Expressions of interest are now open as development gets back on track for the Gateway Marina project at Burnett Heads.
Original developer Simon Harvey is leading the revitalisation of the major project which will offer a sheltered and safe harbour located at the gateway to the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, with state-of-the-art marina berthing facilities, accommodation, shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.
EOIs for Stage 1 marina berths are underway, with a total of 88 private recreational berths available for lease catering to vessels from 10 to 22 metre.
Simon said the opportunity was immediate.
“We are now opening Expressions of Interest for those who want to secure their place in the marina,” he said.
“There will be 88 private recreational berths available and allocations will be made on a first-in, first-served basis.”
“We expect boaties to be able to move into the marina by the end of the year, making this a near-term opportunity and given the level of enquiry we’ve seen over many years, we expect strong demand.”
History of the Gateway Marina project
Gateway Marina has long been positioned as a transformational project for the region.
The approved masterplan includes a 318-berth state-of-the-art marina, a waterfront residential community, short and long term accommodation, and a vibrant mix of retail, dining and tourism experiences.
With deep water access and the natural protection of the harbour, the marina will provide reliable all-weather access and shelter, making it one of the safest environments in the region for vessel berthing and an increasingly attractive destination for both recreational and commercial vessels.
The milestone restores clarity and confidence around what is widely regarded as one of the region’s most anticipated and unique waterfront developments.
The reacquisition follows a complex but ultimately successful process to resolve a partnership dispute that placed the project into receivership in 2024.
With that process now complete, the project is now stabilised and positioned to move forward under Simon’s sole ownership and continued financial commitment.
“While the journey to get to this point has been lengthy, complex and at times exhausting, this is a project that was worth fighting for,” he said.
“My belief in the region and the potential of the Boat Harbour has only strengthened — for boat owners, for local businesses, and for the broader community.”
“Retaining the original vision has always been important to me, and I’m excited to now bring that to life in a way the community can be proud of.”
Stage 1 ready to proceed
Stage 1 of the project is now ready to proceed, with plans well advanced.
“We are very pleased to have secured Bellingham Marine Australia as our delivery partner for Stage 1,” Simon said.
“With their global expertise on board, we are moving forward with confidence.”
Stage 1 will deliver 92 berths, including 88 private berths and four commercial berths, along with a full-service fuel dock providing both unleaded and diesel.
“This is the first step in bringing the project to life and establishing a high-quality, fully serviced marina for the region,” Simon said.
Strong support from key stakeholders
Bundaberg Regional Council has welcomed the project’s return to delivery.
Simon said that the project’s progression had been very much facilitated by the support of key government stakeholders, with valuable assistance provided by Mayor Helen Blackburn and Mr Stephen Bennett MP in helping to secure critical tenure arrangements.
“It is extremely encouraging to see the Gateway Marina project moving forward again under Simon Harvey’s leadership,” Mayor Helen Blackburn said.
“This is a significant project for the Bundaberg region — not only in terms of job creation, but also in strengthening our tourism offering and delivering much-needed waterfront accommodation and amenity.”
“The Burnett Heads Boat Harbour is a unique regional asset, and this development has the potential to unlock its full value for both the local community and visitors.”
Mr Harvey also acknowledged the role of GPC’s executive team in facilitating the finalisation of important arrangements between them and was particularly appreciative of the support shown by GPC’s CEO, Andrew Johnson, and acting COO, Rob Torrisi.
“It has been particularly encouraging to have the strong support of GPC’s executive team and Board and to see their clear recognition of the importance of this project for the Bundaberg Region,” he said.
“That shared understanding, together with a collaborative and focused approach to finalising key commercial arrangements, has ensured the project now has a strong foundation for long-term viability and successful staged delivery.”
GPC CEO Andrew Johnson said he was very pleased to see the Gateway Marina project progress.
“Our team have worked closely with Mr Harvey and our partners in State and Local Government to provide a clear pathway for the project to move forward,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming vessels into the harbour and seeing the marina become an important part of the region’s marine and tourism infrastructure.”
With construction of Stage 1 set to commence shortly, Mr Harvey said the focus was now firmly on delivery.
“This is about turning years of design and planning into reality,” he said.
Further announcements regarding the marina village, commercial partnerships and future stages of development are expected in the coming months.
Those eager to learn more about the project and lodge an interest in leasing a marina berth can visit www.gatewaymarina.com.au for more information.
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