Published Wednesday, 21 May, 2008 at 12:58 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Paul Lucas
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Preferred Developer Decided for Urangan Boat Harbour Project
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Lucas, announced today a joint venture between Watpac and the Seymour Group had been appointed as preferred developer for the redevelopment of Hervey Bay’s Urangan Boat Harbour.
Member for Hervey Bay, Andrew McNamara, who joined Mr Lucas for the announcement, said the redevelopment would transform Hervey Bay’s leisure and tourism facilities to rank among the best in the state.
Mr Lucas said that, subject to final development agreement negotiations, construction on the $800 million project is expected to commence next year following community and stakeholder consultation.
“The redevelopment of Urangan Boat Harbour will result in a more functional harbour that meets the needs of tourism, industry, commercial operators and the community,” Mr Lucas said.
“Watpac/Seymour was selected because its bid addressed the State’s requirements for what will be one of the most significant tourism and marine infrastructure developments on the Queensland coastline.
“The selected bid provides for more than 230 new marina berths, 100 new boat trailer parks and 4 new boat ramp lanes in a redeveloped public facility.
“The existing boat harbour and trailer boat parking area has reached capacity and this will ensure that the long-term needs of the boating community are met.
“A new ferry terminal, tavern, upgraded boat maintenance facilities and more tourist accommodation including budget and resort accommodation will also be provided.
“The redevelopment will also create a continuous public boardwalk along the inner harbour, providing unlimited access for tourists and locals wishing to enjoy the amenity and activity of the harbour.
Mr McNamara said a bike and pedestrian path will also be provided along Charlton Esplanade and will connect the Harbour with the Pier.
“Importantly for the tourism industry, the redevelopment will provide a new gateway to Hervey Bay’s world-famous whale watching industry, the Great Sandy Straits and Fraser Island,” Mr McNamara said.
“Watpac/Seymour estimates that the redevelopment will generate in excess of 600 jobs during the four-year construction phase and approximately 200 jobs once completed.
“It is expected that a significant number of new jobs will also be created in the broader tourism, retail and hospitality sectors.
“Hervey Bay is already recognised as one of the state’s most spectacular natural environments, and this redevelopment will provide top class facilities for visitors and tourists.
“Hervey Bay is the step off point for the Great Sandy National Park, including Fraser Island, and provides some of the best whale watching in Australia.
“The Urangan Harbour redevelopment can only improve the experience of the tens of thousands of visitors who come to the area each year.”
Mr Lucas said the selection of Watpac Seymour as the preferred developer is still subject to rigorous negotiations to ensure the interests of the community and the Queensland Government are maintained.
He said Watpac/Seymour has developed a comprehensive community consultation plan that will enable the Master Plan to be fine tuned as part of the development approval process.
“This will ensure the community is a partner in the redevelopment of this important community asset.”
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 0733368004
Member for Hervey Bay, Andrew McNamara, who joined Mr Lucas for the announcement, said the redevelopment would transform Hervey Bay’s leisure and tourism facilities to rank among the best in the state.
Mr Lucas said that, subject to final development agreement negotiations, construction on the $800 million project is expected to commence next year following community and stakeholder consultation.
“The redevelopment of Urangan Boat Harbour will result in a more functional harbour that meets the needs of tourism, industry, commercial operators and the community,” Mr Lucas said.
“Watpac/Seymour was selected because its bid addressed the State’s requirements for what will be one of the most significant tourism and marine infrastructure developments on the Queensland coastline.
“The selected bid provides for more than 230 new marina berths, 100 new boat trailer parks and 4 new boat ramp lanes in a redeveloped public facility.
“The existing boat harbour and trailer boat parking area has reached capacity and this will ensure that the long-term needs of the boating community are met.
“A new ferry terminal, tavern, upgraded boat maintenance facilities and more tourist accommodation including budget and resort accommodation will also be provided.
“The redevelopment will also create a continuous public boardwalk along the inner harbour, providing unlimited access for tourists and locals wishing to enjoy the amenity and activity of the harbour.
Mr McNamara said a bike and pedestrian path will also be provided along Charlton Esplanade and will connect the Harbour with the Pier.
“Importantly for the tourism industry, the redevelopment will provide a new gateway to Hervey Bay’s world-famous whale watching industry, the Great Sandy Straits and Fraser Island,” Mr McNamara said.
“Watpac/Seymour estimates that the redevelopment will generate in excess of 600 jobs during the four-year construction phase and approximately 200 jobs once completed.
“It is expected that a significant number of new jobs will also be created in the broader tourism, retail and hospitality sectors.
“Hervey Bay is already recognised as one of the state’s most spectacular natural environments, and this redevelopment will provide top class facilities for visitors and tourists.
“Hervey Bay is the step off point for the Great Sandy National Park, including Fraser Island, and provides some of the best whale watching in Australia.
“The Urangan Harbour redevelopment can only improve the experience of the tens of thousands of visitors who come to the area each year.”
Mr Lucas said the selection of Watpac Seymour as the preferred developer is still subject to rigorous negotiations to ensure the interests of the community and the Queensland Government are maintained.
He said Watpac/Seymour has developed a comprehensive community consultation plan that will enable the Master Plan to be fine tuned as part of the development approval process.
“This will ensure the community is a partner in the redevelopment of this important community asset.”
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 0733368004