City centre parking and pump track boost in Hervey Bay
A Hervey Bay City Centre car park extension will open next week alongside upgraded facilities at the popular new pump track.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the car park extension between the Hervey Bay PCYC and the current library would provide 164 additional spaces when it opened next Tuesday, December 24.
“This car park extension will help ensure locals and visitors can better access businesses, Council venues and recreational spaces in the Hervey Bay City Centre, which is being redeveloped as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal,” he said.
“This additional parking will particularly support those working at and visiting the under-construction Hervey Bay Community Hub, which will include a new library and Council administration centre.”
Cr Seymour said upgrades to the area around the pump track would also be completed by next week.
“The additional facilities include three toilet cubicles, two shelters, a BBQ area, a water bubbler and bins, relocated bike rack, sandstone seating, electrical works, and more trees to provide shade,” he said.
“These upgrades are perfectly timed for summer and the school holidays, enhancing the experience for pump track users and pickleball players.
“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport on the Fraser Coast and these new facilities will help the Hervey Bay Pickleball Club continue to provide a great recreational, social, and competitive experience.
“The toilet block, one shelter, and BBQ area are positioned near the expanded car park, while the opposite end will have a new shelter and bench seating to offer onlookers a shaded spot to relax.
“The new pump track is a fantastic recreational asset for the community, encouraging families to get outside, stay active, and connect with others, while it is also a tourism drawcard that boosts the local economy.
“It’s all part of Council’s commitment to creating inclusive, engaging and vibrant public spaces for our community.”
The pump track upgrades, funded by Council at a cost of $420,000, are due for completion by 23 December, weather permitting.
The Queensland Government provided a $1.3 million grant to Council through the Works for Queensland program to design and build pump tracks in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
The $2.5 million car park extension project, funded by $1.3 million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program and $1.18 million from Council, included significant upgrades such as:
- Excavation, drainage and stormwater management;
- Kerb and channel construction;
- New asphalt surfacing, footpaths, 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.