The creation of a direct coastal route between the Queensland cities of Hervey Bay and Bundaberg would tempt hordes of grey nomads to visit the Wide Bay region, according to supporters of the proposal.
The ‘dream’ moved a small step closer to becoming a reality recently when the Fraser Coast Council announced it would be happy to contribute to the cost of a feasibility study. The project would involve the building of a bridge across the Burrum River, and would offer an alternative tourist drive for travellers looking to get off the Bruce Highway and closer to the coast.
“We need to increase tourism here for all the right reasons, for getting the grey nomads off the highway and get them to enjoy our little villages,” Fraser Coast Council mayor, Chris Loft, told the ABC. “We would be willing to contribute towards that to get it going.”
However, the President of the Friends of the Burrum River, Tim Thorton, said the group didn’t want a bridge over the Burrum, and didn’t believe it would increase tourism to the nearby towns of Buxton and Burrum Heads.
“There is no possibility for tourism whatsoever,” Mr Thornton told the ABC. “What they would be building is some sort of expressway thing that people would zip through at 100 kilometres per hour … what a disruption to the people of Buxton who live a nice quiet retired life.”
* Would you love the opportunity get off the highway and take a new coastal route if the bridge were ever built? Comment below.
we have travelled up the east coast of oz on numerous occasions on the highway but would much prefer too travel closer too the coast and would most definitely visit the small towns. which are much more interesting than big cities
I think it a brilliant idea. it would reduce the time to travel from Bundaberg to Hervey Bay and Marybourgh. Give us more direct access to flights to Sydney etc. It would allow tourism to grow with such a scenic route with wonderful little stopovers for gray nomads and holiday makers alike. The sooner the better, not to mention the boost to business and employment.
It would be a great idea. You dont need an expressway just a bridge and decent roads and it would be lovely to drive closer to the coast and away from the trucks. A free camp or cheap stop over would encourage people to stay in the towns too.
I have to agree with the above comments. This area is very pretty and a coastal road would certainly encourage grey nomads to visit. The reason tourism is not that brilliant in these areas is because of access. I would not hesitate to visit if a good quality road and bridge are built.
leave the quite places alone thats what gives them character i fully agree with mr thornton, if you you need quick access to the airport then move