Tide is high for Rottnest resort and marina

• EOI for marina development at Thomson Bay released to public on August 12
• Increase in accommodation on WA's premier holiday island
• EOI closes on September 18, 2015 with shortlisted proponents selected that month

Tourism Minister Kim Hames believes a new resort and marina complex at Rottnest Island will provide much safer mooring compared with the existing facilities or individual anchorage and help Rottnest Island shine as a visitor attraction.

Announcing the release of the resort and marina development invitation for Expressions of Interest, Dr Hames invited the private sector to take an active role in a quality, sustainable development that would contribute to Rottnest Island's lure as a destination of choice.

"The marina will not only provide protected moorings for larger craft but will ensure those with small to medium boats have a safe space that will allow direct access to a jetty for families and belongings," he said.

"The development as a whole is a step-change and will provide a much-needed lift to the area with quality contemporary accommodation, hospitality and boating facilities tailored to the increasing visitor population

"West Australians will benefit from extra accommodation options on the island, especially in peak times and boat users have expressed strong interest in additional facilities to supplement the limited number of swing moorings in selected bays on the island."

The Minister said the project was a major tourism infrastructure project and the result of extensive work completed for the Rottnest Island Authority's management plan to guide tourism infrastructure development for the island over the next five years.

The project's scale and diversity is expected to attract strong interest from resort hotel groups as well as marina developers and operators.  The selected private sector party or consortium will be determined by the end of 2015, with construction starting once environmental approvals are in place.

The resort and marina project is expected to provide between 100-150 accommodation units and a marina complex for about 250 berths in the Thomson Bay South precinct, which affords the marina maximum protection from inclement weather.  It will also include barge loading facilities to support the delivery of supplies to the island.

Fact File

• For more information, visit http://www.rottnestisland.com
• March 2015 research indicates a 17.85% increase in estimated numbers (185,000 to 210,000) of boat users accessing Rottnest
• CBRE has been appointed as management company for marina project

Minister's office - 6552 5300