Construction begins on Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza
Published on 30 March 2026
Construction has officially commenced on the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the island’s visitor arrival experience and supporting its long-term role as a premier tourism destination in Queensland.
The project will create a welcoming and functional gateway for visitors arriving at Fishermen’s Beach, featuring a new arrivals plaza with public amenities, shaded seating, accessible pathways, landscaping, and wayfinding elements designed to reflect the island’s unique cultural and natural character.
Livingstone Shire Mayor Adam Belot said the commencement of construction marks a long-awaited and exciting milestone for the island and the broader Livingstone community.
“Great Keppel Island is one of Livingstone Shire’s most iconic natural assets, and it’s incredibly rewarding to finally see work underway on infrastructure that will transform the arrival experience and do justice to such a special place,” Mayor Belot said.
“The Arrivals Plaza will significantly improve the way people move through the island, while respecting the island’s unique character and environmental values.”
“Council officers have engaged with Paynters and local businesses to plan construction staging that minimises impacts on the island community,” he said.
“Importantly, Great Keppel Island remains open to visitors throughout the duration of construction, and people can continue to enjoy everything this beautiful island has to offer while works are underway.”
The Arrivals Plaza is anticipated to be completed by August 2026 and is funded as an integral part of the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s Great Keppel Island Rejuvenation Fund.
Queensland Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the start of works signalled real progress for Great Keppel Island’s future.
“Great Keppel Island holds a special place in the hearts of Queenslanders and today marks the start of an exciting new chapter,” Mr Powell said.
“The Arrivals Plaza is a cornerstone of our $25 million Great Keppel Island Rejuvenation Fund and shows our commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable tourism future for the region.
“Breaking ground is a major step forward in revitalising the island and delivering the world class visitor experience Great Keppel Island deserves, in line with the long-term goals set out in Destination 2045”.
The project’s appointed construction contractor, Paynters, said they were proud to be partnering with Livingstone Shire Council and the Queensland Government to break ground on this milestone project on the island.
A Paynters spokesperson said the company looks forward to delivering high-quality infrastructure that enhances the visitor experience and supports increased visitation to Great Keppel Island.
“We look forward to delivering an outcome the region can be proud of—one that encourages more people to visit Great Keppel Island and experience its natural beauty,” the spokesperson said.
Construction activities will be visible around Fishermen’s Beach during the works period, with clear signage in place to guide pedestrians safely around the site. Ferry services, island businesses and accommodation services will continue to operate as normal, with minimal disruption expected for visitors.
Council has recently completed the installation of wayfinding signage and is continuing work on a wastewater treatment plant to support sustainable development and reinforce Great Keppel Island’s status as a world-class tourism destination.
To stay up to date with the project, please visit Council’s Get Involved platform at https://getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au/gki-arrivals-plaza-and-amenities.