Council progresses to tender for GKI Business Case
Livingstone Shire Council is progressing to tender for specialist consultants to develop the business case and preliminary design for options to protect the foreshore at Putney and Fisherman’s Beaches on Great Keppel Island (GKI).
The move advances a coordinated coastal resilience program that will pair the business case and preliminary design with a Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) for both beaches.
Mayor Adam Belot said explained how these pieces of work will examine options to reduce erosion, protect key public and tourism assets, and maintain safe access to the island’s main arrival point.
“Proceeding to tender is a practical step that lets us firm up the options, costs, and benefits so the project can be ready to secure funding to progress to detailed design and construction,” Mayor Belot said.
“We’re working closely with the State and our island stakeholders to make sure the solution is robust and environmentally responsible.”
“The business case and SEMP will be delivered together to ensure the design reflects whole-of-shoreline processes and community needs. This keeps us on the front foot against ongoing erosion pressures.”
Council is actively advocating to the Queensland Government for project funding to carry the works from planning through to delivery. While early indications from the State are positive, any formal funding announcements remain a matter for the State Government, and Council will not pre-empt that process.
Next steps
- Release tender for consultancy services to prepare the business case, preliminary design and SEMP.
- Continue engagement with island operators, community stakeholders and State agencies.
- Maintain proactive advocacy to the Queensland Government for funding to progress detailed design and construction, subject to formal approvals.
Council will update the community as the project progresses.