Hervey Bay’s Urangan Pier set for restoration work in late January

The famous Urangan Pier will undergo a major restoration in the coming months, with parts of it to be closed to the public.

Significant restoration work on the Urangan Pier will begin later this month to keep the iconic local landmark safe and accessible for the community. Photo: Aaron Skuse

Significant restoration work on the Urangan Pier will begin in late January to keep it safe and accessible for the community.

Fraser Coast Regional councillor Zane O’Keefe said regular inspections showed that parts of the pier were deteriorating and needed repairs.

“The Urangan Pier has been part of the Fraser Coast community for more than 100 years,” he said.

“It was originally built to ship sugar, coal and timber from the Fraser Coast to the world.

“In the 1980s, when the pier faced demolition, passionate locals rallied to save it, ensuring 868m of its structure were preserved.

“These restoration works will ensure the pier remains safe and extend its life so it can continue to be enjoyed for fishing, walking and sightseeing for many years to come.”

Timber Restoration Services will carry out the work between January 28 and April 4, weather and construction conditions permitting.

If not for the tireless work of activists, the Urangan Pier would have been demolished in 1985

“Sections of the pier will need to be temporarily closed during the works, and signs will be installed to keep the community informed,” Mr O’Keefe said.

“The repairs will include replacing or reinforcing damaged timber, installing new railings and kerbs, restoring historical features and repainting. Measures will also be taken to protect the marine environment during the works.

“To minimise disruption, the repairs are planned outside school holidays. If delays occur, the pier will fully reopen for the Easter holidays, with works resuming on 23 April.”

Mr O’Keefe said the $1 million project was being supported through the State Government Works for Queensland program.

“Regular maintenance of the pier lighting is ongoing to ensure its functionality. Given the challenges posed by the harsh coastal environment, council is exploring options for a replacement lighting system to be included in future capital budgets.

“We understand the temporary closure of sections of the pier may cause inconvenience, but the short-term disruption will ensure this iconic pier remains safe and accessible for generations to come,” he said.

“Ask any local and they’ll tell you that a visit to Hervey Bay is not complete without a stroll down the historic Urangan Pier,” Local Government and Water Minister Ann Leahy said.

“We are delighted to work closely with council to ensure this landmark can be enjoyed by locals and visitors well into the future.”

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