Hervey Bay's New High-Rise Resort: A Vision for the Future or a Challenge to Sustainability?
The Fraser Coast Regional Council's recent approval of a major development on the Hervey Bay Esplanade has sparked a lively debate within the community. The project, a $450 million, 18-storey high-rise resort, is set to transform a stretch of land between 408 – 412 The Esplanade and Freshwater Street in Torquay. The ambitious plan includes a five-star hotel and residential apartment complex, boasting over 200 hotel rooms, approximately 340 residential units, a conference facility, retail spaces, food and drink outlets, and various recreation facilities.
A Divided Community
The community's response to the approval has been divided. Many residents see this project as a beacon of progress for Hervey Bay, bringing future job opportunities and economic growth. They argue that such developments are essential for the town's prosperity and the provision of future incomes, especially for the upcoming generation. This perspective views the high-rise resort as a catalyst for Hervey Bay to step up as a premier destination, potentially attracting more tourists and investors.
On the other hand, a significant portion of the community has expressed concerns about the sustainability and long-term viability of the project. Critics argue that such large-scale developments could strain local resources, particularly water supply, and alter the town's character. They believe that Hervey Bay's charm lies in its laid-back, coastal vibe, and worry that high-rise buildings are more suited to bustling metropolitan areas like the Gold Coast rather than a picturesque, smaller town.
The Council's Decision and Conditions
The Council's decision, made by a narrow margin of 6 to 5, came with a range of conditions aimed at addressing some of the community's concerns. These conditions include reducing the height of the development from 21 storeys to 18, ensuring the hotel achieves a 5-star luxury rating, and implementing a best-practice lighting design to minimize impacts on local wildlife, such as sea turtles and shorebirds. Additional requirements include a wind impact assessment, a detailed landscape plan, and significant infrastructure improvements on Freshwater Street and The Esplanade.
Moreover, the development permit is valid for six years, with a maximum timeframe of ten years for completion. If the project is not completed within this period, the permit will lapse, potentially putting the entire development at risk.
A Balancing Act
The Council's decision followed a comprehensive development assessment report prepared by Council officers. The report acknowledged the potential economic and community benefits of the project, highlighting the attraction of a five-star Sheraton hotel as a positive outcome. However, it also noted concerns about the development's scale and bulk, which are not fully supported by the Fraser Coast planning scheme.
Ultimately, the decision to approve the development was seen as a balanced one, weighing the potential benefits against the concerns. The report concluded that the project represents a unique opportunity to deliver outcomes that the current planning provisions do not fully accommodate.
Looking Ahead
As Hervey Bay navigates this period of transformation, the high-rise resort's progress will be closely watched. The project's success will depend on how well it can address community concerns and integrate into the town's existing fabric. With a ten-year timeline for completion, the region will have ample time to see if the development lives up to its promises of economic growth and improved facilities.
The approval of this resort marks a significant moment for Hervey Bay, one that could redefine its future as either a quaint tourist town or a burgeoning hub of modernity and prosperity. Time will tell whether this project will be a celebrated milestone or a contentious point in the town's history.