In a significant boost for investment in Australian tourism, the Federal Government has given the green light to Queensland’s Great Keppel Island’s AUD$600 million redevelopment project.
The island will feature a beachfront hotel, resort accommodation, a marina, retail village, day spa, golf course and upgraded airstrip.
Australia’s Minister for Tourism Martin Ferguson, said the AUD$600 million project is a positive sign for the revitalisation of, and new investment in, Australia’s tourism infrastructure.
“The developments to Great Keppel Island will greatly benefit Australia’s tourism industry. Improving the facilities on such an iconic island will lead to investment in jobs and in better product offerings for both domestic and international tourists,” Ferguson said.
“Importantly, the project is expected to create 1,400 jobs, and will provide domestic and international travellers with another reason to enjoy a holiday in Queensland.”
Ferguson said the development meets the objectives of the government’s National Long-Term Tourism Strategy, Tourism 2020, and it will contribute to meeting the Australian tourism industry’s potential.
“The Great Keppel Island development is the kind of significant investment that is encouraged under Tourism 2020,” he said.
“The Australian Tourism Investment program aims to encourage similar investment through an investment guide and investment monitor and the new Tourism Major Project Facilitation service will make similar investments easier by case managing potential tourism projects through approval processes”.
Developers Tower Holdings received approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act yesterday (Mar 6) following a rigorous process to ensure that their project will meet strict environmental standards.
Tower Holdings plans to build the resort over 12 years with the first stages opening late next year.
Great Keppel Island is located 15 kilometres from the coast off Yeppoon along the Capricorn Coast of Central Queensland.