Published Today at 09:30 AM

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew Powell

Revitalised greatness for Great Keppel Island

  • Major milestone reached with the appointment of Paynters as design and construction contractor for Great Keppel Island Arrivals Plaza Project.  
  • New arrivals plaza and amenities to make the journey easier and more enjoyable for visitors.
  • $25 million rejuvenation project reinforces Great Keppel Island’s status as one of Queensland’s leading ecotourism destinations.
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland's tourism industry after a decade of delays under Labor. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland's ecotourism industry with the official appointment of construction contractors for the Great Keppel Island Arrivals Plaza and Amenities Project.  

Paynters has been appointed as the successful design and construction contractor for the project, with work set to begin in February next year after the busy summer season. 

Winners of the Master Builders 2025 Central Queensland Project of the Year for their work on the Keppel Bay Sailing Club, Paynters will deliver a gateway precinct that includes a new arrivals plaza with public toilets, shaded seating, accessible pathways, landscaping and wayfinding signs – creating an unmissable experience on the Great Barrier Reef. 

A centrepiece of the Crisafulli Government’s $25 million Great Keppel Island (GKI) Rejuvenation Fund, the Arrivals Plaza was identified as a key priority in the GKI Master Plan. 

The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of sustainably unlocking Queensland’s natural assets after a decade of delays under the former Labor Government which only approved three ecotourism projects in ten years.  

As part of the visionary tourism plan Destination 2045, the Crisafulli Government is delivering experiences that allow visitors to be immersed in nature while leaving a light footprint, with plans to support 45 projects by 2045. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the appointment was an exciting step forward in rejuvenating one of the state’s most iconic ecotourism destinations. 

“Destination 2045 sets a bold ambition for Queensland to become a world leader in ecotourism, and projects like this will get us there,” Minister Powell said. 

“The Crisafulli Government is proud to fund high-quality infrastructure that enhances the visitor experience while protecting the island’s natural and cultural values. 

“Queensland is the home of the holiday, and this new Arrivals Plaza will create a lasting first impression for visitors who will keep coming back for this outstanding ecotourism offering.”  

Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton said this milestone is a big win for the local visitor economy. 

“Tourism supports one in 11 jobs and brings more than $100 million to the state’s economy every day,” Mr Hutton said. 

“What better way to boost that economic support for our region than with a magical island experience on Great Keppel. 

“This upgrade is supporting local jobs while meeting the growing demand for nature-based experiences, and it’s great to see not just words but action at long last.” 

Mayor Adam Belot said the appointment of Paynters represents the culmination of a carefully considered design, delivery and procurement process that reflects the community’s feedback and Council’s commitment to achieving the best outcome for the island.  

“Over the past year, council has undertaken intense design refinement, several rounds of community consultation and multiple technical and constructability reviews to make sure the final outcome balances functionality, affordability and local character — all in alignment with community feedback,” Mayor Belot said. 

“The fact that the successful tender came in within three per cent of our pre-tender estimate demonstrates the strength of that process and Council’s commitment to delivering the best possible outcome for the community and for visitors to GKI.” 

Follow this link to learn more about the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Dani Sharp 0436 357 712