What’s Happening?
The Capricorn Coast’s iconic Keppel Bay Sailing Club has officially reopened after undergoing a $20 million transformation into a state-of-the-art conference and entertainment hub.
Located on the picturesque Yeppoon beachfront, the revamped facility aims to position the region as a premier destination for large-scale events and sailing competitions.
Why It Matters?
This redevelopment is a significant boost to the Capricorn Coast, enhancing its capacity to attract business and sporting tourism.
The new facility not only bolsters the local economy but also addresses the long-identified need for modern conference amenities in the region.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, who secured the $20 million funding, described the project as a “game-changer,” adding: “This state-of-the-art facility is a huge win for our community, showcasing the Capricorn Coast on the national stage and creating valuable job opportunities for locals.
My $20 million investment in this project is more than funding; it’s a boost to our local economy, ensuring the region stays competitive and continues to grow its business and tourism sectors.”
Local Impact
The redevelopment supported hundreds of construction jobs and will now create over 50 ongoing local positions, ensuring long-term benefits for the Capricorn Coast community. It also addresses the increasing demand for modern venues, highlighted during the recent 2024 Youth Sail QLD Championships.
Mary Carroll, CEO of Capricorn Enterprise, reflected on the significance of this milestone: “This amazing conference and sporting hub facility will most certainly attract more business and sporting travellers to the Capricorn Coast, and we now need additional accommodation as we already saw the overflow of visitors from Yeppoon to Rockhampton during the 2024 Youth Sail QLD Championships.”
By the Numbers
- $20 million investment secured through Federal Government funding announced in April 2019.
- Hundreds of jobs created during the construction phase.
- 50+ ongoing local jobs generated by the facility’s operations.
Zoom In
Capricorn Enterprise identified the need for enhanced conference facilities as part of their Regional Priority Projects in 2010.
The success of this project highlights the importance of collaboration between local organisations and government representatives. Ms Carroll praised the combined efforts: “I sincerely commend the Keppel Bay Sailing Club and our Federal Member for Capricornia in responding to this need, and I am very proud of our Organisation’s advocacy efforts to help bring this dream to a reality.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry attended the official opening of the new Keppel Bay Sailing Club’s Clubhouse last week. (Copyright © 2024 Capricorn Enterprise)
Zoom Out
The Keppel Bay Sailing Club redevelopment strengthens the Capricorn Coast’s reputation as a premier tourism and business hub, showcasing its potential on both national and international stages.
Events like the 2024 Youth Sail QLD Championships and upcoming Best in Business Awards reinforce the facility’s versatility and regional appeal.
What to Look for Next?
The newly opened Keppel Bay Conference Centre will host the sellout Best in Business Awards on Friday, 29th November 2024, offering the first glimpse of its potential to accommodate large-scale events.
Additionally, local stakeholders are urging further investment in accommodation infrastructure to support increasing visitor demand.
