With the reported likely approval of the Great Keppel Island
Revitalisation Plan ‘backcasting’ needs to be undertaken now to ensure
the Rockhampton region does realise the maximum benefits from this major
development. Completion of each of the stages in the development has
the potential to attract more boat traffic on Keppel Bay. We already
know the problems our only deep water access at Rosslyn Bay has on a
fine weekend. Extending the car park is only small band-aid treatment,
not a solution. Another access is needed. If it can be successfully done
at Emu Park then plan for it to become the major gateway to the
revitalised Great Keppel Island (GKI). More boats departing from Emu
Park will bring more car and foot traffic. With its natural features Emu
Park has the potential to keep tourists at least overnight before they
go to or return from GKI. What’s got to be done to make this happen? It
could be something as simple as a marketing the Emu Park, Zilzie Bay and
GKI golf courses into 1 package; stay 5 nights (2 on the mainland, 3 at
GKI) play 3 golf courses. Use the Emu Park airstrip as a helicopter
base to fly people to GKI as well as sightseeing up to Shoalwater Bay.
Expand the Bell Park caravan park to accommodate the drive market who
may only doing a day trip to GKI. Think bigger, push for direct access
to the Bruce Highway. If a bypass of Rockhampton and a third bridge over
the Fitzroy is being planned this may not be that farfetched; a matter
of convincing the decision makers an eastern bypass would be a better
option along with the bridge crossing near Nerimbera. The revitalisation
of GKI will be a catalyst for the region. How big of a catalyst will
depend on what is put into place on the Capricorn Coast mainland to
compliment it. With GKI’s plan for direct air access from Sydney,
Brisbane and Cairns it’s important that GKI doesn’t overshadow the
mainland as the destination. The drive/boat market must not be forgotten
if the region is to realise maximum benefits from the revitalisation of
GKI. Making it easier to get a boat out on the water is a vital
component.
Emu Park the Gateway
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