Livingstone Shire Council to install crucial safety signs on Great Keppel Island.

In a move to improve visitor safety, Livingstone Shire Council, in partnership with Great Keppel Island Hideaway and island residents, are set to install temporary emergency signage across key areas of Great Keppel Island.

The initiative follows a series of rescue operations by Queensland Water Police, highlighting the risks visitors face when becoming disoriented on the island.

Mayor Adam Belot emphasised his commitment to public safety.

"We are deeply concerned about tourists not properly planning for their hikes, putting themselves and rescue teams at risk,” Mayor Belot said.

“These temporary signs are a vital step in reducing that risk, providing clear direction until the permanent signage can be installed.

“The signs will help ensure visitors have a great time, but also stay safe.”

Queensland Water Police have revealed that over the past six months, several individuals have required rescue after getting lost while hiking on the island.

Recent incidents include a 61-year-old man from the Gold Coast who became disoriented while hiking on the southern end of the island, a young tourist from China who wandered off from a tour group, leading to a helicopter rescue after contacting emergency services, and two elderly tourists who became lost but were able to call emergency services for help, ultimately receiving assistance from locals on the island.

The temporary signage, which will be installed by the end of the year, aims to reduce these incidents, and enhance safety until permanent signs are installed by mid-2025, as part of the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Wayfinding and Interpretative Signage project.

Sergeant Shaun Halson, Officer in Charge of Yeppoon Water Police, thanked the Council for the prompt action on the signs.

“We are mindful that Great Keppel Island offers some of the best and most scenic walks in Queensland, but we want the hikers to take the necessary precautions, as some of the tracks are challenging and people can underestimate the distances involved,” Sergeant Halson said.

Sergeant Halson stressed the importance of having a plan in place and using available technology to aid in safety, advising visitors to download emergency apps such as EmergencyPlus and What3Words and to check their mobile phones for satellite emergency features.

“Nearly all modern mobile phones have this feature in their Settings App under Emergency SOS. Everyone should learn how to use their mobile phones this way.

“Just a few minutes of preparation will go a long way to helping when required.”

Kelly Harris, Manager of Great Keppel Island Hideaway whose staff have assisted lost hikers, reiterated the importance of preparation before going into the bush.

“Our staff are here to help. Unfortunately, we've seen firsthand how quickly someone can become disoriented or lost if they aren’t prepared,” Mr Harris said.  

“The Island’s diverse landscape is beautiful, but it also requires visitors to plan before setting out on hikes. We encourage everyone to carry plenty of water and use available technology to ensure they know their location on this incredible island. This new directional signage will play a big role in assuring everyone’s Keppel experience is a positive one.”

Livingstone Shire Council, in partnership with the Queensland Government, are committed to completing the permanent signage by mid-2025, providing long-term information and safety messaging for the island's growing number of visitors.