Great Keppel Island infrastructure works set to progress

• Key infrastructure works on Great Keppel Island progress to design phase after funding agreement signed
• New infrastructure will include a gateway precinct, boardwalks and wayfinding signs
•  Works to be delivered by Livingstone Shire Council, with Queensland Government funding

A number of infrastructure projects for the revitalisation of Great Keppel Island (Woppa) are a step closer after the State Government signed a funding agreement with Livingstone Shire Council to start work.

The funds will be used to deliver crucial projects including a gateway precinct, boardwalks and walking tracks and wayfinding signage.

Work is already progressing on the gateway precinct project that is proposed to include a visitor centre, arrival plaza with green space, amenities, yarning circle and landscaping to create a welcoming and culturally immersive arrival and departure experience.

There will also be improvements to walking tracks to provide better access around Fisherman’s Beach.

Council will work closely with Woppaburra Traditional Owners to create wayfinding signage on the western side of the island to provide safe navigation that incorporates Woppaburra heritage and culture.

The common-user infrastructure projects were identified in the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan released in April this year, backed by a $30 million Queensland Government investment.

Livingstone Shire Council is delivering the first piece of work – a new wastewater treatment plant and amenities blocks.

Plans are also in motion for a feasibility study into a Woppaburra Cultural Centre and further technical studies into improving maritime access are underway.

The Master Plan also identified concepts for a new village centre, eco resorts and precincts.

Quotes attributable to Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga:

“After years of planning and consultation, creating the infrastructure needed to rejuvenate Great Keppel Island starts now.

“Council is being given the means to deliver a welcoming, culturally appropriate arrival space along with the walking tracks and signage that are vital for making the island a safe and enjoyable tourist destination.

“Building amenities and wastewater treatment is going to set Great Keppel Island up for the future.”

“A rejuvenated Great Keppel Island will attract visitors from across the globe who will experience all the magnificent Capricorn Coast has to offer.”

Quotes attributable to Adam Belot, Mayor, Livingstone Shire Council:

“I am excited about working further with the Queensland Government and local stakeholders, including the Woppaburra people, to progress priorities identified in the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Masterplan.

“This funding agreement, which puts the Council in charge of how the $30 million dollars will be spent, was a result of the conversations I had with Treasurer Cameron Dick at a recent post-State Budget presentation. Mr Dick listened to Council’s concerns and fully understood that ratepayers shouldn't be topping up any shortfalls in the projects. This agreement provides that assurance, which is the protection our Council needs to get on with the projects.

“This funding agreement complements the work already underway by Council and the government to deliver a new sewerage treatment plant and further amenities to the island.

“I'd like to thank Treasurer Cameron Dick, Minister for Tourism Innovation and Sport Michael Healy, Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and other Queensland Government agencies for working with myself and Council constructively to achieve the outcomes we all want for Great Keppel Island (Woppa).”

Quotes attributable to Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll:

“I applaud our local Council which has stepped up to lead the implementation of this critical common user infrastructure, which will support our hard-working businesses and enhance the visitor experience on the island.

“An impressive one quarter of the coast’s tourism economy is generated because of Great Keppel Island, increasing to over 50 per cent of our local tourism economy with the realisation of the Great Keppel Island (Wop-pa) masterplan vision, which includes additional accommodation, a jetty/barge ramp and new airstrip for safe and equitable access.

“None of this can happen without first a new sewerage treatment plant, safe walking trails and an arrivals area which will reflect the cultural and environmental values of this magnificent island.”

Ms Carroll said the region’s peak tourism and economic development organisation Capricorn Enterprise has been a key driver in supporting industry and advocating for critical common user infrastructure on the island for over a decade.