Council Launches Design Consultation for Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza and Amenities Project

Livingstone Shire Council is excited to announce the launch of the design consultation phase for the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza and Amenities project, marking a significant step in delivering key priorities from the Great Keppel Island Master Plan.

This project, made possible through a partnership with the Queensland Government’s Department of Tourism and Sport, will establish a new arrivals precinct at Fisherman’s Beach.

The Arrivals Plaza will include a visitor information centre, welcoming place/yarning circle with seating, amenities block, exhibition area, beach showers, landscaping, as well as a commercial outlet for a future tenant space, creating an enhanced experience for both locals and visitors.

Mayor Adam Belot encouraged the community to get involved in shaping the future of Great Keppel Island.

“The Great Keppel Island Master Plan is a community-led vision that acknowledges the cultural and natural significance of Woppa,” Mayor Belot said. 

“Our goal is to respect, protect, and celebrate the cultural heritage of the Woppaburra people while creating a sustainable future for the island. This project is an exciting milestone, and we invite the community to share their feedback and help bring this vision to life.”

Key features of the Arrivals Plaza will include shaded seating areas, storage lockers, and a welcoming place where Woppaburra rangers can introduce visitors to the island’s cultural significance.

The new visitor centre will serve as a hub for tourism, offering information on local activities, wildlife, and walking trails.

Mayor Belot further emphasised the importance of community involvement.

“We are calling on everyone to take part in the consultation process, whether by visiting the project’s website to view the concept designs or attending one of the public engagement sessions,” Mayor Belot said.

“Your feedback will be crucial in ensuring the final designs meet the needs of both our residents and the many visitors who come to experience Woppa’s unique beauty.

“Following consultation, Council is working towards finalising the concept design later this year, subject to the comments and feedback received, with plans to progress into detail design and construction next year.”

Public consultation sessions will be held at the following locations:

• Sunday 20 October 2024, 8am – 12pm
  Emu Park Lions Club Markets, Bell Park

• Tuesday 22 October 2024, 10am – 12pm
  The Hideaway Resort, Great Keppel Island

Hard copies of the designs will also be available for viewing at Livingstone Shire Council’s customer service centres in Normanby Street and Emu Park.

For more information and to view the proposed concept designs, visit Get Involved.