Free online information sessions will offer residents the chance to explore current progress on the Hinkler Regional Deal, which is transforming the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay regions.

The 45-minute webinars, hosted by Regional Development Australia Wide Bay Burnett and featuring speakers from the Australian Government and local Councils, will include remarks from Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino, Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt, Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey and Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour.

The sessions will be held on June 17 for the Bundaberg region and June 18 for Hervey Bay, both from 4pm.

Ms Marino said the more than $260 million Hinkler Regional Deal was progressing well, with several projects underway creating much-needed employment.

“Since we signed the Deal’s implementation plan in January we have seen real progress being made,” Assistant Minister Marino said.

“We have seen the importance of collaboration over the past six months, and the five-year Hinkler Regional Deal will continue to unify the efforts of all levels of government to make the region even stronger.”

Mr Pitt said that the Deal is proving to be a ‘game changer’ for the region.

“The Hinkler Regional Deal is helping us to grow the region’s economy, attract investment and provide more long-term job opportunities,” Minister Pitt said.

“We are confident that with the strong commitment by government, private investment will follow from the opportunities and confidence created.”

Mayor Dempsey said the Deal was partnership between the Australian Government and Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regional Councils.

“The Hinkler Regional Deal will deliver really important local projects in Bundaberg and across the wider region, leveraging a total investment of over $260 million,” Mayor Dempsey said.

Mayor Seymour said the Deal was charting a path for Bundaberg and Hervey Bay’s economic development, resilience and liveability.

“The Hinkler Regional Deal is a very significant investment for our region by Council and the Australian Government, so I encourage residents to tune in and find out all about it for themselves,” Mayor Seymour said.

Hinkler Regional Deal Local Partnership Forum Chair Scott Rowe will facilitate the webinars and said they would provide a timely update on the status of the game-changing projects.

“Community engagement is an important part of ensuring we maximise opportunities for the region, and these webinars provide a great opportunity to drive the Deal forward,” Mr Rowe said.

“These information sessions will complement the Hinkler Regional Deal Local Partnership Forum and Executive Board, which will be both meeting to discuss the region and progress being made under the Deal.

Initiatives under the Hinkler Regional Deal include:

• $85.7 million for road upgrades, including a $24 million contribution to improve the flood immunity of Torbanlea-Pialba Road
• $40 million towards projects to redevelop the city centre of Hervey Bay
• $15 million for a Royal Flying Doctor Service Flight, Medical and Simulation training facility in Bundaberg
• $10 million to support the construction of a multi-use conveyor for the Port of Bundaberg
• $9.2 million for the redevelopment of the Hervey Bay Airport
• $7 million for establishing a palliative care hospice in Hervey Bay
• $5 million for an Agricultural Technology facility in Bargara
• $750,000 for a pre-feasibility study at the Port of Bundaberg
• $250,000 to enhance regional tourism.

Registration links:

Bundaberg Webinar (17th June, 4pm) – https://zoom.us/webinar/register/3215903845901/WN_9v1tQe0eQgWkx1_2h3plSg

Hervey Bay Webinar (18^th June, 4pm) – https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7815903890620/WN_h6hhHD-MReKXLJL6Fnl0sA

The webinars are limited to 100 per session.