Mayor and Keppel MP Issue Statement on Yeppoon Arson Incidents

Published on 06 March 2026

Livingstone Shire Council and the Queensland Government are united in their concern following a series of suspected arson incidents that occurred across the Yeppoon CBD overnight.

As part of the response, the Yeppoon Library and Community Centre precinct has been cordoned off to allow Queensland Police forensic teams to undertake detailed investigations. Power to the precinct has been shut off as a safety precaution, and access will remain restricted until authorities confirm it is safe to reopen.

Council can confirm the Library has sustained damage to several external air conditioning units and some exterior vandalism. Importantly, initial assessments indicate the Library building structure is undamaged.

Mayor Adam Belot said the events have shaken the community.

“Our community is waking up today to a confronting situation, and my thoughts, and the thoughts of all Councillors, are with the business owners and workers who have been impacted,” Mayor Belot said.

“Many of these businesses are run by people we know, our friends, neighbours, and family members. The sense of disbelief and distress being felt across the Shire is completely understandable.”

“Council is working closely with Queensland Police and will do everything we can to support the investigation and the safe restoration of services. We ask the community to please respect the cordons and follow directions while forensic work is underway.”

Member for Keppel, Nigel Hutton MP, acknowledged the swift actions of first responders and the emotional toll on affected businesses.

“Overnight, our dedicated local firefighters and police were forced to respond to what appears to be deliberate, senseless acts of arson, Mr Hutton said.

“To the business owners and their employees who this morning have found their local workplaces destroyed, my heart is with you. You are the backbone of our community, and no reckless act will change that.

“I have already contacted the affected owners and offered my full support.

“This selfish act will have consequences. Our community will not tolerate it. Those responsible till be held accountable, and they must understand that actions like this carry real and serious repercussions.”

“Thank you to the Queensland Police Service for their ongoing investigation. I am confident justice will be delivered for our local community.”

Mayor Adam Belot reaffirmed that safety and service continuity remain priorities.

“While the Library precinct will remain closed until further notice due to the forensic investigation and power isolation, I want to reassure residents that the Library building itself is structurally sound,” Mayor Belot said.

“We will continue to work with authorities and provide further updates on service arrangements as soon as it is safe to do so.

“These incidents also highlight what our community has been expressing for many years, that we need a modern, fit for purpose Library and Community Facility that can meet the needs of a growing region.

“Council will be strongly advocating for a contemporary facility in a location that prioritises community safety, accessibility, and long term resilience. We remain committed to working with our State and Federal partners to make this a reality for the Capricorn Coast.”

Both the Mayor and the Member for Keppel urged the community to support one another and allow investigators to complete their work.

Residents are asked to avoid the cordoned area and report any information relevant to the incidents to PoliceLink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.