Community to have say on Boat Harbour Drive upgrade

Hervey Bay residents will have the chance to provide input into plans for the $10 million Boat Harbour Drive upgrade project, ahead of construction starting early next year.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the upgrade on Boat Harbour Drive between Hunter Street and McNally Street would cater for traffic growth in the area.

“Boat Harbour Drive is the city’s busiest road, with about 20,000 vehicles travelling along it each day,” Mr Pitt said.

“With Hervey Bay's rising population, there is a need to cater for a growing amount of traffic using Boat Harbour Drive."

Member for Hervey Bay and Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara said the project would involve resurfacing and widening the road to four lanes, as well as upgrading eight intersections.

“In addition, two new sets of traffic signals will be installed – at Taylor Street and Banksia Park Drive,” Mr McNamara said.

"A new concrete pedestrian footpath will link existing council pathways, between Banksia Park Drive and McNally Street, to the new signalised pedestrian crossing at Banksia Park Drive, ensuring pedestrians can cross Boat Harbour Drive safely."

Mr McNamara said Main Roads' public displays would be held at the Centro Shopping Centre, Hervey Bay Library and Hervey Bay City Council from now until 1 November.

"Staff will be at the Centro Shopping Centre on Saturday 27 October from 10am to 12pm and on Thursday 1 November from 11am to 2pm, to address any questions about the upgrade," he said.

“The community’s input will assist Main Roads in completing the final road design before construction starts early next year."

The public can also contact Main Roads on 1300 728 390.

Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Minister McNamara’s Office 3336 8032