Successful tender awarded for GKI Arrivals Plaza & Amenities

Published on 27 November 2025

Livingstone Shire Council is pleased to announce the award of the construction tender for the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza and Amenities Project to Paynters Pty Ltd, marking another key milestone in delivering improved visitor and community infrastructure on the island.

Mayor Adam Belot said the appointment of Paynters represented the culmination of a carefully considered design, delivery and procurement process that reflects the community’s feedback and Council’s commitment to achieving the best outcome for the island.

“Over the past year, council has undertaken intense design refinement, several rounds of community consultation and multiple technical and constructability reviews to make sure the final outcome balances functionality, affordability and local character — all in alignment with community feedback,” Mayor Belot said.

“The fact that the successful tender came in within three per cent of our pre-tender estimate demonstrates the strength of that process and Council’s commitment to delivering the best possible outcome for the community and for visitors to GKI.”

The project is funded as an integral part of the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s Great Keppel Island Rejuvenation Fund.

Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said he was delighted with how important improvement projects on Great Keppel Island were proceeding.

“Great Keppel Island holds a special place in Queensland’s tourism story, and projects like this are helping to secure its future as a world-class destination,” Minister Powell said.

“The new Arrivals Plaza and amenities will create a lasting first impression for visitors and strengthen Great Keppel Island’s role in the region’s sustainable tourism economy.”

Works are scheduled to formally commence on the island from February 2026 to avoid the busy summer period, with completion anticipated by August 2026 subject to weather and site conditions.

The project will create a welcoming and functional gateway for visitors arriving at Fishermen’s Beach, featuring a new arrivals plaza with new public amenities, shaded seating, accessible pathways, landscaping, and wayfinding elements designed to reflect the island’s unique cultural and natural character.

The project also includes the delivery of new public amenities on Fishermen’s Beach, which will connect into the island’s new wastewater treatment system currently under construction.

Alongside the Arrivals Plaza, Council is advancing other key projects including wayfinding infrastructure and a wastewater treatment plant to support sustainable development, reinforcing 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.