THERE is no doubt that the Urangan Pier precinct is one of the jewels in the crown of Hervey Bay, and with thanks to local government and local development, the future for the area looks nothing but bright.
The Pier itself served as a former deep-water, cargo-handling facility originally built to facilitate the export of sugar, timber and coal. It was the extension of the railway line from Pialba, and was used for the transfer of cargo between rail and ships.
Built between 1913 and 1917 it was originally more than 1.1klms long.
The pier was closed in 1985, and demolition works began. Public outcry soon followed and the majority of the pier was left, and the land was given to the Hervey Bay City Council.
Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Zane O’Keefe said Council was committed to creating connected communities through our places, spaces and people, and it was fantastic to see how the Urangan Pier precinct was being revitalised.
“The area around the Urangan Pier and Pier Park is a beautiful and popular spot for both locals and tourists all year round,” he said.
“With the continued and growing popularity of the markets, Council invested $130,000 in 2020 to upgrade and expand the toilets at Pier Park.”
“We also replaced the timber decking of the Stevenson-Mathison footbridge in Pier Park in early 2021 thanks to $75,000 in funding through the State Government’s COVID Works for Queensland program.”
“Council has been replacing decking boards on the Urangan Pier, and we are extremely grateful to the Queensland Government for providing just over $1M from 2021/22 to 2023/24 through the Works for Queensland program to allow us to do this work.”
“Subject to future budget deliberations, Council will look to continue to replace decking boards on the Urangan Pier in coming years as well.”
“Council also plans to complete the Urangan Revetment Wall project to deliver protection from ongoing sea erosion. This project starts at the pier and travels 150m to the east.”
“This has been made possible thanks to a generous $2.34 million grant from the Australian Government’s Department of Environment and Science through their Coastal Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program.”
“It’s all part of Council’s plan to build better communities together.”
WIN Projects Managing Director Glen Winney is playing a leading hand in the redevelopment of the area.
“The precinct has been a white elephant for well over two decades. The time is right for some sophisticated development. We have just sold all but one of the newly constructed ‘Pier Apartments’ facing the park, for upwards of $900,000 each,” Glen said.
“We have acquired the upstairs portion of the old Sporties Club from the Hervey Bay Boat Club and also all of the bottom floor, save for the Orthodontist Practice operated by well-known practitioner Dr Vas Srinivasan.”
“The Sporties Club is 50 years old in 2024 and was originally called The Place. In it’s day, it was the only major function centre in Hervey Bay.”
“We are demolishing the internals of upstairs for a complete refit, bringing it back to life with nine modern warehouse style apartments, upmarket and luxury. Ceilings close to 5m, internal loft, exposed brick and industrial air-conditioning. Think Woolstore, Teneriffe in Brisbane.”
“Downstairs, we want to attract a supermarket tenant, to really create that village feel, with all of the amenities you would expect. A bottle shop, coffee shop, it's all in the planning.”
“We see the commercial aspect being ready in the early part of next year and the units will come to the market by mid-2024.”
“I see this area as a centre-point. Great Food, great convenience and an amazing lifestyle.”
“The future for this pocket of Hervey Bay is very bright.”
