New Rottnest Island plan

THE WA Government has announced a review of Rottnest Island’s management, in order to guide the destination’s future.

A draft Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-2027 will be open for community and stakeholder consultation before its expected completion in Jul 2023, before it replaces the current plan, which is set to expire in 2024.

The development of a new plan follows major investment in key Island infrastructure to better service tourists, and is part of its COVID-19 recovery strategy.

Western Australia’s Minister for Tourism, Roger Cook, said the Plan will assist the Rottnest Island Authority to “recast and refocus, building on the successes that have been achieved in recent years,” including $100 million in upgrades.

“[Rottnest Island] provides a quintessential Australian experience combining holiday activities with the pristine natural environment of a Class A reserve and marine sanctuaries, a rich cultural history, and unique opportunities for the occasional or regular visitor,” he enthused.

“Now that borders are open across Western Australia and the world, all tourism destinations are working to regain visitors and Rottnest Island is no different.”

Recent investment in the Island include major upgrades to energy and water networks, as well as its roads and jetties.

Last year, $6.7 million was invested in improved visitor amenities at the Settlement Mall, and one of the Island’s premier beaches at The Basin.

There was also recently a call for the creation of a wider range of recreational tourism businesses on the island (TD 04 May).