Completion of First Stage Marks Major Milestone for GKI
Published on 27 July 2026
Livingstone Shire Council has marked a major milestone in the delivery of critical infrastructure on Great Keppel Island (Woppa), with the completion of Stage 1 of the Great Keppel Island Wastewater Treatment Plant project, including connection to Great Keppel Island Hideaway and commencement of the first wastewater treatment operations on the island.
The milestone represents the successful delivery of the first operational stage of the project and a significant step forward in implementing the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan.
The new wastewater treatment plant will provide critical common-user infrastructure to support the island’s current and future needs, ensuring sustainable and efficient wastewater management while supporting Great Keppel Island’s continued growth as a premier tourism destination.
The broader $12.75 million project is being delivered by Livingstone Shire Council in partnership with the Queensland Government’s Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, through $5 million in funding under Building our Regions Round 4, and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, through $7.75 million under the Great Keppel Island Rejuvenation Fund.
Once fully complete, the state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant will service existing accommodation providers, visitor amenities and northern freehold allotments on Fisherman's Beach, while providing the critical infrastructure foundation needed to support future investment and development opportunities identified in the Master Plan.
Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton MP said the completion of the first operational stage of the project demonstrated the Queensland Government's commitment to delivering the critical infrastructure needed to support Great Keppel Island's future.
"This is an important milestone that will deliver lasting benefits for residents, visitors and businesses while protecting the island's unique natural environment.
"The Queensland Government is proud to partner with Livingstone Shire Council to deliver infrastructure that lays the foundation for sustainable tourism, future investment and economic growth on Great Keppel Island.
"With wastewater treatment operations now underway and further works continuing, we're seeing the Master Plan vision become a reality through practical projects that will benefit the island for generations to come."
Livingstone Shire Mayor Cr Adam Belot said the completion of Separable Portion 1 of the Wastewater Treatment Plant marks a significant milestone for Great Keppel Island, with initial wastewater treatment operations now underway.
“Great Keppel Island is a vital part of our region, delivering substantial economic, environmental and social benefits,” Mayor Belot said.
“This project represents a major investment in the island’s long-term sustainability and future growth, providing the essential infrastructure needed to support tourism, protect the environment and improve visitor experiences.
“Our shared vision for Great Keppel Island continues to be realised through strong collaboration between Council, the Queensland Government, industry partners, stakeholders and the community.”
Further works on the wastewater treatment plant are continuing, including connections to northern Fisherman’s Beach residents, Arrivals Plaza amenities and southern Fisherman’s Beach amenities, with the project progressing toward full completion in September.
Council also provided an update on the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza project during the visit, with works progressing well and practical completion anticipated later this year.
Delivered under the Great Keppel Island Rejuvenation Fund, the Arrivals Plaza project will provide upgraded public amenities, improved pedestrian connectivity, enhanced landscaping and a more welcoming gateway experience for residents and visitors arriving via Fisherman's Beach.
Together, the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Arrivals Plaza projects represent a transformative investment in the future of Great Keppel Island, delivering the essential infrastructure needed to support sustainable tourism, enhance visitor experiences and enable future economic opportunities.
Council remains committed to working closely with island residents, stakeholders and the Woppaburra people throughout project delivery and beyond, ensuring the long-term vision of the Master Plan continues to be realised through ongoing collaboration, sustainable development and strong community outcomes.
To stay up to date on the project, please visit Council's Get Involved platform.