WA Govt invests $150.5m towards vital Rottnest Island infrastructure upgrades

Western Australia’s iconic tourism destination, Rottnest Island, will be seeing several improvements that will enable the island paradise to continue meeting the expectations of visitors and future operational demands. 

Through the 2024-25 State Budget, the Western Australian Government is investing $150.5 million towards essential infrastructure upgrades. 

The significant funding includes $98.5 million to be spent over the next eight years for planning and development of new staff accommodation for businesses on the island. This is the single biggest investment by the State Government into Rottnest Island. 

Building new staff accommodation on the island will help attract more staff and allow operations to continue outside ferry timetables, ultimately enabling island businesses to provide better services to visitors. 

“Rottnest Island is a globally recognised tourism destination for WA. To continue meeting the increasing popularity of the island, it’s essential we invest in infrastructure to support island operations and safety. 

“A vital part of the success of any tourism destination are the businesses that operate around it. 

“We know that increasing staff accommodation for local businesses on Rottnest Island will only further support them to grow and provide better services to visitors, while also strengthening the island’s economy,” Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

The investment also includes $15.8 million to upgrade wastewater infrastructure across the island, $31.9 million for the relocation of barge and freight operations from Main Jetty to South Thomson Bay along with the redevelopment of the Army Groyne. 

Relocating barge and freight operations will help reduce overlapping activities at the Main Jetty while also improving safety by reducing interactions between vehicles and pedestrians. This will also provide visitors with a more welcoming arrival point. 

The remaining $4.3 million from the funding will be spent to resurface the runway and install perimeter fencing at Rottnest Airport. 

The new funding commitment into essential infrastructure will ensure the island remains a destination of choice for both tourists and Western Australians. 

“Of course, we’re also focused on improving operations to provide that seamless experience for visitors, which is why we’re allocating nearly $32 million to relocate barge and freight operations from the Main Jetty to South Thomson Bay. 

“We’re also investing significantly in upgrading wastewater infrastructure, plus facilities at the airport. 

“These improvements being committed as part of the 2024-25 State Budget further highlight our Government’s focus on Rottnest Island, to ensure it remains a destination of choice for travellers and locals,” Minister Saffioti said. 

The investment builds on the $168.7 million for infrastructure improvements across Rottnest Island, including electricity, water, and tourism facilities. 

Rottnest Island saw nearly 800,000 visitors arrive by ferry in 2023, with visitors over the summer period enjoying pop-up recreational offerings including parasailing, scenic flights, pop-up eateries, a water taxi, and holiday care for children. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; The Urban Developer; So Perth; Rottnest Island Authority