Massive crane installed as build continues on Hervey Bay council administration building

A sky-high crane signals a big moment in the transformation of Hervey Bay’s CBD as the next stage of the $100million-plus build begins. VIDEO, LATEST.

A massive crane has been installed as work on the new $108.7 million council headquarters, which will include a two-storey library, disaster management centre and community meeting spaces.

The flat top tower crane is 45 metres tall with a 70-metre arm and will be used to help move heavy materials around during construction of the new five-storey building located on the corner of Main St and Torquay Rd in Pialba.

The project, which is supported by $40 million from the Federal Government, and remaining funding from Fraser Coast Regional Council, is now six months into what will be a two-and-a-half-year build. It is due to be completed by mid-2026.

Hervey Bay City Centre. Photo: Fraser Coast Regional Council.

The sod was turned in January when then-deputy mayor Denis Chapman said it was a great day for the region.

As well as the new council headquarters in Hervey Bay, the hub will also include a Disaster Resilience Centre, an expanded library over two levels, a new public plaza and flexible spaces for meetings and events.

The huge project has been subject to controversy, with Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders dubbing it the ‘Taj Mahal’ in 2022 and predicting a cost blowout at the time to about $140m.

More than three-quarters of the development will be community space, with the new hub to be the community’s one-stop spot for learning, socialising and accessing council services.

A massive crave has been installed as the development of Hervey Bay's council administration centre continues.

The project is funded through the Hinkler Regional Deal - a partnership between the Federal Government, Fraser Coast Regional Council and Bundaberg Regional Council that seeks to build on the area’s strengths to provide economic growth and long-term employment.

Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain said the Fraser Coast region was one step closer to accessing multipurpose spaces and high-quality infrastructure for a range of workshops and community events.

A massive crave has been installed as the development of Hervey Bay's council administration centre continues.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm said it was great to see construction progressing on the Hervey Bay project.

“This centre will have long-term benefits for one of Queensland’s fastest growing regions, from boosting community engagement, supporting local businesses to grow and encouraging more visitors to spend time in the heart of town,” he said.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor, Daniel Sanderson said the development would transform the city.

“National construction company Hansen Yuncken began work on the new Hervey Bay City Centre community hub in January, and the project has now reached a significant milestone with the installation of the crane in the middle of the site.

“This transformational project for Hervey Bay will revitalise the Hervey Bay city centre, create jobs and drive business investment,” he said.