Esplanade drainage concept plan in Urangan adopted

The adoption of a $16.9m plan to upgrade stormwater drainage and road infrastructure along a section of the Hervey Bay Esplanade in Urangan would be a catalyst for further development of the marina precinct, Cr Zane O’Keefe said.

The project, which would occur along Jetty Street and the Esplanade between Miller Street to Moolyyir Street, would be significantly funded by contributions from developers.

“There are several projects on the drawing board for that area that will depend on connecting to the stormwater network.

“Adopting this plan will give the developers confidence to move forward with their projects and contributions from the developers for trunk infrastructure projects will help fund the work.

“We are not just making provisions for improved stormwater drains and the upgrading of roads; it’s about creating streetscapes that will make the area attractive and useable for residents and visitors.

“The plan enhances and improves access to the Marina Precinct.”

The concept plans align with the Marina Master Plan and takes into account existing development approvals to cater for future growth.

The concept design used growth projections to determine traffic modelling of the adjacent area to up to the year 2041, the road alignment, intersection treatments, stormwater modelling and the active travel network.

At present development applications for the marina precinct include:

• The three multi-storey towers of the Marina Square in Buccaneer Drive (264 units/apartments);
• The Anchorage Lifestyle Resort, which is under construction;
• The seven storey Ramada expansion (83 units) and
• 435 units spread over four other projects along that section of the Esplanade.

In addition, there are several vacant blocks that will provide a range of residential and tourist-based developments into the future.