Funding Secured to Protect Great Keppel Island

Published on 01 September 2025

Livingstone Shire Council is pleased to announce it has secured $500,000 in Queensland Government funding to undertake the planning, business case, and preliminary design for options to protect Great Keppel Island’s Putney and Fisherman’s Beaches.

The funding from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation follows significant erosion caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred and builds on years of work to address the ongoing coastal erosion threatening the Island.

Mayor Adam Belot said this funding was a vital first step in securing the future of Great Keppel Island’s main foreshore.

“Putney and Fisherman’s Beaches form the gateway to Great Keppel Island, they are the first thing visitors see when they arrive and they’re critical to the island’s identity,” Mayor Belot explained.

“Unfortunately, years of progressive erosion, combined with the impacts of recent tropical Cyclone Alfred, have left this area extremely vulnerable.

“Without action, we risk losing critical tourism infrastructure, community spaces, and access for both visitors and residents”.

This work will look at options extending along Putney Beach, around the Spit, and into Fisherman’s Beach, with the purpose of reducing wave energy, preventing further shoreline retreat, and protecting public and tourism assets, including the proposed Arrivals Plaza, from current and future coastal hazards.

“Importantly, this is only stage one” Mayor Belot reiterated.

“Once we know the full cost to secure the island, the big push for construction funding begins.

“We’re grateful to the Queensland Government for backing this important work, and we’ll continue to advocate strongly for the investment needed to safeguard Great Keppel Island for generations to come.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said mitigating the impacts of coastal erosion risks is essential to protect Great Keppel Island.

“Great Keppel Island is a tourism jewel, nestled within the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and a key step towards bringing its tourism potential to life is safeguarding the island from impacts of ongoing coastal erosion.

Keppel MP Nigel Hutton said creating more unique ecotourism experiences throughout Queensland was a key priority of the Government’s bold tourism plan Destination 2045.

“Part of that is supporting the rejuvenation of Great Keppel Island.

“We will continue to work together to find the best possible solution to protect critical community and tourism assets, support future investment on the island, and solidify its position as a key tourism destination,” said Mr Hutton.     

The project is now progressing to tender for specialist consultants to develop the business case and preliminary design.

“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”.

In parallel with the business case and planning, Council has also secured $170,170 through the QCoast2100 program, plus a $16,830 Council contribution, to prepare a Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) for both beaches.

The SEMP will complement the project by identifying long-term adaptation pathways and priority works for both beaches in line with Queensland Government coastal hazard guidelines.

Together, these initiatives will ensure a coordinated approach to coastal protection and climate resilience.