Draft Hervey Bay Esplanade Master Plan before Fraser Coast council
The first look at a draft master plan for the Hervey Bay Esplanade reveals a potential pier extension, new boardwalks, pathways and more. See what the revamp could look like.
Fraser Coast
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Plans to revamp the Hervey Bay Esplanade have been revealed, which include upgrades to pathways and boardwalks and a possible extension of the Urangan Pier.
Councillors will vote on Wednesday, October 26, at Hervey Bay Council Chambers to note the Draft Hervey Bay Esplanade Master Plan as a guiding document for future projects.
According to the council report, consultation and engagement with key stakeholders, which included bus tours, brought about a number of ideas and recommendations for the future of the Esplanade.
Representatives of the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation were also consulted for feedback.
Protecting and preserving the natural environment, more shaded areas, upgrading facilities like toilets, barbecues and picnic tables, were some of ideas proposed in the report.
Pathways and boardwalks to accommodate for pedestrians, bicycles and mobility scooters, which will include a mobility corridor and upgrades to pathways to be a minimum of 3m wide, are also proposed in the draft plan.
From an environmental perspective, the draft plan looks to preserve and enhance the natural foreshore environment which is described as “Hervey Bay’s greatest asset”.
It will also look at ways to combat sand dune erosion.
The draft plan also reveals potential changes to the Urangan Pier, which include shaded rest areas and seating, a drinking fountain and a possible extension to restore the pier to its original length.
A detailed design of new raised pedestrian crossings is another feature outlined in the draft plan, along with a raised boardwalk to connect the pathway opposite Queens Rd to Aquavue.
Informative and educational signage along walkways on the Esplanade are also proposed to highlight the natural flora and fauna.
The draft master plan also endeavours to looks for opportunities to “preserve and celebrate sacred indigenous spaces”, highlighting indigenous stories and history.
According to the report, the draft plan endeavours to “enhance the vibrancy of the Esplanade” as a destination for locals and visitors.
According to the report before council, the draft master plan is not suitable for adoption at this stage, but is suitable for council to note so the community is aware of the current stage of the project.
More “experimentation and trial of a range of components suggested in the plan” can then be carried out, according to the report.
Some ideas like the active travel corridor and relocation of carparking spaces will need to be looked at in detailed traffic analysis.
There is no estimated completion date for the project at this stage.
Councillors will also vote in this week’s meeting to endorse the preparation of a more detailed design for a first stage of the Esplanade between Parraweena Park, Point Vernon, and the entrance driveway to The Pines playground at Pialba for community consultation.
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