Construction of the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre is officially underway, with the first sod turned today.
Funded through the Hinkler Regional Deal, the Albanese Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council are partnering up to transform Hervey Bay's city centre.
More than three-quarters of this development will feature community space, with the new building to be a one-stop spot for learning, socialising and accessing Fraser Coast Regional Council services.
Featuring a Disaster Resilience Centre, there will be an expanded library over two levels, a new outdoor public plaza and flexible community spaces.
More than a third of the Fraser Coast's population has a library membership and numbers are continuing to grow, but the current library network in the region is only half the size needed to meet current Australian and Queensland building standards.
The Hinkler Regional Deal is a partnership between the Australian Government, Bundaberg Regional Council and Fraser Coast Regional Council that seeks to build on the area's strengths to provide economic growth and long-term employment.
The construction contract for the Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre has been awarded at a cost of $108.7 million, and is funded by a $40 million Australian Government commitment, Council's general revenue and land sales. Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2026.
More details about the Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre project is available on the Council's Engagement Hub website here.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
"We're partnering with Fraser Coast Regional Council to reimagine community engagement, education opportunities, and commercial activity in Hervey Bay - which is why we're injecting $40 million towards this transformative project.
"From a state-of-the-art Disaster Resilience Centre, modern facilities, and multi-purposes spaces - this enhanced space will mean locals can work, study and network like never before."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm:
"This area is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and as more and more people choose to call Harvey Bay home, projects like these will be crucial to retaining the excellent quality of life that locals enjoy here.
"The expansion of the library and improvement of the floor space and design won't just cater for the Fraser Coast's growing population, it will also help improve education outcomes in the region.
"Our government is committed to honouring the commitments made under the Hinkler Regional Deal and this is one of those worthy commitments, which will benefit the Hervey Bay community and the wider Fraser Coast region for many years to come."
Quotes attributable to Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman:
"The new development, which was decades in the making, would create a world-class city centre and civic hub.
"This project is a game changer for the Fraser Coast.
"It will create jobs, drive economic growth and pave the way for more business investment in the region."
