Minute With The Mayor 1 August

A New Era for Bowen’s Waterfront

This month marks an exciting step forward for Bowen with the announcement that the Queensland Government is investing $13.2 million to fast-track master planning for eight State-owned boat harbours with Bowen named to get a slice of the funding.

This is the news many in our community have been waiting for. After years of local voices calling for action, we now have a firm commitment to begin developing a long-term plan for Bowen Harbour that will guide future investment and activation of one of our town’s most iconic assets.

The Bowen Harbour Master Plan will be delivered by the State Government, through the Department of Transport and Main Roads and North Queensland Bulk Ports and comes as part of a broader push to revitalise neglected maritime infrastructure and unlock coastal economic opportunities.

What makes this announcement even more powerful is the timing. Council has recently completed the draft Bowen Foreshore Masterplan — a community-driven blueprint to transform the area between the jetty and the surf club into a vibrant, inclusive waterfront destination for locals and visitors alike.

Council is eager to align our Foreshore Masterplan with the upcoming State-led Bowen Harbour Master Plan to ensure both projects work together to deliver the best outcomes for the Bowen community.

I’ve raised this with both the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickleberg and the Member for Burdekin Dale Last, and I remain hopeful that we can collaborate to ensure our local plans and priorities are considered as part of the State’s process.

Working together gives us the best chance to realise a shared vision for a connected, functional, and exciting waterfront precinct.

The Foreshore Masterplan focuses on public open space, recreation, and creating a welcoming, walkable coastal precinct.

The Harbour Master Plan, led by the State, will complement this by tackling the operational, commercial, and marine infrastructure elements  ensuring that port activity, marine services and tourism can co-exist and thrive.

When combined, these two plans have the potential to reshape Bowen’s future. It’s the most significant coordinated investment in Bowen’s waterfront in decades  and opens the door to new businesses, jobs, community spaces and tourism opportunities, all while respecting Bowen’s heritage and deep connection to the water.

I want to thank the Queensland Government and Minister Mickleberg for recognising Bowen’s potential and putting us on the list for accelerated planning. I also want to acknowledge our community, whose persistent advocacy has played a big role in getting us to this point.

Council will continue working alongside the State, local businesses and our community to ensure these plans reflect local needs and aspirations.

It’s an exciting time for Bowen. The wheels are now in motion, and we’ll be doing everything we can to turn these plans into reality and deliver the vibrant, connected waterfront Bowen deserves.

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