CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) A search and rescue operation commenced today to locate a 58-year-old man missing from Bargara since Tuesday was last seen near Bauer Street about 5pm and has not been seen or heard from since medium build with greying hair and is believed to be wearing black Ugg boots A search was conducted of the Bargara foreshore today Police also investigated a number of leads and suspected sightings; however emergency services were unable to locate Michael Police are continuing to appeal to Michael and anyone who has any information regarding his whereabouts to come forward so police are urging motorists to report any sightings to investigators If you have information for police on this The Weekly SOURCE is published by DCM Media Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE A 58-year-old man who was reported missing from Bargara last week has been found safe and well Get an all ACCESS PASS to the News and your Digital Edition with an online subscription Get an all access pass to the News and your Digital Edition with an online subscription Australia’s leading regional tourism business has further expanded its Discovery Parks portfolio after securing the sub-lease for Bargara […] The Bargara Beach Caravan Park is out to tender for the first time in nearly 20 years with Bundaberg Regional Council inviting qualified entities to express their interest the 6.658 ha site is a well-loved destination for both locals and tourists fronting the popular Nielson Park with beautiful oceanside views The caravan park has a range of amenities and accommodation options available 225 powered grass and slab sites and 78 unpowered sites While the easy beach access is its biggest drawcard the property is also in close proximity to central Bargara with a variety of food with even more on offer along the coast and throughout the region Known as the southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Bundaberg Region is one of Queensland’s ECO Certified Destinations it is well known for its nature-based experiences markets and unique culinary offerings made from the region’s fresh produce With year-round attractions and a moderate climate the Bundaberg Region welcomed over 600,000 domestic overnight visitors (equating to 2,118,764 visitor nights) in 2022/23 There is 19-year lease period on offer for the successful entity Tenders are invited from Saturday 14 September 2024 and will be received at VendorPanel up to 2 pm AEST Tuesday 12 November 2024 Documents may be obtained from the VendorPanel website: vendorpanel.com.au.  All enquiries regarding the tender are to be directed to Council via the VendorPanel online forum Council reserves the right to invite Tenderers to change their Tender in accordance with the Local Government Act 2009 and Section 228 (7) of the Local Government Regulation 2012  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License The Bundaberg Region was hit by intense storms overnight with heavy rain and widespread lightning strikes causing disruptions across the area Ergon Energy crews are currently working to restore power outages that have affected more than 1,502 customers after last night’s wild weather while the SES responded to two requests for assistance due to roof damage and leaks between Bargara and Elliott Heads early this morning Bundaberg recorded 22 mm of rain overnight while Bargara received 45 mm in just one hour between 1 and 2 am The Bucca area recorded the heaviest falls of the night with 58 mm at Stony Creek and 45 mm at Hermans Gully Wind gusts also reached a peak of 61km/h at Bundaberg Airport at 1.20 am the region faces another challenge today with a heatwave warning in place The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a maximum temperature of 37°C for the Bundaberg Region “Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people people with medical conditions and people who are unwell,” the Bureau said curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.” For the rest of the day (Thursday 16 December) the Bureau expects the potential for more thunderstorms Winds will be north-westerly at 15 to 20 km/h Bundaberg Regional Council continues to urge residents to stay vigilant during storm season The Disaster Dashboard is available to provide up-to-date information on road closures It also includes links to emergency contacts and advice on preparing for severe weather events Motorists are reminded to drive to the conditions particularly following storms that may bring flash flooding to roadways remember the adage: “If it’s flooded For ongoing updates, the community is encouraged to check the Bundaberg Regional Council’s Disaster Dashboard here Police are seeking public assistance to locate a 58-year-old man that was reported missing from Bargara on Tuesday 15 April Bargara Esplanade will be filled with Christmas spirit this Saturday when Saint Stella Presents holds the popular Carols by the Foreshore The community is invited to join principal performers Suellen Cusack and Jessica Savage along with Kate Hardisty on violin and bagpiper Kyle Myers for an hour of music and Christmas cheer The event on the Bargara foreshore near Turtle Park is free to attend Saint Stella Presents co-founder Hannah Jacobs said they would be raising funds for the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal through gold coin donation from the audience we encourage you to bring a gold coin to help support this wonderful cause,” Hannah said “Our volunteers will be collecting donations with shaker cans The carols were last held in 2022 and were warmly embraced by the community prompting the local promotors to reprise the event this year “We can’t wait to see everyone there,” Hannah said “Don’t forget to bring a chair or picnic blanket to make yourself comfortable as we come together to celebrate the season “We are excited to do something nice and to give back to our community in the spirit of Christmas.” Saint Stella Presents is committed to offering professional performance opportunities for local talent and providing high-quality entertainment for the community to enjoy A new playground in Bargara is now open to the community offering plenty of opportunity for families to enjoy the great outdoors Situated in Bargara Views Estate off Moodies Road the space features an array of play equipment including a double swing organic softfall has been used to cover the main play area while permanent softfall has been installed around the carousel The new playground is the result of a collaborative effort with local contractors after Bundaberg Regional Council identified the original equipment needed replacing Natural Resources and Environment portfolio spokesperson Cr Jason Bartels said community feedback also played a major role in the area’s new features “This park is a testament to the power of community engagement and the importance of creating spaces that cater to everyone’s needs,” he said “We surveyed the community in 2023 to understand what types of equipment they wanted and climbing equipment—all of which are proudly featured in the new playground “It’s great to see this project come to life and to know that it was shaped by the people who will use it most.” The park‘s development has also included the refurbishment of the viewing deck over a nearby lake “In response to community suggestions a planter bed was converted into a bench seat offering a peaceful spot to enjoy the lake view,” Cr Bartels said park shelters are currently being refurbished and will add to the overall enhancement of the area.” Bargara Views Estate Park is one of four playground areas to be revitalised in the 24-25 financial year Shade sails will be installed over the playground in early 2025 Preliminary works for the Hughes Road and Blain Street roundabout upgrade have begun marking the start of an important infrastructure project that will improve road safety and traffic flow in Bargara Residents are being notified that traffic closures delays and disruptions should be expected as the project forges ahead The current phase involves the construction and relocation of multiple services and utilities before the civil works Bundaberg Regional Council’s Roads and Infrastructure (urban) portfolio spokesperson Cr Larine-Statham Blair said the community could expect some disruptions but highlighted the importance of the upgrade “While these works may cause temporary inconveniences they are essential to ensuring the long-term safety and efficiency of the Hughes Road and Blain Street intersection,” Cr Statham-Blair said and we appreciate the community’s patience during this time “Our goal is to complete the works in the most efficient way possible.” The intersection of Hughes Road and Blain Street will be closed in the coming months to facilitate preliminary construction works The road is expected to reopen in time for Christmas before closing again in the early months of 2025 for the civil construction phase Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout and local businesses will remain accessible via detours A detour map and further project updates will be available on the Our Bundaberg Region Page where the community can also sign up for notifications Full completion of the project is expected by mid-2025 “We’re looking forward to delivering this important project and thank everyone in advance for their understanding as we carry out the necessary works,” Cr Statham-Blair said The roundabout works are estimated to cost approximately $4.1 million and form part of a broader program of future improvements to enhance road safety and improve capacity of Hughes Road The project is partly funded by the Australian Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program – Phase 4 For more information or to stay updated on the project, visit www.ourbundabergregion.com.au/hughes-road-blain-street-roundabout Bundaberg Regional Council is stepping up efforts to protect Mary Kinross Park following repeated incidents of vandalism that have led to costly repairs and temporary closures Recent damage at the popular Bargara park included a large quantity of glass bottles being smashed on footpaths contaminating the adjacent playground’s soft-fall material The clean-up required extensive remediation including the removal and replacement of the softfall Council has made several changes at the site including adjusting the lighting schedule at park shelters to turn off at 7.30 pm and carrying out tree pruning to improve visibility and passive surveillance Council has sought the support of local police who will increase patrols in the area to deter anti-social behaviour Natural Resources and Environment portfolio spokesperson Cr Jason Bartels said these measures aimed to ensure Mary Kinross Park remained a safe and enjoyable space for the community “Acts of vandalism like this not only damage public spaces but also impact families who use these facilities,” he said “The closure of the playground was a huge inconvenience for families and the clean-up came at a significant cost “We are committed to ensuring the park remains a welcoming place for everyone and we appreciate the support of local police in keeping it that way.” Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to police to help protect the park and other community spaces and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" <#= ThriveComments.util.render_label('login_submit_comment') #> <#= ThriveComments.util.render_label('commenting_as',ThriveComments.current_user.display_name || ( ThriveComments.social_user && ThriveComments.social_user.name ) ) #> <#= ThriveComments.util.render_label('guest_comment') #> It was an exciting moment when Furtado Property IDC Construct and Place Projects welcomed guests to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony […] A Bargara man has been bailed in Bundaberg Magistrates Court on charges of people smuggling and supporting a criminal organisation Notable for displaying the service badges of three veterans Whalley Street in Bargara has been included in Bundaberg Regional Council’s Streets of Remembrance Program The program sees the badge under which local veterans served added to the signs of local streets named in their honour The Whalley Street sign now acknowledges the service of family members Private Richard Whalley and Private George Whalley who served in World War I and Private William Cox Whalley who served in World War II The Whalley family has a long history with the Bundaberg Region which started when Richard Whalley first bought a sugar cane farm off Sandhills Road which is now Bargara Road daughter-in-law of Private William Cox Whalley said the family were extremely honoured to have their relatives recognised for their service “This was a huge commitment from one family to the war effort over two world wars,” Anne said.  “I strongly commend Bundaberg Regional Council for undertaking this initiative and I trust that it is continued.  “I believe that these servicemen deserve recognition for the contribution they made keeping Australia safe and these street signs are a lasting reminder of this commitment.” Anne provided the following account of the family’s history: “Richard Whalley married Sarah Barney on 12 October 1892 and purchased a cane farm off Bargara Road (known then as Sandhills Road) bounded by Farquahar Road and Seaview Road They also purchased another smaller farm opposite Bargara School along Potters Road Their children were George (known as Slap) William Cox Whalley was born 3 November 1912 and fought in PNG while the others stayed at home to tend the crops to feed the families left at home George enlisted in the 4th Pioneer Battalion on 5 February 1916 and fought on the Western Front He returned to Australia on 6 September 1919 Richard Jnr joined the 31st Battalion on 12 July 1915 and returned to Australia 8 April 1919 Ralph Snr married Annie Elizabeth (known as Bonnie) and they had one son and two daughters After Ralph died on 15 November 1947 and William Cox returned from WWII she married William and had a further two sons Annie died on 16 February 1966 after being bitten by a centipede and William died in Ingham on 13 January 1972 Of particular interest may be the story of Steamer Nelson which was wrecked on the Rocks at Bargara on New Year’s Day in 1919 on the reef running out to the south of the little boat ramp at Bargara Ralph Jnr’s uncles and grandfather were involved in the rescue of the crew As a reward they were able to salvage the timber that was being carried aboard from Maryborough to Mackay This timber was used to build a shed on the old farm at Sand Hills Road There are many branches of this family still living in the Bundaberg district however the younger generations followed many different careers few remain but their presence within the community has been very much engrained.” Streets of Remembrance: Sapper Massey my mother visited the family sugar distillary many times and played around the large vats as a child And stayed at the family home “Cooee” I am not familiar with her but some other family members may know her While the current forecast track has the Bundaberg Region out of the direct path of Tropical Cyclone Alfred its movements remain uncertain and authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution in coastal areas The Local Disaster Management Group has shifted from ‘Lean Forward’ status back to ‘Alert,’ which means it continues to actively assess the situation Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Helen Blackburn said residents must also continue to monitor the situation closely “For us here in the Bundaberg Region we need to be aware that whilst we are on the outskirts we certainly still need to remain alert and consider what our plans are if we need to take any action,” she said “Over the next few days we are expecting that there will be some rain Currently, the system is moving down the coast with modelling by the Bureau of Meteorology suggesting that further shifts could affect the southern parts of Queensland is currently located 465 kilometres east-north-east of Brisbane and 430 kilometres east-north-east of Maroochydore,” the latest Bureau report stated on Monday morning “Alfred will continue moving towards the south-east today slightly away from the Queensland coast before slowing down and turning westward “Alfred is currently a category 1 cyclone but is expected to intensify to a category 2 cyclone tonight “It is likely to maintain a category 2 intensity as it approaches the south-east Queensland coast late on Thursday.” District Disaster Coordinator Chief Inspector Grant Marcus said, while there was no direct threat to the Bundaberg Region currently, there were still hazards that the community needed to be aware of “We have seen a fair bit of wind and a fair bit of waves… and we’ve also noticed a lot of beach erosion in the Bundaberg Regional Council area,” he said Chief Inspector Marcus also had a warning for those with travel plans “If people are thinking about heading south if they are thinking about heading to Brisbane this week then they need to reconsider their plans,” he said “It is quite likely that there will be a significant cyclone hitting the coast in between Gympie and Brisbane at this point in time watch and listen to the forecasts because cyclones can change and can move in different directions.” The LDMG has moved to ‘Alert” and will continue to monitor the situation Expect: Increased wave energy and hazardous surf which may lead to severe coastal erosion Adhere to warnings from lifesavers and lifeguards • Stay up to date with warnings issued on the Bureau of Meteorology Queensland website: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/ • Follow the disaster dashboard here: https://disaster.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/ The Bundaberg Region is set for a true blue celebration this Australia Day as the community gathers for a day of fun promises something for everyone from live music and beachside activities to market stalls and tasty treats Events portfolio spokesperson Cr Steve Cooper said the day would be a wonderful opportunity for families and the community to celebrate together “Australia Day is about coming together to reflect and celebrate all that we love about this great country,” Cr Cooper said “With an incredible program of local entertainment this year’s event will be one to remember.” Attendees can enjoy a packed stage program featuring popular local artists Derek F Smith with activities including a Party Higher silent disco Lifeguard-supervised beach swimming offers a perfect way to cool off while Bubble’licious Creations will provide whimsical fun for all ages For those up to the challenge, Grunskes by the River are also treating event goers with their very own prawn peeling Olympics best dressed competition held several times throughout the day A range of market stalls and food vendors will ensure no one goes hungry serving up everything from savoury bites to sweet indulgences Emergency services will also be on-site with an interactive information tent featuring the SES offering a chance to connect with the community and learn about disaster preparedness For more details about this year’s Australia Day celebrations keep an eye out for the program in early January View the full program here This Australia Day event was developed thanks to support from the Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland program For more information visit the Get Ready website. Great Australian Bites Bargara is presented by Bundaberg Regional Council in partnership with the Queensland Government and assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council and proudly supported by Triple M beautiful beach labyrinth creator and marriage celebrant Cynthia Hoogstraten has long been known throughout the […] Bundaberg Regional Council will remove part of a Zunker Family Memorial Pine The decision follows deterioration in the tree’s condition which was first noticed by members of the public at the end of September 2024 Natural Resources and Environment portfolio spokesperson Cr Jason Bartels said the discoloration in the tree’s crown prompted Council to begin monitoring its health Council is only removing a section of the tree that has died which appears to be around six metres in height,” he said “While the cause of the deterioration remains uncertain Council is investigating the possibility of a pathogenic infection such as Neofusicoccum parvum (Norfolk Pine Canker) or it could simply be an environmental response “Norfolk Pines sometimes lose their ‘leader’ only to regrow it later.” The tree, which is part of the Zunker Family Memorial Pines They have become a defining feature of the Bargara foreshore planted in 1954 in memory of Charles and Mary Zunker Charles and Mary were tragically caught in a fire while burning off on their cane farm in November 1953 donated the 27 Norfolk Island Pines to the community to frame the coastal promenade The trees are listed on Bundaberg Regional Council’s Local Heritage Register which said the tree planting was supported by the community Council will send the removed tree part for testing to confirm the cause of the deterioration “While we are hopeful the tree will continue to thrive after the removal of the dead section we are committed to ensuring public safety and minimising any risk,” Cr Bartels said “If full removal of the tree is ultimately required Council is hopeful to replace it with a new Norfolk Pine “Staff are also planning to undertake some minor maintenance on two adjacent pines to reduce the potential for future defects.” As the section being removed is relatively small impacts to traffic and pedestrians are expected to be minimal with only a handful of car parks to be affected There seems to be an increase in the number of Norfolk Island pines dying off recently “While the cause of the deterioration remains uncertain or it could simply be an environmental response.” The Bargara Surf Club came alive on Saturday 18 January when Bargara Latin Dancing Hub hosted their launch event Seaside […] I understand and agree that my personal information will be collected, stored and used, in accordance with the PGA of Australia's privacy policy Queenslander Simon Tooman has triumphed after going toe-to-toe with PGA Legends Tour Order of Merit leader Andre Stolz over two days at the Bargara Legends Pro-Am Co-leaders after posting matching rounds of 6-under 65 on day one at picturesque Bargara Golf Club near Bundaberg Tooman had built a three-shot lead following a two-shot swing on the par-4 13th hole But the customary fightback soon came from Stolz Tooman (70) closing out his round with four straight pars to clinch a one-stroke win at 7-under par from Stolz (71) as Nigel Lane (67) finished outright third at 5-under little separated Tooman and Stolz as they fought through the tricky conditions Stolz bogeyed the par-4 second to hand Tooman a slight advantage an advantage Tooman doubled with a birdie at the par-5 sixth A birdie at the par-4 12th got Stolz back within one but when he dropped a shot at 13 and Tooman made birdie Stolz responded with birdies at 14 and 15 but a bogey on 16 for the second straight day would prove to be the difference at round’s end I knew he’d do that,” Tooman said of the Stolz charge so it didn’t surprise me when he did that “I haven’t been playing much this year so I am very happy that I got a win this early in the season.” LEADERBOARD RUNDOWN1          Simon Tooman            65-70—1352          Andre Stolz                  65-71—1363          Nigel Lane                    70-67—137T4        Peter Senior OAM        68-70—138T4        Mark Boulton               74-64—138T6        Adam Henwood          70-69—139T6        Terry Price                    70-69—139 Bundaberg Golf Club hosts the Queensland PGA Senior Foursomes Championship on Wednesday before the two-day Urangan Smash Repairs Fraser Coast Classic starting Saturday at Hervey Bay Golf and Country Club For the latest news and scores on Australian golf Subscribe © 2025 PGA of Australia | Powered by Advertise with us The Taste Bundaberg Festival celebrates the region’s vibrant food producers and chefs with over 30 events across the Bundaberg food bowl from 30 August to 8 September This month we share the stories of our Local Taste Ambassadors and what makes them passionate about growing producing and cooking in the Bundaberg Region How long have you been growing in the Bundaberg Region We have been growing in the region for over 30 years Debbie has been growing seedlings for our commercial vegetable seedlings since moving from a dairy farm in Canungra in September 1988 Michael has been farming in the Bundaberg region since July 1994 He moved in from the farming region of Nambour, primarily growing passionfruit.  What do you love about living in the Bundaberg food bowl Everything is available from Avos to Zucchinis.  and access to specialists which make the process easier We prioritise providing our local customers with the finest quality produce available Our customers make us feel like we are a part of their family What would you like to tell visitors about the region’s vibrant fresh produce Buy local to get the freshest produce possible Where is your business located and what is the best part about it Our farm is located just 10 minutes away from the Bundaberg Post Office It is a small operation managed by the two of us Despite being in a relatively secluded area we can get anything we need in just 10 minutes Although Bundaberg is close to the bustling Sunshine Coast and the capital city of Brisbane How are you involved in Taste Bundaberg Festival this year This year we are excited to be ambassadors for the festival The farm will be open for picking your own strawberries and farm gate opportunities to buy our produce We will also be showcasing our strawberries and other assorted fresh fruits and vegies at the Taste Bundaberg Market And we are opening our farm to a dinner for those who are interested in knowing who we are and what we do What’s your favourite thing to cook using local fresh produce We love to enjoy a seafood marinara when we have an amount of tomatoes from our local growers and The Red Shed Seafood shop have a really good marinara mix Read more Local Taste Ambassador stories here, and check out the Taste Bundaberg Festival program  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. A new mosaic mural in Bill Fritz Park on the Bargara foreshore celebrates the role of the Bargara Lions Club in developing the park and providing facilities for people with disabilities The mural was conceived and designed by acclaimed mosaic artist Paul Perry and created by Paul with the help of 40 volunteers contributing over 300 hours of work Paul said the design highlights the Lions Club’s special connection to the reserve which the club developed and maintained for 20 years “It’s just wonderful to be able to acknowledge their involvement and their particular focus back in the time when it wasn’t especially common to actually focus on providing facilities for people with disabilities,” Paul said “That’s why this mural has both the Lions Club and the disability mobility symbol so prominent.” The mural depicts the symbols set in a field of sunflowers which Paul said was a reference to those grown along Bargara Road “The thing that I discovered as I went through this process of course is the importance of sunflowers as a symbol of hidden disabilities,” he said “This is a really great way to bring that to the fore and to honour them and to raise awareness bringing a sense of colour and movement to this area.” Paul conducted 15 workshops with volunteers from a range of backgrounds from experienced mosaicists to first time participants “It was a wonderful opportunity for people to be participants to enjoy it and to see the outcome of their work,” Paul said “I think there are so many elements in there when you look at it that show artistic but also community based storytelling that I think is great.” The artwork was installed on the park’s toilet block as part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Public Art Masterplan Council’s Arts, Heritage and Asset Management portfolio spokesperson Councillor John Learmonth said the new mural was a welcome addition to the Public Art Collection “The Public Art Masterplan was put in place to encourage and support the development of local artists,” Cr Learmonth said “It’s wonderful to see this beautiful mosaic installed and being enjoyed by the community and visitors to the Bargara foreshore.” Community is invited to celebrate the new mosaic and meet the artist at Bill Fritz Park Offering unspoiled beaches sans stingers, chic cafes free of crowds and homes by the beach without the multimillion-dollar price, these coastal towns are being compared to Byron Bay as it was a decade ago. In Bargara, unit prices soared 38.1 per cent to a median of $670,000 in the year to June on Domain data. Its median house price climbed 19.4 per cent to $770,000. In Yeppoon, unit medians climbed 27.5 per cent to $475,000 in the same period. The median house price rose a more modest 6.8 per cent to $630,000. The median house price in Agnes Water also recorded a modest 8.7 per cent increase to $815,000 in the past year but experienced a colossal 118.8 per cent jump in the five years to June. Property punters say cheaper property prices and a collective yearning to escape the rat race to live by the beach is driving southern buyers to seaside towns just a few hours north of Brisbane. And it’s not just retirees making the move, driven by buyers migrating north from the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Jason and Rachel Barrett moved from the Gold Coast to Bargara with their two young boys Brody and Kyle a couple of years ago for a better quality of life without the eye-watering property prices. The couple bought a four-bedroom house with a pool for just over $1 million – a property that the Barretts said would have cost almost $1.5 million on the Gold Coast. Jason, who works in civil construction, described their Gold Coast life as the epitome of the rat race, leaving for work in the dark at 5am and not returning home until 5pm. “I’d spend at least three hours commuting a day and that’s without a crash on the highway. I started adding it up, and I was wasting 24 hours a week sitting in traffic. That’s not living.” “Moving here [Bargara] was about slowing down and getting back into a community environment and finding a place where the kids can ride their bikes. “The day we moved in a neighbour from across the road came over with a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates.” McGrath Wide Bay’s Mark Gelsomino said Bargara had picked up colossal growth since COVID began. “That’s when we were discovered … buyers are chasing that lifestyle, and the climate is bringing them too. You can swim all year around here and there’s a lovely village feel,” Gelsomino said. “Our No. 1 buyers are from the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast is No. 2. We’re getting couples, with children under 10, who can work from home but we’re also getting 30-to-40-year-old tradies,” he said. Gelsomino said buyers could still purchase a good home near the beach for less than $1 million, which is now difficult in Brisbane. Ray White Yeppoon’s Debbie Lodwick said it was a similar story further north in Yeppoon. “Prices here have escalated so much … our median in most areas is about $650,000 now. But only a few years ago it was $430,000,” Lodwick said. She said families from down south were driving the demand, spurred by a better lifestyle, lower crime rates and lower prices. “We’ve got that country atmosphere by the beach that Byron Bay used to have about 10 to 15 years ago. But you still have a major regional city up the road, which is Rockhampton.” RMW Yeppoon’s Rory Wex said most of his buyers came from the Gold Coast, with that southern cohort seeing Yeppoon as the perfect halfway point. 2 Baths4 ParkingView listing “Past here you get stingers but being right on the Tropic of Capricorn I think we’re perfectly positioned. You can swim year-round here,” Wex said. “It’s also not as regional as it used to be, and we’ve got Rockhampton close by, which is a major hub with flights to Brisbane every day.” Wex said other drawcards included the overall cheaper cost of living, good private schools that were also cheaper and very little to no paid parking. Ray White Agnes Waters’s Damien Gomersall said prices had doubled over the past four years alone. “We’re the last surf beach that there is … and two-thirds of our buyers are from the Sunshine Coast. They’re fed up with the high prices there, and here they get the lifestyle they once had,” Gomersall said. “It has the same vibe that Noosa had 30 years ago.” He said families are leading the charge with a blend of remote workers, mine workers and business owners increasingly moving north. The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate When it comes to creating plenty of exciting fun Bargara Berries’ Debbie and Michael Meiers have it down to a fine art holding a celebration last year for a whopping 21 years of growing strawberries while also raising money for their grandson Arley who was born with a rare neurological brain disorder and needs medical grade equipment to help make his life a bit easier in his school environment their Sunday Fun Day on Sunday 21 July from 11am to 3pm is a wonderful opportunity to raise money for Jeans for Genes Day and the incredible work of the Children’s Medical Research Institute Debbie said they were excited to share this Sunday Fun Day with the community as it was a day for the families “We see ourselves with our grandchildren how much they love coming to the farm and spending time outside and the sounds of laughter and fun is one of my greatest pleasures in life,” she said “We are grateful for the Bundaberg North Lions Club who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and we so integral to helping to raise money for Arley last year to be cooking the barbecue Add to that we will have the excitement of a jumping castle so children can use up all that energy as well as Old McDonalds Farm and Frivolous Face Painting Entertainment will be provided by The Rhubarb Tarts talented musicians have become one of the Wide Bay’s most popular bands since they got together three years ago and never fail to deliver high energy on stage with a great array of cover songs A visit to Bargara Berries wouldn’t be complete without strawberries strawberries and more strawberries and they are even also available in gelato jams and sauces with Hit’n’Run Barista on hand with delicious coffee and tea “This is also an opportunity for everyone to visit the farm and support Genes for Jeans.” Bargara Berries is located at 104 Hoods Road Meadowvale November saw a flurry of activity across the Bundaberg Region with a variety of essential work and projects underway including installation of new bus shelters to footpath and bridge upgrades Here’s a summary of the key activities completed by Bundaberg Regional Council all aimed at enhancing the safety and maintenance of your local roads and surrounds For the period 1 November 2024 to 30 November 2024 a total of 535 defects were repaired on Council Roads For the period 1 November 2024 to 30 November 2024 a total of 169 Defects were completed patching took place in the following areas: The Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre will host its first Multicultural Fair at the Bargara Cultural Centre on Saturday 17 August from 10 am to 2 pm The event will feature stalls showcasing traditional arts and crafts authentic cuisine for sale and a wide range of cultural performances Attendees can also enjoy engaging cultural activities such as dressing up in traditional costumes there will be the Holden Classic Car Show and the Brave Brothers coffee van The Multicultural Fair is a project funded by Multicultural Affairs Queensland to help build connections and integration with the multicultural community in Bundaberg Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre Manager Corrie McColl said they were excited to the host the event for the first time “We are excited to see the Multicultural Fair happening in August and look forward to having it on show to the general public,” Corrie said “The Multicultural Fair helps us to fully understand how Bundaberg and Australia has embraced a multicultural society and recognises the importance of local values and connections.” For more information, visit the Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre’s website here Well run and plenty of multiculturalism on display Amazing given they were competing in part against the Bulldogs/Dolphins game Dining, dancing and entertainment in a range of wonderful locations around the region is on offer at this year’s Taste Bundaberg Festival From One Night in Bargara to a Long Table farm feast to elegant dining at Bert’s Gather with family and friends in the grounds of The Garden Mill for a special dinner event Diners will be treated to a three-course meal showcasing the freshest of ingredients and locally grown produce there will be a beverage on arrival and the added enjoyment of live entertainment In the relaxed surrounds of Bargara Berries take a seat at the long table to enjoy a three-course meal designed by Dion from HSG At The Gardens Hear directly from Bargara Berries owners Michael and Debbie who will be engaging with diners about all things strawberry All this will be accompanied by light entertainment and drinks will be available for purchase Those looking for an elegant evening of candlelit cuisine can enjoy a five course degustation at Experience Bert’s on 4 and 5 September Chef Sumit has collaborated with local suppliers to create a culinary experience that celebrates both fine dining and the best in local produce as well as drink pairing suggestions available for purchase both evenings For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Taste Bundaberg Festival website Tickets on sale here Tickets on sale here Date: Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 September Tickets on sale here a free national community service program that helps to improve the wellbeing and confidence of people undergoing treatment for cancer will hold a workshop at The Garden Mill Café in Bargara on Monday 15 July the Look Good Feel Better program has been providing free workshops designed to help Australian women men and teens better manage the appearance-related side-effects caused by cancer treatment since 1990 The workshops cover skin care techniques to alleviate symptoms including dryness and sallowness; makeup tips to help patients deal with concealing redness and drawing on eyebrows; and advice on headwear including scarf styling and wig selection Local volunteers provide information and advice to the participants with each participant receiving a Confidence Kit full of skincare and make-up products to use as tools for application throughout the workshop Participants also benefit from the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation friendships and additional support networks are formed that can help during diagnosis and treatment Cancer patients who could benefit from attending are encouraged to contact the Look Good Feel Better National Office to register their details – 1800 650 960 or lgfb.org.au are without power on Sunday morning after a car crashed into a power pole just before 1am Please call us on 1800 070 535 and we’ll help resolve the issue or try again later Any Questions? Please call 1800 070 535 Saturday & Sunday 7:00am – 11:30am (AEST) Bundaberg has carved out a reputation for its proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. The town has been dubbed the gateway to the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and lies within a stone’s throw of pristine sands and shimmering waters there’s hardly a wrong time to visit While everyone below the navel of Australia combats the winter chills, Bundaberg is blessed with mild days and plenty of sun. For this reason, heading to the beach is one of the best things to do in Bundaberg. Whether you’re keen to catch some waves or simply lounge on the sands, here are the best beaches in Bundaberg that you need to check out. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t fear— all the listed beaches are patrolled, but it’s best to check Beach Safe for the patrol schedule Bargara Beach is the region’s most popular bit of coastline situated just a 15-minute drive from Bundaberg with the buzzing township of Bargara perched on its shores you’ll find yourself right in the centre of the action especially beginners who want to practice catching some gentle waves dip or surf before grabbing a coffee or sitting down for a spot of brunch at one of the friendly cafes A day out in Bargara will give you a taste of life on the subtropical Coast— and it’s just as picturesque as it sounds Enjoy watching the sunset on Bargara Beach you’ll find a vast stretch of golden sand that is Kelly’s beach Kelly’s is a favourite swimming spot among locals – and for good reason There’s plenty of space to sunbathe on the sands where you’ll be sandwiched between crystal blue waters and a shaded nature strip complete with BBQs the Bargara Basin on the north end of the beach has calm and sheltered waters which also makes it the perfect snorkelling spot Kelly’s is a favourite swimming spot among locals Elliott Heads is where the river meets the sea creating a unique marine landscape that yields lots to discover It’s the perfect beach for a family day out speckled with rock pools where you can discover aquatic life and little fish flitting about you’ll find the most superb rockpools on Dr Mays Island Accessible by foot from the beach only at low tide head over to admire the marine life and discover the rock pools that are large enough to swim in There’s great fishing on the riverside, and if you’re up for an adrenaline rush, the main beach is the perfect spot for kiteboarding. If you’ve never tried it before, that doesn’t have to stop you— Undertow Surf offers beginners kiteboarding lessons to show you the ropes Elliott Heads is known for its soft white sand and sparkling blue waters Woodgate Beach is a quiet stretch of coast an hour’s drive south of Bundaberg It’s home to a sleepy beach community If you enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path then Woodgate Beach could be the perfect place to take an excursion that will reward you with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery Stroll along 16 kilometres of golden sands flanked by rolling waves and a line of shady She-Oaks Turtles are known to frequent the shores and lay eggs on the beach your day could be complete with a turtle sighting Turtles are known to frequent the shores of Woodgate Beach the chain of peaceful holiday settlements continues with Nielson Park Beach The beach is fringed by large basalt rocks which create large tidal pools buzzing with marine life The vast stretch of coast is perfect for swimming so you can enjoy a bite to eat from a local takeaway or restaurant in front of a marvellous view There’s a holiday park right a stone’s throw from the shore so if you’re looking for beachside accommodation near Bundaberg then Nielson Park Beach is a great place to put your feet up and enjoy Nielson Park Beach on the north side of Bargara Elizabeth Whitehead has been a travel writer since she realised the most interesting stories are the ones about the world we live in birdwatching or exploring in her campervan Famed for its stretches of crystal-clear coast award-winning distilleries and abundant produce Bundaberg serves as an excellent base to discover wha.. whether you want to kick back at a distillery or pass through the Southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef... Bundaberg’s Mon Repos Beach is home to half the South Pacific’s nesting loggerhead turtles – and one of nature’s most ancient rituals of life... Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work Two major developments are set to transform Bargara retirement living and resort-style accommodation featuring a club The development applications for Club Bargara‘s proposals were presented to and approved by Bundaberg Regional Council at today’s Ordinary meeting The first of the major developments includes a resort-style facility featuring a club It represents a redevelopment of the existing Bargara Golf Clubhouse with a new club facility and establishment of associated short term accommodation over land at 120 Miller Street and the golf course six storey mixed-use building which will include: • Ground level club featuring indoor seating • An al-fresco café and three refreshment kiosks fronting the esplanade • A first floor (mezzanine level) above the main club trading floor featuring function space able to be flexibly divided for groups of up to 400 persons for events and conferences • 160 undercover carparking spaces across three levels (including one basement level) • A resort-style recreation deck above the podium including pool and adjacent wellness centre for the use of short stay accommodation guests The second development features a new golf clubhouse and retirement facility on the opposite side of Miller Street The single-storey members’ golf clubhouse will feature a bar The internal dining area will adjoin a covered patio overlooking to golf course The club will include 39 car parking spaces a drop off zoning adjacent to the entry and eight golf buggy parking spaces located on the eastern side of the club house The facility is to be accommodated within two five storey buildings featuring 24 two-bedroom units and 24 three-bedroom units There will be 72 carparks available to tenants along with a pool and terrace The facility will be available to the public and provide the opportunity for the community to reside in age-appropriate and highly accessible accommodation The developments are located within the Sea Turtle Sensitive Area of the coastal protection overlay The purpose of the Sea turtle Sensitive Area Overlay Code is to ensure that development does not create harm to sea turtle nesting and sea turtle activity by avoiding adverse impacts generated from development To demonstrate compliance with these assessment benchmarks Club Bargara engaged Pendoley Environmental to prepare a Marine Turtle Light Management Plan considering nearby nesting beaches as well as the impact of urban glow Detailed conditions relating to turtle lighting have been included in both approvals which impose a number of requirements including the submission of further lighting management and construction plans restrictions on outdoor activities during nesting season as well as the need for compliance audits How much are the 2 bedroom apartments going to be i moved to bargara to get away from resortstyle living this monstrostity will change the demographics of our quaint laid back bargara It’s to late about 20 years to late Bargara is not under developed it is littered with buildings just like this already It’s high density cram is as much as you can into the smallest area possible The demo graph is retirement age but the buildings & density are like any other tourism area A quiet coastal town with stunning beaches luxe accommodation and quirky cafes is seeing a spike in popularity among both travellers and home buyers Bargara has long been a stop-over for people exploring Queensland's southern coast but the spike in property prices proves Aussies are taking the leap and making a permanent sea change to the little-known hub The dreamy hideaway is a 15-minute drive from Bundaberg and 280km north of the Sunshine Coast on the very southern end of the Great Barrier Reef Aussies are catching on to the relaxed lifestyle Bargara has to offer with its idyllic beaches and easygoing pace rocky edges and palm trees line the eastern edge of the town The other offers all sorts of quirky accommodation like the Absolute Ocean Front Tourist Park which boasts cute kaleidoscopic beach shacks The aptly-named Windmill Café is a favourite spot to grab a coffee among locals and those passing through Bargara has a range of informal dining options and pubs from the Beach Mill coffee bar where punters like to grab a drink on the grass and look out to the ocean or the newly renovated Sandhills Sports Club which has a bar which comes to life when its field of sunflowers blooms between April and November House prices have soared by 19.2 per cent in the past year but they still sit well below the $1million mark The current median property price in Bargara is $747,500 with 79 houses sold in the last month 174 sold in the last year and a whopping 1,871 interested buyers A suburb record was set after an oceanfront mansion on Woongarra Scenic Drive fetched a $5million-plus price and more homes have popped up in the $3million to $4million range there are still plenty of affordable options as new housing estates are popping up all over the beachside town to keep up with the demand Coastline Real Estate owner Charlie Winten who has been selling homes in Bargara for 15 years has seen a surge in buyers from the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast interested in his small town 'We are very popular and people are saying the village has the same feel as the Sunshine Coast used to,' he told the Courier Mail. 'You can live at the beach and work in Bundaberg. We are not Noosa - there is no traffic and you can still get a car park.' Charlie said the market is 'solid' and 'strong'. He believes if interest rates are cut prices could be pushed higher, but if not the market will stabilise.  This new property hotspot has been dubbed the 'new Sunshine Coast'Commenting on this article has endedNewest{{#isModerationStatus}}{{moderationStatus}} Community members are invited to put on their thinking caps along with their shoes to have a say on the Bargara Walking Network Plan Bundaberg Regional Council’s Walking Network Plan will help shape improvements to pedestrian activity within the Bargara Central Shopping Centre catchment This will be the third location chosen in the Bundaberg Region to be funded through the Queensland Walking Local Government Grants which has also funded the development of walking network plans for the Friendly Society Private Hospital and Sugarland Plaza catchment areas Each catchment encompasses a two kilometre radius around a key site in accordance with the Department of Transport and Main Roads Walking Network Planning Guidance Council has engaged Arup to work with the community and key stakeholders to help identify barriers to walking and opportunities for improvement Residents can have their say using an interactive online mapping tool which allows them to zoom in to areas of interest within the catchment and drop a pin to share a view or idea Council’s interactive map for the Bargara Walking Network Plan will close on Sunday 10 March To find out more or to be involved in the survey click here I would love to see a safe cycle track to Bargara from Bundaberg We live close enough to cycle to the beach it would be great if the speed limit would cater for slower vehicles such as scooters Drivers of larger vehicles can be upset by slow vehicles and express their lack of consideration The highway to the coast should be better planned to allow for an accessible network of roads to various vehicle speed capacities not just extremely powerful vehicles It is very dangerous on the road at present A walkway between Elliott Heads and Coral Cove would be awesome I feel Bargara has had so much spent on the foreshore lately I would like to see a link between Elliott Heads and coral cove for a safe walking/bike path Both areas are growing and forward thinking for this area would be valuable before it’s too late and no area is available due to expansion It is also a tourist destination and to be able to ride all the way to After visiting some other towns in Qld and in other states I would love to see more paths We are in Coral Cove and I have three children 5yrs old and twins 2.5yrs and it feels odd that we have to walk across a main thoroughfare round about (that people hoon through) to go for a walk and then just walk on roads The dream would be the ability to be able to walk to a fully shaded park on a path… or to the beach Just more paths linking everywhere would be FANTASTIC!!! The southern end of Woongarra scenic drive needs a decent footpath/ walk path as the road is so narrow and there is a childcare centre there that parent want to walk to and also a major bus route and nowhere safe for the children to walk they could make the Bargara Esplanade safe for users A dividing line down the centre to encourage people to stay on the left and signage asking users to stay left to walk two abreast maximum and if stationary Bikes and scooters to be limited to 10kph would also be appreciated At the moment it is a free for all and dangerous to joggers in particular who can be forced onto uneven ground or tripped by the leads of out of control dogs Pathways in all these areas mentioned would be awesome … All pathways even existing ones need to be wide & widened to cope with the walking