Five major projects to watch in Bundaberg 2025

As 2024 comes to a close, five major development projects promise to reshape the Bundaberg region in the new year. DETAILS.

Bundaberg 2025 development applications

The 2024 year wrapped up with more than 65 development applications being submitted across the Bundaberg Region in December alone.

As the New Year fast approaches, a number of community-minded projects are set to break ground in the coming months.

Bundaberg Aquatic Centre

Construction for the new aquatic centre has well and truly begun opposite the Bundaberg Multiplex on Walker St, with the project estimated to be completed in the second half of 2025.

The facility will boast three additional pools including a ten lane 50m competition pool, indoor lap pool and a heated hydrotherapy pool designed with accessibility in mind.

Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesman Ms Carmen McEneany said “this facility is a game-changer for competitive swimming in our region”.

“Our athletes will have access to world-class facilities, helping them reach new heights in their training and performance.

“Beyond competition, the centre will also provide a place for locals of all levels to develop their skills, promote health and fitness, and foster a strong community spirit,” she said.

The Aquatic Centre has been designed with accessibility in mind and is hoped to be a “game-changer for competitive swimming” in the region, Ms Carmen McEneany.

The project was originally earmarked for completion in April 2025, but a statement released on December 16 said it would be slightly later than anticipated.

“The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is making strides towards its highly anticipated completion with three new and accessible pools set to open to the public early in the second half of 2025.”

Artist drawings of the Aquatic Centre being built opposite Bundaberg Multiplex

Bundaberg Big Hospital Build

Construction continues for the $1.2bn Bundaberg Hospital project set for completion in 2027.

The new hospital will have more than 400 beds, including 320 overnight beds, expanded emergency department, additional operating theatres and a wider range of outpatient and diagnostic services.

Deborah Carroll, the Wide Bay Health and Hospital Service Chief Executive said “I know how much our community needs this new state-of-the-art hospital, so it’s enormously gratifying to know they’ll start to see physical works happening onsite”.

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said the new hospital would “drastically increase bed capacity, accessibility, and opportunity for greater expansion of services”.

Artist drawing of new hospital build apart of broader medical precinct to service Bundaberg region.

“As we develop the new hospital site, we will be able to expand our focus on the broader precinct to unlock even more opportunities in health and education,” he said

The Bundaberg Big Hospital Build will support 2,887 jobs in the region.

ANZAC Park upgrades

Stage one of Bundaberg’s ANZAC Park construction commenced in September 2024 after a lengthy planning process and $5m grant from the Federal Government.

While an expected completion date is still to be determined, Bundaberg residents can look forward to a number of exciting additions to the park.

Stage one of the redevelopment project includes a dedicated ANZAC and entertainment lawn including a memorial site and flagpole to host future Anzac Day services.

Memorial plinths, undercover BBQ areas, park bench seating and pathways are included in stage one of the upgrades, with a heavy focus on accessibility.

Artist drawing of Bundaberg ANZAC Park.

Council recently approved a new amenities facility that will cater to wheelchair users, an adult-sized changing table, and a hoist. This project will be led by Changing Places Facilities.

Given its position along the Burnett River, special consideration has been given to stabilising the riverside embankment with stormwater, electrical and water infrastructure to support future additions to the area.

In the coming years, residents across Bundaberg will be able to enjoy the lush riverside park along with an adventure - style playground with water play and an entertainment space designed to host outdoor concerts.

Moore Park Beach Precinct

Construction of a precinct on Moore Park Beach is set to continue into 2025 with hopes of improving the regions recreational and community facilities.

The project has received Queensland Government funding through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program, and will feature a community annex with three buildings, which will accommodate a community hub, a men’s shed, a storage and thrift shop.

The precincts key features include a modern playground, upgraded footpaths linking public spaces, and a focus on sustainability through the use of recycled water for irrigating the sports field.

Initial artist drawings of multimillion-dollar Moore Beach Precinct.

“These enhancements are expected to promote healthy lifestyles, boost tourism and build a strong sense of community among residents,” Mayor Blackburn said.

The multimillion-dollar initiative is also set to be the home of a new Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) clubhouse to service the area.

“Upon completion of their new clubhouse, slated for late 2024 or early 2025, the existing old facility will be demolished,” Divisional representative Ms Jason Bartels said.

Artist drawing of Moore Beach Precinct.

Bundaberg Integrated Transport Strategy (BITS) project

In collaboration with the The Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Bundaberg Regional council have developed the Bundaberg Integrated Transport Strategy.

Residents are invited to have their say on the draft strategy and contribute additional suggestions to the plan before Dec 31, 2024.

The draft strategy is the first of its kind in the region and over the next 20 years seeks to transform the regions

Initiatives highlighted in the project include the development of safer evacuation routes for Bundaberg North, a heavy vehicle rest area in Gin Gin, transitioning Quay street into a transit-oriented hub designed to increase connectivity between the CBD and riverside, connecting Bundaberg and Bargara with an active transport facility for pedestrians and cyclists, Bundaberg Port access road upgrade to support the projected growth and improving access to the new Bundaberg Hospital currently under construction, and the adjacent industrial precinct.