Bundaberg Regional Aviation and Aerospace Precinct
The Bundaberg region enjoys a proud reputation in aviation, being the home of pioneer aviator Bert Hinkler and the established base of iconic manufacturing firms Jabiru Aircraft, MicroAir Avionics and CAMit Industries. A substantial supply chain consisting of many other small businesses operating in and around the city and region, has already developed to support these businesses.
Further, the Central Queensland University has established a Bachelor of Aviation Technology course which is available at the Bundaberg Campus.
Capitalising on the region's aviation industry and creating regional economic opportunities, the Bundaberg Regional Council is developing an Aviation and Aerospace Precinct masterplan, which aims to develop the Bundaberg region's aviation and aerospace industry by building a critical mass of local capacity to ensure sustained growth and export opportunity.
The Bundaberg Regional Aviation and Aerospace Precinct encompasses an area of 290.6ha and includes:
existing aviation industries, charter operations, pilot training schools
existing airport
future new passenger terminal, the lengthening, strengthening and widening of the airstrip and new apron to accommodate jet services and parallel taxiway
CQUniversity - Bachelor of Aviation Technology studies
a business and commercial precinct, which will have both leasehold and freehold lots with airside and landside access
a privately developed Business and Residential Airpark, both with airside and landside access
the Regional Aerial Emergency Services Headquarters; Royal Flying Doctors Service and Energex Emergency Sercvice
The future development of the Precinct will provide the region with employment, skill enhancement, business development and global opportunities, technological advancements, and will contribute to the region's growing tourism industry. Investment into the industry will further develop the existing aviation and aerospace supply chain, in turn, having a positive economic impact on the whole of the Wide Bay Burnett region.
Bundaberg Riverside Parklands Masterplan
The Bundaberg Riverside Parklands Masterplan is a masterplan that reinforces the Bundaberg Central Business District as the social and economic heart of the City. The Masterplan is an evaluation of the appropriateness of the Burnett Riverside's existing land uses and their value to the City as a whole, while recognising the potential for re-development of this major asset to the City.
The Parklands act as a community meeting venue, with open space and recreational facilities and cafés and restaurant dining. Events are held at the Parklands, encouraging community usage. The Parklands are also serviced by a pathway and boardwalk, linking the Central Business District to East and North Bundaberg tourism precincts.
Investment opportunities exist as part of the Masterplan including an approved site for high quality accommodation and convention facility.
Baldwin Gardens Estate
The Baldwin Gardens Estate, formerly known as the Gympie Estate, located between FE Walker Street and Telegraph Road Bundaberg, is a residential sub division that is currently being redesigned into a modernised residential sub division.
The sub division will incorporate the natural bushland reserve and a variety of lot sizes. In order for Council to operate in a financially responsible manner, this project will also incorporate a well defined business case in order to provide a well serviced, quality residential community.
Bundaberg Showgrounds Masterplan
The Showgrounds Masterplan incorporates the redevelopment of the AgroTrend site, which will accommodate the Bundaberg Show to fulfil its function as a multi-purpose event facility, and the redevelopment of the current Showgrounds site which will be developed into a residential subdivision, parklands, arena, wetlands, and community village plaza.
As part of this development, a designed field sports park, housing the athletics field, with associated facilities and infrastructure will be located within the Kensington Lakes development, Johanna Boulevard Bundaberg.
Childers Streetscape
The main street of Childers is currently being redeveloped as part of the Council's streetscaping project. The streetscape includes road resurfacing, landscaping and general beautification work with public artwork elements that aims to enhance the region's cultural base.
Childers War Memorial Upgrade
As part of the Queensland Governments Q150 celebrations, the Council has obtained funds to redevelop the War Memorial in Childers. Landscape Architects Edaw Gillespie have designed a precinct that honours the region's soldiers of war. The poppy inspired granite designed walls features inscribed quotations from veterans and widows that tell personal stories of their life during the war.
Gin Gin Streetscape
The Gin Gin Streetscape project was initially developed to address the safety issues within the Gin Gin Central Business District. The aim of the Streetscape, as defined by the Gin Gin Main Street Advisory Committee, is to reduce traffic speed, regulate parking, safe access and egress and address pedestrian safety.
The Streetscape project will incorporate all of the mentioned goals while providing streetscaping and general beautification to the township of Gin Gin. As an entrance into the Bundaberg region from the Bruce Highway, the Gin Gin Streetscape will have cyclical benefits to the region's tourism industry and will provide a welcoming entrance to visitors to the region.
Hinkler Hall of Aviation
The Hinkler Hall of Aviation is a $7.5 million project, co-funded by the Federal and State Governments and the Bundaberg Regional Council, $4 million, $1.985 million and $1.515 million respectively.
The project pays tribute to Bert Hinkler as a pioneer of flight and as a person who was significant in the advancement of aviation during the 20th century. It is unique, offering the ability to view and obtain a real understanding of the historical, social, technical and physical impact arising from the achievements of one of Australia's leading aviators. The experience is both a cultural and educational attraction, catering for students, tourists and the budding aviation enthusiast.
The facility builds on the Bert Hinkler story by providing an interpretive centre that educates and entertains through the acquisition and preservation of Hinkler artefacts and memorabilia.
The facility houses original documents and photos plus four replicas and one original key aircraft associated with Bert Hinkler's aviation history. Interactive displays, such as touch screens, an aircraft simulator, atmospherically controlled display gallery, lecture theatre, artefact work preservation/restoration room and archival area are all included in the facility.
Kinkuna Waters Masterplan
Kinkuna Waters is a Council developed residential sub division located in the coastal township of Woodgate. Detailed masterplanning for the remaining balance of land will be undertaken, ensuring that future use of the site is conducive to the region.
Lake Ellen Heritage Hub
The Lake Ellen Heritage Hub is a community based project that is funded by the three levels of Government: The Federal and StateGovernments and the Bundaberg Regional Council.
The project comprises a large shelter shed and interpretive panels relating to the region's history and early settlers, specifically designed playground equipment including a cane station and train, climbing net, bush kids activity zone, sugar cane maze, toddler unit and swings, special needs fitness zone and bikemania track with a bicycle training area. Variety Queensland has provided a Liberty Swing specifically designed for use by people with special needs.
The project will provide a central recreational area in Bundaberg that recognises the historical heritage of the region and fills an existing gap in recreational facilities.
Regional Economic Development Strategy
The Bundaberg Regional Economic Development Strategy (EDS) is a five-year economic planning instrument that includes broad objectives and strategies that aims to strengthen the region's economic base, by creating partnerships between the community, business and industry, Council and Governments in order to promote and enhance growth and development within the region.
The aim of the EDS is to:
create an environment that is conducive to business and industry development and attraction
support existing business and industry
build on the region's competitive advantages
encourage sustainable and innovative practices
ensure infrastructure meets industry needs
encourage partnerships, business networks and alliances
coordinate the promotion/marketing activities of the region
For further information regarding Council's strategic projects, please contact Council's Manager Economic Development, Naomi Searle on 1300 883 699 or alternatively by email
