Community feedback is sought on a proposed planning scheme amendment which will help shape the surrounds of the new Bundaberg Hospital being constructed in Thabeban.
Bundaberg Regional Council engaged consultants to develop a local plan for the area referred to as the Bundaberg Health and Enterprise Precinct.
The proposed amendment to the Bundaberg Regional Council Planning Scheme seeks to incorporate local area planning for the site.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the local area plan would ensure the facility was interconnected with residential neighbourhoods and local services, with provision for community facilities and open space.
“The aim of the local area plan is to create a high quality and vibrant health, knowledge and enterprise precinct around the new hospital,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“This is a significant piece of infrastructure for our region, and we know it is vital to support our growing and aging population.
“The local area plan will ensure the Bundaberg Health and Enterprise Precinct meets the needs of our community and those visiting our region to participate in health services.”
Mayor Blackburn said Council’s local area plan progressed the master planning completed by the Queensland Government for the hospital site.
Council received $150,000 from the Australian Government’s Housing Support Program to undertake local planning for the area.
Public consultation on the Planning Scheme amendment is open from Friday, 21 November and closes 4.45 pm on Friday, 19 December 2025.
“I encourage anyone who has an interest in the new Bundaberg Health and Enterprise Precinct to download the information on Council’s website and share their feedback,” Mayor Blackburn said.
The proposed amendment is available for inspection and purchase at Council’s Development Counter at the Auswide Building, Level 6, 16 – 20 Barolin Street, Bundaberg, and is available for viewing and download on Council’s website at www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
Visit the project page to download the factsheet with more information on the proposed amendment and how to make a submission.
Where is the Bundaberg Health and Enterprise Precinct local plan area?
The Bundaberg Health and Enterprise Precinct local plan area surrounds the new Bundaberg Hospital site at Thabeban as identified in the figure below.
Proposed planning scheme amendment
The proposed amendment includes a local plan code and structure plan concept which feature key elements for the site including:
The proposal identifies key elements for the site including:
- A Health and Knowledge Precinct
- A Medium-High Density Residential Precinct
- A Low-Medium Density Residential Precinct
- An Industrial Precinct
- Seamless streetscape with buildings that provide for a range of building heights that sensitively transition to residential precincts and appropriate buffering between areas
- Efficient transportation networks
- Stormwater management and naturalised open space corridors
The proposed amendment includes associated zoning changes and the inclusion of tables of assessment to better facilitate consistent uses within sub-precincts of the local plan.
How to make a submission
Anyone can make a submission about any aspect of the proposed amendment.
Submissions must be:
• made in writing to Bundaberg Regional Council;
• state the name and address of each person making the submission;
• include one postal or electronic address for service relating to the submission;
• state the grounds of the submission and the facts and circumstances relied on to support the grounds; and
• be received by Council no later than 4.45 pm on Friday 19 December 2025.
Visit Council’s website at www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au for more information, or see the project page here.
While I applaude a much needed health precinct and hospital the completion time has not been indicated. I have not seen any site on the plans for a bus or public transport terminal. Efficient transport network is mentioned but I see no actual inclusion on the map for a terminal adequate pickup and drop off zone and taxi parking
Personally I think it’s a brilliant idea with potential to build even further maybe a mall, shops & a highschool on top would be fantastic in a neighboring suburb?
Regarding the proposed new hospital and surrounding area. I worked at the Gold Coast University Hospital and watched the new hospital being built while still working at the old one. There were pathways through the surrounding landscaped grounds with shaded seating – providing serene reflective area for visitors. You might consider a multi storey car park – for staff , students, visitors, etc.
I would recommend visiting the GC hospital and the light rail access linking the city to the hospital.
I too lived and worked near goll coast uni hospitality.The structured layoutismarvellous for thought and still used today..
We don’t need to wait for the hospital to be built to start on the rest of the Precinct. I suggest we start now if we did we might have it all done sooner allowing for faster development pace.
There’s a 2 pieces of additional land near here on Fitzgerald Street/Kay McDuff DR. Either side of Thabenban RD that are already mostly cleared these could be useful for additional expansion.
With the rate they completed the leadup buildings & the teams doing those now free it could be buit quite quickly. The hospital is due to be completed second half of 2027. Maybe 2028 could be possible for much of the rest if they started on it soon.
I think the location is ideal being close to the Ring Road and Airport. Hopefully there are plans for Aged Care Facilities and more retirement villages nearly. As there are now more older people in the community, plus additional retirees moving into the Bundaberg region, it’s crucial to keep up with the demand for health care. Bundaberg region is a beautiful place for people to retire and enjoy life. Congratulations BRC for your enthusiasm and progressive ideas for Bundy’s future.
Bundaberg is horrible for elderly & is buckling with the second highest amount of 50+ year olds. Bundaberg has a sever lacks of support services for older people, lacks public transport, CBD unsafe even now. Extremely rude population. Traditionally high unemployment & low socio-economic leads to a high level of abusive family situations, drunks, thieves, drug users, escorts & calls for cashless welfare cards.
Bundaberg is almost a getto. No one should want to retire to Bundaberg it’s likely a last resort if they moved here. Move to Townsville where you will have a better life.
@Tom Jensen, whilst your comments do highlight challenges for the town I choose it now 4 years on. I wouldn’t live in Townsville having friends live there and have heard the issues they face. I am originally a Brit lived all over Europe as an army child born on base. In Australia for most of my years in Melbourne moved 13 years ago to Qld Lockyer Valley now Bundy. So enjoy Townsville and hope you have a happy life.
Bundaberg will be fantastic for most in 20 years time with everything there working on.