Architects Appointed for Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza Detailed Design

Livingstone Shire Council has appointed Wilson Architects Pty. Ltd. to lead the detailed design for the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza and Amenities project. This marks a key milestone in delivering priorities under the Great Keppel Island Rejuvenation Fund and Concept Master Plan.

Wilson Architects, a renowned Australian firm, will undertake a comprehensive review of the initial concept to further develop designs and prepare detailed construction documentation. The firm will collaborate with locally based sub-consultants Anderson’s Consulting Engineers, STP Consultants, and Reel Planning to deliver a ‘shovel-ready’ project ahead of a construction tender release in July.

The new arrivals plaza will serve as a welcoming gateway to the island, featuring shaded seating, amenities, a multi-purpose tenancy space, and visitor information on local activities, wildlife, and trails. The project supports Great Keppel Island’s transformation into a world-class tourism destination.

Council continues to progress additional infrastructure projects, including boardwalks, wayfinding signage, and a wastewater treatment plant, reinforcing a sustainable future for the island.

Published on 13 March 2025.

Exciting Business Opportunity to Enhance Great Keppel Island Visitor Experience

Council have recently engaged Knight Frank Rockhampton & Region to invite proposals from businesses interested in securing a unique tenancy opportunity at the new Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza.

The available space is approximately 160 sqm and will be a key feature of the brand-new Arrivals Plaza—one of the first places visitors will experience when stepping onto the island from the main ferry services. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a transformative project that will enhance the visitor experience on Great Keppel Island.

Council is seeking a tenant who can help activate the Arrivals Plaza and create a welcoming, vibrant space.

Ideally, the proposed business will:

• Enhance the GKI Arrivals Plaza as a distinctive and engaging place to visit.
• Align with island/resort-style uses that add value to the visitor experience.
• Serve as a source of visitor information.
• Generate economic opportunities, including local jobs and increased visitation.
• (Preferred) Provide visitor refreshments (e.g., drinks and snacks) – please note that trade waste services are not available.
• (Preferred) Assist with the operation and maintenance of the Arrivals Plaza, amenities, and surrounding area.

If you or someone you know are interested, we encourage you to contact Council for further information about this exciting opportunity. Further details, including conceptual plans of the Arrivals Plaza and key criteria, can be provided upon request by emailing tenders@livingstone.qld.gov.au.

Read the media release about this exciting opportunity here https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/news/article/75....

Published on 10 March 2025.

The Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza and Amenities project is a catalyst project identified in the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan to provide a vibrant, culturally-informative gathering place for visitors to the island.

The project features a new amenities building accommodating toilets, lockers and change facilities and a multi-purpose tenancy space that could facilitate a variety of commercial uses.

These facilities are supported by generous outdoor spaces that include shaded paved seating and bbq areas, lawn areas with integrated nature play, welcoming circle, beach showers and boardwalk access to Fisherman’s beach and the ferry services.

The detailed Concept Design (completed in November 2024) established an overall design narrative for the project that celebrates the island’s unique character by incorporating colour palettes, natural materials and building forms that draw inspiration from the surrounding flora, marine life and coastal rock formations.

Planting and landscaping will incorporate native vegetation that reinforces the Island’s coastal identity and provides climatic comfort, habitat opportunities, educational opportunities and a dynamic visitor experience. The proposed shapes, landscapes, textures, and colours of the facilities and surrounding area are inspired by the island’s coastal, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems.

With the detail Concept Design now completed, Council will soon be releasing a tender for the detailed design to appoint a consultant to review, evaluate and advance the project to a standard sufficient for construction; as well as preparing all relevant materials to support the lodgement of relevant planning and development approvals.

Risk Acknowledgment and Disclaimer

The architectural concept plan are artists' impressions and guides only. Please be aware that any changes made during the detailed design phase may impact the final outcome. While we strive to maintain the integrity of the original concept, adjustments may occur due to:

• Client feedback and preferences
• Site specific conditions
• Regulatory requirements
• Budgetary constraints

We will communicate any significant changes to stakeholders where necessary. When providing your feedback to the project and concept designs, you acknowledge and accept that modifications may occur, and that the final design may differ from the initial concepts presented here.