The foreshore of Hervey Bay is set to undergo a massive facelift, following Queensland deputy premier Paul Lucas’ announcement that the $800m boat harbour and marina precinct redevelopment has been awarded to the Seymour Group and Watpac.
The two groups, which are headed by one of Queensland's wealthiest men, veteran developer Kevin Seymour, won the rights to develop the Urangan Boat Harbour and surrounding facilities.
Seymour said the harbour development would incorporate 235 additional marina berths, a modern, secure dry-storage facility with capacity for 200 boats, a new tourist terminal, a 50% increase in trailer parking capacity, additional car parking spaces and boat ramps, and new facilities for government agencies and the Volunteer Marine Rescue.
The Seymour Group already has significant investments in the area, the largest being the Ocean Blue subdivision.
New apartment buildings on the harbour, as well as cafes, restaurants and shops, would also add to the precinct's vibrancy and attractiveness, Seymour said.
Billions of dollars worth of development is planned for Hervey Bay, which has boomed since the airport was expanded in 2005, and low-cost airlines Jetstar and Virgin Blue began regular flights from Brisbane and interstate. As a result, passenger movements jumped from 35,000 in 2005 to more than 200,000 in 2007.