February 2011: The Australian Government has approved the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines for the Great Keppel Island Tourism and Marina Development. These guidelines are intended to set the scope  of environmental, social, cultural, heritage and economic studies required in the EIS to allow for an assessment and decision on the appropriateness of the construction and operation of the proposed development. 

About the proposal

GKI Resorts Pty Ltd is proposing to build a marina and tourism development on Great Keppel Island, Queensland.

The development proposal includes:

• New hotel at Fisherman's Beach (250 suites)
• 750 villas and 300 apartments incorporating sustainable building design (53 ha)
• Golf club and 18 hole golf course adjacent to Clam Bay (46 ha)
• Upgrade and extension of existing airstrip
• Marina at Putney Beach (250 berths, emergency facilities, ferry terminal, dry dock storage and vessel sewage pump out facilities, retail area of shops, restaurants)
• Installation of submarine power, water, communications and possibly waste water and gas lines between Great Keppel Island and the mainland
• Service facilities and utilities (waste collection, waste water treatment plant and constructed wetland)
• Research centre and restoration of Leeke's homestead
• Environmental Protection Area of 545 ha (62 per cent of Lot 21)
  

About the area

The Keppel Islands consists of 12 continental islands lying 18 km off Yeppoon in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Great Keppel Islands is located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Great Keppel Island is known for its diversity of habitats, including unusually high coral cover and fish diversity. A variety of stakeholders use the island, including its Traditional Owners, the Woppaburra tribal group of the Dharumbal nation.

The application requirements

The proposed Great Keppel Island Marina and Tourism Development ("Revitalisation Plan") was referred to the then Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts the Hon Peter Garrett AM, MP under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) to determine whether the application is likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance. 

View the full Referral Application

On 4 July 2010, Minister Garrett decided the proposed action will require assessment by Environmental Impact Statement under the EPBC Act.

View the referral decision and assessment approach

On 21 February 2011, a delegate for the Minister Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities approved the EIS Guidelines for the Revitalisation Plan.

View the approved Australian Government EIS Guidelines

Application for a Marine Parks Permission

The proposed action will require a permit under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, as components of the development are in the marine Park. Therefore, the GBRMPA will assess the application, in accordance with the following legislation:

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003
  

The assessment process will also address requirements under the EPBC Act.

Environmental Impact Statement Assessment Process

GKI Resorts Pty Ltd will be required to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which describes the current environment. FEBRUARY 2011: The Australian Government EIS Guidelines were approved and provided to the proponent. The assessment process comprises a number of steps, the steps are outlined in the process diagram.

GBRMPA Assessment

Any activities that may impact the Marine Park, specifically the proposed marina and relevant marina service facilities (e.g submarine power cables), will be assessed by the GBRMPA.

Consideration of the application will be in accordance with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983, specifically noting:

• Mandatory Consideration (Regulation 88Q)
• Discretionary Considerations (Regulations 88R)
  

The GBRMPA will consider the impacts of the proposal on all aspects of the marine park, including matters raised in public submissions.

GBRMPA Policies

The proposal will be assessed in accordance with GBRMPA policies and management approaches including:

• Environmental Impact Management Policy
• Structures Policy
• Dredging and Spoil Disposal Policy
• Environmental Assessment and Management - Risk Matrix Framework 2009

Related information

• Find more information on past assessment processes for pipe laying in the Marine Park.
• Find more information on dredging and spoil disposal in the Marine Park.