The Queensland Government is commencing work on a master plan to provide a long-term vision for the home of the Hervey Bay whale watching fleet, Urangan Boat Harbour.
The plan will deliver a blueprint to guide decision-making, development and investment to support a sustainable maritime industry.
The Government says it is committed to collaborative planning involving the community, businesses, industry and Fraser Coast Regional Council.
The harbour is a strategic maritime asset and a gateway to the Great Sandy Marine Park and K’gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area.
It also supports maritime-related activities including community groups, volunteer marine rescue, government services, marinas, hospitality venues, fishing fleets and maintenance facilities.Â
“Urangan Harbour is a key tourism and maritime destination and has the potential to become an anchor within the Fraser Coast region’s tourism sector,” said Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace.
“There is land around the harbour that is underutilised and there is potential for economic redevelopment, particularly to capitalise on the local status of Hervey Bay as a Whale Heritage Site and the appeal of the region of a tourist destination.
“The strategic master planning of Urangan Harbour will be the first step on its path to revitalisation.
“Ultimately it will aim to attract new investment in residential and commercial land uses to leverage and further develop Urangan Habour’s role as the region’s home for whale watching, boating enthusiasts and recreational fishers.”
The Minister said the planning process will incorporate community and stakeholder feedback, high level technical investigations, background research and the latest Recreational Boating Demand Forecasting.
Master planning of Urangan Harbour is listed in the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan as a key contributor to tourism and economic development in the Fraser Coast region.
Preliminary project planning is already underway, with further details to come when the master planning process formally commences in mid-2024. Public consultation is expected to begin in early 2025 with a final master plan anticipated by late 2025.
