Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 released today

27/3/03 A five-year plan to make Rottnest Island more profitable but yet still affordable for visitors was released today by Tourism Minister Clive Brown.

27/3/03
A five-year plan to make Rottnest Island more profitable but yet still affordable for visitors was released today by Tourism Minister Clive Brown.
In accordance with the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987, the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) is required to have a five-year management plan in place to guide the management direction of the island.
The plan covers all aspects of Rottnest Island operations including visitor services and facilities, recreational fishing and the management of the marine environment and the conservation of the island's environment and heritage.
Following the release of a draft management plan in June 2002, the community had a three-month period to have their say on recommendations contained in the draft.
Several public meetings were also held during the consultation phase to clarify issues and generate further awareness and many other meetings were held with special interest groups.
The Rottnest Island Authority had a huge response from the community and interest groups.
"The RIA received over 700 submissions and I wish to publicly thank everyone who took the time to debate issues such as the proposed marine management zones, the management of moorings, accommodation and the marine environment," Mr Brown said.
"This feedback reflects the strong and ongoing interest that Western Australians have in Rottnest Island and its future.
"The Rottnest Island Management Plan, which is being released today, clearly demonstrates that the community's comments and suggestions on the draft plan have been listened to, and have played an integral role in the development and content of the final plan.
"I have carefully considered all of the 249 recommendations put to me by the Rottnest Island Authority, and in approving this plan I am confident that it is a well-balanced document that accounts for the needs of all island users.
"It also fulfils the primary objective of positioning the island as a sustainable operation from an environmental, economic and social perspective which will ensure that the Rottnest Island we know today will be preserved for future generations."
The management plan foreshadows the redevelopment of the Rottnest Island Hotel site, the refurbishment of Geordie Bay accommodation and heritage accommodation to result in an even more enjoyable visitor and holiday experience.
Key issues put to the community in the draft management plan, and shaped by feedback received through consultation, were as follows:

  • Proposed marine management zones -
    The Rottnest Island Authority has continued to identify the need to manage the Marine Reserve to ensure conflicts between recreational pursuits are managed and environmental values are protected. However, it has recognised that proposed marine management zones did not meet community needs. The authority has committed to the development of a marine management strategy in co-ordination with the Department of Fisheries, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and informed by available research to ensure the broad needs of the community are reflected in any final decisions.
  • Greater access to recreational mooring licences -
    One of the key issues addressed in the draft management plan was ways of increasing access to moorings on Rottnest Island. The plan being released today seeks to achieve this objective. The Rottnest Island Authority will trial a new moorings system outlined in Chapter 7, Marine Recreation and Facilities. This 12-month trial will give boaters greater access to mooring facilities.
    Under the trial, a mooring licensee will share their mooring with a number of authorised users. These people may exchange contact details and inform each other when they plan on using the mooring. The licensee will have the primary right of access to the mooring. All licensees and authorised users will also have the casual use of other appropriate moorings around the island.
    This new system will be trialled commencing September 1.
  • Refurbishment of island accommodation -
    In the plan, it is recommended that the refurbishment of the heritage cottages and accommodation at Geordie, Longreach and Fays Bays take place. The refurbishment of the heritage cottages will commence in 2003. Geordie, Fays and Longreach Bays refurbishment will commence in 2004. The refurbishments will involve new fixtures, fittings, flooring, bathroom and kitchen. Revenue generated from price increases will be re-invested in accommodation improvements and refurbishment.
  • Management of visitor numbers and seasonality -
    The Rottnest Island Authority will carry out research on the relationship between visitor numbers and behaviour, and environmental, social and economic impact on the island. Plans will be implemented to increase the number of accommodated visitors in the shoulder seasons.
  • Management of style and range of accommodation -
    The Rottnest Island Authority will continue to manage the existing broad range and self-catered style of accommodation. A community consultation process will be conducted for the re-development of the Rottnest Hotel, and development of this site will take place, informed by this consultation.
    "All recommendations contained within the plan - relating to the general operations of the island and island fees - have been put in place to secure stable ground for the management of the island into the future and to provide funds for infrastructure improvement," Mr Brown said.
    Recommendations contained within the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-08 will be steadily implemented over the coming five years.
    Copies of the Rottnest Island Management Plan can be downloaded from http://www.rottnest.wa.gov.au
    Minister's Office - 9222 9699