Paynters wins $7.7m Great Keppel Island gateway contract for arrivals plaza

An award-winning company has landed the massive job of creating Great Keppel Island’s stunning new $7.7m visitor gateway.

Construction of the Great Keppel Island Arrivals Plaza is set to begin February 2026. Pictured is what it is set to look like.

Paynters has won the contract to build the $7.7m arrivals plaza on Great Keppel Island, creating Queensland’s gateway to one of its most iconic ecotourism destinations.

It is the next step in the $25m transformation of Great Keppel Island, with construction of the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza and Amenities Project set to begin in February 2026.

The award-winning builders are expected to complete it by August.

It will comprise of a gateway for visitors arriving at Fishermen’s Beach, a new arrivals plaza with new public amenities, shaded seating, accessible pathways, landscaping, and wayfinding elements designed to reflect the island’s unique cultural and natural character.

The project also includes the construction of new public amenities on Fishermen’s Beach.

The refreshed arrivals plaza design by Wilson Architects incorporates community feedback and detailed technical studies to create a more functional, durable and relaxed space.

Paynters won the Master Builders 2025 Central Queensland Project of the Year award for their work on the Keppel Bay Sailing Club.

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

“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,” Mr Powell said.

Keppel MP Nigel Hutton said the announcement was a big win for the local visitor economy.

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

“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.”

The company tasked with heading construction, Paynters, won the Master Builders 2025 Central Queensland Project of the Year award for their work on the Keppel Bay Sailing Club.

Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Adam Belot said the appointment of Paynters was done after careful consideration.

“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,” he said.

Originally published as Paynters wins $7.7m Great Keppel Island gateway contract for arrivals plaza