Demolition of decaying Great Keppel Island resort completed

After 10 years of abandonment and derelict, a once popular resort off the central Queensland coast has been demolished.

Great Keppel Island's resort was famous for its slogan ‘Get Wrecked on Keppel’ in the 1980s but, having been bought by Sydney-based Tower Holdings in 2006 and then being close in 2008, it has been sitting empty ever since.

In 2012, the company had a masterplan approved to turn it into a $600 million development complete with golf courses, shops, accommodation, casino and a marina.

However, disagreements with the Queensland Government over casino licences and deadline lapses, has seen the land put on the market this year.

To comply with the terms of its 99-year lease, the company has now demolished 12 buildings on the 160-hectare site, moving 12 tonnes of asbestos back to the mainland.

The resort's dormant state has been a cause of concern and protest for locals in the region.

Tower Holdings has a suite of leases with the Queensland Government across Great Keppel Island, but it is the 162-hectare land holding - encompassing what was the resort, marina and associated approvals to develop it further - listed for sale.

Announcing the completion of the demolition, Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga advised that the completion of the work paves the way for future development.

She advised “this is a major milestone for this project. The old island resort has been completely demolished and the site is now ready for redevelopment

“It’s exciting to see the progress on this site - we want to share our little slice of paradise with visitors from around the world and the end of demolition is a step in the right direction.”

While most buildings have been demolished down to the foundations some remain as they are likely to be used as site offices or worker accommodation during the construction period.

Sales agents are reportedly in negotiations with four potential buyers, with an expected price tag of about $25 million.

Advising that the Queensland Government’s $25 million investment towards connecting power and water to the island was crucial to the rejuvenation of the island, Lauga added “we’re committed to partnering with the private sector to deliver new tourism experiences on Great Keppel Island.

 “Great Keppel Island has the potential to be a thriving tourism destination.”