The plan to guide management of Rottnest Island will be reviewed as part of the COVID-19 recovery strategy.
The new Rottnest Island Management Plan (RIMP) 2023-2027 will replace the current plan which was due to expire in December 2024.
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.
This has included more than $100 million for major upgrades to the Island’s energy and water networks, 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.
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.
The RIMP is a statutory requirement of Rottnest Island Authority and sets out the key focus areas, initiatives and strategies for the next five years in managing the Island and its associated waters.
The new draft RIMP will be open for community and stakeholder consultation before its expected completion in July 2023.
As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
“Wadjemup 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.
“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.
“Many sectors across the State are working through the recovery phase post-COVID.
“The revised RIMP will take this new operating environment into consideration.
“The 2023-2027 RIMP will assist RIA to recast and refocus, building on the successes that have been achieved.”
