The State Government has announced that the management of Rottnest Island is to be reviewed as its current management plan is due to expire soon.
According to the Government a new Rottnest Island Management Plan (RIMP) 2023-2027 will replace the current plan in December 2024 but will be open for community and stakeholder consultation before its expected completion in July of 2023.
“Widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of Western Australia’s tourism sector, Rottnest Island has seen significant renewal, receiving further funding for key infrastructure and development of visitor amenities in recent years,” the Government said.
“This has included more than $100 million for major upgrades to the Island’s energy and water networks, roads and jetties.”
It said $6.7 million was spent improving visitor amenities at the Settlement Mall last year as well as one of the Island’s premier beaches at The Basin.
“The projects, part of a joint investment by the State and Commonwealth Governments, included the addition of a spectacular new sculpture in 2021 to welcome visitors to Wadjemup and the $1 million refurbishment and renaming of the Island’s museum in 2020.”
Minister for Tourism, Roger Cook said Wadjemup provided 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.
“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,” Mr Cook said.
“Many sectors across the State are working through the recovery phase post-COVID. The revised RIMP will take this new operating environment into consideration,” he said.
He said the 2023-2027 RIMP would assist the Rottnest Island Authority to recast and refocus, building on the successes that have been achieved.
