Project Description
Improving facilities and local character can lift the quality of the tourism offer to a standard deserving of the world class whale and marine experiences and make Hervey Bay the preferred jumping off point for World Heritage K’gari (Fraser Island).
TRC was engaged by Fraser Coast Regional Council to prepare an Infrastructure Study which identified gaps in tourism infrastructure and solutions to improve visitor experiences and establish Hervey Bay as a true international destination.
The report identifies a number of strategies and investments to reinforce the special character of existing precincts within the town to enhance liveability and make local places more attractive for residents and visitors alike. There are significant opportunities for Council to drive planning to enable private and partnered investments in critical infrastructure.
Recommendations include significant new public and private sector facilities at Urangan Harbour and River Heads to give easy, safe and enjoyable jumping off points for the hero experiences, with Urangan Harbour becoming the main visitor focus for the region.
Other initiatives include building on the attractiveness of Maryborough and the hinterland for its mining and military heritage and growing regional farm and nature based attractions to contrast and diversify the coastal experiences.
Improving public infrastructure particularly at the marina and piers and facilitating the establishment of attractions to cater for the non-whale watch seasons will assist in rounding out seasonal fluctuations. Increasing access capacity both to and within the region will also assist in building international visits.
With significant tourism infrastructure already in place, the challenge was to work with local businesses to determine what is required to build on the success to-date to take the destination forward. TRC consulted with local businesses to understand their needs and where they feel the local industry was headed.
