2024 coast projects: Convention centre, Yeppoon Rd upgrades, Station Quarter
With $110 million in developments, the Capricorn Coast is a hive of activity. Discover the progress on some of its biggest projects.
Rockhampton
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There are millions of dollars being spent on projects on the Capricorn Coast, from the $85.4 million Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road Upgrades, $2.5 million Station Quarter and $23 million The Keppel Bay Sailing Club and Conference Centre.
See the latest on the projects on the coast below, and updates on Rockhampton projects here.
ROCKHAMPTON-YEPPOON ROAD UPGRADES
Upgrades to the 35km road between Rockhampton and Yeppoon have been talked about for decades and came to fruition in 2020 when community consultation was opened.
The road has on average between 10,700 to 11,600 vehicles per day, with approximately 100 of those heavy vehicles.
The detailed design was completed in March 2022, with the main focus on widening the road to four lanes between Ironpot and Hedlow Creek.
Other works include the realignment of of Old Byfield Road connection, left-in and left-out accesses at Artillery and Dairy Inn Roads and construction of u-turn facilities at the western end of these roads.
There are also upgrades to The Cabbage Tree Creek Road and Iron Pot Road intersections and a 2.5 wide shoulder for bicycle lanes, along with general guardrails and clear zone clearing for road safety.
Civil Mining and Construction (CMC) were awarded the construction contract in April 2023, commencing construction in the June with weed spraying, fauna assessment and surveying.
Over September, main construction activities began, including vegetation removal and bulk earthworks.
A spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads said works over the coming months will include earthworks as well as drainage, pavement construction, street lighting infrastructure and boundary fencing installation.
The road will be reduced to 80km/h in the project construction zones, and at times, during isolated sections of work, further speed reductions and lane closures.
The project is funded with $64 million from the Federal Government and $21.4 million from the Queensland Government.
It is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
KEPPEL BAY SAILING CLUB AND CONFERENCE CENTRE
The $23 million redevelopment includes a 750-seat three-storey, 2,800sqm building with state-of-the-art sailing facilities, bistro and bar, multiple function and conference facilities, all from the beach location.
Project managed by local architect Brian Hooper, national firm Paynters were awarded the construction contract.
Last drinks were held at the former venue on January 29, 2023 and it was knocked down to make way for the new building.
In July 2023, a sod turning was held on the cleared ground.
A massive frame and scaffolding has since been erected with construction full steam ahead.
The project has been funded with $20 million from the Federal Government, championed by Capricornia MP Michelle Landry, and the club.
The development was estimated to create 289 new jobs and inject $39.8 million into the regional economy during the construction phase.
It is hoped to be completed later this year.
The club’s other venue, the Spinnaker across the road, remains open as normal.
STATION QUARTER
Livingstone Shire Council was successful in securing a $2.5 million grant from the Federal Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program for the Station Quarter.
The space has been designed for differing purposes.
The Community Recovery Space will be a point of contact for support services following a natural disaster.
Everyday use will include a community area with family-friendly dining options, lawn and gardens, children’s play area, bar and taprooms and amenities around the heritage railway building.
There are also plans for a multi-use stage with the vision of regular live entertainment.
Community events and twilight markets could also be held on the lawn area.
Limestone Pacific will tenant the space, naming the venue ‘The Station 4703’, and envision alfresco dining, live music and taphouse that flaunts craft beers produced by independent Australian micro-breweries.
McElhenny Constructions are carrying out the works and have completed earthworks, amenity building, carriage bar and carriage bar deck, stage and have begun the internal fit-out of the historic railway station building has commenced, as well as construction of the large outdoor undercover areas.
The next works will include internal fit-outs, playground installation, pavements and ramps and landscaping treatments.
Council plans to sell the eastern precinct of the site to St Vincent De Paul, who will build high-density affordable housing.
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