Great Keppel Island (Woppa) was a hive of activity last Friday with a number of gatherings and on-island projects aligning to showcase to first time visitor to the island, Trish O’Callaghan, Director-General of the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI). In less than 24 hours in region, Trish inspected the GKI Hideaway property including the brand new desalination plant, revetment wall and viewed approved accommodation expansion plans; met with key representatives from Livingstone Shire Council to discuss the four (4) contracts underway for the new Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP), Arrivals Plaza & Amenities, Wayfinding/Interpretive Signage project and Boardwalk plans on island. Trish also walked through GKI Holiday Village and along the esplanade to gain a full understanding of the businesses and private homes, followed by a buggy ride to the Lookout, Homestead and Long Beach, walking over to Monkey beach.
Coincidentally and fortunately, the three official Woppaburra groups were also visiting Great Keppel Island (Woppa), so we met with representatives from Woppaburra Saltwater Aboriginal Corporation(WSAC), Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation(WTAC) and Woppaburra Land Trust(WLT).
A highlight of our visit, was an opportunity to be hosted by one of the inspirational Woppaburra Land and Sea Rangers, Tshinta, who proudly showed us the incredible work they have been conducting in the removal of noxious weeds on country.
Continuing on tour of the island, DEMEX the contractor engaged by the Department of Natural Resources, was busy at work grading and pruning the once dangerous roads on island, having done an amazing job thus far cleaning up the old Resort site (with more to do), while LSC and contractor PENSAR updated local residents on the STP plan of works. While we didn’t even get to dip our toes in the water, it was an incredibly productive day all round, with Trish eager to return soon. Particular thanks to LSC GKI Project Manager Bob Truscott and GKI Hideaway Manager Kelly Harris for hosting us for much of the day.
