The state government unveils the final draft masterplan for Great Keppel Island

Posted on April 24, 2024

April 23, 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 shared user infrastructure, including sewerage, water, jetty, barge ramp and airstrip, to enable accessibility for all visitors to existing and future accommodation and experience development on Great Keppel Island ( GKI).

This master plan is the crucial first step to ensure that the necessary technical work can be expedited by government to pave the way for attracting sustainable development to our destination as quickly as possible and to help meet the state’s Towards Tourism 2032 targets accomplish.

A quarter of the Capricorn Coast’s tourism economy is generated through Great Keppel Island, increasing to more than 50 percent with the realization of the GKI master plan vision, with visitors to the island generating $49.9 million in revenue for local businesses, which will increase by a further $95.9 million with the implementation of the GKI Master Plan, bringing total visitor expenditure to $145.8 million.

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

The Queensland Government is also funding $500,000 for engineering studies, including options to improve maritime access, and is working with key partners on plans for a new $5 million visitor gateway area, $5.5 million for new and improved boardwalks , walkways and signage, and $150,000 for a Woppaburra Land Trust Feasibility Study for a cultural center.

View the final Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Masterplan here.