AgTech Hub Bargara sale sparks community backlash

Public reaction to news that the former Burnett Shire Council building at Bargara was to be sold has been mixed, with some sad to see it go and other suggesting alternate uses for the iconic facility.

The former AgTech Hub building at 160 Hughes Road, Bargara, is now on the market.

A building that was once home to the Burnett Shire Council and a hub for agricultural innovation is officially on the market, with Bundaberg Regional Council calling for formal tenders.

Located at 160 Hughes Road, Bargara, the property was more recently known as the AgTech Hub, a facility established to support innovation in agriculture and agribusiness through the Hinkler AgTech Initiative.
Built in 1997, as council administration offices, the rendered brick building has about 2736 square metres of floor space and is described by the council as “one of a kind” in the area.

It has hosted a range of events and programs over the years, including the AgTech Showcase in 2023, the On-Farm Connectivity Forum in 2021, and a Natural Resource Management Prioritisation Workshop in 2020.

The former AgTech Hub building at 160 Hughes Road, Bargara, is now on the market.

The facility has also provided work and collaboration space for organisations such as CQUniversity, Greensill Farming Group, and the Burnett Mary Regional Group.
Research conducted there has explored cutting-edge topics like robotics, traceability, blockchain, and AI applications for farming.

Features of the building include a boardroom, meeting room with kitchenette, outdoor BBQ area, 24-hour secure access, and leasable office and storage spaces.

It sits adjacent to the Bargara Cultural and Community Centre, a separately operated venue that accommodates up to 155 people for trade shows, training and other events.

Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Helen Blackburn.

The council confirmed the property “was not in use and was not required for ongoing operational purposes,” and was not currently used by community or not-for-profit groups.

It remained on the council’s sale list after several other properties were removed in April due to public concern.
At the time, a spokesman said: “Any property required for community purposes or used by not-for-profit or sporting groups will not be sold.”
As the council opened tenders, some residents suggested alternative uses for the building on social media, and many were disappointment it was being sold.

Among the suggestions was a coastal library, medical precinct, emergency accommodation, local high school, skate rink, and even a nightclub.
Others proposed retaining the site as a public asset, with one resident calling for it to be leased instead of sold.

“Why do these councils sell off these assets which in reality are ours?” one wrote.
“Then the next thing they’ll either build another (at great cost to locals) or lease buildings again … madness.”

Originally published as AgTech Hub Bargara sale sparks community backlash