The Rudd Labor Government will provide more than $5.6 million towards the construction of a brand-new level multipurpose community centre and a regional gallery in Hervey Bay, Queensland.

Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, made the announcement in Hervey Bay today with Mayor Fraser Coast Regional Council, Mick Kruger.

Mr Albanese said that the project was expected to support 140 jobs during construction, as well as another four jobs over the longer term.

“It is worth more than $11.4 million, delivering a major economic boost to the region.

“This state-of-the-art precinct will create a ‘heart’ for the Hervey Bay area and be a central point for a range of social and community activities.

“Hervey Bay is one of the fastest growing communities in Australia and this is about providing the infrastructure this community needs for its future,” he said.

The project is expected to include construction and fit-out to a five-star green rating standard of the following:

• a fully accessible, single level community centre building with child care facilities, meeting rooms, offices, kitchen, interview rooms, activity space for 150 people, public access internet, solar powered recharge facilities for scooters, bicycle parking and deck areas; and


• a regional gallery with a total floor area of over 700 square metres with two display areas, workroom, office space, car parking and landscaping.

Mr Albanese said that once completed, the community centre will be home to the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre as well as more than 20 community services including an Indigenous Health and Wellbeing program, domestic violence, youth mentoring, cultural, health and outreach programs.

“The gallery will showcase regional art will cater for travelling exhibitions and provide local and Indigenous artists with a venue to develop their work.

“The funding was part of our Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, which is delivering a record $1 billion for nearly 5,000 projects across the nation.”

The funding is conditional upon the council formalising a contract with the Government and meeting relevant conditions.