Health

The new $42.4 million Hervey Bay Hospital is an integral component of the Fraser Coast Health Service District and Queensland Health. It was officially opened in June 1997. The facility is a state-of-the art, purpose built 130 bed acute care hospital, with services aimed at meeting the needs of the local community.

Hervey Bay's local medical and dental practitioners and specialists also cater comprehensively for the needs of the community. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists and alternative therapies are well represented.

An Ambulance centre, Women's Health Centre, Day Respite Centre, Meals on Wheels, home nursing care, care for the aged and support for people with special health conditions are available to residents and visitors.

Transport

Hervey Bay's main residential areas are spread across five major suburbs, but it takes no more than 15 minutes to drive from one end to the other. A paved 12 kilometre bicycle track and walkway extends the entire length of the Hervey Bay Esplanade. Local buses serve the suburbs and driving in minimal traffic is scenic and enjoyable. Good roads connect Hervey Bay to all the local outlying towns and villages such as Howard, Toogoom and Torbanlea.Howard is a daily stop on Queensland Rail's "Spirit of Capricorn" passenger service. There is a small Freight Distribution Centre located in Pialba.

Hervey Bay Airport has a new, modern Terminal building which was opened in 1996. It is serviced daily by five flights to and from Brisbane. Helicopter and fixed wing charter and joy flights are available. Private aircraft can be housed in hangars with 24 hour security. Air /sea search and rescue services which can be called out in emergencies are also based at the Airport.

The Urangan Boat Harbour provides casual and permanent berthing and service facilities for yachts and power boats. Other services include chandlery, slipway and boatbuilding and providoring. Passenger vessels and barges for passengers and four wheel drive vehicles to and from Fraser Island use the Urangan Boat Harbour and River Heads.

Community clubs and organisations

A number of clubs servicing the business and general community are active in Hervey Bay. They hold regular dinners and social events. An initiative of the Hervey Bay Tourism and Development Bureau, the Business Forum is an opportunity for business people to meet and network. It holds monthly functions and concentrates on local issues.There are sports clubs for golf, fishing, football, cricket and other sporting activities.

The new unique joint-use academic/public library is popular and busy. Collections of books, compact discs, video and audio cassettes, large print volumes and magazines, provide for adult, young adult and junior members of the community and university personnel. The Library also provides computer and Internet browsing facilities. Art and photographic exhibitions are regularly displayed in the adjoining Regional Art Gallery.

Those interested and involved in art, music, writing, theatre, crafts, gardening, woodwork, gems and minerals will find kindred spirits to share their interests. Over 55s who want to enhance and expand their knowledge can attend the University of the Third Age to study foreign languages, local history or a range of interesting subjects.