The new wastewater treatment plant is set to transform the island’s infrastructure, ensuring it can continue to thrive as a key destination for tourism and regional development.

The project will deliver a membrane bioreactor plant producing class A effluent, sized for 480 equivalent persons. An amenities block half-way along Fisherman’s Beach is also being constructed.

Completion of the first stage of the wastewater treatment plant project will have sufficient capacity to service the Great Keppel Island Hideaway resort, Great Keppel Island Holiday Village, new visitor amenity blocks and northern freehold allotments on Fishermen’s Beach, with capacity for future growth.

July 2025 Project Update:

Council progresses detailed design of wastewater treatment plant on GKI

Council’s project to deliver improved wastewater infrastructure on Great Keppel Island is progressing well. Design of the sewer pump station, sewer network, effluent disposal system and buried services is largely complete, with construction drawings due in July. Final design of the sewage treatment plant is expected by late September, following resolution of site constraints and state government approval requirements.

On-island construction is scheduled to begin in August when Pensar will mobilise to the island to commence buried pipework in road reserves. Works will continue through September, with traffic diversions in place. Vehicle access may be disrupted, but pedestrian access will remain.

Residents and property owners can expect consultation with Council and Pensar in August 2025 regarding home pump station locations, access, and excavation logistics. Construction of the main treatment plant and pump stations is scheduled from October, with equipment arriving onsite in December.

Home pump station installation will commence in early 2026. Affected residents will be contacted individually to discuss site-specific requirements. Further information, including road closure maps and treatment plant layout, will be distributed to residents shortly by email.

Livingstone Shire Council remains committed to working in collaboration with all stakeholders, including the Queensland Government and the Woppaburra Traditional Custodians, as the project progresses. The construction of the wastewater treatment plant is a critical step toward ensuring sustainable infrastructure that supports the island’s growth and reputation as a premier tourism destination.