Minute With The Mayor 14 November

The recent adoption of the Bowen Foreshore Masterplan marks a major milestone not only for Council, but for me personally as Mayor. From the day I was elected, one of my top priorities was to deliver a clear and connected vision for Bowen’s waterfront — a plan that unites the foreshore, boat harbour, jetty, township, and surrounding parklands into a single, cohesive destination for locals and visitors alike.

To now see that vision formally adopted by Council is incredibly rewarding. Bowen’s foreshore is one of the most beautiful and recognisable stretches of coastline in North Queensland, yet for too long its potential has been limited by fragmented planning and aging infrastructure.

This Masterplan changes that. It provides the long-term blueprint we need to protect Bowen’s natural charm while unlocking new opportunities for tourism, recreation, and marine industry investment.

At its heart, the plan celebrates Bowen’s character of a relaxed coastal lifestyle, the connection to the sea, and the pride our community has in its heritage. But it also looks forward, setting out how we can enhance access, improve amenities, and strengthen the link between the jetty, harbour and town centre as part of a vibrant, accessible waterfront precinct.

With the new Bowen Jetty to be constructed in coming years, the timing couldn’t be better. The Masterplan ensures that every project we deliver, from park upgrades to harbour improvements, contributes to a unified and world-class foreshore experience.

Council has now turned its attention to implementation, developing a five-year delivery plan that aligns with future capital renewals and funding opportunities. We’re also actively engaging with State and Federal governments to explore partnerships that can help accelerate this transformation and unlock the full economic potential of Bowen Harbour.

For me, this is about delivering on a promise and ensuring the projects we champion today will shape a thriving, sustainable waterfront for generations to come. The Bowen Foreshore Masterplan is more than a document; it’s the foundation for Bowen’s next chapter, and I’m proud to see it moving from vision to reality.

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