Fraser Coast Approves $60m Waterfront Hotel, Apartments

Marina Square on Queensland’s Fraser Coast has been given the green light to proceed on a two-tower, 120 residential apartment development after the recent approval of a four-star hotel in Hervey Bay.

The plans are for a 13-storey and 15-storey development adjacent to the $60-million Marina Square hotel, on a state-owned 1.57ha caravan park site leased to the Hervey Bay Boat Club.

RPS Group’s Queensland planning team has been involved in the development of the “transformational” project alongside Hervey Bay Boat Club and Club Property Solutions.

RPS technical director of planning Simon Pollock said the latest planning approval was in addition to the $60-million four-star hotel, which would be the centrepiece of the Urangan Harbour precinct.

“This approval is an exciting step towards the realisation of everyone’s vision for Urangan Harbour as a focal point for Hervey Bay,” Pollock said.

“Importantly, it will be a place that adds to the experience for visiting tourists and residents, while supporting the local waterfront industry.”

Pollock said it was part of a revitalisation of the harbour-front that would ultimately become a tourist attraction and drive demand for high-quality, short-stay accommodation.

The 17-storey “international-standard” hotel will comprise 144 apartments with views across the marina to the Great Sandy Strait and Fraser Island.

The approved two-tower residential complex will add 120 apartments to the mix, along with open space and common recreation areas, while planning for subsequent stages is under way.

The project is forecast to create more than 175 jobs during its construction, according to State Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick.

Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said the project would bolster tourism on the Fraser Coast.

“This will mean more work for our tradies and the local construction industry, and that will drive growth in our local tourism industries,” Tantari said.

“It will also commence the redevelopment of the boat harbour that has been talked about for some time, enhancing Hervey Bay’s reputation as the premium whale-watching destination in Australia.”

Planning overlays allow for heights of up to 30 storeys, and a conference and events centre is also part of the vision for the Fraser Coast Regional Council’s Urangan Harbour Master Plan.

Construction is due to begin in the middle of 2022.