GKI Resort tourism proposal now open for public comment
The Great Keppel Island Revitalisation plan is now one BIG step closer to achieving its end goal of building a world class eco-tourism resort on the island just off Queensland's Capricorn Coast. Queensland's Coordinator General, has today released the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), of the proposed development, for public comment.
The proposed development is a $600 million low-rise, eco-tourism resort to be constructed over a 12 year period. This project would supply the region with more than 400 building jobs annualised over the 12 year construction and 1,000 additional jobs for the operation of a resort.
Chairman of Capricorn Enterprise (The Region's peak Tourism and Development Organisation), Grant Cassidy, said, "Great Keppel Island is an iconic Australian destination and this development is a critical step in helping to achieve the goals set by state government and the tourism industry at its recent DestinationQ forum. When the original resort on Great Keppel Island closed over 4 years ago, the Capricorn region's visitation dropped by approximately 200,000 visitors per year. Local business operators want to see the island returned to its former glory and it is critical that this happens not only from a local tourism perspective but also for the whole of state Tourism portfolio".
The first stage of the development is the establishment of a new 250 suite hotel on the old resort site, with accompanying restaurants and conference facilities. This resort proposal will ensure about 40 per cent of the island (575 hectares), would be an environmental protection area to be rehabilitated and protected in perpetuity.
Mary Carroll, CEO of Capricorn Enterprise said, "This is an extremely exciting day for tourism, not just in our Capricorn Coast and Southern Great Barrier Reef region, but the entire state. The Great Keppel Island revitalization has been one of our organisation's seven priority projects for the past two years and I say bravo to Tower Holdings for having the commitment and perseverance to get this major project to this point".
Mary Carroll said, "I urge anyone who wants to see this development happen to submit their views during the next 30 days because it is critical that if we and the broader business community want a resort on Great Keppel Island, they must voice their support".
The GKI Revitalisation Plan will only go ahead if the current Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is approved. This could be 30 of the most important days that the Capricorn region will ever see!
To find out more information and to support the plan visit www.gkiresort.com.au
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