Tourism Minister visits GKI for infrastructure consultation

Stakeholders walked through Tower Holdings’ abandoned resort and spoke with residents and tourism businesses about how to increase tourism on, and improve access to, GKI.

Tourism Minister Scott Stewart's GKI meeting.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe visited Great Keppel Island this week to find out how roughly $26 million ought to be spent on the island.

According to a Question on Notice tabled on Thursday, part of the State Government’s promised $30 million was spent this financial year on feasibility investigations, site investigations, and consultation “with a broad range of stakeholders on infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience and encourage tourism and business opportunities”.

Part of that consultation occurred on Wednesday, when Mr Hinchliffe, Keppel MP Brittany Lauga, Department of Tourism and Department of State Development representatives, Livingstone Shire mayor Andy Ireland and CEO Cale Dendle, and Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll walked through Tower Holdings’ abandoned resort and spoke with residents and tourism businesses about how to increase tourism on, and improve access to, GKI.

The occasion was preceded by Resources Minister Scott Stewart announcing Altum Property Group would not receive the leases required for its proposed resort, and by Altum consequently saying it was in negotiations to build a camping village on the land currently leased by Tower Holdings.

A public meeting was then held with the same parties as well as Woppaburra representatives, Altum’s director Rob McCready, and, by phone, Tower Holdings.

Mr Hinchliffe, the first Tourism Minister to go to GKI in more than a decade, did not reveal his impressions.

“Pending further consultation, feedback about improvements to island access was one of the higher priority issues raised,” he said.

“On Wednesday morning, an Altum representative met with me to discuss a proposed tent village development.

“Altum’s plan is a matter for Great Keppel Island’s lease holder.”

Cr Ireland said a jetty, the marina, island pathways, refurbished lookouts, and more were discussed.

He said it was now Mr Hinchliffe’s intention to create a ‘master plan’ for GKI by December this year that would outline which and where State Government-funded infrastructure ought to be built – Mr Hinchliffe confirmed such a plan was a “potential way forward”.

To the same end, Cr Ireland said, a working group was to be formed comprising the State Government, Livingstone Shire Council, and other stakeholders.

“I like the idea of the plan,” Cr Ireland said. “I think that’s a good step forward.

“My only concern is that people who need to contribute actually get the opportunity to do that, and also that it is delivered within a decent timeframe.”

In March, Livingstone Shire Council sent a letter to the State Government suggesting certain GKI infrastructure be made a priority.

“The community is just waiting for something to happen on Keppel,” Cr Ireland said.

“I think the sooner that happens, the better, but obviously it needs to be properly planned.”

Ms Carroll said Mr Hinchliffe’s appearance was “encouraging”, as was the opportunity to “speak openly and honestly about the destination and industry, particularly on Great Keppel Island”.

“Capricorn Enterprise, as we have always done, will continue to work with all of the islands proponents and all levels of government to ensure the advancement and success of our entire region,” she said.