community of the region to lay a strong economic path of recovery through the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.
"Our investment in infrastructure projects through the Deal provides opportunities for construction and other businesses, meaning they can invest in their future, and plan ahead to grow their workforce."
Mayor for the Bundaberg Regional Council, Cr Jack Dempsey said: "Any investment by the Australian Government, such as supporting the RFDS flight simulator, is always welcome."
"We look forward to seeing further positive outcomes achieved through the Hinkler Regional Deal."
Mayor for the Fraser Coast Regional Council, Cr George Seymour said: "the Hinkler Regional Deal is building on the region's strengths to grow the economy and provide more long-term job opportunities on the Fraser Coast."
"The funding from the Australian Government is delivering transformational projects that have been on the drawing board for decades," he said.
"The Fraser Coast now has a new hospice and a refurbished airport runway, while planning is underway to revitalise the Hervey Bay city centre and move ahead with a missing link in the Fraser Coast road network - the extension of Boundary Road to Urraween Road."
"The Fraser Coast Regional Council looks forward to working with the Australian Government to continue to progress these once-in-a generation projects on the Fraser Coast."
The Hinkler Regional Deal is a 5 year commitment between the Australian Government, Bundaberg Regional Council and Fraser Coast Regional Council for the region.
