Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Great Keppel Island draft plan unveiled

Community members are being asked to have their say on the future of Great Keppel Island, following the unveiling of a draft master plan by Acting Queensland Premier, Steven Miles and Keppel MP, Brittany Lauga today.

The draft master plan includes proposals to improve access around the island off the Capricorn Coast, including new walking trails, boardwalks and wayfinding signs.

It outlines the key infrastructure needed to uplift visitor facilities and amenities, improve the island’s appearance, safety and sustainability, and boost tourism.

“Great Keppel Island is a hidden treasure with the potential to deliver huge economic benefits for Central Queensland,” Mr Miles said.

“We are committed to its redevelopment, so this unique piece of nature within the Great Barrier Reef can be enhanced and appreciated for generations to come.

“This master plan will be our blueprint to breathe new life into the jewel of the Capricorn Coast and make this one of the biggest tourism drawcards in Australia.

“It outlines options for new tourism developments and priority infrastructure needed to restore the island to its former glory and attract domestic and international visitors.”

Upgrades to the sewerage treatment plant are also in the pipeline, while potential locations for a jetty and/or barge ramp are also being explored.

The plan highlights opportunities for new eco resorts and precincts, a village centre, and cultural and nature-based activities to encourage longer stays.

The island’s revamp is set to generate jobs and tourism opportunities, igniting a new era of economic growth for the region.

“The recent return of the old resort leases to the Queensland Government opens new opportunities to redevelop GKI and we’ll be making the most of them,” said Ms Lauga.

“This project is set to bring private sector investment back to the region and unlock new economic opportunities.

“Importantly, it will support construction and tourism jobs in Central Queensland, with flow-on benefits across the supply chain.”

The draft master plan follows extensive consultation with the community and stakeholders, including the traditional owners, business operators, Livingstone Shire Council and the broader community project reference group.

“Livingstone Shire Council welcomes the launch of the draft master plan to redevelop Woppa (Great Keppel Island) and we are pleased to see this important milestone reached,” said Livingstone Shire Mayor, Andy Ireland.

“Council have been an active stakeholder in the development of the draft plan, and I want to thank all stakeholders for their participation and dedication to one of the Capricorn Coast’s natural landmarks.

“I look forward to seeing feedback from the community and the finalised master plan.”

Feedback received in the next six weeks will be used to shape the final master plan, due to be completed in late 2023.

The Queensland Government has committed $30 million towards common-user infrastructure on the island.

View the GKI draft master plan here.

Latest Articles