The Sad State of the Hervey Bay Economy
We hear quite often that the tourism industry in Hervey Bay is in trouble. We hear quite often that the building industry in Hervey Bay is also in trouble but when you look around the town it still seems quite a prosperous place.
The reality though is quite different and last week’s decision by the Stockland Group not to by Centro Hervey Bay is a clear indication of just how bad things really are for Hervey Bay.
When a major investment falls over because an investor with the stature of the Stockland Group decides, after researching the situation, that the town can’t support a major development such as Stage 2 of Centro there’s no escaping the fact that the economy of this town is in trouble.
It appears that maybe the Centro deal is not the only one to fall over in the last month.
There’s a strong rumour that this one … just down the road from Ramada … has also fallen over
August 17th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article.asp?id=68892&nav=1
didn’t they just sign an agreement and work is to begin next month?
August 17th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Mick I think the Wyndham deal was announced early last month but the word among resort managers around town is that it’s not going ahead (and I don’t think that’s just wishful thinking).
Occupancy rates are said to be somewhere below 20% for the big resorts at the moment and someone told me the other day that Ramada is still offering the same low rate that they did when they first opened.
There have been a few ‘No Vacancy’ signs up along the Esplanade and the caravan parks are full but overall things are very quiet and it’s a wonder some of the cafes in town that cater for the evening trade are bothering to stay open.
On the other hand businesses that do most of their business out of the area seem to be doing ok.
Stuart
August 17th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Stuart,
Maybe this is not such a bad thing. It will give both business and residents time to rethink where we are all heading.
Hervey Bay should be a dormitory town it does not have the transport facilities for any substancial industries. Industry should be enticed to locate at Howard, Torbanlea or Maryborough, all of which have access to both the highway and rail line.
Hervey Bay would be best served by making itself a great place to live or holiday.
Johangel
August 23rd, 2010 at 10:17 am
And the economy of the region wil continue in a parlous state until the FCRC wakes up that economic development requires more than just a fancy strategy document and having very amicable committee meetings. It actually requires some action if you wish to see results.
August 23rd, 2010 at 8:52 pm
I think they should sell Hervey Bay, bulldose the whole place and start again. HB is in big trouble and there is nothing anyone can do.
August 30th, 2010 at 11:47 am
My family and I is looking at moving from Hobart, tasmania up to Hervey Bay as soon as our house sells. I’ve been studying heaps on all the things about HB and am in 2 frames of mind about it all. Some things seem perfect about HB and others seem abit iffy. House prices are great both rental and purchase so that’s not a problem, education for our 14year old daughter seem good, health seem good, employment abit iffy but still ok, lifestyle a definate. So basically what I need is some locals to help us out abit with all this. We are going to do the big drive all up the coast of Qld to look at other spots too but would definately love to move to HB to help boost the area…….every family move helps!!!
M
August 30th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Just posted the last letter on here and clicked the button abit early………..anyway about our move up there feel free to email me dggraham69@gmail.com………..all emails greaty appreciated.
Cheers,
Dean
September 15th, 2010 at 6:05 am
We moved to Hervey Bay, stayed 13 mths then moved back to the coast. There was limited things to do, employment was a nightmare, the infrastucture was crazy, you just have to look at what they did with the coles and big W centre. Hervey Bay could be sooooo much better. Time to throw out the FCRC
October 26th, 2010 at 1:01 am
Theres nothing wrong with Hervey Bay, I have lived here for over 30 years, watching the buildings going up. and our town growing into a young city. The change is wonderfull. There is plenty of work for those who want it. Our shops are fine, we have every thing we need available, with some wonderful old fashioned service from most. The bay is relaxing, fun, plenty of sports, lots of entertainment, many free events. Our Roads are better than most big city areas. Our ocean is clean and safe for all to swim in. The fishing is good. Our streets are clean. We have plenty of park areas and lots lots more. We who love our Hervey Bay, work together as one to make it a beautiful place to be. Hervey Bay is the Best.
October 26th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
The previous post for my mind represents somewhat to me, what is wrong with this place.
I moved here from Sydney 2.5 years ago. We just sold our house because of the influx of ferals in our neighborhood and are moving to rent out in river heads before heading to the Sunshine coast in about 1 years time.
The place is lovely it really is a beautiful spot but it is let down by the worst town planning I have ever seen and the most backward approach to getting anything done.
The town wants to grow but it is being held back by the council and many of the old worlders who don’t want the place to change.
The unemployment rate is amongst the worst in Australia and that won’t change in a real hurry, the council are at a loss on how to make the place attractive to investors and visitors and no-one really had an idea how to put and link a town together.
Education is “ok” but I certainly won’t be sticking around here for my children to attend High School.
I don’t imagine the Sunshine Coast will be that much better but I think it’s a start and then I can see ourselves back in Sydney eventually even with the stress of trying to live down there.
The council needs an injection of young blood and less of the old boys club and crew and needs some help in really getting this place back on it’s feet and back on the map. Hervey Bay needs to decide whether they want to be brought up to date or whether they want to fall back further behind the rest of the country.
Even parts of Maryborough seem to be growing better than this town.
Dan
November 18th, 2010 at 2:42 am
Hi there,
As a young small business owner and newcomer to the Bay, I have to say that I feel quite disillusioned. Our decision to move from Sydney to start a cafe here earlier this year, was based on numerous strategy plans and reports about why Hervey bay is a great place to invest in. Words li