Master plan sets scene for Great Keppel Island growth

The State Government has unveiled the blueprint to revive Great Keppel Island off the Central Queensland coast, backed by $30 million investment. The Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan outlines the key infrastructure needed to make the island more accessible, safer and to support tourism development. The plan includes: Sustainable tourism development including new eco resorts and precincts and a village centre Better access around the island, with new boardwalks, walking trails and wayfinding signs An enhanced arrival gateway, with options to improve maritime access being investigated Cultural, educational and nature-based experiences to encourage longer stays on the island Infrastructure upgrades, including a new wastewater treatment plant Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the community, for years, had seen a revolving door of developers with grand plans for Great Keppel Island, but with no local links and no follow-through. “I’m so pleased that the Miles Government has now taken back the leases and developed a master plan with the community to guide the realisation of the local vision for Great Keppel’s future," she said. Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace at the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan launch. “Work has already started with preliminary safety assessments completed and a detailed assessment for remediation works well underway given the complex mix of public safety, health, and environmental risks on the old site which includes a former quarry. “Signage has been installed, fire and pest management plans are being developed, and a tender to install safety fencing is due to be awarded in the next few weeks. “With this master plan, led by the community and backed with $30 million from the Miles Government, I firmly believe Great Keppel's best days are ahead of us.” The State Government has provided $10.1 million for Livingstone Shire Council to build a new wastewater treatment plant and amenities blocks on the island. It is also funding $500,000 for technical studies including options to improve maritime access, working with key partners to progress plans for a new $5 million gateway precinct for visitors, $5.5 million for new and upgraded boardwalks, walkways and signage, and $150,000 for a Woppaburra Land Trust feasibility study for a cultural centre. Capricorn Enterprise chief executive officer Mary Carroll said that group and key industry operators had consistently advocated for critical common user infrastructure, including sewerage, water, jetty, barge ramp and airstrip. “This master plan is the critical first step in ensuring that the necessary technical bodies of work can be expedited by government to pave the way to attract sustainable development as soon as possible for our destination to help achieve the state’s Towards Tourism 2032 targets," she said. “One quarter of the Capricorn Coast’s tourism economy is generated because of Great Keppel Island, which increases to over 50 per cent with the realisation of the GKI master plan vision, with visitors to the island generating $49.9 million in revenue for local businesses, which will increase by another $95.9 million with the implementation of the GKI master plan, bringing the total visitor spend to $145.8 million.” Below: The Concept Master Plan study area and key features of the area are shown on the map below and include all of the land on Great Keppel Island (Woppa) including Woppaburra Land Trust Aboriginal freehold land.

Master plan sets scene for Great Keppel Island growth

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