The Great Keppel Island Erosion Protection project is an initiative to address the ongoing coastal erosion threatening the Island.

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.

However, years of progressive erosion, combined with the impacts of recent tropical Cyclone Alfred, have left this area extremely vulnerable and caused damage to infrastructure and the natural environment.

Planning for Protection

Livingstone Shire Council has received $500,000 in Queensland Government funding to undertake the planning, business case, and detailed design for options to protect Putney and Fisherman’s Beaches.

The funding from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation builds on years of work to address the ongoing coastal erosion threatening the Island, and is a vital first step in securing the future of Great Keppel Island’s foreshore.

Project Scope

The project will investigate options extending along Putney Beach, around the Spit, and into Fisherman’s Beach, with the purpose of:

  • Reducing wave energy
  • Preventing further shoreline retreat
  • Protecting public and tourism assets, including the proposed Arrivals Plaza.

Once Council understands the full cost to secure the island, advocacy will begin for construction funding.

Coordinated Approach

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.

Erosion on the Fisherman's and Putney beach headland.
A photo showing the erosion on the Fisherman's and Putney beach headland.
Erosion after Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
A photo showing the erosion of the beach after Cyclone Alfred, near the Hideaway.
Sandbags were previously installed on the Island post Cyclone Marcia as a temporary measure to combat erosion.
A photo showing the big sandbags along Putney Beach as a temporary measure.
The sandbags at low tide showing how much they have shifted.
A photo showing the sandbags at low tide showing how much they have shifted.
Erosion close to the Keppel Dive Hut.
A photo showing how close erosion is to the Keppel Dive Hut
A tree which has fallen over due to erosion.
A photo showing a tree which has fallen over due to erosion.

Why is the beach changing?

Waves and tides move sand up and down the beach. Normally the sand comes back but lately, more is being taken away than returned.

Storms bring strong winds and waves that pull even more sand into the ocean.

When this happens again and again, the beach gets smaller, and the water moves closer to land.

That can cause problems for:

  • People, paths, roads and the barge landing area can be damaged.
  • Businesses as less beach means fewer safe spots for visitors.
  • Nature, dunes, trees and plants that protect the beach can wash away.

If erosion keeps going, it could affect how people live, work and visit the island.

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