The draft of the latest Rottnest Island Management Plan (RIMP) has been released for public comment.
The RIMP 2020-24 - which will come into operation on January 1, 2020 and expire on December 31, 2024 - encapsulates the Rottnest Island Authority's approach to managing the Island and its associated waters.
It also sets out Rottnest Island Authority's priorities for the next five years.
The draft RIMP 2020-24 has been divided into four strategic focus areas:
- Diversify the visitor base and enhance visitor experience;
- Strengthen Island infrastructure and services;
- Engage with the Island's environment and cultural heritage; and
- Establish new ways of doing business.
The focus areas are supported by 18 proposed key initiatives designed to promote new developments and business opportunities on the Island, while retaining the Island's character and accessibility.
The key initiatives reflect an ongoing commitment to sustainability principles in all aspects of the Island's management and signal a renewed focus on the Island's heritage, in particular to address issues associated with the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground and the former Aboriginal Prison (the Quod).
Public submissions close on October 25, 2019 and can be made at the Rottnest Island Authority website.
Published in conjunction with the RIMP 2020-24 is an updated version of RIA's 20-Year Vision Rottnest Island Master Plan, which has been revised to reflect changes that have occurred over the past five years and to conform with the new priorities identified in the draft RIMP 2020-24.
For further information or to lodge a submission, visit http://ria.wa.gov.au/
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"I encourage all Western Australians who care about Rottnest Island to make a public submission on the draft RIMP 2020-24.
"The draft RIMP 2020-24 is different from its predecessors because it has been produced at a time when the Island is experiencing unprecedented growth in visitor numbers.
"It also follows the opening of the Discovery - Rottnest Island eco-resort, the first significant new visitor accommodation on the Island in about 30 years.
"These successes have brought their challenges, including how to ensure that a significant increase in visitor numbers remains compatible with preservation of the Island's environmental and heritage values.
"One of the central considerations over the next five years will be how we pay homage to the Island's heritage, particularly in relation to the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground and the former prison.
"Other management aspect include how to maintain and manage increasing demand on the Island's assets and infrastructure, such as roads, jetties, visitor and staff accommodation and the Island's utility services."
