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Plans to revive the once popular holiday destination of Great Keppel (Woppa) Island have been revealed by the Queensland Government.

Aiming to end more than 15 years of uncertainty about the resort island, Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace today unveiled a community led master plan that includes allowances for an eco-resort, glamping, an access jetty, new sewage infrastructure and more cultural experiences.

Backed with a $30 million investment, the master plan, which follows the Queensland Government having taken back key leases in the Island, aims to bring certainty following years of different private developers not seeing through a range of plans.

The plan includes:

• Sustainable tourism development to attract domestic and international visitors, 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

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.

A range of local stakeholders, including residents, business owners and operators on or servicing the island, Traditional Owners, Capricorn Enterprise, and Livingstone Shire Council, were part of the concept master planning process, which was led by a community Project Reference Group to ensure a shared, community-driven vision.

Commenting on the Master Plan, Minister Grace stated “the community has been made promise after promise by private developers who never followed through, so the government has stepped in to work with the community to develop a tangible plan that's going to deliver real change.

"The Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan presents a clear and concise vision for the island's rejuvenation, which has the potential to deliver huge economic benefits for Central Queensland.

"It lays the foundations for a future pipeline of construction and tourism jobs, with flow-on benefits for the supply chain and our homegrown businesses.

"We plan to make the very most of those opportunities and build the confidence and certainty needed to attract private sector investment back to the island.

"This is a plan led by the community, and I want to thank everyone who shared their ideas and feedback to help shape this vision for Great Keppel Island's future.”

Image: Great Keppel Island. Credit: Tourism Australia.

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