Debate rages, but most want to see a Sheraton Hotel at Hervey Bay

Public opinion appears to support a Sheraton Hotel at Hervey Bay, though some of those against it have nicknamed it the ‘foreshore eyesore’ as assumptions of an age divide appear in the debate.

Concept designs for the new Sheraton Resort in Hervey Bay.

A poll of Fraser Coast Chronicle readers and social media responses have revealed more people support the construction of a Sheraton resort at Hervey Bay than do not.

The 18-storey, five-star Sheraton Hotel’s approval by Fraser Coast Regional Council on July 24, 2024, marked a significant milestone and change in direction for the low key, low-rise retirement and whale watching haven.

It was green-lit despite being three times higher than the town plan allowed.

On Wednesday, August 28, the council will consider another proposal - this time for a 16-storey Radisson Hotel and apartments to be built near the foreshore at Hervey Bay.

Artist's impression of reception area at Sheraton Hervey Bay.

Like the Sheraton proposal, the report prepared by council staff recommends supporting the application.

A poll of Chronicle readers launched on August 27 had revealed by the afternoon of the next day that 64 per cent of people who voted approved of the resort, and 36 per cent did not.

On social media, it was clear that while most commenters were in favour, there were many also against it.

Earlier this year - ahead of the council vote - of the 2780 “properly made submissions” from the public to the council, 1849 were in favour and 930 were against.

The divide was mirrored by the council vote itself, which went down to the wire 6:5. Mayor George Seymour voted against it.

Concept designs for the new Sheraton Resort in Hervey Bay.

It is far from a project that has the unanimous support of the community.

While it is clear many, if not most, support it for its potential economic and social benefits, others, including former councillor Sue Brooks, think it is out of character with the surrounding environment and could have adverse effects on the area.

She wants the height brought down.

Ms Brooks is spearheading a campaign to raise money to legally challenge that height.

The Torquay Towers Appeal Fund Hervey Bay GoFundMe aims to raise $10,000 to appeal to the Queensland Planning and Environment Court, a process likely to cost much more than $10,000.

By Tuesday afternoon the gofundme had almost reached that target.

Debate on social media got quite heated at times, and occasionally downright unpleasant, with the age difference cited several times as a reason some were so against it.

While most comments were in support of the project, others referred to it as the “foreshore eyesore” or “the monstrosity”, and still others supported the Sheraton but at a reduced height.

“Bring it on, let Hervey Bay move forward and up,” posted Mark Jumpers Juppenlatz.

“No, cap all buildings at six stories / tops of esplanade trees. And only one per every second block or so. Like our old town plan,” Ron Acutt said.

Concept designs for the new Sheraton Resort in Hervey Bay.

Patrick Mcnamara said Hervey Bay was “too beautiful to lock up” and no one had the right to stop development of such an awesome city.

“It has to happen,” he said.

“It’s rare to have a wonderful location that faces north. The beach has sun all year round. Love the high-rise.”

Cameron Gillott said “make it 30 stories (sic) high … progress is a good thing”.

Scott Sharp said “I think it’s a great idea, if you don’t like. Then move!! To many elderly in this town that simply don’t want change.”

Allan Pryor said he missed Hervey Bay “when it was a nice quiet family town - now it’s just over crowded and so much of its beauty is now paved”.