Local voices heard as Hinkler Regional Deal projects advance
Planning and delivery of the Hinkler Regional Deal is in full swing with community and project leadership teams coming together to ensure local voices are heard as key projects progress.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the Hinkler Regional Deal would build on the area’s strengths to provide economic growth and long-term job opportunities while also enhancing the liveability and resilience of local communities.
“The funding from the Australian Government is delivering transformational projects that have been on the drawing board for decades,” he said.
“It has allowed the Hervey Bay Airport to be upgraded and means Council can redevelop Hervey Bay’s city centre and move ahead with a missing link in the Fraser Coast road network – the extension of Boundary Road to Urraween Road.
“It also means the establishment of a new hospice in Hervey Bay with construction under way now.”
Cr Seymour said community engagement was a top priority for the Hinkler Regional Deal Program Leadership Team with a Community Consultation Group formed in November 2020 to be an ongoing community voice for the people of the Fraser Coast as projects roll out.
“With community consultation spearheaded by local councillors, David Lee (Division 9), Jade Wellings (Division 5) and Denis Chapman (Division 8), the consultation group meets regularly to discuss input and engagement from the local community on the Hinkler Regional Deal,” he said.
“It allows community voices to be heard for the duration of the Hinkler Regional Deal process.
“Local knowledge and insight is invaluable when it comes to the key projects that are going to help grow the local economy, improve the resilience of our community and ensure the area is a destination of choice for generations to come.”
Director of Regional Development Australia – Wide Bay, Scott Rowe, chairs the Community Consultation Group and said the Hinkler Regional Deal CCG was in place to ensure the Fraser Coast community’s priorities were heard and considered.
“We are thrilled with the interest and enthusiasm shared by all members of the Community Consultation Group. We have had some positive meetings with great insights from community and local business and industry, and are already starting to identify emerging opportunities,” he said.
“The CCG is comprised of a host of pivotal local organisations, and will provide the local community with an opportunity to contact and engage via the representatives, at any time, to discuss the Hinkler Regional Deal project as a whole, and the Hervey Bay city centre redevelopment.”
The organisations represented on the CCG are:
- Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce;
- University of Sunshine Coast;
- Fraser Coast Education Alliance;
- Fraser Coast Tourism and Events;
- Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre;
- Urban Development Institute of Australia Fraser Coast;
- Fraser Coast Property Industry Association; and
- Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation.