Major Project Across the Capricorn Coast
Wednesday 1st July 2026
The Capricorn Coast has continued to be a beacon for people wishing to relocate. Capricorn Coast life has to offer you beautiful beaches, blissful lifestyle, spectacular weather and that’s just the beginning. Major Projects influence the economy and community. Some of the Major Projects that are set to impact our gorgeous growing community include the following:
Development Notification’s and Approval’s:
Taranganba Shopping Centre Approval – Lancini Group
Livingstone Shire councillors have unanimously approved a development application for a new supermarket-anchored shopping centre in Taroomball.
Proposed by the Lancini Property Group, the 10.9ha site is located on the corner of Taranganba and Tanby Roads.
The site plan includes a 3900 square metre full-line Woolworths supermarket, 500 square metres of specialty stores and a 450 square metre drive-through food outlet. It also features 280 car parks, click-and-collect facilities and a drive-through pick-up service. Development is set to begin late 2026.
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT & QIC INSPECT PROGRESS AT MT CHALMERS
QMines recently hosted senior Queensland Government ministers and representatives from the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) at its Mt Chalmers copper and gold project in Central Queensland. The visit was a significant show of government support, coming shortly after the Queensland Government publicly highlighted the project’s strategic importance and committed $15 million through QIC’s Critical Minerals Fund to help accelerate the project toward production.
The visit gave the delegation a first-hand look at the progress being made on the Definmine Feasibility Study (DFS), environmental approvals, and engineering work. QMines is working to bring back into production a historic mine that last operated in 1982, and the project now holds approximately 20 million tonnes of mineral resources containing copper, gold, zinc, and silver.
For investors, this announcement signals strong government backing at both the ministerial and investment levels, which reduces some of the financing and political risk typically associated with mine development projects. The $15 million QIC investment and the public ministerial statement are meaningful endorsements that the project is progressing toward a Final Investment Decision.
Rockhampton to Host Rowing In 2032 Olympic Games
Capricorn Enterprise, the region’s peak tourism and economic development organisation couldn’t be happier with today’s announcement that Rockhampton has been selected as the host city for the rowing and canoe sprint events during the 2032 Olympic Games.
This landmark decision positions Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast region on the global stage, offering an unparalleled opportunity to showcase our vibrant community and stunning natural landscapes and diverse experiences to an international audience.
Mary Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of Capricorn Enterprise and a former 1985 Rockhampton rowing schoolgirl champion could not contain her excitement stating, “We are absolutely ecstatic that Rockhampton will host the 2032 Olympic rowing and canoe sprint events” she said.
Great Keppel Island Boardwalks project
The project involves investigating and designing three distinct boardwalks, offering visitors safe, environmentally conscious pathways to explore the island’s unique coastal landscapes.
- Extension Along Fisherman’s Beach: This project will enhance the existing pathway to improve connectivity and accessibility for visitors arriving on the island and exploring the main beach area (approximately 600 meters).
- Fisherman’s Beach to Shelving Beach Headland: A new boardwalk that will provide a scenic coastal route, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s natural beauty while linking key locations (approximately 500 meters).
- Shelving Beach to Monkey Beach Headland: This boardwalk will connect two popular beaches, enabling visitors to navigate the island safely with minimal environmental impact on the nearby reefs (approximately 800 meters).
These boardwalks aim to enrich the visitor experience while preserving the island’s fragile environment and encouraging sustainable tourism. However, no construction commitments have been made for these boardwalks at this stage.
Newscape Design have finalised the draft detailed design for the Great Keppel Island Boardwalks project, including a number of technical studies and investigations. Following the consultation on the concept design, we have taken on board community feedback and made the following changes to the initial designs:
· Optimised boardwalk width of 2.0m
· Minimal lookout structure
· Integrated seating opportunities
· Lower visual profile enhancing the visual amenity of the site
· Minimised boardwalk structure elements within the ocean.
https://getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au/great-keppel-island-woppa-boardwalks-project
Surf Lakes:
Surf Lakes is located between Rockhampton and Yeppoon and the site has been in use since 2018.
Surf Lakes being a prototype has served only to successfully prove, test and improve the capability of Surf Lakes’ unique wave making technology. Surf Lakes has signed an agreement with Wave Pool Operations Company to rebuild the existing Surf Lakes Yeppoon research and development site and include significant development so that it may be open to the public.
With development approvals granted and designs well underway, discussions are now taking place with capital partners with the goal of commencing construction once funded.
the Surf Lakes team want this facility open to the public as soon as possible. Once construction begins, we’ll have a more specific timeline. In the meantime, you can Join the Lineup to keep up to date with all the latest Surf Lakes news.
Projects Underway:
Great Keppel Island Wastewater Treatment and Amenities project
There has been plenty happening behind the scenes on the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Wastewater Treatment Plant project this month, with the new treatment plant edging closer to operation.
One of the project’s biggest milestones has now been achieved, with energisation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant officially complete. Main electrical components are currently undergoing commissioning, while wet commissioning has also commenced — an exciting stage that involves testing the system using live flows and ensuring all processes are operating as designed.
Adding to the momentum, Council operators are set to undertake dedicated training sessions later this month alongside project partners Pensar and MakWater, helping prepare local staff for the ongoing operation and management of the new facility.
Across the island, installation of resident pump stations has now commenced, with crews reporting strong progress and positive feedback from residents so far. Some minor adjustments to exact pump station locations have been required to best suit individual property layouts and site conditions.
Great Keppel Island Arrivals Plaza
The new arrivals plaza will act as a warm and inviting entrance to the island, offering shaded seating, amenities, a multi-purpose tenancy space and visitor information about local activities, wildlife and trails. The development includes a new amenity building with toilets, lockers, and change facilities, as well as a versatile tenancy space that can accommodate various commercial uses. Surrounding these facilities will be expansive outdoor areas featuring shaded paved seating, BBQ zones, lawn spaces with nature play elements, a welcoming circle, beach showers and boardwalk access to Fisherman’s Beach and ferry services. This project plays a key role in transforming Great Keppel Island into a premier global tourism destination.
The design for the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Arrivals Plaza has been refreshed by Wilson Architects, following detailed technical investigations and valuable community input.
The Arrivals Plaza will be a vibrant and welcoming entry point to the island, featuring shaded seating, modern amenities, a versatile tenancy space, and visitor information showcasing local activities, wildlife, and walking trails. This project is a key step in Great Keppel Island’s journey to becoming a world-class tourism destination.
https://getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au/gki-arrivals-plaza-and-amenities
Council moves forward with Bottlebrush Drive connection
Livingstone Shire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to managing growth responsibly, with Council today endorsing traffic management upgrades to support the future opening of Bottlebrush Drive.
Mayor Adam Belot said the long-planned connection would improve local traffic movement, emergency access and network resilience as the region continues to grow.
Clark Creek Wind & Solar Project:
50 down, 50 to go!
Construction is powering ahead at Clarke Creek Wind Farm in Central Queensland where half of its wind turbines have now been installed.
Australian renewable energy company Squadron Energy and government owned energy generator Stanwell marked the major milestone today with a tour of the site 150 kilometres north-west of Rockhampton.
When it’s complete, 100 turbines more than two hundred metres high will produce enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 330,000 Queensland homes.
Stanwell signed a 15-year deal in August 2020 to purchase more than seventy-five per cent of the clean energy that the 450MW Clarke Creek Wind Farm will produce to help our customers, including Brisbane Airport Corporation and Anglo American, achieve their sustainability objectives.
The project is creating more than 350 jobs during construction and is expected to inject around $110 million into the local economy.
https://www.stanwell.com/info-hub/article/clarke-creek-wind-farm-celebrates-major-milestone
https://squadron-assets.spicyweb.net.au/main/Clarke-Creek/PDF/CCWF-02-Project-update-250211-WEB.pdf
https://squadronenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CCWF-02-Project-update-20260505-WEB.pdf
Construction Begins on Transformational East West Connector
Livingstone Shire Council has marked the official commencement of construction on the East West Connector (EWC) Stage 1, with local contractor JRT Group awarded the construction contract for one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects.
The milestone was celebrated today with a sod-turning ceremony attended by Council representatives, State Government officials and project partners, marking the beginning of works that will unlock future housing supply, improve transport connectivity and support the Capricorn Coast’s growing communities.
Once complete, the East West Connector will create a vital new transport corridor linking key residential, commercial and tourism areas across the Capricorn Coast while easing pressure on existing road networks.
Retirement Village Kinka Beach:
The main residential development in Kinka Beach is the Kingsway Estate (formerly Kingsway Village), located off Scenic Highway. The estate has previously settled its initial phases and is advancing plans to develop hundreds of dwellings, with new house and land packages continuing to roll out.
Some of the outstanding features include:
- Emergency Assistance
- Health and Well Being Services
(including virtual social and telehealth options) - In-home Care
- High Speed Internet
- Power and Energy options
- Community Manager
https://kingswayvillage.com.au/
Project Recently Completed:
New Aquatic Centre Makes A Splash in Yeppoon
The newly redeveloped Brian Dorey OAM Capricorn Coast Aquatic Centre has opened in Yeppoon, marking a major milestone for swimming, health and community infrastructure across the region.
The upgraded facility delivers a modern, accessible, and family-friendly aquatic destination designed to support the needs of the Capricorn Coast community for decades to come.
The redevelopment includes a new 50-metre outdoor heated pool, modern amenities, improved accessibility features, upgraded plant and filtration systems, and enhanced community spaces.
The new centre will serve as a hub for locals, supporting health, wellbeing, water safety, sport and community connection.
Scenic Highway Sewer Gravity Trunk Main
The Scenic Highway Sewer Gravity Trunk Main project was completed in January 2025, providing vital infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the region's growing population. This $3.24 million initiative involved the installation of a new 450mm diameter sewer main between the Wattle Grove pump station and Cedar Park, boosting network capacity and ensuring the wastewater system operates efficiently. These upgrades improve community health and safety by reducing the risk of overflows and ensuring reliable sewer services for Cooee Bay, Taranganba and nearby areas.
Council has completed a $6.6 million upgrade of the Emu Park Sewerage Treatment Plant, ensuring the facility can meet community needs and environmental standards for the next 10–15 years
https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/completed-projects
Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline project
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline (FGP) project aims to mitigate the impact of local droughts by providing long-term water security and economic opportunities for the Central Queensland region.
This major infrastructure project will include:
- A 117-kilometre pipeline with the capacity to transfer 30 gigalitres of water per year from the Lower Fitzroy River (at Rookwood Weir) to the Gladstone Area Water Board (at Yarwun).
- An intake structure and pumping station at Laurel Bank.
- A water treatment plant, reservoir and pumping station at Alton Downs.
- Reservoirs at Aldoga.
The Queensland Government approved $983 million in funding for the project, with construction expected to be completed by 2026.
https://www.dlgwv.qld.gov.au/water/consultations-initiatives/fitzroy-to-gladstone-pipeline-project
Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road Upgrade Project:
Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road is a vital regional route connecting the Capricorn Coast, including popular tourist destinations like Great Keppel Island, to Rockhampton and beyond. This project is part of the Australian and Queensland governments' 10-year Roads of Strategic Importance (RSI) initiative which focuses on improving the efficiency and connectivity of key freight roads, especially those linking agricultural regions, ports, airports and transport hubs while also benefiting sectors such as tourism and mining.
The Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road spans approximately 35.6 km and is divided into two sections:
- A 4.03 km section running through the Rockhampton Central Business District, including Fitzroy Street, Queen Elizabeth Drive and Musgrave Street.
- A 31.6 km section from the Bruce Highway intersection in Parkhurst to the Tanby Road roundabout at Yeppoon, which is primarily in a rural area.
The section from the Bruce Highway to the Tanby Road roundabout features a 4-lane section, while the remainder of the road, from Ironpot through to the Tanby Road roundabout, is made up of a 2-lane section.
The $155 million Rockhampton–Yeppoon Road upgrade is officially complete, with the duplication and all major intersection enhancements fully open to traffic. The 6.1km project—extending between Iron Pot Road and east of Dairy Inn/Artillery Road—has significantly improved safety and capacity on the busy corridor.
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/yeppoon-road-upgrade-project
https://cmc.net.au/projects/rockhampton-yeppoon-road-upgrade/
__________________________________________________
@ Real Estate your local experts, hear from us first.
These Major Projects in process and development for the Capricorn Coast and surrounding areas offer opportunities for work and for the community to have access to more facilities. They also create the perfect opportunity for tourism to boom in the area. For more information click the links above and have a read of the Capricorn Coasts major projects.