THE FRASER Coast Regional Council has approved a plan to reduce speed limits along key sections of the Hervey Bay Esplanade, aiming to enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

The decision, made at a recent council meeting, will create a more consistent traffic environment while addressing growing concerns about safety in one of the region's most visited areas.

Under the new plan, speed limits will be lowered along several sections of the Esplanade, including:

• From Hervey Street to Robert Street, reducing from 50 km/h to 40 km/h
• From Elizabeth Street to Pier Street, and Pier Street from Esplanade to King Street (Urangan), also reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h.

The council has indicated that further reductions will be evaluated in the future, with the goal of ultimately reducing the speed limit along the Esplanade from Beach Road to Pier Street to 40 km/h as infrastructure improvements are rolled out.

Councillor Zane O'Keefe, who represents the region, highlighted that the changes align with the Esplanade Master Plan Guideline, which prioritises pedestrian safety and connectivity.

“The Hervey Bay Esplanade is one of our most popular areas, drawing high levels of vehicle and foot traffic as people access parks, businesses, and recreational spaces,” he said.

“Currently, there are a mix of speed zones, and creating a more consistent approach will improve safety for everyone.”

A recent review of crash data over the past five years revealed 40 reported incidents on the Esplanade, including nine involving pedestrians.

These numbers underscore the need for the proposed changes, which aim to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Cr. O’Keefe stressed that these measures were a “practical step” toward enhancing the liveability of the Fraser Coast region.

The council will now forward the proposed changes to the Speed Management Committee for approval, with implementation expected in the coming months.

Future speed reductions will be assessed as supporting infrastructure is introduced.