21-storey Hervey Bay tower back in the spotlight

A game-changing development on the Hervey Bay Esplanade has already drawn 1500 public submissions, but there will now be time for more after the public notification process was reopened.

A landmark "twin towers" resort and residential development, the biggest of its kind ever to be proposed on the Hervey Bay Esplanade, is before the Fraser Coast Regional Council.

The community will get another chance to have its say on a game-changing, 21-storey development proposed for Hervey Bay due to a technical error made by the applicant during the initial process.

It comes as about 1500 submissions relating to development have already been made.

Located at 408-412 the Esplanade at Torquay, the site is currently occupied by budget accommodation provider Buzzers, an empty Smoke ‘n’ Leather nightclub and surrounding units known as The Hub, and extends back to Freshwater St.

Fraser Coast Regional Council acting CEO Gerard Carlyon said the public notification process had restarted because of the error.

“The applicant has chosen to reopen the public notification process from January 8, 2024, until January 31, 2024,” Mr Carlyon said.

There was no need for anyone who had already made a submission to make another, he said.

“The reopening of the public notification process does, however, provide an opportunity for anyone who missed the chance to have their say in the first round last year, or those who were advised their submissions were not properly made, to make a submission by January 31, 2024.”

Mr Carlyon said the development application was one of about 300 being assessed by the council.

“Under the Planning Act, the development application process is driven by the applicant. Council’s role is to assess and respond to whatever applications are made,” he said.

A "twin towers" mega resort is planned for Hervey Bay. IMAGE: Mode Design Corp

“The development applications council receives cover everything from a carport through to proposals like this for a high-rise hotel and apartment complex. Many applications are dealt with at the officer level, but applications that could have a significant community impact go before council for a formal decision.

“This particular application includes hundreds of pages of documents and studies, along with 1500 public submissions so far, so a formal report and recommendation from council officers isn’t likely to come before a council meeting for a decision for several months.”

Mr Carlyon said councillors were required to take an unbiased approach to assessing reports presented to council meetings and councillors were yet to officially see any of the formal documents, studies and public submissions.

“Under the Local Government Act, if a councillor was to express an opinion now either for or against the application, it may mean they would then have a conflict of interest and may be unable to vote when the formal report comes before council in the next three to six months,” he said.

More information about the application can be found at is available at pdonline.frasercoast.qld.gov.au by entering the application number MCU23/0090. Submissions can be made by emailing [e-mail] or by post to council at PO Box 1943, Hervey Bay, QLD, 4655.