THE TRANSFORMATION of Hervey Bay’s City Centre is moving forward, with the construction of the highly anticipated $108.7 million Hervey Bay Community Hub now one-third complete. 

A key project in the region’s revitalisation efforts, the Hub is set to become a focal point for local residents, offering a state-of-the-art library, a new Council Administration Centre, a Disaster Resilience Centre, and a public plaza designed for markets and community events.

The Hub is being developed with substantial investment from both the Australian Government and the Fraser Coast Regional Council. 

The project is part of the Hinkler Regional Deal, which sees a $40 million contribution from the Australian Government, complemented by additional funding from the local council.

National construction company Hansen Yuncken is spearheading the development, working alongside several local businesses for services ranging from hydraulic works to earthworks and scaffolding. 

The project is located at the corner of Main Street and Torquay Road in Pialba and is on track for completion by mid-2026.

A Hub for Learning, Community and Resilience

Once finished, the Hervey Bay Community Hub will offer an expanded, two-level library that is double the size of the current facility. 

The new library is designed to meet the needs of the growing regional population and support improved educational outcomes. 

In addition to the library, the Hub will feature a Council Administration Centre and a Disaster Resilience Centre to help the community respond to emergencies and natural disasters. 

The large public plaza will provide a flexible space for local markets, live music, and other community events.

“This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our city centre, creating jobs, boosting business investment, and improving the lives of our residents,” said Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor, George Seymour. 

“More than three-quarters of the development will be dedicated to community spaces, making the new hub a central location for learning, socialising, and accessing Council services.”

Building Progress and Milestones

Construction began in January 2024, and significant progress has already been made. 

To date, 93 foundation piles and 371 basement wall piles have been installed, and over 8,600 cubic metres of material have been excavated. 

The basement and ground floor slabs have been poured, and preparations for the level one slab are underway. 

In addition, a 45-metre-tall crane – affectionately named ‘Hercules’ following a community naming competition – was installed mid-year to assist with lifting heavy materials during construction.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Denis Chapman noted, “It’s been an exciting year of progress, and 2025 will be just as busy as the building takes shape.

We’re proud of what’s been accomplished and look forward to seeing this vibrant community space come to life.” 

Boosting Local Jobs and Infrastructure

The Hervey Bay Community Hub is not just about providing state-of-the-art facilities; it’s also about supporting the region’s rapid growth and improving infrastructure. 

The Hervey Bay area is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia, and the new hub is expected to play a key role in accommodating this growth, meeting the increasing demand for quality public spaces.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm, expressed the Australian Government’s commitment to community-focused infrastructure projects. 

“We are delivering projects like this one through the Hinkler Regional Deal that will benefit Hervey Bay and the wider Fraser Coast for years to come,” he said. 

“The Hervey Bay Community Hub will serve as a key piece of infrastructure, supporting both residents and visitors, and creating a modern, sustainable heart for the city.”

Looking Ahead

The Hervey Bay Community Hub is expected to be completed in mid-2026, but work will continue to ramp up in the coming year. 

With the foundation in place, the next stages of construction will see the structure rise, and the community is eager to see the transformation unfold.