State Government reveals final Concept Master Plan for Great Keppel Island

Posted on April 24th, 2024

23 April 2024 Queensland Government media statement: ttps://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100179

The Queensland Government has unveiled the blueprint to revive Great Keppel Island (Woppa) as a world-class tourism destination, with work already underway to progress priority actions.

Capricorn Enterprise and key industry operators have consistently advocated for critical common user infrastructure, including sewerage, water, jetty, barge ramp and airstrip, to allow accessibility for all visitors for existing and future accommodation and experience development on Great Keppel Island (GKI).

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.

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.

Livingstone Shire Council is delivering the first piece of work, with $10.1 million provided by the Queensland Government to build a new wastewater treatment plant and amenities blocks.

The Queensland Government 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.

See the final Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan here.