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.

October 2025 Project Update

Construction commences on GKI Wastewater Treatment Plant

Construction is now underway on Livingstone Shire Council’s Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Wastewater Treatment Plant project, marking an important milestone in delivering modern, sustainable wastewater infrastructure for the island community.

Council’s construction partner, Pensar, has commenced preliminary works, including vegetation clearing and trenching in preparation for installation of the new wastewater piping network. These works will be followed by construction of the main treatment plant and associated pump stations over the coming months.

Residents and property owners will be contacted in the near future regarding individual home pump station locations and access arrangements, with installations scheduled to commence in early 2026.

Council continues to work closely with the Queensland Government, Pensar, and the Woppaburra Traditional Custodians as construction progresses to ensure the project reflects shared environmental, cultural, and community values.

The completion of this new wastewater treatment system will be a vital step toward supporting Great Keppel Island’s long-term sustainability and reputation as a premier tourism destination.

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.

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.