Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 Table of Contents

Foreword 2 CHARTS

PART A. BACKGROUND Chart 1 Rottnest Island Reserve 5 Chart 2 Unvested Lands on Rottnest Island 9 1. Introduction 4 Chart 3 Terrestrial Zoning Scheme 21 2. Development of the Plan 7 Chart 4 Settlement Planning Scheme 24 3. Format of the Plan 8 4. Definition of the Area 9 FIGURES 5. Policy Context 10 Figure 1 4 6. Roles and responsibilities of Western Australian 12 Rottnest Island Authority Organisation Structure Government Bodies Figure 2 62 PART B. MANAGEMENT PLANNING Total Number of Visitors to Rottnest Island Arriving by Commercial Ferry or Aircraft (1997/98 - 2001/2) 1. Introduction 16 Figure 3 62 2. Reserve Zoning Plan and Settlement Planning Scheme 18 Occupancy of Rottnest Island Accommodation per Month 3. Terrestrial Environment 32 1996/97 - 2001/2) 4. Marine Environment 42 5. Cultural Heritage 50 TABLES 6. Holiday and Recreation Services and Facilities 61 Table 1 Activities and Developments Permitted in 20 7. Marine Recreation and Facilities 78 the Rottnest Island Terrestrial Zones 8. Community Involvement and Relations 88 Table 2 Rottnest Island Landscaping Materials 30 9. Visitor Support Services 90 Table 3 Rottnest Island Vegetation Types 38 10. Infrastructure and Utilities 93 Table 4 Marine Habitats of Rottnest Island 42 PART C. IMPLEMENTATION Table 5 Accommodation Charges 68 Table 6 Summary of Recreational Mooring Trial System 83 1. Introduction 101 2. Legislation 102 APPENDICES 3. Research 103 Appendix 1 110 4. Resources and Funding 104 Principles Guiding the Development of the 5. Implementation 105 Reserve Zoning Plan and Settlement Planning Scheme 6. Review and Public Reporting 106 Appendix 2 111 Implementation Timelines and Responsibilities References 108

Acknowledgements 129

1 Foreward Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 2 Foreword individuals, community groups, private more than700submissions from the RottnestIslandAuthorityreceived Draft ManagementPlaninJune 2002, 2003-2008. Followingtherelease ofa Rottnest IslandManagementPlan process involvedincompilingthe were animportantconsiderationforthe These different interests andviewpoints managed intothefuture. and whowanttoensure itiseffectively Rottnest Island’s facilities andservices, wide rangeofpeoplewhoenjoy different areas ofinterest reflect the a conservationinitiative.These out aresearch project or participatingin taking partinaspecialevent;carrying enjoying itsscenicnaturalbeauty; include relaxing inacoastalsetting; people visitRottnestIsland.These There are alotofdifferent reasons why or anextendedstay. and overseas,whogothere fortheday, Australians, andvisitorsfrom interstate special placebythemanyWestern Rottnest Islandisfondlyregarded asa Minister forTourism The Hon.CliveBrown MLA community welloverthenextfiveyears. produced thatwillservethebroader participation hasenabledaPlantobe Draft ManagementPlan.Your active and organisationthatresponded tothe I wouldalsoliketothankeachperson various stages,toitscompletion. development ofthePlanthrough commitment inguidingthe Island Authority, fortheirvisionand Members andstaff oftheRottnest I wouldliketoacknowledgetheBoard values forthecomingfiveyears. environmental, socialandeconomic commitment tomaintainingtheIsland’s Rottnest IslandAuthority’s the ManagementPlandemonstrate Recommendations containedwithin you haveenjoyedit. future generations ofvisitors-justas and sustainably, soitcanbeenjoyedby unique style,tobemanagedeffectively Australia, wantyourIslandtoretain its you, thecommunityofWestern Overwhelmingly, wehaveheard that organisations andthepublicsector. Part A. Background

1. Introduction 4 2. Development of the Plan 7 3. Format of the Plan 8 4. Definition of the Area 9 5. Policy Context 10 6. Roles and Responsibilities of Western Australian Government Bodies 12

3 Part A. Background Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 4 Authority (theAuthority) asastatutory (the Act)creates theRottnestIsland The and Powers 1.2.1 OrganisationStructure 1.2 ROTTNESTISLANDAUTHORITY exposed rocks adjacenttoitscoast. and includesseveralsmallerIslands hectares ofseasurrounding theIsland Reserve constitutesapproximately 3810 swamps. Themarineportionofthe and 200hectares ofsaltlakesand hectares ofclassified‘Settlement’area hectares inarea, containing200 terrestrial area isapproximately 1859 Rottnest IslandReserve and thesurrounding sea(refer terrestrial componentoftheIslanditself Reserve (theReserve)containsthe The boundaryoftheRottnestIsland Land AdministrationAct1997 an A-ClassReservedeclared underthe kilometres wideatitswidestpoint.Itis 11 kilometres longandlessthan5 approximately east-westorientation,is kilometres westofFremantle. Itliesinan 32º00 Sandlongitude115º30E,18 Australiaatlatitude coast ofWestern Rottnest Islandislocatedonthesouthwest every year. 500,000 peoplevisitRottnestIsland visitors.Approximately international a populardestinationforinterstateand W r Rottnest Islandisoneofthemostpopular 1.1 BRIEFDESCRIPTION 1. Introduction ecreation andholidaydestinationsfor estern Australianfamilies,andisalso estern Rottnest IslandAuthorityAct1987 ). The . Chart 1- Figure 1:RottnestIslandAuthorityOrganisationStructure apersonexperiencedinconserving • than onememberis: Members are appointedsothatnotless also appointsaDeputyChairman. the Minister. TheMinisterforTourism the Governor, alsoonthenominationof and fiveothermembersappointedby nomination oftheMinisterforTourism onthe appointed bytheGovernor The AuthorityconsistsofaChairman tomaintainandprotect thenatural • toprotect thefloraandfaunaof • toprovide andoperaterecreational • following purposes: to control andmanagetheIslandfor The ActgivestheAuthoritypower r body tocontrol andmanagetheIsland, eporting totheMinisterforTourism. the environment; allow, repair itsnatural environment. extent thattheAuthority’s resources r environment andtheman-made Island; and and holidayfacilitiesontheIsland; Conservation andPlanning esources oftheIslandand,to Interpretation Services Planning andProjects Risk Management Ranger Services Education and Director Environment Heritage Marketing andCommunications Chief ExecutiveOfficer Accommodation Services T ourist Services Mooring Services V Director isitor Services apersonwhoisregular userofthe • apersonwithsoundcommercial • apersonexperiencedinpreserving • Authority OrganisationStructure Figure 1-RottnestIsland Services, asillustratedin T Conservation andPlanning; managed underthree directorates: Rottnest IslandAuthoritystaff are r staff of117 people,whichmayvaryin supported intheseoperationsbya Island. TheChiefExecutiveOfficer is operations andmanagementofthe of theAuthority, oftheday-to-day administration, subjecttothecontrol and isresponsible forthe Public SectorManagementAct1994 Authority isappointedunderthe The ChiefExecutiveOfficer ofthe Island forrecreational purposes. experience; and buildings ofhistoricvalue; esponse toseasonalrequirements. ourist Services;andBusiness Contract Management Business Services Information Services Lease Management Human Resources Director Finance . Chart 1: Rottnest Island Reserve

5 Part A. Background Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 6 • The Authorityhasthree goals: 1.3.3 Goals&Strategies environment anduniqueheritage.’ while sustainingtheIsland’s natural W ‘Rottnest Islandprovides holidaysfor The missionis: 1.3.2 Mission W preserved forfuture generationsof unique RottnestIslandexperiencebe r The vision 1.3.1 Vision www.rottnest.wa.gov.au viewed ontheAuthority’s website Rottnest IslandStrategicPlanmaybe articulated intheStrategicPlan.The initiatives tothedirections andpriorities (RIMP) givesdetailandspecific Rottnest IslandManagementPlan mission, goalandstrategies.This incorporates theorganisation’s vision, guidance ofitsStrategicPlanwhich The Authorityoperatesunderthe STRATEGIC PLAN 1.3 ROTTNESTISLAND • • eflects thecommunity’s wishthatthe estern Australiansandothervisitors estern Australians. estern We holiday experiencethatisaccessibleto Rottnest Islandprovides aunique sustainable andbeneficial totheIsland. r The Authorityconductsitsbusiness as amodelofsustainability; heritage are conservedandenhanced Rottnest Island’s environment and esponsibly andinawaythatis stern Australiansandothervisitors; stern Rottnest: ForeverMagic , •P • • and vision.Thesestrategiesare: meet thesegoalsinlinewiththemission Fifteen strategieshavebeenadoptedto •P •P •P •W • •P •P • • • • • customer needs; Base decision-makingprocesses on Rottnest Islandethos; Conserve andprotect theunique Rottnest Islandholidayexperience; r and protected; Island’s heritageisunderstood community toensure thatRottnest natural andbuiltenvironments; protect and conservetheIsland’s processes andhumanactivityto Manage theimpactofnatural Rottnest Island; on RottnestIsland; W Island’s naturalandcultural heritage; visitors intheprotection ofthe with thecommunity andstakeholders. Develop Rottnest Islandinconsultation to theRottnestIslandexperience; and Build onthecontributionofvolunteers services onasustainablebasis; Develop, operateandmaintain Island of theAuthorityandRottnestethos; Community withthestrategicgoals Align servicesprovided bytheBusiness Island operations; Secure aresource baseforRottnest unique RottnestIslandenvironment; services thatpromote knowledgeofthe ecreational experiences; r r r r r r ovide equitableaccesstothe ovide enjoyableholidayand eserve andenhancetheamenityof ovide affordable optionsfor omote theactiveparticipationofall ovide informationandeducation ork with the Western Australian ork withtheWestern estern Australianfamiliestostay estern r summary ofthe operations contains astatement ofpoliciesanda Island ManagementPlan2003-2008 In accordance withtheAct,Rottnest Management Planwasrequired. that thedevelopmentofanew Management Plan1997-2002indicated A review oftheRottnestIsland develop anewManagementPlan. amendment, amendtheexistingPlan,or to reinstate theexistingPlanwithout of thePlan,Authoritymaydetermine after itsapproval. Basedonthereview the Reserve,nolaterthanfiveyears ability tomeetthestatutorypurposesof each ManagementPlanintermsofits The Actdirects theAuthoritytoreview period offiveyears. Aut statutory doc Plan. TheManagementPlanisagazetted Island in Authority directsAct The thattheRottnestIsland MANAGEMENT PLAN OF THEROTTNESTISLAND 1.5 STATUTORY BASISANDTERM pressures andlossesinrecent years. r process of beingrepaid. Theseloan loans toberaisedthatare nowinthe Authority overmanyyearshavecaused Financial pressures experiencedbythe r expenses. Theorganisation’s financial generated from operationstomeet words, sufficient revenue istobe Authority isself-sufficient. Inother framed intheexpectationthat Island AuthorityAct1987 The financialprovisions ofthe 1.4 FINANCIALPOSITION ecommended to beundertaken. epayments haveaddedtothefinancial esults are reported inAnnualReports. ho ri ty accordance with aManagement in control andmanage the

its ument thatdirects the

management overa (the Act)are Rottnest 2. Development of the Plan

The methodology adopted to develop PHASE 1 - Review of Previous Administration Office. The availability of the Rottnest Island Management Plan Management Plan the Draft Management Plan was 2003-2008 is based on the advertised with posters around the The development of the Plan requirements of the Rottnest Island Island and public comment forms commenced with the review of the Authority Act 1987 (the Act). placed in all accommodation units. Rottnest Island Management Plan The development of this Management 1997-2002. This included both an Over the three month consultation Plan can be described in four phases. internal review of that Plan and a period, the Authority held five public community comment process. meetings to further clarify issues with the community and generate further PHASE 2 - Draft Rottnest Island awareness of the Draft Management Management Plan and Community Plan. In addition, representatives of the Consultation Phase Authority conducted and attended Based on key inputs from community numerous other meetings with special consultation, a review of the previous interest groups. Management Plan, and a review of all Comments that were faxed, posted operations and functions, a Draft or delivered to the Authority prior to Rottnest Island Management Plan was the closing date were accepted as prepared for community consultation. formal submissions on the Draft The Authority released the Draft Management Plan. Management Plan for community PHASE 3 - Analysis of Community consultation for a period of three Consultation and Finalisation of months commencing 27 June 2002. Management Plan As specified by the Act, the release of the Draft Management Plan was At the close of the consultation period, published in the Government Gazette the Authority summarised, collated and and advertised in two issues of analysed public submissions and revised The West Australian newspaper. A the Draft Management Plan in the further two public advertisements were context of this analysis. A Community placed in The West Australian newspaper Consultation Report was compiled by approximately one month prior to the the Authority, and a final Draft close of the consultation period. The Management Plan was forwarded to Draft Management Plan was forwarded the Minister for Tourism for approval. to identified interest groups and PHASE 4 - Ministerial Approval relevant government departments. Members of the public were able to This Plan has been approved by the request a copy of the Draft Minister for Tourism, and is now in Management Plan and also view it on operation. It will direct the the Authority’s website. Copies were management activities of the Authority available for viewing at the Salt Store on for the next five years, from 2003-2008. the Island and in the Fremantle

7 Part A. Background Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 8 policies andlegislation. r r overview oftheAuthority, itspowersand the process andscopeofthePlan,an section whichprovides background on Part A 2003-2008 comprisesthree sections. The RottnestIslandManagementPlan 3. FormatofthePlan ole of other government bodies, ole ofothergovernment esponsibilities andanoverviewofthe (this section)istheintroductory comprehensively. will begainedifthisPlanisread nature of theseissues.Greatest value r are made inthedocumenttoguide are linked. Numerous cross-references management issues,sectionsofPartB level ofcomplexityandinter-related It shouldbenotedthatduetothehigh commitment tosustainability. provides anoverviewoftheA Utilities. Support ServicesandInfrastructure and Involvement andRelations,Visitor Recreation andFacilities,Community Recreation ServicesandFacilities,Marine Cultural Heritage,Holidayand Environment, MarineEnvironment, Planning Scheme,Terrestrial Reserve ZoningPlanandSettlement has beendividedintoChaptersof: Plan. InPartB,theIsland’s management Part B eader tounderstandtheconnected is thecore oftheManagement The introductory chapter of The introductory chapterof uthority’s Part B and monitoringofprogress. r funding, resourcing, priorities, implementation ofthePlanincluding Part C esponsibilities, timeframes,reporting provides theframeworkfor 4. Definition of the Area

This section describes the spatial Within the boundary of the Reserve, Department for Planning and boundary of Rottnest Island for the there are several small land blocks not Infrastructure. The Main Passenger jetty purposes of the Rottnest Island currently vested in the Authority. These was licensed to the Authority in mid Management Plan 2003-2008 include Swan locations 12523, 12524, 2002 and processes have commenced (refer Chart 2 - Unvested Lands on 12525, 12526 and 12667, that are to improve the operation of this facility. Rottnest Island). vested in the Minister for Planning and The scope of the Management Plan also Infrastructure; and Swan locations The Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987 includes the airspace above the Reserve. 10613, 10750 and 10614 that are states that the Reserve is: It is acknowledged that this area is not unallocated crown lands. These land (a) ‘The land containing 1,859 hectares vested in the Authority; however, there portions will be considered part of the comprising Swan Location 10976 is an interest in influencing those using Reserve for the purposes of the on Department of Land the airspace to ensure that their Management Plan, as action is in place Administration Plan No. 16860; and behaviour is consistent with the to have them vested in the Authority. (b) The waters comprising Swan management of the land and water on Location 11022 as shown, at the All jetties on the Island, apart from the which it impacts. commencement of this Act, on Green Island Jetty at Nancy Cove, are Department of Land Administration licensed to the Authority from the Plan No. 16932, including the sea-bed and subsoil beneath such waters, being Reserve No. 16713 in the records of the Department of Land Administration.’

Chart 2: Unvested Lands on Rottnest Island

9 Part A. Background Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 10 management issuesin is provided insectionsrelating tospecific appropriate, furtherdetailonthesepolicies the managementofRottnestIsland.Where policieswhichinfluence International There are numerous State,Nationaland 5. PolicyContext • • • operations onRottnestIslandinclude: policiesrelevant to International 5.1 INTERNATIONAL POLICY exist ontheIsland. wetlands worthy ofRamsarlisting been suggested,however, that management oftheIsland.Ithas Convention isnotrelevant tothe W Convention). International Importance(Ramsar Convention ofWetlands of breeding orroosting location. which useRottnestIslandaseithera species listedintheseconventions species. There are migratorybird provide protection formigratorybird Convention). Animals (CMSorBonn of MigratorySpeciesWild Convention ontheConservation (JAMBA &CAMBA),and Extinction andtheirEnvironment Birds andinDangerof for theprotectionofMigratory Governments ofJapanandChina Government ofAustraliaandthe Agreements betweenthe the heritageassetsofRottnestIsland. the protection andinterpretation of Charter provides astandard guidefor CulturalTourismInternational T ICOMOS InternationalCultural ourism Charter. etlands onRottnestIsland,this These conventions As there are noRamsar The ICOMOS Part B of thisPlan. • • Rottnest Islandoperationsinclude: Key nationalpoliciesthatinfluence 5.2 AUSTRALIANPOLICY • (Rio Convention). Convention ofBiologicalDiversity and systems. and maintainecologicalprocesses which istoprotect biologicaldiversity with thegoalofNationalStrategy, This ManagementPlanisconsistent Act1999 Biodiversity Conservation Environment Protectionand through theCommonwealth The strategyisinpartimplemented following itsratificationin1993. the outcomesofRioEarthSummit r Biological Diversity. Conservation ofAustralia’s National Strategyforthe Rottnest Island. apply towrecks inthewatersof Archaeology Act1973 as Statelegislation,the Historic ShipwrecksAct1976 to thisCharterisreflected inthe (ICOMOS). Underwater CulturalHeritage Protection andManagementof International Charteronthe Biological Diversity. the ConservationofAustralia’s developing theNationalStrategyon subsequently implementeditby this Conventionandhas epresents Australia’s commitmentto Australia’s commitment Australia ratified This strategy , bothofwhich Maritime , aswell . • • Management Plan. will beappliedwithin this Rottnest Island’s heritageassetsand Charter principlesare relevant to definition ofgoodpractice.The Burra processes thatare intendedasa contains conservationprinciplesand any intervention.TheCharteralso be establishedandjustifiedpriorto each place,andconservationplansto and requires thistobedefinedfor past, present andfuture generations,’ historic, scientificorsocialvaluefor cultural significance,the‘aesthetic, also introduces theconceptof adaptation andcompatibleuse.It r maintenance, preservation, place, fabric,conservation, list ofdefinitionsitemssuchas Charter. Itincludesacomprehensive and isotherwiseknownastheBurra Significance wasdevelopedin1981 Conservation ofPlacesCultural ICOMOS Charterforthe The BurraCharter. r and interpretation andlocal and culturalsustainability, education the naturalenvironment, ecological the majorelementsofecotourismas ecotourism inAustraliaandidentifies management ofandplanningfor addresses issuesassociatedwiththe ecologically sustainable environment andismanagedtobe interpretation ofthenatural tourism thatinvolveseducationand defines ecotourismas The NationalEcotourismStrategy National EcotourismStrategy. estoration, reconstruction, egional benefits. The Australian nature based . TheStrategy • Native Title. Native Title describes 5.3 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN between the government and the the rights and interests of Aboriginal STATE POLICY volunteering community. The and Torres Strait Islander people on compact is currently being developed Key state policies that influence land and water according to their in consultation with the community. Rottnest Island operations include: traditional laws and customs. There The compact will support the value of • Western Australian Sustainability have been a number of Native Title volunteers and encourage volunteering Strategy. In response to the claims over Rottnest Island, and there in Western Australia. Many volunteer international and national direction to is currently one claim that includes groups are active contributors to the consider sustainability as a driving the Island. The claim, by the management of Rottnest Island. The issue for all operations, the Combined Metropolitan Working compact will guide the Authority in its Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Group (CMWG), covers the entire continued effort to embrace and State Sustainability Unit (SSU) is in the metropolitan area. This claim was enhance the contribution of process of developing a State registered under the Native Title Act volunteers to the Island. Sustainability Strategy for Western 1993 in May 1993 and is yet to be • State Commitment to a New and Australia. The Draft Sustainability determined. Just Relationship between the Strategy was released for public • The Commonwealth Disabilities Government of Western Australia comment in September 2002. The Discrimination Act 1992. The and Aboriginal Western Australians. Authority will operate in accordance Commonwealth Disabilities In October 2001 the Chair of the with the policies and principles and Discrimination Act 1992 aims to ATSIC State Council and the Western other guidelines determined in the provide uniform protection against Australian Premier signed a resultant State Sustainability Strategy. discrimination for all people with Statement of Commitment to a new • Nature Based Tourism Strategy 1997. disabilities in Australia. The Act and just relationship between the The Nature Based Tourism Strategy requires that people with disabilities Government of Western Australia 1997 is the result of a joint effort by be able to access any building or and Aboriginal Western Australians. the tourism industry, the Western facilities that the public is entitled to The Statement of Commitment sets Australian Tourism Commission and enter and use, and have access to any out an agreed set of principles and a the Department of Conservation and services and facilities provided in process for improving the relationship Land Management. The Strategy those facilities. The Act applies to all between and the delivery of provides the framework for the levels of Government and the private government services to Aboriginal development of an industry that will sector, including all Rottnest Island people in Western Australia. deliver long term and wide ranging services and infrastructure. • State Disability Services Act 1993. benefits to Western Australians and The State Disability Services Act 1993 visitors through nature based tourism requires State Government public opportunities. As a destination for authorities to have a Disability Services nature based activities, the Authority Plan and to report on the implementation is guided by this Strategy. of the Plan’s access initiatives each • Western Australian Volunteering year in their Annual Reports. Compact. A key commitment of the Western Australian Government’s Valuing Volunteers policy was to develop a compact that will provide a framework for effective cooperation

11 Part A. Background Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 12 Pollution which provides themechanism Committee forCombating MarineOil W Department chairsandsupports the all vesselsinStateTerritorial waters.The r Planning andInfrastructure has the jetties. Through theadministrationof safety standards, markerbuoysand boating regulations includinglicensing, Infrastructure isresponsible forall The DepartmentforPlanningand of theRottnestIslandReserve. both theterrestrial andmarineportions Infrastructure playsasignificantrole in The DepartmentforPlanningand AND INFRASTRUCTURE 6.1 DEPARTMENT FORPLANNING Island. Theseare describedbelow. particularly relevant role toRottnest bodiesthathavea several Government applicable onRottnestIsland.There are bodiesare of otherGovernment by thisAct.Theroles andresponsibilities conferral ofanypowerontheAuthority of theIslandinAuthorityor vesting ofthecontrol andmanagement to, theIslandisnotaffected bythe of otherwrittenlawto,andinrelation The Actalsostatesthattheapplication make regulations inthisregard. The Authorityalsohasthepowerto the IslandunderthisAct with themanagementandcontrolof convenient tobedoneinconnection or to doallthingsthatarenecessary states thattheAuthority‘ The Australian 6. RolesandResponsibilitiesofWestern esponsibility forensuringthesafety of estern Australian (NationalPlan)State estern Marine Act1982 Rottnest IslandAuthorityAct1987 Government Bodies Government the Departmentfor .’ has thepower Rottnest Island,underthe maintenance ofallgazettedroads on Infrastructure isalsoresponsible forthe The DepartmentforPlanningand marine pollutionincidents. to coordinate themanagementof Island’s operations. r to undertakevariousinspections health officers visittheIslandregularly emergency incidents.Environmental festivals, specialeventsand health considerationsinrelation to has arole inaddressing environmental management. TheDepartmentalso control, chemicalcontrol andbuilding health education,wastedisposal,pest control, foodsafety, diseasecontrol, environmental monitoring,pollution Department ofHealthhasarole in As partofitsmandate,the standard atalltimes.’ maintained atthehighestpossible the provision ofenvironmental healthis and residents ofRottnestIslandsothat Authority, businesscommunity, visitors health servicetotheRottnestIsland efficient andeffective environmental to RottnestIslandis‘toprovide an The Department’s objectiveinrelation health standards onRottnestIsland. r 1987 Under the 6.2 DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH Act 1974 esponsible formonitoringenvironmental elating totheseareas ofthe , theDepartmentofHealthis . Rottnest IslandAuthorityAct Road Traffic of theIsland’s groundwater resources. ensuring theprotection and conservation Department willalsoberesponsible for W be withtheDepartmentofEnvironment, and RiversCommission,whichwill now Environmental Protection andtheWater agreement withtheDepartmentof and thelandfillsiteoperateunderlicence the watersupply, wastewatertreatment Several RottnestIslandoperationssuchas protection oftheenvironment. Environment onissuesrelating to provide advicetotheMinisterfor marine andterrestrial pollutionand This newDepartmentwillcontrol Australia BeautifulCouncil. and RiversCommissiontheKeep Environmental Protection, theWater the amalgamationofDepartment Catchment Protection willbeformedby Department ofEnvironment, Water and Australia.The agency forWestern and naturalresource management integrated environmental protection iscreating anew The StateGovernment CATCHMENT PROTECTION ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND 6.4 DEPARTMENT OF Island staffed byresident PoliceOfficers. Police Serviceoperatesastationonthe Rottnest Islandanditswaters.The emergency managementprocedures on agency intheenforcement oflawand Australian PoliceServiceisthelead 1892 number ofActs,includingthe r AustralianPoliceServiceis The Western POLICE SERVICE 6.3 WESTERNAUSTRALIAN esponsible fortheapplicationofa ater andCatchmentProtection. This , onRottnestIsland.TheWestern Police Act 6.5 DEPARTMENT OF 6.7 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN 6.8 DEPARTMENT OF INDIGENOUS CONSERVATION AND LAND MUSEUM AFFAIRS MANAGEMENT The major functions of the Western The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 is The Department of Conservation and Australian Museum are to preserve administered by the Department of Land Management (CALM) was significant and representative examples Indigenous Affairs. The Department is established under the Conservation and of Western Australia’s heritage for the responsible for the administration of Land Management Act 1984. The enrichment of present and future Aboriginal sites of significance and of Department of Conservation and Land generations; investigate the natural and indigenous material culture. Management administers the Wildlife cultural world; and share ideas and Rottnest Island is the location of 17 Conservation Act and Regulations 1950 information on natural and cultural Aboriginal sites and the Authority has a that aim to conserve Western Australia’s heritage through a variety of public responsibility to notify the Department native flora and fauna. The Act can also programs. The WA Museum consists of of Indigenous Affairs of any developments allocate special status to species, several branches, a number of which that may have an impact on these sites. providing a higher level of protection. have a role on Rottnest Island. Additional sites may be located as a Native terrestrial flora and fauna that The Western Australian Museum’s result of further study or ground exist in the Reserve are protected maritime division is responsible for the disturbing work on the Island, or new under this Act, meaning that they protection of pre-1900 shipwrecks and information may come to light requiring may not be injured, killed or removed artefacts under the Marine Archaeology the extent of some sites to be revised. from the Island. Act 1973. Shipwrecks over 75 years old 6.9 HERITAGE COUNCIL OF 6.6 DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES are declared and protected under the WESTERN AUSTRALIA Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks The Department of Fisheries is Act 1976. These Acts combine to The Heritage Council of Western responsible for the management of protect valuable State and Australia is the State’s advisory body on Western Australia’s fish, marine and Commonwealth maritime heritage heritage and was established through aquatic resources and pearling industry, sites, both above and below the water. the Heritage of Western Australia Act while protecting and conserving the The two Acts aim to preserve the 1990. The Heritage Council encourages various related ecosystems. The integrity of Australian shipwrecks for and provides for the conservation of responsibilities and the management the benefit of the community’s present places that are significant to the cultural tools are provided to the Department and future generations. heritage of Western Australia. through its primary legislation, the Fish The Authority is responsible for the Resources Management Act 1994. The Western Australian Museum conservation of a large number of through the Museum Act 1969 also has In particular, the Department of significant cultural heritage places the task of documenting the fauna of Fisheries manages and regulates representing the layers of historical Western Australia. The Western commercial and recreational fishing use of the Island. Many of these sites Australian Museum’s Natural Science activities within the marine portion of are listed on the Western Australian division has undertaken considerable the Reserve and has the lead role in Heritage Register. Any development work in documenting the marine fauna enforcement of fisheries legislation. of or interference to these listed of Rottnest Island. places requires approval from the Heritage Council.

13 Part A. Background Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 14 development andgrowth. opportunity forpositiveStatetourism familiarisations, andbyproviding andagent facilitating visitingjournalist providers toandfrom RottnestIsland, the WATC inliaisingwithtransport campaigns. TheAuthorityworkswith the WATC initsStatepromotional Island isoftenfeatured inhighprofile by the State’s tourisminfrastructure. The destination andconsidered aniconof Rottnest Islandisanattractive Australia. in Western development andmarketingoftourism body responsible forthepromotion, andisthepre-eminent Government Australian authority oftheWestern Commission (WATC) isastatutory AustralianTourismThe Western TOURISM COMMISSION 6.10 WESTERNAUSTRALIAN Mining Act1978 Resources istheadministratorof The DepartmentofIndustryand AND RESOURCES 6.11 DEPARTMENT OFINDUSTRY universally accessibleIsland. development ofRottnestIslandasa Rottnest IslandAuthoritytoassistthe provides informationandadvicetothe The DisabilityServicesCommission COMMISSION 6.12 DISABILITYSERVICES activities onthetitleswhengranted. mining titlesandtomonitorassess for StateDevelopmenttoallocate Department’s role toassisttheMinister proposals maybepresented. Itisthe approved ontheIslanditself,such that significantminingwouldeverbe 1967 . Althoughitisconsidered unlikely and Petroleum Act the 1988 the is astatutoryauthoritydeclared under Australia(FESA) Authority ofWestern The Fire andEmergencyServices EMERGENCY SERVICES 6.13 DEPARTMENT OFFIREAND and RescueService. r Regulations. Theprivatebrigadeis in accordance withtheFire Brigades a registered PrivateBrigadewithFESA Fire Service onRottnestIslandhasbeen r Island facilitiesfortheprotection of and fire and publicsafetyadviceon emergency servicesonRottnestIsland FESA provides trainingforthe Fire BrigadesAct1942 eferred to astheRottnestIslandFire esidents andvisitors.Since1999,the Bush FiresAct1954 Act Fire andEmergencyServices and alsoadministersthatAct, . and the Part B. Management Planning

1. Introduction 16 2. Reserve Zoning Plan and Settlement Planning Scheme 18 3. Terrestrial Environment 32 4. Marine Environment 42 5. Cultural Heritage 50 6. Holiday and Recreation Services and Facilities 61 7. Marine Recreation and Facilities 78 8. Community Involvement and Relations 88 9. Visitor Support Services 90 10. Infrastructure and Utilities 93

15 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 16 Rottnest Islandis clearlyarticulated. that theconcept ofsustainabilityon community. Therefore, itisimportant provides Australian totheWestern Island andtheservicesfacilities it ensure thesustainabilityofRottnest is therequirement andcommitmentto Plan, theunderlyingprincipleofthisPlan r factors thathaveinfluencedthe Although there havebeenmany the resultant recommendations. are documented,inconjunctionwith background informationandissuesthat that thereader considersthe in thisManagementPlan,itisimportant management strategiesrecommended greatest levelofunderstandingthe Reserve are specified.To gainthe r documented andrecommendations provided, keymanagementissuesare chapter, necessarybackground is each Infrastructure andUtilities.Within V Community InvolvementandRelations, Marine Recreation andFacilities, Recreation ServicesandFacilities, Cultural Heritage,Holidayand Environment, MarineEnvironment, Planning Scheme,Terrestrial Reserve ZoningPlanandSettlement separately inthefollowingsections: areas of theAuthorityare addressed documented. Themajormanagement the Islandovernextfiveyearsis and thedirection ofmanagementfor operations oftheIslandare explored Management Plan.Inthissectionthe Part Bisthecore sectionofthe 1.1 GENERAL 1. Introduction ecommendations ofthisManagement elevant tothemanagementof isitor SupportServicesand of theRottnestIsland experience The maintenance andprotection Australians. Island forWestern promoted ahighlevelofaccesstothe practices oftheAuthoritythathave heavily basedonthemanagement natural amenityandspace.Itisalso much dependentonahighdegree of and family-orientedexperience,very the self-directed, simple,nature-based ethos" andcanbedescribedintermsof value isoftencalledthe"RottnestIsland understood bytheAuthority. Thissocial The socialvalueofRottnestIslandiswell social experience Maintenance oftheRottnestIsland Management Plan. r following driversofthe interpretation hasgeneratedthe for future generations.This r the Islandinawaythatensures thatits the Authoritywillcontrol andmanage Rottnest Islandsustainabilitymeansthat effects in alldecisionmaking.For economic, socialandenvironmental to integrateshort-andlong-term Sustainability istheconceptthatseeks concept toRottnestIsland. demonstrate therelevance ofthis commitment tosustainabilityand the Authoritytoformaliseits development ofthisPlanhasallowed management ofRottnestIsland.The always beenadominantfactorinthe The elementsofsustainabilityhave OF SUSTAINABILITY 1.2 ROTTNESTISLANDASAMODEL ecommendations containedwithinthis esources andexperiencesare available Island visitors. methods tomanage theimpactof space, andtotheexplorationof of resources suchaspower, waterand approach tothemanagementanduse implementation ofaprecautionary factors combinetojustifythe r sustainable levelofuseIsland use oftheseresources. Furthermore, the potential impactsassociatedwiththe there are complexities,expensesand constrained thanonthemainlandand The Island’s resources are more Capacity Precautionary Managementof a keyfocusofthisPlan. fundamental goalofsustainabilityand enhancement oftheseresources isa continued management,repair and W values thatreflect themanyfacetsof has highlysignificantculturalheritage terrestrial andmarineresources. Italso with manysignificantandvaluable Rottnest IslandisanA-classReserve Environment andHeritageAsset Protection oftheNatural r and provide aqualityholidayand essential elementsoftheRottnestethos and improvements thatretain the style andrangeofservicesfacilities, development, maintainingthecurrent on specifiedlimitstofurther These recommendations are based to recommendations inthisPlan. maintain thissocialexperiencehasled sustainability, andtheobjectiveto is animportantaspectofachieving esources isnotwelldefined.These ecreation experience. estern Australia’sestern development.The Generation of Viable Economic 1.2.1 Recommendations Environment • Develop Rottnest Island as a model The Rottnest Island Authority faces of sustainability. financial pressures that constrain and limit its operations. During the life of the • Develop and commence Plan the Authority will seek to improve implementation of an its operations, increase its revenue and interpretation strategy that allows continue to meet its obligations to visitors to fully appreciate and provide affordable family holiday understand the values of the Island, services and conserve the natural and and which communicates its built environment. sustainable management practices. • Promote, demonstrate and Management of Seasonality integrate environmental of Visitors technologies where they meet the The highly seasonal nature of activity social and cultural requirements of and business on Rottnest Island has the Island and are economically environmental, social and economic viable and relevant. implications. The high numbers of visitors during peak times can have an impact on the social amenity of the Island, and can also potentially lead to environmental impacts through excessive demand on resources. This seasonality also leads to economic issues such as the need to manage staff levels and deal with heavy resource demands in peak times and low turnover in off-peak times.

Demonstration of Sustainability through Interpretation The demonstration of sustainable management on Rottnest Island through a range of interpretative vehicles is a key element of the Authority’s vision of sustainability. This will be achieved through an interpretation strategy that allows visitors to fully appreciate and understand the values of the Island and how their actions and activities impact on those values.

17 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 18 Settlement Planning Scheme. into theReserve been reconsidered andincorporated r Scheme. Relevantoutcomesand Plan andtheSettlementPlanning used asinputsintotheReserveZoning previously forRottnestIslandhavebeen Several plansthathavebeenprepared management ofRottnestIsland. direction tothedevelopmentand have beendevelopedtogivelong-term Plan andSettlementPlanningScheme Management Plan,theReserveZoning developed inthecontextoffive-year Although thesespatialplanshavebeen • • understandinghowdifferent parts • important foranumberofreasons: management ofRottnestIslandis developing spatialplansforthe for theSettlement.Theconceptof for theReserveandPlanningScheme This sectiondescribestheZoningPlan Planning Scheme 2.1.1 PurposeoftheZoningPlanand 2.1 INTRODUCTION 2. ReserveZoningPlanandSettlementPlanningScheme ecommendations ofthoseplans have facilities are provided. ensure that appropriate servicesand and naturalenvironment andto and functionaluseismadeofthebuilt is alsoimportanttoensure thatoptimal at thescaleofSettlement,planning ad hocdecisions; made, reducing thethreat ofcostly, long-term strategicdecisionsare planning inthismannerensures that environment andwitheachother; activities are compatiblewiththe the creation ofZonesthatensure of theReserveare beingusedallows Zoning Plan and in overriding principlesthatare contained Plan wasbasedonanumberof The developmentoftheReserveZoning Rottnest IslandAuthority Act1987 the Reserveasestablished bythe not reflect thecompleteobjectivesof ‘ Rottnest IslandA-ClassReserve is The current gazettedpurposeofthe 2.2.2 PurposeoftheReserve boundary oftheReserve. understanding ofthelocation r boundary bywayofgeo-positioning boundary oftheReserve.Describingits given pointisinsideoroutsidethe Marine Reservetodeterminewhethera unmarked, itisdifficult forusersofthe is irregular, marinebasedand points. Consideringthatthisboundary terms ofgeo-positioningreference charts, currently itisnotdescribedin boundary iswellillustratedonmapsand It isnoteworthythatalthoughthe life ofthisManagementPlan. the boundaryofReserveduring intention ofproposing amendmentsto boundary. TheAuthorityhasno current Rottnest IslandReserve been nopressures todeviatefrom the Definition oftheArea discussed in The boundaryoftheReservewas Island ReserveBoundary 2.2.1 DefinitionoftheRottnest BOUNDARY 2.2 ROTTNESTISLANDRESERVE public recreation eference pointswouldimprove the Appendix 1 Part A,Chapter4- . ’. Thispurposedoes . There have , • AmendtheRottnest IslandReserve • Definetheboundary oftheRottnest • 2.2.4 Recommendations lands hascommenced. The transferofresponsibility forthese Unvested LandsonRottnestIsland Infrastructure (refer the MinisterforPlanningand crown lands andfiveblocksvestedin include three blocksofunallocated controlled bytheAuthority. These the Reservethatare notvestedinor There are areas withinthe boundaryof Authority 2.2.3 Areas NotVested inthe Rottnest IslandAuthorityAct1987 Reserve to:forthepurposesof amendment tothepurposeof matter andtheAuthorityispursuingan consideration hasbeengiventothis fully reflect thissituation.Further amendment totheReservepurpose 1997-2002 recommended an The RottnestIslandManagementPlan of thenaturalandman-maderesources. protection and,where possible,repair and faunathemaintenance which includetheprotection offlora Rottnest IslandReserve. 10613, 10750and10614intothe 12524, 12525,12526,12667, Rottnest IslandAuthorityAct1987 purpose to‘forthepurposesof geo-positioning datapoints. Island Reserveintermsofaseries Incorporate SwanLocations12523, Chart 2- . .’ ). 2.3 ROTTNEST ISLAND RESERVE 2.3.2 Terrestrial Zoning Plan Activity Nodes: Areas outside the ZONING PLAN Settlement Zone that are managed for 2.3.2.1 Description of low to medium level activity compatible 2.3.1 Current Zones Terrestrial Zones with the environmental and social values The Island is currently separated into The zoning system for the terrestrial of those areas. Within these Nodes, public three Zones that were established in the environment is a formalisation and facilities will be provided for medium scale Rottnest Island Management Plan documentation of existing management functions, events and activities. These 1997-2002. These are the Settlement measures and uses of the Island and areas will relieve the Natural Zone of Area, Natural Area and Marine Area. does not propose new uses or activities pressure from such activities and from for any areas. This system will ensure the effects of the construction of public These Zones recognise the division that necessary facilities are provided facilities and services. between the Settlement area that throughout the Island without impacting includes Thomson Bay, Geordie- on the amenity and experiences that are Activity Nodes include Oliver Hill, Longreach-Fays Bays and Kingstown, valued by Rottnest Island visitors. Wadjemup Hill Lighthouse area, Parker and the natural area where the Point, Salmon Point, Parakeet and Little provision of accommodation is not This will be achieved by implementing Parakeet Bay, City of York Bay, Green permitted. They also recognise the the following zones as illustrated in Island, Strickland Bay, Narrow Neck, division between the land and sea that is Chart 3 - Terrestrial Zoning Plan . Stark Bay and West End Boardwalk area. These areas generally contain existing self-evident. Settlement Zone: The limit of the built facilities capable of providing for Settlement area that includes As specified in the Rottnest Island low to medium level activity. Authority Act 1987, accommodation Geordie/Longreach and Fays Bay, development is limited to the Settlement Thomson Bay and Kingstown. This Zone Wadjemup Hill and Oliver Hill contain Zone (displayed in Chart 2 - Unvested represents an area of high intensity of heritage items and buildings of Lands on Rottnest Island). Development use where the development of significance that may lend them to in any other area of the Island can only accommodation facilities is permitted. becoming areas of increased activity occur if approved by the Minister or if The boundary of the Settlement Zone is outside the Settlement Zone. The provided for in this five-year Management still relevant to the management of Authority is considering the Plan. The limit of the Settlement Zone is Rottnest Island and will be maintained development of these areas to enhance well illustrated on charts but has not for the life of this Plan, although there is the visitor experience. been defined geographically. a need to define this geographically.

The Authority has identified a need for a Natural Zone: The area that is more comprehensive planning scheme managed for conservation and low level that provides greater definition of the activity compatible with the terrestrial and marine environments, to preservation of environmental values. appropriately manage natural resources The majority of the area outside the and activities throughout the areas. Settlement Zone is classed as the Natural Zone, and contains several smaller areas of Activity Nodes, Permanent Environmental Exclusion Zones and Temporary Environmental Exclusion Zones.

19 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 20 life ofthePlan. determined andimplementedoverthe Environmental ExclusionZoneswillbe exact locationofPermanent level ofprotection iswarranted.The within theSettlementZone,where this anywhere ontheIsland,including wetlands. SuchZonesmaybelocated as fragileandecologicallysignificant freshwater environmental valuessuch purposes ofprotecting terrestrial and environment closedpermanentlyforthe Permanent: Environmental ExclusionZone, 4. Limitedforthepurposeofconservationandriskmanagement. 3. Approved functionoreventsIncluding weddings,parties,conferences, festivalsandsportingevents. 2. Escorted Access-onlypermittedwhileinthecompanyofaRottnestIslandAuthorityOfficer 1. PublicAccess-Available tothepublic. Notes: comdto e oN oNo No No Special No Yes Yes No Environmental Environmental ActivityNodes NaturalZone Yes SettlementZone Approved EventsandFunctions V Built Facilities(otherthanaccommodation) Accommodation Escorted Access Public Access Activity T hceAcs o eintdrasadtak ny e e e Special Yes Yes Yes ehicle Access(ondesignatedroads andtracksonly) able 1:ActivitiesandDevelopmentPermittedintheRottnestIslandTerrestrial Zones e.g. organisedtourorescortedpartyofasmallernature. Areas oftheterrestrial 1 2 3 warranted. Zone, where thislevelofprotection is Island, includingwithintheSettlement Zones maybelocatedanywhere onthe areas and seasonalbreeding areas. Such r environmental valuessuchasfordune protecting terrestrial andfreshwater temporarily forthepurposeof environment closedperiodicallyor T Environmental ExclusionZone, ehabilitation, protection ofplantation emporary: e e e oNo No Yes Y Yes Ye Yes sN e oNo No es NoYes sY Areas oftheterrestrial sYsSpecial Yes es Rottnest IslandTerrestrial Zones Development Permittedinthe described in development intheseZonesare Management ofactivitiesand implemented asrequired. Exclusion Zoneswillbedeterminedand location ofTemporary Environmental harsh erosion processes. Theexact seabirds andareas thatare subjectto areas, areas being usedbymigratory Zones willincludewoodlandrestoration T emporary Environmental Exclusion xlso oe ExclusionZone, Exclusion Zone, emnn Temporary Permanent T able 1-Activitiesand 4 4 4 Special Special Special 4 4 4 . Chart 3: Terrestrial Zoning Plan Chart 3: Terrestrial

21 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 22 r to ensure thatconflictsbetween There isaneedtomanagetheReserve a widevarietyofrecreational pursuits. highly popularrecreation area, usedfor and socialvalue.Thisresults initbeinga contains manyfeatures ofconservation The marineportionoftheReserve 2.3.3 MarineManagementStrategy • • Investigatethefeasibilityof • ImplementtheTerrestrial Zonesas • DefinetheRottnestIslandSettlement • 2.3.2.3 Recommendations disseminating informationtovisitors. and investigateothermechanismsof There is a needtorationalisesignage Settlement ZoneandtheNaturalZone. Rottnest Islandbothwithinthe amenity. There are numerous signson negatively impactontheIsland’s information forvisitorsbutcanalso Effective signageisakeyformof 2.3.2.2 Signage ecreational pursuitsare addressed and plan forRottnestIsland. Develop andimplementasignage maritime andenvironmental heritage. Node fortheinterpretation ofmilitary, development ofOliverHillActivity Investigate thefeasibilityof maritime andenvironmental heritage. Node fortheinterpretation ofmilitary, development ofWadjemup HillActivity Rottnest IslandTerrestrial Zones Development Permittedinthe with Zones, andmanageinaccordance T Activity NodesandPermanent Settlement Zone,Natural Zoning Plan described in geo-positioning datapoints. Zone boundaryintermsofaseries emporary Environmental Exclusion T able 1-Activitiesand Chart 3-Terrestrial that comprisethe . • Rottnest IslandReserve Marine Reserveinclude(refer Current formsofmanagementthe that environmental valuesare protected. users oftheReserve, whileprotecting its quality experience amongrecreational equity ofaccessandopportunity fora The Authorityiscommittedtomaximising further measures toprotect theReserve. investigate theneedtoimplement marine managementregime and Authority wishestoreview thecurrent activity thatoccursintheReserve.The marine environment giventhelevelof aboutthehealthof is concerned the Reserve.Furthermore, theAuthority effective atprotecting socialvaluesof the marineenvironment, butare less designed toprotect naturalvaluesof These managementmeasures are • - Other recreational- Other fishing - Commercial RockLobster Western - Speargun prohibition withina - Two no-fishingzoneswithinthe Bodies W Roles and Act 1994 the Fishing regulations gazettedunder and nodaylightfishing. zoned fornoanchoring,boating all ofLittleParakeetBayandtheBasin Bay, Longreach Bay, MarjorieBayand Portions ofThomsonBay, Geordie Department ofFisheries. implemented andenforced bythe r of theReserve; fishing prohibition withinaportion portion oftheReserve; Kingston ReefandParkerPointReef; marine portionoftheReserve: egulations thatare developed, senAsrla Go estern Australian Fishing ResourcesManagement ), including: (refer Responsibilities of Part A,Chapter6- ): vernment Chart 1- • • • • •V • ArrivalandDeparture Precinct (1) • Planning Scheme illustrated in to core function.Theprecincts are of precincts thatare separatedaccording Settlement Zoneandisbasedonaseries limited totheboundaryof The SettlementPlanningSchemeis 2.4 SETTLEMENTPLANNINGSCHEME • • 2.3.3.1 Recommendations purpose, of‘publicrecreation.’ inconsistent withitsexplicit Commercial fishingwithintheReserveis consultation withrelevant stakeholders. with theDepartmentofFisheriesandin strategy willbepursuedincoordination Act 1994 r may involvethedevelopmentof a marinemanagementstrategy, which be pursuedthrough thedevelopmentof environmental values.Thisobjectivewill egulations underthe (6a, 6b,6c) Services andOperationsPrecincts Kingstown Precinct (5) Staff AccommodationPrecinct (4) (3a, 3b,3c,3d) Commercial Precinct (2) Department ofFisheries. fishing incoordination withthe Pursue restrictions oncommercial consultation withrelevant stakeholders. Department ofFisheriesandin values, incoordination Reserve, protecting itsenvironmental r quality experienceamong equity ofaccessandopportunityfora management strategythatpromotes Develop andimplementamarine Recreation Precincts (7a,7b,7c) ecreational usersoftheMarine isitor AccommodationPrecincts . Themarinemanagement Chart 4-Settlement . Theseare: Fish Management with the legislated For each precinct, this Plan provides a 2.4.1.2 Issues • For first-time visitors to Rottnest Island, description of the area, documents Issues associated with the management orientation to Island services and issues associated with the management of the Arrival and Departure Precinct include: facilities can be difficult. This is a whole of the area and makes recommendations • The vistas of the Island as viewed from of Island issue but is most prevalent in for management. the Arrival and Departure Precinct the Arrival and Departure Precinct. 2.4.1 Arrival and Departure Precinct have high historical and social value. • The absence of elements which aid in • The Arrival and Departure Precinct is the direction of flow of visitors from 2.4.1.1 Description in need of appropriate shelter for the jetty can lead to congestion at The Arrival and Departure Precinct is passengers waiting to board ferries. service points during peak times. that part of the Settlement Zone that • Access from the jetty through the • There is an absence of a central facility includes the first contacts both visually Arrival and Departure Precinct has for orientation and interpretation. and physically, for visitors to the Island. improved in recent years; however, • Signal Hill is a fragile area that The ‘arrival’ sequence and how it has areas of conflict involving is susceptible to erosion caused evolved is very much a part of the pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles still by trampling. Rottnest Island experience. The remain. Conflict areas include the departure sequence is also significant. 2.4.1.3 Recommendations jetty, the barge area, Colebatch • Develop the Arrival and Departure Key elements of this precinct are the Avenue and the road from the base of Precinct to provide for a visitor- Main Passenger Jetty, Visitor and the jetty to the Visitor and friendly experience. Information Centre, Accommodation Information Centre, particularly the • Investigate and implement methods Office and the seawall. This precinct also crossover on this road between the to improve the orientation of visitors includes the vacant land on the western Visitor and Information Centre and arriving on the Island to their required side of Colebatch Avenue, between the Dôme Café. These conflicts will Henderson Avenue and Forrest Avenue. first point of contact and other points continue to be managed by the around the Island. Two of the Settlement’s most prominent Authority over the life of the Plan by • Establish appropriate shelter for ferry landscape features also fall within the developing and enforcing vehicle no- passengers in the Arrival and bounds of the Precinct: Signal Hill and go and no parking areas. Departure Precinct. the hill south of the Tearooms. These • The temporary solution of two lanes • Develop a conceptual model for a two features provide natural landscape on the jetty to relieve congestion and purpose-built interpretation facility breathing spaces. conflict between visitors and the on Rottnest Island. luggage and barge functions appears Buildings and lands in this precinct will • Seek external funding for the be reserved for facilities and services to be effective, and the Authority will establishment and operation of an that support the arrival function. As the consider mechanisms to formalise interpretation facility on Rottnest precinct contains the primary point of and improve this remedy. Island in consultation with relevant arrival to and departure from the Island, •Vehicle movement and parking on groups with a historical interest in the landscape and materials used here Henderson Avenue adds to the Island. ‘set the scene’ and should thereafter be congestion in this precinct and • Develop and implement a strategy for employed consistently throughout the unnecessary movements will be Signal Hill to reduce erosion from area of the Settlement Zone. prohibited by the Authority to reduce trampling and to manage risk issues. this problem.

23 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 24 2.4.2 Commercial Precinct • The library service is a valuable but 2.4.3 Bathurst Visitor under-utilised asset of the Island Accommodation Precinct 2.4.2.1 Description experience. This precinct surrounds the Arrival and • The Commercial Precinct contains 2.4.3.1 Description Departure Precinct and forms the staff accommodation that is The Bathurst Visitor Accommodation commercial core of the Settlement inappropriate for this area. Precinct is the northernmost Zone. The precinct includes three main • Some shops have limited accessibility accommodation area within Thomson areas that are the retail shopping area; to people with disabilities. Bay. The Bathurst Visitor the dining area including the Dôme Accommodation Precinct is very popular 2.4.2.3 Recommendations Café and the Tearooms; and the with Island holiday-makers. • Maintain the Commercial Precinct Rottnest Island Hotel and Lodge area. to provide commercial services At the north of Bathurst Precinct are the It should be noted that the Rottnest to enhance visitor experience Bathurst Lighthouse and Lighthouse Island Hotel is not only an important and improve access for people Keeper’s Cottage. These buildings are area of the Commercial Precinct, but with disabilities. highly significant from a heritage also forms a significant visual element of • Investigate the feasibility of the perspective and are also an important the arrival vista as it has always been one construction of a vehicular route and highly recognisable symbol of of the most visible elements of the connecting the Service Precinct 6a to Rottnest Island. Settlement from the sea. the Golf Club and the south side of the Settlement to link the north and 2.4.3.2 Issues This precinct also includes Heritage south of the Settlement, eliminating Several issues are associated with the Common, adjacent to the retail the need for vehicles to move through management of the Bathurst Visitor shopping area, that is used for events the core pedestrian area. Accommodation Precinct: and is a visual extension of the shopping • Investigate the feasibility of • The coastline of this precinct is a area. The museum and library are also establishing an additional food outlet particularly hazardous area, included in this precinct. in the Commercial Precinct, which experiencing potentially dangerous provides value-for-money food rockfalls; and as a result it has been 2.4.2.2 Issues options utilising and promoting fenced along its full length. • The continued preservation and Issues associated with the management Western Australian produce. conservation of the Lighthouse and of the Commercial Precinct include: • Develop and implement strategies to Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage is a • Bicycle riding through the mall enhance the library service. high priority. continues despite signs at all entry • Develop and implement strategies to points that indicate that riding in this enhance the museum service. 2.4.3.3 Recommendations area is prohibited. • Manage the Bathurst Visitor •Vehicular traffic through the Accommodation Precinct to provide Commercial Precinct is higher than visitor accommodation. preferred because there is no •Provide appropriately designed beach alternative route to service the shops access paths and approaches in the and accommodation north of the jetty. Bathurst Visitor Accommodation Precinct. • The museum service is a valuable • Maintain and preserve the Bathurst but under-utilised asset of the Lighthouse and Lighthouse Island experience. Keeper’s Cottage without additional development.

25 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 26 Accommodation Precinct. the NorthThomson Visitor camping cabinsare alsolocatedwithin The campingground andtwoareas of Part B,Chapter5-CulturalHeritage the IslandwasanAboriginalPrison (r established duringtheperiodin which significant Aboriginalburialgrounds This precinct alsocontainsthehighly its culturalandhistoricalvalues. careful integrationofthelandscapeand of thesurrounding environment with that itbeconsidered withinthecontext prominence ofthisprecinct requires permeability isdesirable.Thevisual r makers through theprecinct, andthe Curved, meanderingroads leadholiday- experience intermsoffacilityandform. holiday interpretation ofthemodern early beachfront villasrepresent thebest accommodation intheSettlement.The This precinct containstheearliestfamily cottages havebeenrecently upgraded. brick cottages.Mostofthe with 50s-erabuildingsandanarrayof exist inarefurbished statesideby Island’s landscape.The1920sbungalows is oneofthefirstvisibleelements The front row ofvillasatNorthThomson oldest intactstreetscape inAustralia. seawall thathavebeenrecognised asthe the cottagesandroad abovethe the area Way, ofVincent includingboth Perhaps themostsignificantoftheseis particularly highnumberofheritagesites. Accommodation Precinct containsa The NorthThomsonVisitor 2.4.4.1 Description 2.4.4 NorthThomson etention ofthisrandomapproach and efer ). • • • • Precinct includesthefollowingissues: Accommodation Thomson Visitor The managementoftheNorth 2.4.4.2 Issues • • • 2.4.4.3 Recommendations • (refer inappropriately locatedforthisarea accommodation thatis Chapter 5-CulturalHeritage This issueisaddressed in this vicinitythatrequire protection. and there maybefurtherlocationsin burial grounds hasbeenquestioned inappropriately locatedinthisprecinct. The Hire ServicesShedandoffices are and Facilities Holiday andRecreationServices addressed in The managementoftheseareas is Streets and theAllisonCampingCabins. particularly unitsonKellyandAbbott accommodation unitsinthisprecinct, V Barracks totheNorth Thomson the Youth Hostelfacilityfrom Kingstown Commercial Precinct. the ServicesPrecinct orthe V the Office from theNorthThomson visitor accommodation. Accommodation Precinct toprovide Accommodation Precinct. the NorthThomsonVisitor location ofYouth HostelFacilitiesin This area currently containsstaff The fullextentoftheAboriginal There are notably degraded Relocate theHire ServicesShedand Manage theNorthThomsonVisitor There are opportunitiesforthe Investigate thefeasibilityofrelocating isitor Accommodation Precinct. isitor AccommodationPrecinct to Section 2.4.7 Part B,Chapter6- . of thisChapter) Part B, . • • • 2.4.5.3 Recommendations • • • Precinct includesthefollowingissues: Accommodation Thomson Visitor The managementoftheSouth 2.4.5.2 Issues nature of itsoccupancywell. location. Thearea isquietandsuitsthe this precinct occupyahighlydesirable young families.Thewaterfront unitsin an accommodationarea favoured by Accommodation Precinct isprincipally The SouthThomsonVisitor 2.4.5.1 Description 2.4.5 SouthThomson Accommodation Precinct. South ThomsonVisitor Accommodation Precinct. designated accesswaysandstairs the beachviapurpose-built visitor accommodation. Accommodation Precinct toprovide stock intheSouthThomsonVisitor controlled inthisarea. protection from furtherdevelopment. erosion pressures andrequires dune systemthatissubjecttobeach accommodation units. r Accommodation Precinct has Monitor beacherosion inthe in theSouthThomsonVisitor Continue toprovide accessto Manage theexistingaccommodation Beach accessmustbeappropriately This precinct isadjacenttoafragile The SouthThomsonVisitor eached itscapacityintermsof 2.4.6 Geordie, Longreach 2.4.7 Staff Accommodation Precinct 2.4.7.3 Recommendations and Fays Bay Visitor • Develop a Plan for a dedicated Staff Accommodation Precinct 2.4.7.1 Description Accommodation Precinct including Some Island staff are accommodated in the relocation of staff from other 2.4.6.1 Description the area defined in this Plan as the Staff precincts to this area. Geordie, Longreach and Fays Bay Visitor Accommodation Precinct. However, • Investigate the feasibility of the Accommodation Precinct provides a there is also a large number of staff who development of an additional road unique style of accommodation, and all are inappropriately accommodated along the Railway Track to limit the units have an exceptional outlook. The throughout the Settlement area, use of Parker Point Road by vehicles. accommodation here is constructed adjacent to visitor accommodation and very close to the shoreline. A bus service commercial facilities. It is proposed to 2.4.8 Kingstown Barracks Precinct caters for visitor movement. develop this area, which currently has 2.4.8.1 Description the highest concentration of staff housing, 2.4.6.2 Issues Kingstown Barracks nestles between Management of the Geordie, as a Staff Accommodation Precinct. the primary dunes of the Bickley Point Longreach and Fays Bay Visitor This area is defined by Parker Point Road headland. The use of Kingstown Accommodation Precinct includes the to the north and contains Barracks as budget accommodation for following issues: accommodation to the east of Brand groups and as an education centre has • Geordie, Longreach and Fays Bay Way in addition to the power house seen its facilities maintained but not accommodation requires residences to the west of Brand Way. restored or improved. refurbishment. This is addressed under This is the precinct where the majority of Part B, Chapter 6 - Holiday and This precinct has several significant the Island’s residents currently live. Recreation Services and Facilities. values. It is a military heritage site of • The design of roads in this area Much of the existing accommodation is note. Kingstown Barracks was built in has led to inconsistent traffic set back from the road or in landscaped 1938-39, during World War II, and at movement patterns. areas and has poor amenity and the time it was the only military building • Beach access is a critical management landscape conservation value. Between established offshore in Australia (refer issue in this fragile coastal area. dwellings, the landscape has been Part B, Chapter 5 - Cultural Heritage). • Fays Bay headland is highly degraded. allowed to deteriorate. More recently, Kingstown Barracks has 2.4.6.3 Recommendations become the location of the Island’s • Manage the Geordie, Longreach and 2.4.7.2 Issues Environmental Education Centre that Fays Bay Visitor Accommodation Precinct Issues associated with development of a forms a significant part of many schools’ to provide visitor accommodation. Staff Accommodation Precinct include: education programs. A hostel facility • Review and realign roads, tracks and • Staff are currently accommodated, and commercial catering centre are also traffic flows in the Geordie, sometime inappropriately, in located at Kingstown Barracks. Longreach and Fays Bay Visitor other precincts. Accommodation Precinct to improve • Parker Point Road is the main amenity and traffic flow. pedestrian and bicycle track out of the • Improve beach access in the Geordie, Settlement Zone to this precinct but Longreach and Fays Bay Visitor is also heavily used by vehicles. Accommodation Precinct. • Some staff accommodation is in •Restore and rehabilitate poor condition. Fays Bay headland.

27 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 28 • • 2.4.8.3 Recommendations • • • • of KingstownBarracksPrecinct include: Issues associatedwiththemanagement 2.4.8.2 Issues and improves itseconomicviability. opportunities fortheuseofthisarea Barracks thatcapitalisesonother Develop abusinessplanforKingstown primarily forschoolgroups. Environmental EducationCentre Kingstown Barracksasan Maintain andimprove theuseof significant heritagebuildings. a numberofhighmaintenance Kingstown BarracksPrecinct contains at thislocation. visitors, otherthanthosestaying well interpreted andutilisedby at certaintimesoftheyear. by themanyschoolsthatutilisethem. Kingstown Barracksare highlyvalued The educationservicesprovided at Kingstown Barracksisnot Kingstown Barracksispoorlyutilised • 2.4.9.3 Recommendation •M • and ServicesPrecinct include: management oftheOperations Issues associatedwiththe 2.4.9.2 Issues the boundaryofSettlementZone. landfill islocatedatForbesHill,outside proposed windturbine.Finally, the collection tanks,andisthesitefora area, desalination plantsandwater contains thebituminisedcatchment area located around MtHerschel plant justsouthoftheBasin.Athird contains thewastewatertreatment second ServiceandOperationarea r Precinct andcontainsthebusdepot, west oftheStaff Accommodation service compoundthatislocatedtothe Settlement Zone.Themainarea isthe three ofwhichare containedwithinthe Rottnest Islandcomprisesfourareas, The ServiceandOperationPrecinct on 2.4.9.1 Description 2.4.9 ServiceandOperationPrecinct ecycling facilityandpowerplant.A Operation Precinct. impact around theServiceand Control noise,odourandvisual to minimisepotentialimpacts. areas require ongoingmanagement the walktoVlaminghlookoutandthese these appeartobewellmanaged. associated withsuchfacilities;however, are typically amenity concerns Potential noise,odourandvisual aterial collectionareas are visiblefrom functions andevents. Army Jettycanbeutilisedforrecreation, area intheimmediatevicinityof barge landingsiteisnotrequired, the extensive periodswhenitsfunctionasa special goods.However, duringthe deliverysiteforlarge-scale alternative be maintainedandutilisedasan months. There isaneedforthisarea to here dangerous onsomedaysinwinter jetty area, seaswellwouldmakelanding W bargelandinglocation. alternative has previously beenproposed asan Precinct istheArmyJettyarea. Thisarea The third area oftheRecreational Country Clubrecreation area. used inquiteadifferent mannertothe Country Clubandovalarea, butare Recreation Precinct adjacenttothe The BasinandPinkysBeachcomprisea Settlement Zone. significant area forrecreation withinthe Club. Thisarea couldbedevelopedasa the ovalandRottnestIslandCountry dominant recreational facilities,namely area isthat containingthetwo separated intothree areas. Themajor events. TheRecreational Precinct is facilities forsports,holidayactivitiesand The Recreational Precinct willcontain 2.4.10.1 Description 2.4.10 Recreation Precinct ithout structuralmodificationtothe 2.4.10.2 Issues 2.5 ROAD DESIGN AND VEHICLE USE 2.5.2 Vehicles Issues associated with the management 2.5.1 Roads and Tracks of the Recreation Precinct include: 2.5.2.1 Background • There is congestion in the Vehicles are prohibited on the Island 2.5.1.1 Background Commercial Precinct and Arrival and except for those necessary for the Roads and tracks are used by visitors as Departure Precinct because of the operation of facilities and services, and pathways for exploring the Island. large number of facilities and services the low number of vehicles is Roads and tracks formalise and located within those areas. considered a major attraction for streamline visitor access to sensitive The development of an additional visitors. The Authority operates bus and outer bay and inland areas and are recreational sub-centre, near the coach tour services, and visitors and therefore considered environmental Country Club, containing a significant residents are not permitted to bring management tools. Roads and tracks number of services and facilities, vehicles to the Island. also provide access for Island staff to may draw people away from carry out environmental management 2.5.2.2 Issues existing congested precincts and tasks and access for emergency purposes. lead to a greater utilisation of the Issues associated with the management of vehicles include the following: Country Club area. 2.5.1.2 Issues •Limited promotion and the absence Issues associated with the management • There are visitor complaints about the of grassed fairways reduce the of roads and tracks include: number of vehicles. The amount of popularity and utilisation of the • There are many tracks that have been vehicle movement is increased by the Country Club and Golf Course. created outside the Settlement Zone very high level of movement created • The Recreational Precinct may be which are not necessary for the by luggage delivery and collection developed to provide the necessary protection of the Island and are and cleaning of accommodation. facilities to satisfy the current creating a negative environmental • Some vehicles are over-sized for their perceived need for youth oriented and aesthetic impact. intended use and the style of many is activities on Rottnest Island. • There is a demand for further urban and not consistent with the development of the Island’s coastal Island’s relaxed environment. 2.4.10.3 Recommendations walking trail, although its extension • Insufficient designated parking-bays • Develop and implement a plan for the beyond Narrow Neck could impact on results in vehicles parked in development of a Recreation Precinct values in that location. inappropriate, highly visible areas in based around the Country Club. • As there is no stormwater drainage the Settlement Zone. The creation of •Promote and enhance golf on system, hardened surfaces such as designated parking places for Island Rottnest Island and undertake a roads and paving may increase the operations would reduce this impact. potential for water erosion. feasibility study into the sustainable 2.5.2.3 Recommendations The Authority manages this issue greening of the golf course, with a • Restrict vehicle numbers, size and in the establishment of new view to implementation. type to the minimum required to carry hardened surfaces. out necessary operations and actively 2.5.1.3 Recommendations encourage alternatively powered • Review, rationalise and where vehicles, as replacements are required. necessary realign tracks in areas outside Settlement Zone. • Extend and enhance the existing Rottnest Island coastal walk trail.

29 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 30 • 2.6.3 Recommendation • include thefollowing: landscape materialsontheIsland Issues associatedwiththeuseof 2.6.2 Issues Island LandscapingMaterials. documented in periods ofdevelopmentincludingthose the SettlementZoneoverseveral of landscapinghavebeenintroduced to among others.Various different styles r within theSettlementZone,including Materials are required forlandscaping 2.6.1 Background 2.6 LANDSCAPEMATERIALS oadway, pavingandretaining walls landscape materialsforRottnestIsland. Implement anapproved rangeof sympathetic withheritageelements. employed andtheseshouldbe r There is a needtobeconsistentwith espect tothelandscapingmaterials Fences Timber post and rail; Timber post andrailwire meshwhere postandrail;Timber required Timber foranimalexclusion Grass,reticulated, woodchipped, sand Unitformat‘RottnestCrete’; Limestonepavingslabs Limestoneand/orrendered brickinpaintedRottnestIslandochres Softblackbitumen;stabilised crushed limestone/sand Blackbitumen LandscapeMaterial Blackbitumen;stabilised crushedlimestone/sand Fences Activity spaces Landscaping walls Paved areas Pathways Cycle/pedestrian ways Roadways Function T able 2-RottnestIslandLandscapingMaterials T able 2 - Rottnest • 2.7.3 Recommendation • the following: ontheIslandinclude public furniture Issues associatedwiththeprovision of 2.7.2 Issues and busstopfurniture. shade sheltersandotherseating,tables includes benches,playground furniture, the SettlementZone.Thismainly isprovidedPublic furniture throughout 2.7.1 Background 2.7 PUBLICFURNITURE heritage elementsofRottnestIsland. consistent withandsympathetictothe that meetscustomerneedsandis Settlement Zoneandaround theIsland for thepublicopenspacesof also befunctionaltomeetvisitorneeds. element oftheSettlementZoneand should besympathetictotheheritage provided,public furniture which Define and implement a furniture style Define andimplementafurniture There is a needtobeconsistentwith 2.8 SETTLEMENT VEGETATION 2.9 COLOUR 2.10 LIGHTING

2.8.1 Background 2.9.1 Background 2.10.1 Background

The Settlement Zone contains The Rottnest ochre colour is a highly Lighting is a definite requirement in the numerous plant species that, while recognisable element as it dominates Settlement Zone for visual and risk introduced, are of cultural heritage the colour-scape of the Island. The reasons. Lighting has been added to value. Plantings, including avenues of colour was introduced to cover the over a period of several years with no trees, create important ambience in the original whitewashed limestone walls comprehensive plan for location or style. Settlement Zone. which created an extreme glare. The 2.10.2 Issues colour was generated by adding rusted Vegetation at ground level within the nails to the wash and so originally there Issues associated with the management Settlement is minimal as a result of a was a range of different intensities of and provision of public space lighting on lack of water, quokka damage, overuse Rottnest ochre on the buildings of the the Island include the following: and dense shade. Island, although all were of a similar hue. • The progressive nature of lighting 2.8.2 Issues installations has resulted in a range of 2.9.2 Issues styles being used that has led to visual Issues associated with the management of Issues associated with the colour-scape inconsistency. the vegetation in the Settlement include: of the Settlement buildings include the • Inappropriate lighting could lead to • The maintenance of trees and their following: risk issues. associated vistas can only be • The use of the historical range of undertaken by inter-planting seeds 2.10.3 Recommendation colours on the Island adds historical from the existing stock, adapted to relevance and appropriate colour to • Develop and implement a lighting the Island’s harsh environment. the Settlement vista. plan that addresses location and • Lawned areas lead to enlarged style of lighting. population levels of quokkas as they 2.9.3 Recommendation utilise grass as a food source. • Define and implement a colour • Due to quokka grazing, fencing is an scheme that maintains the character essential element of landscaping. of Rottnest Island. • Lawn areas require a high level of irrigation that draws valuable water supplies away from essential demands.

2.8.3 Recommendations

• Retain existing Settlement vegetation including trees, ground cover and shrubs. • Maintain existing canopy lines within the Settlement Zone, particularly along the ocean frontage where they are a key element of the vista.

31 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 32 •P Island’s managementinclude: that statesthepurposesof the management charterisformalisedin The Authority’s environmental environmental valuesofRottnestIsland. enhancement andrestoration ofthe has beendevotedtotheprotection, Over recent years,substantialattention are altered from pre-settlement state. and distributionofmostcharacteristics landscape buttherelative abundance r terrestrial environment containsmany had overits170yearsofsettlement.The from themanyroles thattheIslandhas and 10,000years,ofinfluences from themainlandforbetween6,500 Island isareflection ofitsseparation The naturalenvironment ofRottnest 3.1 INTRODUCTION 3. Terrestrial Environment Recreation Services andFacilities. Scheme Plan andSettlementPlanning Part B Particularly relevant chaptersof management offacilitiesandactivities. Management Planthataddress the conjunction withotherchaptersofthis This sectionshouldberead in linked toenvironmental management. facilities andservicesisintrinsically The managementoftheIsland’s • eminders ofthepre-developed allow, repairing itsnaturalenvironment. extent thattheAuthority’s resources natural environment and,tothe Maintaining andprotecting the Island; and r Rottnest IslandAuthorityAct1987 otecting thefloraandfaunaof are , and Chapter 2-ReserveZoning Chapter 6-Holidayand north andnorthwest coasts.Thedunes coast andminor parabolicdunesonthe that occuronthesouthandsouthwest interface withextensiveparabolic dunes margins ofmostsandybaysand Foredunes occuratthelandward overlie muchofthelimestone. around themarginsofIslandand Holocene coastalduneshaveformed This occursatFairbridgeBluff. comprises fossilcoralandshellspecies. 120 to130thousandyearsagoand formed duringthelastinterglacialevent limestone flats.Marinewas parabolic dunestolow, gentlyundulating 1977). Theduneterrainvariesfrom high across the Island(Playford andLeech limestone formationthatisextensive have beencementedtoformtheTamala The highlycalcareous Pleistocenedunes 140,000 yearsago. Pleistocene andHoloceneperiodsupto limestone andsandformedduringthe Island iscomposedofmarineanddune The terrestrial componentofRottnest separated from themainland. 6,500 yearsago,theIslandbecame W was 130metres lowerthanatpresent. last Glacialperiodwhenthesealevel connected tothemainlandduring shelf nearPerth.TheIslandwas Islands andreefs onthecontinental ofachainlimestone northernmost Rottnest Islandisthelargestand 3.2.1 Background AND SOILS 3.2 GEOLOGY, LANDFORMS ith theriseinsealevelfrom 10,000to consisted ofatleast 10separateIslands. lakes. Atthattime RottnestIsland very welldisplayedaround thesalt level eroded ashoreline platformthatis metres higherthanitistoday. That sea ago whensealevelwasabout2.4 especially from 5,900to4,800years of highersealevelsintherecent past, the geologyofIslandisevidence One ofthemostimportantfeatures of on theNationalHeritageRegister. heritage significancehavebeenlisted Sites oflimestonewithgeological and terracesadjointhelakemargins. saline lakes.Shell,sandandmudflats marine connections,becamehighly 7,000 yearsagoandwiththeclosure of marine environments about6,500to to risingsealevels.Theywere sheltered that were subsequentlyinundateddue originated ascollapsedcaveformations of theIsland.Thesaltlakesprobably parts occurs inthecentralandnorthern A systemofsaltlakesandswamps consultation withtheAuthority. consideration ofsuchproposals, in Resources isresponsible forthe Island. TheDepartmentofIndustryand for explorationneartoorevenonthe may befuture proposals fortitlestoallow known gasandoilsource. Assuch,there the southcoasttoGeraldtonandisa geological structure thatextendsfrom The IslandoverliesthePerthbasin,alarge limited toprotect thisnaturalstate. use offertilisersintheNaturalZoneis the Islandare lowinnutrientsandthe development (Hespetal1983).Soilson in places,anddisplayminimalsoil are highlycalcareous, partiallylithified Four sites on Rottnest Island have been 3.2.3 Issues The Wadjemup Aquifer contains a lens proposed to be included in the Register of freshwater overlying a zone of saline Issues relevant to the management of of the National Estate. These are water. The top of the lens is at its highest the Island’s geological, landform and Fairbridge Bluff, Herschell Quarry, Salmon elevation about 0.35 metres above sea soil values include: Point, and elevated platforms that are level and the maximum thickness is about • The Island contains a number of probably areas that partially coincide with 10 metres. The zone of mixed water coastal formations that are a hazard the Rottnest Island lake formations. Three below the lens is about 15 metres thick. other areas that may warrant similar to visitors. This issue is addressed in recognition and protection are Barker Part B, Chapter 9 - Visitor Support The Wadjemup Aquifer has played a Swamp, Parker Point (including its Services. major role on the Island as a source of Pocillopora Reef) and Wilson Bay. •Erosion can threaten the geological potable water. Groundwater from the and landform value of coastal aquifer is abstracted via the Island’s Sensitive marginal habitats occur on the margins, and major erosion events are borefield system. Until recently the Island between major geological currently occurring in isolated areas of aquifer provided 70 percent of the Island’s formations. These are highly vulnerable to the Island. potable water supply. With the installation human impacts, particularly the coastal • As Rottnest Island is a low nutrient of a second desalination plant in 2002, areas and wetland margins. The Reserve environment, the addition of the proportion of water provided by the Zoning Plan recognises this vulnerability fertilisers requires careful aquifer has been reduced to 20 percent. and contains controls on development in management. There are several issues relevant to the sensitive marginal environments (refer abstraction of groundwater for potable 3.2.4 Recommendations Part B, Chapter 2 - Reserve Zoning Plan water supply and these are addressed in and Settlement Planning Scheme). • Develop and implement a strategy for Part B, Chapter 10 - Infrastructure the protection and rehabilitation of and Utilities. 3.2.2 Values coastal landforms. Although the Oliver Hill Aquifer includes • Review and implement the Rottnest Island has the following a small lens of potable groundwater, it is interpretation program featuring the geological, landform and soil values: insufficient to warrant development. • Sites of geological significance Island’s geology, landforms and soils. contained on the Register of the Surface Water National Estate and additional sites 3.3 HYDROLOGY Rottnest Island is the only Western that have been proposed for inclusion. Australian Island with naturally • Evidence of higher sea levels in the 3.3.1 Background occurring, permanent deep lakes. The recent past, especially from 5,900 to six permanent salt lakes are extensive, 4,800 years ago when the sea level Groundwater covering about 200 hectares or about was about 2.4 metres higher than it is The shallow unconfined aquifers on the 10.5 percent of the Island’s surface today, especially around the salt lakes. Island contain two significant (Playford and Leech, 1977) and ranging • Significance as the largest and freshwater lenses. One is located to the from two to seven metres in depth northernmost of a chain of limestone west of the central lighthouse and salt (Bunn and Edward, 1984). Islands and reefs on the continental lakes and is known as the Wadjemup Rottnest Island originally contained shelf near Perth. Aquifer. The other is located in the eight seasonally fresh to brackish • Geological formations of the Island vicinity of Oliver Hill, known as the ephemeral swamps that carried water in supporting a diverse range of Oliver Hill Aquifer. winter and dried out in summer. terrestrial habitats.

33 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 34 Island. Therelationship between the aquifer andother wetlandsonthe r to thataquifer. Research todate hasnot Lighthouse Swampmaybeconnected comm.). Similarly, theseepage at extent ofthisrelationship (Playford, pers r aquifer; however, more research is Swamp andtheIsland’s freshwater the freshwater seepagearound Barker There isapossiblerelationship between of thesaltlakes. occur ontheIslandaround themargins Frog Pool)andseveralfreshwater seeps (Garden North,Corio,GullWash and Finally, fourephemeralfreshwater pools life ofthisManagementPlan. scheduled forrehabilitation duringthe five swampsminedformarl,withthree schedule fortherehabilitation ofthe The Authorityhasrecently approved a undisturbed state. Barker Swampremains inanessentially (Saunders anddeRebeira,1993).Only the pastbeenmownononeside practices, andAerodrome Swamphasin previous golfcoursefertilisation nutrient enrichment,possiblyfrom Riflerange Swamphasbeensubjectto increasing thesalinityofswamps. saline groundwater toseepin, permanent waterbodiesandallowing deepened theswampcreating mined formarl.Theremoval ofmarl Lighthouse, ParakeetandSalmon)were five oftheswamps(Bickley, Bulldozer, by humanactivities.Intheearly1970s Most oftheswampshavebeenaffected ecorded arelationship betweenthe equired todeterminethenature and • • • • • hydrological values: Rottnest Islandhasthefollowing 3.3.2 Values absorb thenutrients. path oftheplumeinanattemptto seeps. Trees havebeenplantedinthe Herschel andassociatedfreshwater the waterqualityandecologyofLake the RottnestIslandlandfillisthreatening A nitrogen-rich plumeemanatingfrom except aspartofasupervisedtour. public accesstotheIsland’s wetlands, manages thisbyprohibiting useofand Settlement PlanningScheme Chapter 2-ReserveZoningPlanand The ReserveZoningPlan(refer communities occupyingtheseareas. quality andhabitatvaluefor subsequent impactsonthewater direct humanactivitiescanhave Physical disturbanceofwetlandsfrom to abstractionratesisnotwelldefined. rainfall levelsandtherelations ofthese Island’s groundwater, surfacewaterand and fauna. and awatersource fora rangeofflora The Island’s wetlandsprovide habitat of pre-disturbance swampconditions. state, BarkerSwampisrepresentative Because ofitsrelatively undisturbed significant ecologicalvalue. and wetlandsgivetheaquifer Possible linksbetweentheaquifer deep lakes. Australian Islandwithpermanent Rottnest IslandistheonlyWestern Rottnest Island. significant source ofpotablewaterfor The Wadjemup aquiferisvaluedasa Part B, ) •P • 3.3.4 Recommendations • • water resources include: management oftheIsland’s surface Issues associatedwiththe Surface Water • • groundwater resources include: management oftheIsland’s Issues associatedwiththe Groundwater 3.3.3 Issues the wetlandsofRottnestIsland. between rainfall,groundwater and Undertake research intotherelationship effects onthesefauna. swamps mayhavesignificantpositive populations. Rehabilitationofthe r linked withthesuspecteddeclinein The pasttreatment ofswampsis of LakeHerschel. r emanating from thelandfillis Management ofthenutrientplume limit groundwater impacts. utilities ontheIslandare managedto contamination. Allinfrastructure and it isolatedincidentsofgroundwater and infrastructure, hasbrought with r holiday facilitiesonRottnestIsland, The developmentofrecreation and values oftheIsland. actions toprotect thehydrological determine appropriate management limits theAuthority’s abilityto aquifer andtheIsland’s wetlands r The lackofdefinitionthe Swamp asaprimary exampleofthe eptilian andamphibianfauna equired toprotect thewaterquality equiring theinstallationofutilities elationship betweenrainfall,the r otect, preserve andinterpret Barker pre-disturbed condition of Rottnest At a local scale, the Island can be accommodation facilities. This unit Island swamps. classified into distinct areas of common includes the European plantings such as •Protect, conserve and interpret Rottnest distinguishing aesthetic characteristics the Norfolk pines which contribute to Island lakes, swamps, freshwater seeps known as landscape Character Units. Five the vista and character of the and surrounding vegetation. landscape Character Units can be Settlement Zone. • Monitor water and salinity levels identified for Rottnest Island, four of which This section deals exclusively with the within swamps and freshwater seeps are contained within the Natural Zone four natural landscape elements of on Rottnest Island. and one within the Settlement Zone. The Rottnest Island. The management of • Rehabilitate Lighthouse Swamp. Character Units are briefly described below. the Settlement Character Unit is • Rehabilitate Parakeet Swamp. Marine Character Unit: addressed in Part B, Chapter 5 - • Rehabilitate Salmon Swamp. Comprises marine waters adjoining Cultural Heritage. • Develop a Plan for the rehabilitation the Island’s coast and the embayment of Bulldozer and Bickley Swamps. areas that contain these waters. 3.4.2 Values • Develop and implement a Plan to This Character Unit also includes views interpret the rehabilitation of of adjacent islands and rocks located Rottnest Island holds several landscape Rottnest Island swamps. within the Reserve. values including the following: • Manage the nutrient plume from • There is an unusually high diversity of the Coastal Landscape Character Unit: Rottnest Island’s landfill to ensure landscape Character Units, particularly Comprises a broad Zone of variable minimal impact to the water quality given the small size of the Island. width, extending from the onshore and other values of Lake Herschel. • The inland, coastal and marine vistas waters to the landward boundaries of associated with the range of active marine erosional weathering. The 3.4 LANDSCAPE AND VISTAS character units are a key element of boundaries coincide with the outer the visitor experience and contribute Islands, onshore reef landforms and the 3.4.1 Background to the appreciation of the Island. inner stable dune and associated The term ‘landscape’ refers to the vegetation communities. 3.4.3 Issues appearance or visual quality of an area Hinterland Landscape Character Issues associated with the management as determined by its geology, soils, Unit: Comprises the remaining of the Island’s landforms include: landforms, vegetation, water features stabilised coastal dune limestone lands, • Alterations to the existing diversity and land use history. inland from the Coastal Landscape and nature of Character Units will Character Unit. On a broad scale, Rottnest Island is have an impact on the visitor experience on Rottnest Island. typical of other semi-arid and Lakes Landscape Character Unit: • Fire, grazing and various other forms Mediterranean landscapes of the Comprises the extensive swamp and of habitat modifications have Western Australian coastline. In the salt lakes system with associated significantly disturbed the hinterland overall State context, Rottnest Island lies shoreline flats, salt marshes, and relic landscape Character Unit. within the Swan Coastal Plain sand/shell terraces and flats. • Any development, particularly Landscape Character Type - one of 39 Settlement Landscape Character development that screens existing distinct broad-scale landscape areas Unit: Comprises the major built-up vistas or modifies the nature of the located throughout Western Australia areas of the Island, including the landscape, has the potential to (Department of Conservation and Land Thomson, Kingstown, Geordie and negatively affect the vista and Management, 1994). Longreach Bay Settlement and landscape values of Rottnest Island.

35 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 36 several opportunities toreduce the The Authorityis takingadvantageof to greenhouse emissionsontheIsland. power stationisthelargestcontributor equipment andwoodheaters.The include vehicles,boats,plant, Contributors togreenhouse gases r commitments tothemanagementand from State,Nationalandglobal There are positivebenefitsthatwillarise to theglobalGreen Globeprocess. Production Statement,andisanaffiliate Challenge andtheStateCleaner signatory totheNationalGreenhouse Rottnest Island.TheAuthorityisa management ofairpollutionon The Authorityiscommittedtothe Air Pollution 3.5.1 Background 3.5 ATMOSPHERE • • 3.4.4 Recommendations • eduction ofgreenhouse gases. Island’s naturallandscapes. interpret thevaluesof to effectively manageand Develop andimplementaPlan landscape andvistas. the diversityandvaluesofIsland’s bays tominimisenegativeimpacton implementation ofplansforouter Revise andcommencethe value ofthevariousCharacterUnits. characteristic mayadverselyaffect the consistent withthelandscape landscape elementsthatare not The additionofnaturalorbuilt contributor toaircraft noise impacts. are thoughttobeonlyaminor aircraft carryingpassengerstotheIsland for trainingschools.Thecommercial that makesitanattractivedestination r the year. Theamountofairtraffic isa amenity oftheIslandatcertaintimes Noise from aircraft impactsonthe impacts andisnotconsidered anissue. appropriately locatedtoprevent noise plant machineryontheIslandis orlateintheevening.Noisy morning particularly whenusedearlyinthe on theIslandare considered noisy, levels onRottnestIsland.Somevehicles are major contributorstothenoise V Noise observed tobeanissuedate. cause odour, buthavenotbeen composting sitehavethepotentialto Tr The RottnestIslandWastewater Odour sources ofheating. alternative are being phasedoutandreplaced with trialed onRottnestIsland.Wood heaters the marketandare currently being powered vehiclesare nowavailablein Section 10.5-Energy Infrastructure and addressed in diesel generatedpower. Thisissueis will reduce theexistingreliance on construction ofawindturbinewhich emissions, includingtheplanned production ofgreenhouse gas esult oftheIsland’s positioning beacon ehicles, plant,equipmentandaircraft eatment Plant,landfilland Part B,Chapter10- Utilities, . Alternative mid Holoceneperiods. Asthesealevel through thePleistocene andearly-to- changes invegetationcomposition Rottnest Islandexperiencedsignificant 3.6.1 Background 3.6 TERRESTRIALFLORA&FAUNA • • • 3.5.4 Recommendations • • atmospheric conditionsinclude: management oftheIsland’s Issues associatedwiththe 3.5.3 Issues as arecreation and holidaydestination. Rottnest Islandcontributestoitspopularity The cleanairandrelative quietnessof 3.5.2 Values impact ofaircraft noise. Investigate optionstoreduce the accommodation heating. sensitive andcost-effective source of environmentally with analternative accommodation andreplace them Eliminate woodfires inAuthority National Greenhouse Challengeactions. Rottnest Islandinaccordance withthe r Develop andimplementstrategiesto noise affects theIsland’s amenity. the Reserveisimportantasaircraft The managementoftheairspaceabove vehicles ontheIslandnoticeable. exhaust andnoisefrom thefew pollution andnoisemakesthe atmosphere. Thelowlevelofair Island contributestoarelatively clean The smallnumberofvehiclesonthe educe greenhouse gasemissionson rose and fell the Island alternated several factors likely to have contributed are home to many internationally between being a non-coastal mainland to the decline in woodland areas protected migratory birds but these site with sea levels 130 metres lower including sheep grazing, settlement areas are not covered by this than at present and a coastal Island development, fire, timber cutting for convention. There may be benefits when sea levels were at least three firewood and construction purposes from listing the Island’s wetlands on metres higher than at present. The and quokkas grazing on regenerated the Ramsar Convention. vegetation would have fluctuated from areas. A 20-year Woodland Restoration Strategy is in its fifth year of Three butterfly species and localised being dominated by Tuart woodland to implementation on Rottnest Island. This quokka populations rely on the salt being dominated by coastal Heath will shortly be revised to improve the lakes for food and habitat. (Chappell, 1983; Churchill, 1960; result of reforestation efforts. Marchant and Abbott, 1981). Swamps and freshwater Grass and heathland habitat pool habitat In addition to the provisions of the In 1998, grasslands and heathlands The swamps and freshwater pools are Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987, all occupied 62 percent of the total Island of Rottnest Island’s indigenous flora and a significant habitat. The three frog area. The total area of grass will fauna are protected by the Wildlife species found on Rottnest Island rely on decrease as woodland restoration Conservation Act 1950. the swamps and pools for food and increases and is likely to fall to 40 breeding grounds. Many other fauna percent of the Island. rely on the swamps and freshwater 3.6.2 Terrestrial Habitats pools especially during summer months. Salt lake habitat Terrestrial areas of Rottnest Island have Although Rottnest Island is small been classified into six distinct habitat Freshwater lens and seep habitat compared to other Australian coastal types described below. Freshwater seeps are important for a Islands, it is unique in that it possesses a number of species of flora such as water Coastal habitat salt lake complex. The lakes contain thyme (Hydrilla verticillata). This flora The coastal habitats of Rottnest Island columnar algal stromatolites and supports a range of fauna including two are characterised by resilient vegetation microbial mats on the lake bottom up to lizard species, one of which is that acts to stabilise dunes and protect 10cm thick in areas. Stromatolites uncommon (Bassiana trillineata) and is areas further inland. Coastal areas are represent the earliest record of life on confined to damp places. A species of the most exposed on the Island and are earth, dating from some 3,500 million native couch, Sperogulus verginicus, is also popular destinations for visitors. years ago. Brine shrimp exist in the lakes also commonly found around the seeps. The combination of visitors and supporting a wide variety of permanent, weather extremes places pressure on vagrant and migratory birds feeding at Localised quokka populations use the coastal habitats. Rottnest Island. seeps as a source of fresh drinking water. The Rock Parrot (Neophema Woodland habitat The salt lakes are a particularly Woodland species, including Rottnest petrophila) and White Fronted Chat important habitat for numerous bird Island Pine, Tea Tree and Summer (Epthianura albifrons) depend on these species including internationally Scented Wattle, once covered two- sources of water as does the Australian important migratory bird species. thirds of the Island. Historical evidence Shelduck (Tardorna tadornoides) which The international Ramsar Convention of this includes Vlamingh’s observations defends them as part of its brooding to which Australia is a signatory and aerial photographs taken since 1941. territory. The Caspian Tern recognises and provides protection for (Hydroprogne caspia) also utilises the The coverage of woodland on the Island habitats of protected migratory bird seeps as a freshwater source to wash. is now considerably less. There are species. Wetlands on Rottnest Island

37 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 38 woodland restoration areas, dune controls publicaccesstowetlands, In particular, theReserveZoningPlan r manages theimpacttotheseareas, by Island. TheReserveZoningPlan sensitive ecologicalhabitatsonthe As describedabovethere are several the ReserveZoningPlan Relationship betweenHabitatsand estricting accesswhere necessary. Mat Community Mixed Succulent Community Nitraria billardieri W Saline andBrackish lliraeoides (LowForest) Pittosporum phy (Dense Heath) T Melaleuca lanceolata/ Closed Scrub): (Low DenseHeath) and Stipaflavescens Acanthocarpus preissii Coastal DenseHeath V T (Low Forest or Acacia rostellifera Acacia littorea Callitris preiseii (Low Forest) empletonia retusa able 3-RottnestIslandVegetation Types gtto yeDescription egetation Type ater MarshCommunity The communityischaracterisedbylowspreading scrubs,oftensucculent,and someannualspecies.Theintroduced annual Gasoul crystallinum under-storey ofperennials. endofthe Island.Where itisdensegenerallytheonlyspeciespresentat theeastern andwhere lessdensemayhavean of theWoodland RestorationStrategy. Dense standsof and the‘stable’dunecommunitychieflycomprisingparabolicdunes. The coastaldenseheathcomprisesthe‘mobile’dunecommunitythatoccursonbeachbackshores, foredunes andblowouts, The extent thatthisassociationisnolongerverywellrepresented ontheIsland.Re-establishmentofthisassociationisanobjec This matcommunityprincipallyoccurson exposedlimestoneheadlandsandonafewsandyscree slopesaround thecoast. margin ofLakeBaghdad. offshore stacks andIslands. This densespreading succulentscrubformshomogeneous standsonlimestonecliffs atCape Vlaminghandonsome This communityextendsaround the marginsofthesaltlakesandbrackishswamps.Itisparticularlyextensiveonnorthwest also invadedsomeareas (forexample Geordie BayandLittleParakeet)(WhiteEdmiston,1974). Pittosporum phylliraeoides The The scattered thicketsbecauseofextensiverecurrent wildfires andexcessivegrazingbyquokkas(RippeyRowland,1995). Acanthocarpus Stipa flavescens This communitycoversapproximately one-third oftheIsland,although thetwodominantspecies( scrub in the less sheltered western portion.ThecommunitywasextensiveontheIslandpriorto1930butnowoccursassmall, scrub inthelesssheltered western The lanceolata Acacia littorea T Melaleuca lanceolata/Callistrispreiseii Acacia rostellifera empletonia retusa grows inmanyformsincludinglow closedforest andclosedscrub. ) are present withinmanyoftheothercommunities.Thecommunityis extensivebecause rapidly re-grow from root crowns followingfire andare unpalatabletoquokkas(O’Connoretal,1977). A. littorea (formerly forms an extensive association along the western cliff-edge ofCapeVlamingh. forms anextensiveassociationalongthe western of MediumUseActivityNodes. of theNaturalZonebyestablishment minimises activitiesinthesensitiveareas Planning Scheme Reserve ZoningPlanandSettlement activities (refer negative impactsfrom associated breeding sites,inorder tominimise r community occursasalowforest intheIsland’s portion,andasawind-prunedclosed sheltered eastern ehabilitation areas andsensitivebird (dense heath)vegetationprimarilyoccursonshallowlimestoneridgessurrounding thesaltlakes may dieoutfrom thecentre andregenerate asseedsbecomeestablished. was formerlymappedaspartofthe A. cuneata ) communityoccursonshallowlimestoneheadlandsandHoloceneparabolicdunes. Part B,Chapter2- association formedtheIsland’s originalvastwoodlandvegetationtype. ). TheZoningPlanalso T empletonia dense heath.Itdominatescertainareas andhas Callistris preiseii Island Vegetation Types Island isdescribedin The rangeofvegetationtypesonthe 3.6.3 Terrestrial Flora has declinedmarkedlytothe Acanthocarpus preissii Stipa T able 3-Rottnest and . Melaleuca and tive 3.6.4 Terrestrial Fauna Birds Reptiles and Frogs Rottnest Island has a rich bird fauna Reptiles and frogs are an integral part of Mammals with 112 species having been recorded Rottnest Island’s terrestrial ecosystem. Only two native mammal species remain on, over or around the Island (Saunders Seventeen species of reptiles on Rottnest Island: the quokka (Setonix and de Rebeira,1985 and 1993). (two geckoes, two legless lizards, 12 brachyurus), and the White Striped Of these, around 49 species occur skink lizards and two snakes) and three Mastiff Bat (Tadarida australis). regularly on the Island, including a species of frogs occur on Rottnest Island The quokka is one of the most number of transequitorial migrant (Brooker et al, 1995, and Smith, 1997). recognisable symbols of Rottnest Island species (Saunders and de Rebeira, 1993) Due to its isolation for 6,500 years and and is an attraction for visitors. In which breed in the Arctic Circle and the rigorous conditions on the Island, local genetic adaptations have taken addition to being protected by the spend the northern winter feeding place and some Island populations have Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, the around the Island’s salt lakes. diverged from their mainland ancestors. quokka is also a declared threatened Important habitats for birds on the As a result of this, there are two species. Rottnest Island carries the Island include coastal breeding grounds endemic subspecies on the Island which largest existing population of quokkas, for the breeding migrant Fairy Tern are the Rottnest Island Bobtail (Tiliqua estimated at between 8,000 and (Sterna nereis) and Wedge-tailed rugosa knowi) and the Rottnest Island 12,000 individuals. Shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) and the Dugite (Pseudonaja affinis exilis). Hunting by Aboriginal prisoners on salt lakes and swamps that are The Salmon-bellied Skink (Egernia Rottnest Island up until the 1920s kept important for the large number of water napoleonis) and another skink, Lerista quokka numbers low. The combined birds, especially migratory species lineata, may represent extinctions that impact of subsequent protection and (Saunders and de Rebeira, 1993). have occurred since European ample supply of food led to a quokka There have been three recorded bird settlement, with no sightings since population increase. The increased extinctions and ten immigrations of 1959 and 1930 respectively (Storr 1989; grazing by quokkas has now birds to the Island. All of the extinctions Brooker et al, 1995). A number of other contributed to a decline in the Island’s and seven migrations have been directly skink species and one of the legless overall woodland area to the extent that related to human influence (Saunders lizards were described as rare or trees and shrubs are unable to and de Rebeira, 1985). uncommon in 1985 (Storr, 1989); regenerate without protective fencing. however, little recent data is available. Isolated populations of Red Capped The presence of the white striped Of particular note is the skink Robins and Golden Whistlers occur in mastiff bat on Rottnest Island was Acritoscincus trilineatum, which is the Island’s Melaleuca woodlands. recorded from a deceased specimen limited to areas of damp soil and may be These species are no longer present on found in 1997. Since then, live specimens affected by a reduction in the extent of the Swan Coastal Plain or on Garden have been handed in by visitors and seen freshwater seeps. Island. The Honeyeater on the Island is and heard in the Kingstown area (Wright significantly larger than mainland The three frog species on Rottnest Island pers comm, 2001). individuals of the same species. are the Southern Moaning Frog (Heleioporus eyrei), the Squelching Froglet (Crinia insignifera) and the Western Green Tree Frog (Litoria moorei). These frog species rely on the swamps and pools for food and breeding grounds.

39 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 40 as aresult oftheeradication program. greatly reduced, andpossiblyeliminated cats onRottnestIslandhavebeen competing forfoodorterritory. Feral native faunabypreying onthemor Cats androdents canseverely impacton and detractfrom thevisitorexperience. extent thattheyare considered pests their numbershaveincreased tothe have migratedfrom themainlandbut The otherspeciesofbirds are likelyto cultural heritageelementsoftheIsland. environment, andare alsovalued terms oftheirimpactonthenatural but thesespeciesare relatively benignin Peafowl andpheasantare introduced pheasants andtwospeciesofexoticdoves. galahs, magpies,silvergulls,ravens, cats, blackrats,housemice,peafowl, species foundontheIsland.Theseinclude There are anumberofpestsandintroduced Pests andFeralAnimals identified ontheIsland. spiders and42speciesofantshavebeen food source. Atleast15speciesof part oftheecosystem,particularlyasa Island. Thesegroups are animportant the terrestrial arthropods ofRottnest Little research hasbeenundertakenon arthropods Spiders, insectsandother are found onthemainland. All butterflyspeciesonRottnestIsland none isconsidered rare orendangered. these speciesare considered uncommon, 1997 andPowell,1998).Whilesomeof been recorded on theIsland(Williams, At least16speciesofbutterflieshave Butterflies been detectedonRottnestIsland. is present onGarden Islandbuthasnot producing pathogenthatcausesinfection, indigenous speciesofmushroom Island’s tuarttrees. parts ofplantsisevidentonsomethe the cankerfungusthatkillsaerial r Plant diseaseshavenotbeenwell Plant Diseases within allhabitattypes. potential toout-competenativespecies Settlement Zone.Thesemayhavethe the Islandbothwithinandoutside Several weedspeciesare prevalent on W is prohibited. transport ofexoticspeciestotheIsland management arrangementsthe Rottnest Island.Undercurrent and cagedbirds havebeenallowedon horses, sheep,cattle,cats,dogs,poultry At varioustimesovertheIsland’s history esearched onRottnestIsland,although eeds Armillaria sp , an • • • • fauna havevalueonRottnestIsland: V 3.6.5 Values • • • arious aspectsofhabitats,floraand - - Swamps andfreshwater seeps fauna species several uncommon,rare orsignificant Rottnest Islandprovides habitatfor at theperiodofsettlement. the originaldominantvegetationtype Remnant woodlandhabitatsrepresent as aresult oftheIsland’s isolation. examples ofdivergedfaunasubspecies Rottnest Islandcontainsmany Rottnest Island. r Bats are highlyvaluedasthetwo Quokkas andWhiteStripedMastiff - Internationally protectedbreeding - Internationally important aspect ofvisitorenjoyment. history ofhuman contactisan than onthemainlanddueto and appreciated atdistancescloser The abilityofwildlifetobeviewed systems andprotects againsterosion. Coastal vegetationstabilisesdune some 3,500millionyearsago. r Stromatolites represent theearliest emaining terrestrial mammalsof ecord oflifeonearth,datingfrom Melaleuca sp. Coastal PlainandGarden Island. are now absentfrom theSwan Robins andGoldenWhistlers,which isolated populationsofRedCapped are animportant habitatforseveral and somelizard species. on theIslandforthree frog species provide the onlyremaining habitats to RottnestIsland. agreements applicable international bird speciesare protected under Ramsar Wetland status.Migratory possibly worthyofinternational coastal andwetlandareas thatare around theIslandincluding sites formigratorybird speciesoccur woodlands oftheIsland 3.6.6 Issues and sensitive areas is a threat to the 3.6.7 Recommendations Island’s habitat and property values. Issues associated with the management • Review and implement the Woodland •Erosion processes threaten the coastal of Rottnest Island’s terrestrial habitats, Restoration Strategy, in the context of habitat value of Rottnest Island as flora and fauna include: a vegetation management strategy. many important flora and fauna • Threatened and endangered species • Assess and manage all developments occur in this area. inhabit Rottnest Island. on the Island to minimise possible •Weed species have the potential to • Habitat management is critical to the threats to the habitats, flora and out-compete native species within all preservation of the Island’s unique fauna of Rottnest Island. habitat types. and rare fauna and flora species. • Review and implement a plan for the • Some pest species, particularly silver • Any future development that does interpretation of the flora and fauna gulls and ravens, diminish the visitor not pay due regard to the terrestrial of Rottnest Island. experience while others may compete floral and faunal values of Rottnest • Develop and implement a fire with native Rottnest Island species. Island could threaten important management plan for Rottnest Island • Rottnest Island’s environment species by either modifying or that recognises key ecological areas of provides an opportunity to increase removing their habitats. protection, in coordination with the the awareness and appreciation of • Rehabilitation of the Island’s swamps Fire and Emergency Services Authority. flora, fauna and their habitats. and the restoration of woodlands are • Implement an effective weed critical elements in the reversal of management program for Rottnest human impacts on the Island. Island, based on existing procedures. • Management of quokkas with • Implement an effective feral animal respect to the woodland restoration eradication program, based on program is critical. existing procedures. •A woodland restoration program • Encourage research on Island flora intended to restore the relative and fauna, particularly that which distribution of vegetation on the contributes to the management of Island prior to human habitation will plant diseases on Rottnest Island. reduce the present coverage of other • Investigate the benefits of pursuing vegetation types. Ramsar wetland classification for • Heavy human use of a particular area Rottnest Island wetlands used by or habitat type may make those areas migratory bird species. vulnerable to impact. • In Rottnest Island’s dry environment, fire is a threat to all habitats. Fire is particularly a threat to woodland communities as these have lengthy regeneration periods. • Currently the firebreak system is based on historic tracks and breaks in vegetation. The absence of a more strategic system considering prevailing winds, potential for erosion

41 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 42 (Wells etal1993a; 1993b). marine biotawaspublishedin1993 of some30research papersrelating to the subjectofmuchstudy. Acollection Rottnest Island’s marinebiotahasbeen Garden Island. tipofRottnestIslandand the eastern of thewaterto10m,extendsbetween 4000m. Areef, whichreduces thedepth rapidly descendstoapproximately west ofRottnestIslandtheseabottom continental shelf.Approximately 30km metre waterdepthcontourofthe Rottnest Islandliesjustinsidethe50- 4.1 INTRODUCTION 4. MarineEnvironment aia yeDmnn ln pce %Area Algalturf, These habitattypesare describedinmore detailonthefollowingpages. 8. Reefwash Sparseseagrasses( 7. Intertidalplatform 6. Reef DominantPlantSpecies 5. Mixedseagrassandreef 4. Seagrass(2) 3. Seagrass(1) 2. Seagrass 1. Sand Habitat Type T able 4:MarineHabitatsofRottnestIsland Sargassum, Ecklonia Ecklonia, Sargassum Amphibolus spp,Ecklonia,Sargassum Posidonia australis Posidonia ostenfeldii,coriacea,Amphibolusgriffithii Amphibolis spp the marineenvironment. management toolsrecommended for gain afullappreciation oftheset of thischapterandshouldberead to the outcomesandrecommendations Planning Scheme Reserve ZoningPlanandSettlement (established in these. TheReserveZoningPlan with managementactionsrelating to Recreation andFacilities with section shouldberead inconjunction occur inthemarineenvironment. This facilities andrecreational activitiesthat the managementandcontrol ofthe Marine Reserveisintrinsicallylinkedto The environmental managementofthe Part B,Chapter7-Marine Sargassum . dominant, Posidonia spp.,Heterozostera,Halophila la uf9 , AlgalTurf , Algalturf, Part B,Chapter2- ) alsoinfluences Posidonia spp. Amphibolis antarctica,Thalassondendron that deals la uf10 , Algalturf udmnn 7 subdominant ) 20 tropical coral assemblagesintheState. boasts themostsoutherlyoccurring juvenile marinespecies.RottnestIsland communities andprovide nurseriesfor seagrass meadowssupportthriving sandy beaches.Insheltered bays, limestone rock platformsandsmall proliferate. Inter-tidal zonesconsistof r below. Intheshallow(<10m),subtidal - MarineHabitatsofRottnestIsland described. Theseare outlinedin marine watersoftheReservehavebeen Eight habitatcategorieswithinthe 4.2.1 MarineHabitats 4.2 BACKGROUND egions algaeandseagrasses 45 1 3 4 T able 4 Sandy bottom Intertidal platform and reef found that tropical species favour the These areas consist of bare sand or communities west end of the Island over the east end sparsely populated patches with smaller This group is further divided into three (Wells, 1985). The distribution of seagrass species. These areas of sandy marine habitats: the reef, the reef/rocks tropical mollusc species at West End is patches often contain a large diversity awash and intertidal platforms. The reef unique to Perth. As these species are of microorganisms. and reef/rocks awash support similar near to their southernmost distribution habitats, but are separated by the limits they are particularly susceptible to Seagrass and algae communities degree of exposure to wave action and environmental disturbance (Wells, 1985). Seagrasses have been classified into turbulence (Rottnest Island Authority, It has been suggested that the four communities that may also 1985a). Reef communities are rarely zoogeographic importance of tropical incorporate the macroalgae species. Of exposed by low tides and are located in species at Rottnest Island is a general the eight species of seagrasses that areas of lower turbulence, although faunal feature and not restricted to appear in the Reserve, five are large there are areas around the Island that molluscs (Wells, 1985). The southward southern Australian species that form are subject to harsh environmental flowing Leeuwin Current is thought to extensive, secure meadows that occupy conditions. In contrast, reef/rocks be the mechanism allowing planktonic over 60 percent of the habitat. awash are often exposed at low tide and larvae of tropical species to reach usually have waves breaking on them. Seagrass and algae are the major Rottnest Island and survive. This may primary producers in the marine system Intertidal communities are highly account for the preference of tropical and sustain many other marine animals exposed to wave and tidal impact and, fauna species for West End. and decomposers either directly or as a result, can only support plants Currents are also thought to be the indirectly. Seagrass meadows act as a capable of withstanding both this reason for the distinction between habitat substrate for colonisation by plants and turbulence and conditions of extreme and fauna types on the northern and animals that further contribute to the heat in summer. food chain (Walker, 1985). The larger southern coasts of Rottnest Island. It is marine plant species do not support 4.2.2 Marine Fauna noteworthy that there is no portion of the northern marine environment of the much direct grazing but instead break Rottnest Island’s wide variety of habitats Reserve that is currently protected from down after detachment and support provide for a diverse marine fauna. various potential human-induced impacts. organisms that feed on decaying and A significant value of Rottnest Island’s decomposing matter. These, in turn, marine fauna is its unique mixture of Coral Communities support life higher in the food chain tropical and temperate species Coral reef areas are important habitats (Walker, 1985). including several species endemic to for many marine species, particularly as Seagrass is also an integral structure of Western Australia. This species mix is a nursery site for juvenile life forms. the bay environment. Meadows provide related to a variety of factors that They also provide sites for breeding, protection by reducing current flow, influence the waters of Rottnest Island reproduction, and protection for a resulting in sediment trapping and (Wells and Walker, 1993). diversity of marine organisms. stabilisation that decrease the potential West End is particularly important for The coral representation at Rottnest for erosion. illustrating this unique species diversity. Island is diverse but typically not dense. A study of tropical/temperate mollusc Rottnest Island is the southern most ratios and their spatial variability on location of the coral Pocillopora Rottnest Island and the mainland coast damicornis, located at Pocillopora Reef

43 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 44 of fishactivityincluding Buffalo Bream The Islandcontains numerous examples Pocillopora centered onthe100mlongreef of largest amountoftropical fishactivity, (Hutchins, 1979).ParkerPointhas the Australianspecies temperate southern tropical, andtheremainder are warm Australia,25percentto Western are Approximately 20percent are endemic majority (Hutchins,1979). although reef dwellingspeciesformthe to pelagicspeciessuchasthemackerels, These rangefrom reef-dwelling gobies Rottnest Island(Hutchins,persdata). fish speciesinthewaterssurrounding There are approximately 420recorded Fish has beenobservedoverthelasttenyears. increase inthediversityofcoralspecies for thepreservation ofcoral,andan Cove toKitsonPointare alsosignificant Point toSalmonandfrom Nancy (Marsh, 1985).Theareas from Parker two ahermatypic ( hermatypic coralspeciesorgenera limitofthree other southernmost Pocillopora, RottnestIslandisthe Point (Marsh,1985).Inadditionto Kitson Point,SalmonPointandParker endoftheIsland,inparticular southern Rottnest Islandare locatedatthe The mostdiversecoralcommunitiesat isolated colonies. Marsh, 1988)withmostpresent as of coralhavebeenrecorded (Veron and W (Hutchins, 1985,Wells etal.,1993a, coastnearSalmonPoint) (southern Porites, Acropora ells etal.,1993b).Another25species coral (Hutchins,1985). T ubastereai and Alveopora species ) and to thegenera The dominantseagrassspeciesbelong of animals(Hoffman, 1987). comparison withtheplanktoniclarvae of thepropagules ofalgaein that thisisduetothemuchshorterlives the algaeeither. Ithasbeenspeculated displayed bythefauna)isnotevidentin endofRottnestIsland(as eastern endtothe change from thewestern warm temperatespecies.Thedistinct are Indo-west Pacificand11percent are to thefauna,only3percent oftheflora endemic toRottnestIsland.Incontrast temperate speciesand17percent are Almost two-thirds ofthealgaeare tothefauna. distributional pattern Rottnest Islandhasadifferent Biogeographically, themarinefloraof Authority, 1995). and 222ofred algae(RottnestIsland green algae, 71speciesofbrown algae eight speciesofseagrass,54 and Walker 1990).Includedinthisare surrounding RottnestIsland(Huisman have beenidentifiedinthewaters A totalof355speciesmarineplants 4.2.3 MarineFlora to havetheirscalescleanedbyotherfish. cleaning stations-areas where fishvisit algal polygonbehaviourandfish notably highlevel ofseagrassdiversity. et al.,1993b).Rottnest Islandhasa environment (Wells etal.,1993a;Wells are lessstableinastressed high-energy species colonisemore readily, butthey stable meadows.Theremaining smaller seagrasses capableofformingextensive Australian These are largesouthern Posidonia and Amphibolis . • • • of RottnestIslandare manyandinclude: The valuesofthemarineenvironment 4.3 VALUES for avarietyofinsectsandfoodfish. to theecosystemasitprovides habitat r beaches inwinter. Decayingseagrassis Storm-tossed seagrassdominatesIsland • • • • • ecognised asanimportantcontributor two ahermatypic Porites, Alveopora genera: location ofthecoralspeciesand The Islandisthesouthernmost in theStateandpossiblynation. occurring assemblagesoftropical corals The Islandhasthesouthern-most Australianspecies. of endemicWestern species, withaprominent component and temperatefaunaflora There is a uniquemixture oftropical by thesegroups. sites andhabitatsforspeciestargeted provision ofbreeding andnursery and commercial fisheriesthrough the Marine habitatssupportrecreational popular sitesforrecreational activities. social valueinthattheyprovide Reef, seagrassandshipwrecks have tropical faunaathighlatitude. important forthemaintenanceof Coral reef habitatsinparticularare to juvenilesofmarinespecies. and shelterinparticularishome sites forbreeding, spawning,feeding marine faunaandflorabyproviding Reef andseagrasshabitatssupport Cove andParkerPointtoSalmonPoint. in theareas ofKitsonPointtoNancy There is a particularlydiversecoralmix Pocillopora damicornis, T ubastereai and Acropora species. ; and • Seagrass meadows reduce water flow 4.4 WATER QUALITY The introduction of bacteria and viruses and stabilise subtidal sediments, into popular swimming areas can result 4.4.1 Issues preventing erosion. in a serious public health risk. The • Seagrass and algae are important Water quality around Rottnest Island Authority undertakes regular water primary producers in the marine can be affected by various marine-based quality monitoring in accordance to system sustaining other marine or land-based activities. These include ANZECC guidelines for primary contact animals either directly or indirectly. the discharge of boat-based sullage, (eg. swimming). Monitoring data • The Marine Reserve contains a notably fuel and oil spills and land-based has revealed that there have been high species diversity of seagrass. discharges, as discussed below. incidents where ANZECC guidelines for • The clarity and high water quality of primary contact have been exceeded. Rottnest Island Reserve waters Liquid waste from vessels These incidents usually occur in areas contribute to this area being a popular A major concern for the Authority has of high boat concentration and times diving and swimming location, and to been the discharge of boat-based liquid of low flushing, for example around the health of the environment. wastes into the bays of Rottnest Island. Easter holidays. • Numerous fragile submerged In particular, concerns relate to the Nutrient enrichment from liquid waste limestone structures, which represent discharge of ‘black water’ (that includes can potentially lead to phytoplankton previous geological periods, are human waste and waste from marine blooms, and subsequently to light valued diving and snorkelling sites. sanitation devices), bilge water and reduction. This can lead to anoxic ‘grey water’ (the term used to describe dirty water from showers, hand basins conditions resulting in widespread death and kitchens). of flora and fauna, a localised reduction in species diversity, and an unpleasant The discharge of liquid waste has the smell of rotting seaweed (Walker, 1985). potential to increase concentrations of nutrients, bacteria, viruses, and Research to date on the impact of introduce chemicals, fats and oils to liquid waste at Rottnest Island, has the marine environment. concentrated on bacterial loads with Rottnest Island has the potential to be respect to public health. As no research more susceptible to liquid waste has been conducted on nutrient impacts than most metropolitan marine enrichment, there is no evidence of any areas as boats occupy its bays for effect from the discharge of liquid extended periods on overnight stays, waste from boats on seagrass and often there is a concentration of populations in the Reserve. However, boats in a bay further increasing the there is some evidence of this potential for impact. elsewhere. Nutrient rich sludge input is known to have increased epiphyte The flushing characteristics of a bay can densities enough to restrict light levels also influence the potential impact of reaching seagrass meadows at other liquid waste discharge into a particular locations, leading to a seagrass area. Some peak boating periods coincide population decline. with calm sea conditions leading to increased residence times and minimal dispersion of discharged substances.

45 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 46 is knowntohave occurred inthewaters six toeighttimes peryear. Nomajorspill spills intheReserveoccurapproximately to thewaterquality. Minor fuelandoil marine floraandfaunathrough impacts potentially significantimpactson Fuel andoilspillsare knowntohave Fuel andoilspills Rottnest IslandReservewillbeZone1. 2005/2006 theentire watersofthe areas. TheAuthorityintendsthatfrom Reserve exceptfortheembayment all thewatersofRottnestIsland Rottnest IslandbaysandZone2includes Currently Zone1includesthewatersof greywater ispermittedinZone2. human bodywastes)anddischargeof r holding tanksonboard avesselto (any toiletandassociatedpumpingor approved MarineSanitationDevices lubricants. Dischargeofwastefrom no dischargeofsolidwaste,fuel,oilsor Rottnest Island.InZone2,there istobe further research intoitsimpactat greywater isallowedinZone1pending fuel, oilsorlubricants.Thedischargeof discharge ofblackwater, solidwaste, from vessels. InZone1,there istobeno to themanagementofwastedischarge strategy establishesazonedapproach Australian andotherStates.The undertaken elsewhere inWestern aligned withapproaches being discharge from vessels.Thisstrategyis strategy forthemanagementofwaste Reserve. TheAuthorityhasintroduced a boat activityandsizeinthe increase withthepredicted increase in waste dischargewillcontinueto Left unmanaged,theimpactofliquid eceive, treat, retain ordischarge • • • • • 4.4.2 Recommendations nutrients intoRottnestIslandbays. unintended release ofcontaminatesor The Authoritycontinuestominimisethe by-product ofthedesalinationsystem. the exceptionofsalinewater discharge intotheenvironment with There is no intendedland-based bacteria intothemarineenvironment. have thepotentialtoleachnutrientsand particular, septictoiletsaround theIsland water qualityofRottnestIslandbays.In land-based activitiestoimpactonthe There is potential forthepastandpresent Land-based impacts spills ofthisnature. emergency procedures thatdealwith The Authorityparticipatesinthelocal spills from vesselsintransit. of contaminatedbilgewaterandoil accidents andwrecks, illegaldischarge include fueljettyleaksorspills,boat an oilorfuelspillatRottnestIsland of RottnestIsland.Potentialsources of discharge from vessels. r Investigate theprovision ofawaste spill plan. Review theRottnestIslandfuel and oil debris intothemarineenvironment. land-based dischargeofnutrientsand Manage Islandinfrastructure tominimise bacteria andnutrients. Rottnest Islandbays,totestfor quality monitoringprogram for Develop andimplementawater on wastedischargefrom vessels. Implement theRottnestIslandpolicy eceptor facilityfor liquidwaste • • • • vessels withintheReserveinclude: associated withthemovementof Environmental managementissues 4.5.1 Issues 4.5 VESSELMOVEMENTS commercial ferries. where there ishighmovementof r concentrated area ofactivityinthis effects are occurring.Themost Island, itisunknownwhethersuch and sedimentmovementatRottnest r As there hasbeennoresearch intothe smothering effect. dwelling organisms,resulting ina siltation oncoralsandotherbottom through increasing thelevelof sedimentation canalsocauseharm contamination. Increased nutrient enrichmentand/or sediment, againleadingtolocalised other materialstrappedinthe sediments canrelease nutrientsand The stirringupandoxidisationof Australia. seagrass declineinWestern known tobeamajorcauseof population reductions, andhasbeen initiate shorttermorlong Light restriction cansubsequently on sunlightforphotosynthesis. and algalpopulationsthatare reliant water. Thiscanaffect seagrass,coral the amountoflightpenetrating to stirupbottomsediments,reducing Movement ofvesselshasthepotential egard isthemainpassengerjetty elationship betweenvesselactivity 4.5.2 Recommendation environment, particularly when However, anchoring does occur in non- located over sensitive habitats. sand areas as a consequence of lack of • Undertake research on the impact of • The level of impact of the current skill, poor visibility or disregard for the vessel movements on Rottnest Island’s mooring design on the marine marine habitats, particularly in Guide. Accepting that the Marine Act relation to movement of large vessels. habitats of Rottnest Island has not 1982 allows that anchorage may occur been assessed. anywhere in the event of an emergency, 4.6 MOORING DAMAGE the Authority will pursue increased 4.6.2 Recommendations protection from anchoring by making it 4.6.1 Issues an offence to anchor on areas other • Maintain the use of moorings in than sand. There are 899 moorings within the designated Rottnest Island bays as an Marine Reserve. The original unregulated environmental management tool. Commercial diving and fishing charter moorings at Rottnest Island were of a • Develop and implement a research design that resulted in the creation of a vessels regularly anchor within the program to monitor the level of high number of scour circles, from Reserve and there is concern about the 30 to 300m2 in area around the anchor environmental impact from the impact of repeated anchoring by these point. It is estimated that this resulted in current mooring apparatus design. vessels at popular sites. This issue is the loss of 18 percent of seagrass from addressed in Part B, Chapter 7 - Rocky Bay from 1941-1982, and a 4.7 ANCHOR DAMAGE Marine Recreation and Facilities. further 13 percent from 1981-1992 (Hastings et al., 1995). 4.7.1 Issues 4.7.2 Recommendation Moorings are now subject to standard Both drop anchoring and beach environmental criteria set by the anchoring are permitted in the Reserve. •Prohibit the anchoring of boats in Authority (Rottnest Island Mooring the Rottnest Island Reserve on areas Policy, 1997). This includes ensuring Beach anchoring is not considered to be that the bottom apparatus cannot a major issue in terms of environmental other than sand. move and that the riser chain does not impact but is a public amenity issue. scour the seafloor. Mooring licensees Issues associated with beach anchoring are required to have their mooring are addressed in Part B, Chapter 7 - assessed annually, against criteria, by a Marine Recreation and Facilities. mooring contractor. Drop anchoring on bottom habitats and Environmental management issues limestone areas cause physical and associated with the moorings located within the Marine Reserve include: biological damage to the fauna, flora • It is recognised that moorings cause and structures. This can cause further less environmental impact than the visual impacts that detract from the alternative of repeated anchoring. quality of diving or snorkelling The provision of mooring facilities in experiences. Repeat anchoring at popular the Reserve reduces the amount of sites can severely disturb both ecological anchoring and is considered an and structural habitat elements. environmental management tool. However, it must be recognised that The Authority’s Marine and Boating despite the improvement in design, Guide requests that boaters do not moorings may still have some level of impact on the sea bottom anchor on areas other than sand.

47 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 48 • 4.8.2 Recommendation to becomecovered withsilt. increase sedimentationandcausecorals habitat. Diversandsnorkellerscanalso between thediverandmarine damage through physicalcontact snorkellers cancauseenvironmental Unskilled orcareless diversand 4.8.1 Issues DIVERS ANDSNORKELLERS 4.8 PHYSICALDAMAGEFROM in theRottnestIslandReserve. techniques todiversandsnorkellers environmentally benigndiving campaign topromote Develop andimplementa Settlement PlanningScheme Chapter 2-ReserveZoningPlan and Strategy asdescribedin development ofaMarineManagement issues willbecloselylinkedtothe develop anunderstandingofthese determined. Research thatisrequired to appropriate managementmeasures are Reserve inorder toensure that potential impactsofthiswithinthe r to increasing itsunderstandingofthe unknown. TheAuthorityiscommitted stocks andmarinecommunitiesis Reserve andtheimpactofthisonfish The leveloffishingpressure withinthe of Fisheries. administered bytheDepartment subject tomanagementcontrols r and SettlementPlanningScheme B, Chapter2-ReserveZoningPlan abalone fishing.Asconsidered in fishing, spearfishing,craypottingand occur intheReserveincludingline Several formsofrecreational fishing the Island. pursuits enjoyedwhileholidayingon r generally onadaytripbasis.Forothers, r r in theMarineReserve.Forsome, Recreational fishingisapopularpursuit Recreational fishing 4.9.1 Issues 4.9 FISHING ecreational fishingactivityand ecreational fishingintheReserveis ecreational fishingisoneofthemany eason forenteringtheReserve, ecreational fishingistheprimary Part B, . Part , • 4.9.2 Recommendation commercial fishingwithintheReserve. Scheme Plan andSettlementPlanning Part B,Chapter2-ReserveZoning Reserve beingfor‘publicrecreation’. the explicitlegislatedpurposeof within theReserveisinconsistentwith Allowing commercial fishingtooccur permitted andoccurs. the Reservewhere commercial fishingis zone meansthatthere are areas within The extentofthecommercial exclusion W Reserve, applyingtonetfishingand occurs withinthemarineportionof A commercial fishingexclusionzone Commercial fishing estern RockLobsterfishing. estern Island Reserve. r gain anunderstandingofthelevel program tomonitorfishstocksand Develop andimplementaresearch ecreational fishingintheRottnest r ecommends prohibition of 4.10 REEF WALKING 4.11 MARINE LITTER 4.12 CORAL BLEACHING

4.10.1 Issues 4.11.1 Issues 4.12.1 Issues

Reef walking can be a popular activity in Marine litter is a growing problem on Coral bleaching is the phenomenon coastal areas. Although this allows close many coasts including on Rottnest whereby the usually brightly coloured observation of reef species, it can be Island. Marine litter has an aesthetic coral polyps lose their colour by dangerous, and without appropriate impact that detracts from the visitor expelling the symbiotic plant cells which care and management can also be experience, and some forms can cause would normally reside inside individual destructive. physical damage to marine fauna. polyps. As a result the coral takes on a white, bleached look. There are many The level of reef walking around the While most Western Australians are theories on the cause of coral bleaching, Island is not well known. The impact of responsible in regard to the disposal of some of which attribute it to stress, this activity on the specific reef species litter, littering does occur throughout possibly as a result of seawater that exist on Rottnest Island is similarly the Settlement and outer bays of temperature increases. not well understood. Rottnest Island as a result of both land- based and marine-based activities. Coral bleaching has been observed on 4.10.2 Recommendation School groups conduct an annual coral reefs worldwide. True coral • Raise awareness and understanding collection and survey of marine litter on bleaching has been observed to only be among Island visitors of the adverse Rottnest Island. a minor problem at Rottnest Island. impacts of reef walking on marine Most of the bleaching has occurred in 4.11.2 Recommendations habitats and species. deeper waters affecting the temperate • Develop and implement a strategy to coral species Coscinaraea. reduce the occurrence of locally 4.12.2 Recommendation generated marine litter in the Rottnest Island Reserve. • Encourage research on the • Implement an annual program to occurrence and extent of coral collect litter in Rottnest Island bays. bleaching in the Rottnest Island Marine Reserve.

49 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 50 - Terrestrial Environmental are discussedwithin such asremnant woodlandsandthese natural heritagevaluesontheIsland Island. There are, inaddition,numerous heritage managementofRottnest This sectionaddresses thecultural Australia. of theStateWestern extent isreflective ofthedevelopment Rottnest Island,whichtoacertain r colonial, Aboriginal,maritime, can experiencemilitary, European, be appreciated intheonearea. Avisitor Australianhistoryto aspects ofWestern Rottnest Islandallowsanumberof has beenusedforavarietyofpurposes. number ofstagesdevelopmentand Rottnest Islandhasbeenthrough a Century anditssettlementin1829, European explorationfrom the18th inhabited thearea. Sinceitsinitial mainland, andAboriginalpeople Island wasstillattachedtothe more than6,500yearsagowhenthe occupation ofRottnestIslandare from cultural heritage.Firstrecords ofhuman provided itwitharichandsignificant The historyofRottnestIslandhas 5.1 INTRODUCTION 5. CulturalHeritage ecreational andsocialheritageon Part B,Chapter3 . Recreational use. 1985 onward Recreational useandmilitarytraining. 1936 -1985 Control wasformed. Act 1899 Reserve underthe Rottnest Islandwasdeclared anA-Class 1917 Recreational use,internment. 1903 -1936 lease, farming,pastoralandsaltgathering. and Boys’Reformatory, pilotserviceand Residence Aboriginal prison,Governors’ 1855 -1903 pastoral andsaltgathering. Pilot serviceandlease,farming, 1849 -1855 farming, pastoralandsaltgathering. Aboriginal prisonandpilotservice, 1844 -1849 salt gathering. Aboriginal prison,farming,pastoraland 1838 -1844 and saltgathering. European settlement,pastoral,fishing 1829 -1838 European exploration. 1658 -1829 Aboriginal occupation. Pre 6500yearsago (Considine, Griffiths andRichards, 1994): of RottnestIslandisasfollows A briefsummaryofthecolonialhistory and theRottnestBoard of Permanent Reserve Zone wasundertakenin2002. both withinandoutsidetheSettlement the builtheritageitemsofRottnestIsland In additiontothesestudies,anauditof the ThomsonBaySettlement. Residence andanInterpretation Planfor Summer Barracks, Governors’ Thomson BaySettlement,Kingstown produced ConservationPlansfor of culturalandnaturalheritagehas into thesignificanceandmanagement The Authorityhascommissionedstudies and ishighlyvaluedbytheAuthority. experience andRottnestIslandproduct, important elementofthevisitor Rottnest Island’s culturalheritageisan 5.2 HISTORY OF ROTTNEST ISLAND There are 17 sites on Rottnest Island The operation of the pilot station is listed under the Aboriginal Heritage Act another major element of the maritime In order to understand the heritage 1972-1980. This Act makes it an history of Rottnest Island. The Rottnest values of Rottnest Island, it is necessary offence to alter an Aboriginal site in any Island Pilot Station operated between to have knowledge of the various way without written permission from 1848 and 1903. Pilots were experienced phases of the Island’s history. the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. sailors whose job was to guide ships While it is not possible to detail the around dangerous reefs and into 5.2.2 Maritime History history of all activities that have occurred Fremantle harbour mainly to deliver on Rottnest Island in this document, it is Rottnest Island’s waters contain a supplies to the Swan River Colony. Over possible to describe major periods of the number of shipwrecks - a legacy of the its 55 years of operation, the Rottnest Island’s development according to uncharted navigational voyages that Island Pilot Station used a number of functions and themes. occurred during the early exploration of different boats. Generally, the boat the southwest coast of Australia. types used were a double-ended The major layers of human activity can whaleboat, a slightly larger lugger and a briefly be described as Aboriginal The earliest discovery of Rottnest Island small dinghy. occupation, maritime history, early by Europeans is credited to Dutch colonial settlement, Aboriginal penal navigators during the 17th century in Lighthouses played a key role in the pilot establishment, Boys’ Reformatory, their search for a shorter route from the boat operations by providing a Governors’ Residence, recreational Cape of Good Hope to Batavia. communication link between the pilot history and military function. boat station and incoming ships. The The first Europeans to actually land on Island’s first lighthouse was completed 5.2.1 Aboriginal Occupation the Island are believed to have been in 1851 and was constructed by Aboriginal Samuel Volkerson and his crew of the prisoners, under the supervision of the Artefacts have been found at a number Dutch ship Waeckende Boey while Prison Superintendent. Half a century of sites on Rottnest Island pre-dating searching for survivors of another Dutch later it was replaced with a new, taller 6,500 years ago and are possibly tens of ship the Vergulde Draek in 1658. lighthouse on Wadjemup Hill; and a thousands of years old, indicating William de Vlamingh, who in 1696 was third was built in 1899 at Bathurst Point previous Aboriginal occupation of this the next recorded European visitor to after the loss of 11 lives when the ship, area prior to the separation of the Island Rottnest Island, gave the Island its name the City of York, was wrecked. The from the mainland. Since the most after the abundance of quokkas he saw, Bathurst Point and Wadjemup Hill recent rise in sea levels from 10,000 to mistaking them for rats. lighthouses remain today (refer Chart 1- 6,500 years ago, the Island has been Rottnest Island Reserve). separated from the mainland. The local More than thirteen ships have been Aboriginal people were not sea-faring wrecked within the waters of Rottnest A secure boathouse, established in and did not have vessels capable of Island (refer Chart 1- Rottnest Island 1846, was the first building constructed making the crossing from the mainland Reserve). These wrecks are protected for the pilot service. This was built at the and therefore did not traditionally inhabit under Commonwealth legislation, northern end of the seawall. Six years the Island following the rise in sea level. Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976, as well as later, quarters for the pilot crew were State legislation, Maritime Archeology added to the top of the boathouse. In Known to local Aboriginal people as Act 1973. Plaques have been located 1859 another boathouse was built and Wadjemup, the Island is believed to be a next to the wrecks and are still remains today. The last pilot left place of spirits and is of significance to complemented by onshore plaques Rottnest Island in 1903, ending more Aboriginal communities. indicating their locations. than 55 years of piloting, and a new

51 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 52 Kingstown Barracks standstoday. became Bickley Bay onthesitewhere Bay andextendedaround towhat within thearea nowknownasThomson to thepublic.Theselotswere contained and otherlotsof10acres tobeoffered containing 177lotsofabout1/3 acre known asKingstownwasproposed, General. Aplanforthetownshiptobe surveyed RottnestIslandfortheSurveyor In December1830,BenjaminSmyth farming andfishing. place withpotentialforsaltharvesting, was considered tobeofinterest asa was establishedin1829.RottnestIsland settlement oftheSwanRiverColony on RottnestIslandshortlyafterthefirst The firstEuropeans tookupresidence 5.2.3 EarlyColonialSettlement V interpreted bytheRottnestIsland pilot boathouse.Thisexhibitionis whaleboat, nowhousedinthe1859 involving thedevelopmentofareplica Rottnest IslandPilotswasestablished, In 2000,aspecialexhibitiononthe The signalstationwasrestored in2002. station onRottnestIslandredundant. abolished, effectively makingthesignal 1949 whencompulsorypilotagewas signal stationremained inoperationuntil pilot boatdispatchedfrom there. The Fremantle andthenew, steam-powered telephoned tothelighthousein vessel wassighted,thenews near Wadjemup lighthouse.Oncea dismantled in1904andthenerected for theFremantle HarbourTrust. Itwas station setupnearBathurstLighthouse system wasestablishedwithasignal oluntary GuidesAssociation. Settlement. is locatedwithin theThomsonBay were hanged.AnAboriginalcemetery disease, itisreported thatfiveprisoners While mostdeathswere causedby that 369Aboriginalprisonersdied. Between 1838and1931,itisreported were imprisoned. boys, from manypartsoftheState, which some3,700Aboriginalmenand between 1849and1855)during (except forashortperiodofclosure a prisonforAboriginalpeople For almostacenturytheIslandservedas Island duringtheprisonerawasrestricted. land onthemainland.Accessto the Island,compensatingsettlerswith people. TheCrown resumed alllandon penal establishmentforAboriginal 1839 thattheIslandwouldbecomea Colonial Secretary announcedinJune prisoners occupiedtheIsland short periodwhenbothsettlersand to theIslandinAugust1838.Aftera T Aboriginal People 5.2.4 PenalEstablishmentfor on RottnestIslandduringthe1830s. Thomson, whobecameamajorlandholder Thomson BaywasnamedafterRobert vegetable gardens andvineyards. and otherattemptsatestablishing comprised successfulcereal cropping designated purposes.Farming town lotsandsitesforvarious Smyth’s surveyof1831showedthe took uptownlotsandpastureland and W en Aboriginalprisonerswere brought illiam ClarkeandRobertThomson and gardening. and toteachthe boyscarpentry, joinery on astheReformatorySuperintendent building work,Watson decidedtostay small cells.Uponcompletionof the dormitories, aschoolroom andfour included aworkshop,kitchen,two large buildings onRottnestIslandandthese construct theBoys’Reformatory Carpenter JohnWatson wasaskedto Prison, andoperatedfor20years. opened in1881nexttotheAboriginal The RottnestIslandBoys’Reformatorywas who hadcomeintoconflictwiththelaw. be asuitablelocationtoreform youngboys decidedthattheIslandwould Government Australian In 1881theWestern 5.2.5 Boys’Reformatory possibilities asarecreation destination. toRottnestIsland’sand theGovernment theattentionofpublic prison turned the Islanduntil1931.Closure ofthe used tobuildroads andotherworkson closed in1904althoughprisonerswere r Closure oftheAboriginalprisonwas as holidayaccommodationuntil2018. which isoperatedunderaprivatelease The QuodisnowpartoftheLodge, accommodation fortheAboriginalmen. is theQuodthatwasprison Thomson Bay, andofparticularsignificance Most ofthedevelopmenttookplacein of the establishmentfor20years. whowasSuperintendent Henry Vincent buildings, mostlyundersupervisionof the seawall,lighthousesandotherheritage buildings andotherstructures including prisoners constructedalargenumberof Over theprisonperiod,Aboriginal ecommended in1902.Itofficially The Reformatory closed in 1901. Since drawn up by the Colonial Secretary’s To remove the glare, buildings were 1909 the Reformatory buildings have Department. As part of this scheme the progressively painted with an ochre been used as holiday accommodation, Bickley area began to be modestly colour that was created by putting rusty operated as part of the Lodge. developed for public recreation. Timber nails in the white wash paint. 5.2.6 Governors’ Residence and hessian camps, a store and a Recreational and holiday pursuits have recreational hall were built overlooking In 1848 Governor Fitzgerald expressed continued on Rottnest Island from this Bickley Bay in the vicinity of where an interest in residing on Rottnest Island time to the present day except for its Kingstown Barracks stands today. A so it became the exclusive summer closure in 1914 and again from 1940 to retreat for successive Governors and number of houses in the Thomson Bay 1945 for military functions. their friends. Settlement were also made available for use, and the opening season was 1911. 5.2.8 Military Functions Superintendent Vincent’s house was originally used as the Governors’ House The Prison and Boys’ Reformatory were Rottnest Island has played a military role but in 1861 Vincent began work on a converted to hostel accommodation in both World War I and World War II purpose-built summer residence for the completed in the 1913/1914 summer Governor overlooking Thomson Bay. and has also had post-war training season. The Bickley camps were closed functions, which are described below. The 1912/1913 summer was the last in 1911, and in 1913 it was proposed to time the Governor used the Governor’s shift the camp reserve to the Bathurst World War I House on Rottnest Island as a summer side of the Settlement. Thirty With the start of World War I the residence. It was later converted to flats weatherboard camps were and used by holiday-makers. Today, it is Department of Defence commandeered subsequently rebuilt at the Bathurst end part of the Rottnest Island Hotel. the Island for use as an internment and of Thomson Bay. Prisoner of War camp from 1914 to the 5.2.7 Recreation Island end of 1915. In September 1915, the More improvements were planned in camp held 989 persons, including 841 From 1902 ferries carried excursionists 1917. A large tearoom and store were to Rottnest Island on Sundays. During Austrian and German internees and 148 erected near the main jetty and wooden these times visitors and prisoners were Prisoners of War. Recreational and bungalows were also constructed close kept well apart. holiday pursuits were re-established in by and on the north side of the jetty. The first public jetty was built in 1906 to December 1915. the south of Thomson Bay Settlement, In 1917 Rottnest Island was declared an where the Army Jetty stands today. Until A-Class Reserve under the Permanent Preparation for World War II then passengers and cargo were brought Reserve Act 1899 and the Rottnest In response to increasing global tensions ashore by a lighter. A tram track was laid Board of Control was formed. in the 1930s, the Australian government from the Jetty to Thomson Bay Settlement developed a three-year Defence and horse drawn trams were used to carry The original limestone buildings of Development Program that it visitors and goods. The trams were later Rottnest Island were whitewashed and commenced in 1933. In the Plan, Rottnest replaced by motor vehicles in 1925 and this created an extreme glare. most of the tracks were removed and Island was identified as being critical to relocated to the Perth Zoo. Some small the defence of Fremantle as guns there portions of the track still remain. could engage hostile ships well before they approached the range that would In 1907 a scheme for transforming allow bombardment of Fremantle Port. Rottnest Island from a penal settlement to a recreation and holiday Island were

53 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 54 permanent station fortroops. Rottnest Islandwasdeclared a were completedinSeptember1937 also undertaken.WhentheBarracks guns. Improvements tothejettywere railway from thejettyto9.2-inch powerhouse, directing stationanda emplacements, magazineshellstores, time were sixsearchlight Also constructedbythemilitaryatthis and enginerooms. station atsignalridge;observationpost building atsignalridge;Portwar fortress andbatterycommandpost observation structures); athree storey supporting communicationand workshop, store, railwaybuildings,and buildings, smallhospital,drycanteen, (NCOs) andgunners,Armyinstitutional for marriednon-commissionedofficers commanders, officers mess,cottages file personnel,cottagesfor officers or sergeantsand72rank accommodation forfourwarrant Kingstown (containingliving at Bickley;permanentArmyBarracks with two6-inchbatteriesandquarters quarters atOliverHill;BickleyPointfort with two9.2-inchbatteriesgunsand and were madeupoftheOliverHillfort known astheRottnestIslandfortress The fixtures onRottnestIslandbecame construction beganlaterthatyear. land atBickleyforthispurposeand Rottnest Islandandin1936itpurchased intentions foradefenceprogram on Board ofControl oftheCommonwealth’s officially informedtheRottnestIsland AustralianPremierIn 1934theWestern until 1960. detachment remained on theIsland in March 1953.Anartillerymaintenance Dismantling ofthebatterywas finalised commercial vesselscouldvisittheIsland. October onlypeopletravellingon Rottnest Islandwasliftedbutuntil In June1945,theprohibition order on r Island forfourmonthstocarryout were senttothe 200 Italianinternees bakehouse andgarage.Approximately military withtheexceptionof Bay buildingshadbeenvacatedbythe term storage.ByApril1945allThomson disbanded andthegunsplacedinlong After thewar, allmilitaryunitswere Postwar fired attheenemy. Island endedwiththegunsneverbeing intensive militaryactivityonRottnest r and onlythe6-inchgunatBickley guns were putonamaintenancebasis Fortress were reduced. The 9.2-inch fixed defencesattheRottnestIsland Australia,sothe moved toNorthern In themid-1940s,focusofthreat 24 hoursaday. Rottnest Island.Thegunswere manned artillery gunneryschooloccupied fire command staff andacoastal During thewarperiod,administrative continued forfiveyearsuntilJune1945. intended tolastforthree months,but activity ended.Thedeclarationwas prohibited area and allrecreational In June1940theIslandwasdeclared a W epairs andrenovations. emained manned.Theperiodof orld War II This usecontinues today. as anenvironmental education centre. thattheBarracksbeused Government season, theBoard recommended tothe programs overthe1984/1985summer Barracks forenvironmental education After successfultrialsusingKingstown ceremony inDecember1984. formalised inanofficial closing including KingstownBarracks.Thiswas the remaining Armylandandbuildings negotiations fortheBoard topurchase Rottnest IslandBoard ofControl began the year. In1984theArmyand where itwasutilisedforonly43daysin sharply from1979 1974,tothepointin from the1960sto1970sand then Kingstown Barracksdeclinedgradually water totheBarracks.TheArmy’s useof area and easementsnecessarytoconnect r W land holdingsonRottnestIslandtothe mostofits In 1967,theArmyreturned value asscrapmetal. guns tothemainlandexceededtheir high costofremoving andshippingthe was savedfrom disposalbecausethe The 9.2-inchbatteryonRottnestIsland the nationwere declared fordisposal. artillery gunsandammunitionsaround ports wasout-modedandcoastal of coastalartilleryinthedefence In 1962itwasdeterminedthattheuse May 1955. at KingstownBarracksre-commenced in to beusedfortrainingpurposes.Training determined theBarracks’wouldcontinue this changedinearly1955whenitwas further useforKingstownBarracks,but In 1953,theArmydecidedthatithadno etaining KingstownBarracks,theBickley estern AustralianGovernment, estern 5.3 VALUES Australia as a whole, and to individual 5.3.4 Settlement and Wadjemup Hill Aboriginal groups from the various Heritage Values 5.3.1 General regions of the State whose ancestors Heritage values of Settlement and The cultural heritage significance of the were prisoners on the Island. Wadjemup Hill buildings, character Island is of a high order. The National • The Quod and the Aboriginal units, landscapes and vistas are Trust of Australia (WA) formally cemetery are of particular heritage documented below. recognised Rottnest Island as a place of significance to Aboriginal people. • The Authority acknowledges National Heritage Significance by Buildings that Aboriginal incarceration classifying it as a Historic Island in 1993. • The Rottnest Island Settlement was a significant part of the history contains a rare example of a large The previous Rottnest Island of the Island and is an important group of buildings constructed in the Management Plan (1997-2002) issue for Aboriginal people with early and middle part of the 19th recommended that the Authority links to this area. century that have not only survived pursue the concept of World Heritage • The Island holds spiritual significance but have been adapted to serve Status for Rottnest Island. Investigations for the Aboriginal community as the continuous use. have revealed that World Heritage place to which the departed spirits of • Some of Rottnest Island’s Settlement listing is not consistent with the values their ancestors travelled. or operation of the Island; however, the buildings have significant heritage Authority will continue to work with the 5.3.3 Maritime Heritage Values value being among the oldest in Heritage Council of Western Australian Western Australia, including: There are also maritime heritage values in the management of the Island’s - The large body of building works on Rottnest Island: heritage estate. created by Superintendent Vincent • Numerous shipwrecks within the and his prison labour force including There are buildings that are already Reserve have State and National cottages E, F, G, H and J, the included on the State Register of historic value and are protected under museum, parts of the shops, Heritage Places, including: Oliver Hill State and Commonwealth legislation. Manager’s House, the seawall, Battery, Kingstown Barracks, Bathurst • Shipwrecks are popular diving and boathouse, salt store, native prison Lighthouse and quarters, Thomson Bay snorkelling sites. and chapel. settlement, and the Rottnest Island • The Bathurst and Wadjemup - Remains of the Boys’ Reformatory Signal Station. lighthouses, lighthouse keeper’s contained within the Rottnest Island house, pilot boat shed and other Lodge. 5.3.2 Aboriginal Heritage Values remaining structures from this period, - The Rottnest Island Hotel originally represent an important part of Aboriginal heritage values on Rottnest constructed as the Governors’ Rottnest Island’s maritime history as a Island include: summer residence. permanent pilot boat station. • The Island has cultural heritage values - Buildings associated with the penal • The Rottnest Island lighthouses have to the Aboriginal community as an establishment including the Quod, been reported as being in a highly area that was once occupied by their the superintendent’s quarters and original state. ancestors prior to its separation from ancillary buildings. the mainland. - Structures on Signal Hill that were • The Island, and the Settlement in significant in terms of particular, is important to the communication with the mainland. Aboriginal community in Western

55 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 56 • • Character unitandLandscape • • • - The unifying plantinggroups and - The museum, nativeprison,chapel - The timberbungalowgroup; - - The seafront cottages,seawalland cultural environment including: significant streetscape, townscapeor the Settlementcollectivelyforma Several individualsub-componentsof planting stock. topography, buildingsandthe including theSettlementlayout, landscape features andelements formed bythecombinationofvarious character oftheIslandhasbeen The uniqueaestheticqualityand - The largelyexoticlandscapeofthe - Way,Vincent identifiedastheoldest - Some roads andtracksestablishedin including: landscape elementsofhistoricalvalue The Settlementcontainsnumerous the water. buildings, theseawallandviewsof avenues, stoneconstruction by thecombinationoftreelined Settlement Zonehavebeencreated Strong historical vistaswithinthe of thelackinfill andmodifications. landscape andstreetscape asaresult There isahighlevelofauthenticity avenues. and reform schoolgroup; quarters group; The lighthouseandkeeper’s salt store group; and aestheticqualities. now alsohashighlyvaluedsocial onwards. Thenaturallandscape planting programs from 1908 Settlement, resulting from rigorous intact streetscape inAustralia. use today. the 19thcenturywhichare stillin • • • • vistas including: have numerous significanthistorical The SettlementandWadjemup Hill V istas the Settlementbuildings andcentral Island Prison.The symmetriclayoutof facing incarceration attheRottnest thousands ofAboriginalprisoners This wastheapproach takenby entrance gateoftheformerQuod. Manager’s Housetowardsthe between cottagesE,JandH The approachfromtheseawall and vista. hence makingitahistoricalsite Vlamingh tooktoexplore theIsland, De It wasalsotheapproach Willem ofthelastcentury.use sincetheturn photographs showingtheBasinin Island, resulting inalargearchive of frequented bathingbeachonthe The Basinisthemosthighly Bathurst LighthouseandtheBasin. original arrivalvista. highly significantasthisformedthe Thomson BayuptoBickleyPointis The vistaalongthesouthendof Thomson BayuptoBickleyPoint. The viewofthesouthend makes thisvistahighlysignificant. construction isuniqueinAustraliaand has beencarriedoutsinceits intact andthatnoinfillordemolition buildings alongtheseawallisstill the 1840s.Thefactthatrow of and thebuildingswere completedin changed verylittlesincetheseawall historic buildings. of thehistoricseawallandrow approaching ThomsonBay, withvista The viewfromthewateron This vistahas • • • • • approaching from the‘centre road’, The viewofWadjemup Lighthouse The viewofWadjemup Lighthouse. defence system. part oftheWorld War IIcoastal and BatteryObservationPostas the functionofSignalStation Ridge buildings.Itclearlyillustrates the militaryheritageofSignal significance fortheinterpretation of Oliver HillGunBatteryisofparticular north-easterly direction towards the The vistafrom theSignalStationina W documented overtheyears. various vantagepointshavebeenwell HouseLakefrom and Government taking inGarden Lake,HerschelLake various vantagepoints. and GovernmentHouseLakefrom V left hisIslandsummerresidence. trees were plantedaftertheGovernor of theSettlement,andpeppermint was purposelybuiltawayfrom therest summer residence. Island Hotel,formerlytheGovernors’ path leadingtowardstheRottnest The viewofthepepperminttree-lined Bay Settlement. distinctive feature oftheThomson Fig trees thathavebecomea the historicplantingsofMoreton Bay the heritage-listedGeneralStore and changed verylittleovertime,takingin Lomas Cottage. Hill pasttheGeneralStoreandonto The viewfromthebottomofSignal known asHeritageCommon. crossed pathsacross whatisnow historic significance,especiallythe location oftheQuodare ofgreat iew ofGardenLake,HerschelLake adjemup Hill/SignalRidge. This viewhas The Residence The vistas where the road and the lighthouse - The 9.2-inch guns at Oliver Hill 5.3.6 Western Australian Social framed by vegetation is noteworthy. Battery, which have particular Heritage Values The lighthouse is the only significant historic significance as an authentic As a result of its long history as a holiday structure outside the Settlement, example of such guns in situ. There is and recreation destination, Rottnest which together with its central possibly one other example Island has an important cultural location on the Island has made it an worldwide of an authentic 9.2-inch heritage value to Western Australian important beacon both on the Island gun battery with guns in situ. • Apart from individual built structures family groups and others with a close and from the mainland. at Kingstown Barracks, the collection asssociation with the Island. 5.3.5 Military Heritage Values of buildings and other structures forms a significant cultural The Island is associated with a deep- The Military heritage values of Rottnest environment of streetscapes and rooted community sentiment and Island are as follows: settings, which contributes to the attachment. Of particular note are the many community groups, associations, Built heritage overall aesthetic character and • As a result of military occupation, the understanding of the place. schools, clubs and individuals who have Island has numerous military • Kingstown Barracks has social had social associations and have structures of historical significance, heritage value connected with the ex- participated in its development. service men and women of the place which are concentrated in Bickley, where they lived and worked during The affection of the Western Australian, Oliver Hill and Wadjemup Hill, but the period of occupation before, and particularly Perth-based also occur in other areas of the Island. during and after World War II, and community, for the Island is also • Particularly significant built also to those internees held on thought to be related to the isolation of structures include: Rottnest Island during war periods. these communities from the rest of - Kingstown Barracks, which contains • Kingstown Barracks is valued by the Australia and the visual connection with nineteen extant buildings of community for demonstrating a the Island from the mainland. substance which are of good to high tangible link with World War II. authenticity and which were the The value of Rottnest Island to the Vistas only military buildings established Western Australian community is • There are numerous historical cultural offshore in Australia. Kingstown illustrated through the following: vistas contained within the Barracks has rarity value as it is the • Many community groups give freely of Kingstown areas which have been a only purpose-built permanent their time to assist in the conservation key part of its landscape since Barracks built in Western Australia in and enhancement of the Island. construction, including: a remote location to support coastal - The vistas of the commander’s • The Island, and the Settlement in defence fortifications and built to residence, the officers mess and the particular, has been the subject of accommodate ground-based mid- clock tower of the main Barracks much painting, photography, twentieth century weapons. from Thomson Bay. literature and film. - Searchlight bunkers, observation - The vista along the road to the main • Rottnest Island continues to be a towers and the signal station at entry of Kingstown Barracks that popular destination for family holidays. Wadjemup Hill, which have historic unfolds gradually as the main •To the people of Western Australia, significance associated with the complex of buildings is approached. the Settlement at Thomson Bay is one military occupation of the Island. - Vistas along the road from the dry of the State’s most recognisable images. - Oliver Hill Battery, which is a rare canteen toward to the NCO and • Some sense of standing is evident in example of military coastal defence gunners’ cottages (Governors’ Circle) the caution with which Rottnest technology of the era 1935-1945. which are flanked by plantings. Island has developed.

57 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 58 •A • • which haveheritagevalues: archaeological remains ontheIsland, There are moveable itemsand Archaeological Remains 5.3.7 MoveableHeritageItemsand • rain drivensandmovements. exposure followingmajorwindand construction orthrough natural through diggingassociatedwith Island andmaybediscovered either within thesandfoundationsof heritage itemsmaystillbepresent For example,manymoveable contain archaeological remains. areas on theIslandthatcould There are numerous unexplored the RottnestIslandMuseum. archaeological remains isdisplayedin of moveableheritageitemsand tools from earliertimes.Acollection pieces,householditemsand furniture bottles, coins,claypipes,general Aboriginal prisoners,artworks, r r have beenlocated.Itemsinclude r Island, numerous archaeological As aresult ofthehistoryRottnest Act 1990 the for otherheritagematerialsunder moves tomirror thisarrangement the proper authorityandthere are Indigenous culturalmaterialwithout prohibits theremoval ofany The activities ontheIsland. discovery andinterpretation ofpast will provide furtheropportunitiesfor emains, glassspearpointscraftedby emnants ofprevious buildings,human emains andmoveableheritageitems r chaeological remains ontheIsland Heritage ofWestern Australia Aboriginal HeritageAct1972 . • • • • • • • of theIsland’s heritageestateinclude: Issues associatedwiththemanagement heritage estate Resourcing themanagementofa 5.4 ISSUES Authority tocarryoutthesetasks. than theresources availabletothe interpret theheritageassetisgreater adequately protect, maintainand The quantityofresources required to interpretation programs. visitor services,through paid heritage placesandtheprovision of made betweenthemaintenanceof Strategic businesslinkscouldbe maintenance works. for heritagerestoration and volunteerefforts terms ofharnessing There are missedopportunitiesin been gainedforsmallprojects. lesser extentfrom grantswhichhave largely from revenue raisedandtoa Funds forheritageworkscomes the costsofheritagemanagement. Rottnest Islandaddssignificantlyto The complexityofheritageissueson maintenance andinterpretation. obligation intermsofprotection, significant communityservice on RottnestIslandrepresents a The magnitudeoftheheritageasset heritage requires improved attention. The restoration andinterpretation of •V • • • • of theIsland’s heritageestateinclude: Issues associatedwiththemaintenance Maintenance andcondition • • • value ofsomesitesandstructures. impacts thathavecompromised the has ledtothecreation ofirreversible maintenance treatments inthepast The useofpoororinappropriate maintenance demands. Rottnest Islandaddstothese The harshclimaticconditionof r pressure, increasing the needfor are subject toconstantuseand the heritagebuildingsandstructures being apublicrecreation destination, As aconsequenceofRottnestIsland heritage assets. maintenance problems for Limited resources hasledto for themaintenance ofthesestructures. Island businesses whoare responsible that are occupiedbyindependent There are severalheritagebuildings severely limited. maintenance ofheritagebuildings is Access toadviceonrestoration and assets strategicallyandeffectively. the Authority’s abilitytomanage these maintenance andrestoration islimiting r elements oftheheritageestateand significance andconditionofvarious understanding ofthecomparative The absenceofacomprehensive intrusive andsomeare notreversible. climate. Someofthesechangesare adapt themtotheRottnestIsland their current functionortobetter been madeinorder toadaptthem Kingstown Barracksbuildingshave the remaining ThomsonBayand egular maintenance. equirements andprioritiesfor arious modificationstothefabricof Aboriginal Heritage and has tended to disguise the history training programs. Issues associated with the management of development and aesthetic • There are opportunities to further of the Aboriginal heritage on Rottnest subtleties. This issue was addressed in interpret the heritage asset of Island include: the Settlement Planning Scheme Rottnest Island through the Rottnest • The Aboriginal heritage of the Island which recommended the Island website. is understated. development and implementation of • Kingstown Barracks is under-utilised • The Quod, which is of particular a policy of colour scheme which as a contributor to the interpretation significance to Aboriginal people, is reflects the historical Island colour of the Island’s Military History. currently under lease as the Rottnest scheme (refer Part B, Chapter 2 - • Several opportunities exist to better Island Lodge. The lease extends to 2018. Reserve Zoning Plan and interpret Rottnest Island’s maritime • The full extent of the cemetery has Settlement Planning Scheme). heritage, including opening the been suggested to be greater than lighthouses to public viewing and Interpretation that currently protected. better interpretation of shipwrecks. Management of the interpretation of • There is one existing Native Title claim the heritage values on Rottnest Island Moveable Heritage on Rottnest Island, which is yet to be includes the following issues: Management of the moveable heritage determined by the Native Title Tribunal. • Interpretation is one of the Authority’s values on Rottnest Island includes the Vistas, Landscapes and key tools in terms of raising the following issues: Character Units appreciation of the heritage asset and •Professional and amateur collectors Issues associated with the management influencing people to ensure that have removed many moveable of the Island’s heritage vistas, their behaviour is consistent with the heritage items from Rottnest Island. landscapes and character units include: values of Rottnest Island. • Hardening of areas has the potential • Management of landscapes, vistas • Generally the significance and scale to seal in undiscovered and spaces is as important as of the heritage value on Rottnest archaeological remains. maintenance of individual buildings. Island is not well appreciated as a •Works that involve digging Similarly, the maintenance of result of limited interpretation. and/or ground disturbance significant collections of buildings is • There is an absence of a dedicated have the potential to uncover important in order to maintain overall purpose-built facility for interpretation archaeological items and should historic character. on the Island. This was highlighted in be appropriately managed. • The loss of European plantings or the the Settlement Planning Scheme and • There is no formal program for the built landscaping elements that exist the design and sourcing of funds for a exploration of archaeological remains in the Settlement Zone would affect dedicated interpretation facility was on the Island. the nature of the Settlement recommended (Part B, Chapter 2 - • The absence of resources, in Character Unit, including its Reserve Zoning Plan and Settlement particular a curator, has led to significant vistas and ambience. Planning Scheme, Section 2.4.1.). difficulties in the appropriate The condition of the planting stock is • The current range of brochures and collection and management of generally mature to over-mature. other materials related to heritage are historical artefacts. • There are several historic vistas in and out of date and therefore not through the Settlement Zone that effective interpretation tools. have been weakened. • There are opportunities to interpret • Uniform paint colour has diminished the heritage estate through heritage- the complexity and variety of finishes focussed conferences, seminars and

59 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 60 • • • perspective includethefollowingissues: interpretation from aheritage current operations forfuture Island. Managementandrecording of r will considerthiscurrent periodtohold constantly evolving.Future generations The heritageofRottnestIslandis T elevance tothehistoryofRottnest oday ashistory pivotal butdisappearingresource. associations withtheIslandare a oral accountsofpeoplewithclose are notbeing explored. Inparticular, gaining furtherheritagerecords that There are numerous opportunities for Rottnest Island’s history. interpretation ofthecurrent periodof the future understandingand practice willcontributesignificantlyto Maintenance ofgoodrecords as r its historyandcurrent useasa value ofRottnestIsland,ascreated by preservation ofthesocialheritage Management shouldconsiderthe ecreational area. • • • Interpretation • • Resources • • • • • Maintenance andManagement 5.5 RECOMMENDATIONS for heritage-focussed conferences, increase theprofile ofRottnestIsland Develop andimplementastrategy to capability ofthismedium. to enhancetheinterpretative Revise andreissue heritagebrochures support heritageworks. includes businessopportunitiesthat heritage interpretation approach that Develop anIsland-wideintegrated advice onheritageissues. Island Authoritytoprovide expert Committee reporting totheRottnest Establish aCulturalHeritageAdvisory the aidofvolunteereffort. projects thatcanbeundertakenwith Develop andimplementheritage associated heritagevalues. Rottnest Islandinorder tomaintain landscapes andstreetscapes on for theappropriate treatments for Develop comprehensive guidelines Rottnest Island. heritage maintenanceactivitieson Context, Section5.2 (refer accordance withtheBurraCharter maintenance procedures, in Develop andimplementheritage and significanceofassets. Rottnest Islandaccording tocondition r Develop aprioritylistingofheritage heritage assetsonRottnestIsland. condition andsignificanceofall Undertake anassessmentofthe of RottnestIsland’s heritageassets. Compile acomprehensive inventory estoration projects required on Part A,Chapter5-Policy ), todirect • • T • • Moveable Heritage • • • • Aboriginal Heritage • oday ashistory with RottnestIsland. previous andcurrent associations oral accountsfrom peoplewith Undertake aprogram ofrecording Rottnest Island. operations andactivitiesof of recording current features, Develop andimplementaprogram Rottnest Islandmuseumcollection. Review, assessandenhancethe work onRottnestIsland. ground disturbance andhardening assessment andsupervisionof for theappropriate archaeological Develop andimplementguidelines Rottnest Island. interpret theAboriginalheritageof with Aboriginalpeopletofurther Maintain andenhancerelationships areas of Aboriginalsignificance. Aboriginal burialgrounds andother mechanisms tofurtherinterpret the Investigate andimplement Aboriginal burialgrounds. overlying theestablishedarea ofthe Relocate anyaccommodation extent oftheAboriginalburialgrounds. radar worktodeterminethefull Undertake furtherground probing Rottnest Island. heritage interpretation on for free-of-charge, self-directed Maintain andenhanceopportunities seminars andtrainingevents. 6. Holiday and Recreation Services and Facilities

6.1 INTRODUCTION 6.2 VISITOR ADMISSION FEES AND 6.2.2 Issues ENTRY TO THE RESERVE Rottnest Island has been managed as a Issues associated with the Rottnest public recreational Island for some 95 6.2.1 Background Island Admission Fee and entry into the years with the first accommodation on Reserve are as follows: This section refers to the individual the Island established at Bickley around • As the Admission Fee provides to the Admission Fee only and does not refer 1907. Recreational pursuits have ceased Authority funds necessary for the to the Annual Payment in Lieu of the only for short periods during the First maintenance and management of the Admission Fee which is payable by and Second World Wars. Reserve, this fee must continue to be owners of boats and aircraft. progressively increased in line with The holiday and recreational focus of Discussion on the Annual Payment in the increasing costs of these services. the Island is now strongly forged in Lieu of Admission Fee for boats and • Being unable to limit entry into the legislation with a function of the aircraft is contained in Part B, Chapter Reserve could cause problems Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987 6 - Holiday and Recreation Services relating to risk management and being to ‘provide and operate and Facilities (Section 6.11) and other difficulties in maintaining recreational and holiday facilities on Chapter 7 - Marine Recreation and control of the area. the Island.’ Facilities (Section 7.3.2). 6.2.3 Recommendations The Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987 Visitors are charged an Admission Fee directs that in the provision and for entry to the Reserve. In 2002, the fee • Annually adjust the individual operation of recreational and holiday was $10.45 per adult and 55c per child Admission Fee commencing facilities on the Island, the Authority (GST inclusive). This fee is a contribution 1st July 2003. shall give particular regard to the needs to the provision of public facilities and • Pursue amendment to the Rottnest of people usually resident in the State. the overall management of the Island. Island Authority Act 1987 to allow the Further, the Act states that the supply Rottnest Island Authority to control The Rottnest Island Authority does of these facilities should give no entry into the Rottnest Island Reserve. not have the power to limit entry to preference or advantage to any person the Reserve. or group.

These legislative directions have heavily influenced the range and style of facilities provided on the Island.

61 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 62 Figure 2-Total toRottnestIslandarrivingbyCommercial NumberofVisitors FerryorAircraft (1997/98-2001/02) Figure 3 -OccupancyofRottnestIslandAccommodationperMonth1996/97-2001/02 Visitor Numbers

Occupancy 320000 325000 330000 335000 340000 345000 350000 355000 100% 20% 40% 60% 80% 0% Jul 1996/97 1997/98 Aug Sep 1997/98 1998/99 Oct Nov 1998/99 Dec 1999/00 Jan 1999/00 Feb 2000/01 Mar 2000/01 Apr May 2001/02 2001/02 Jun 6.3 VISITOR NUMBERS AND 6.3.2 Issues management and business turnover. SEASONALITY There could be some benefit from Visitor Numbers limiting visitor numbers in summer 6.3.1 Background Issues related to the number of Island and increasing those in the cooler visitors are as follows: Visitor Numbers months, as this would allow an even • Ferry passage data indicate that the Currently some 500,000 people visit the spread of demand on resources. number of visitors per year has Island every year. Approximately generally increased (Figure 2 - 6.3.3 Recommendations 350,000 of these visitors travel to the Total Number of Visitors to Island by commercial ferry or aircraft • Undertake research on the Rottnest Island Arriving by and the remainder by private pleasure relationship between Rottnest Island Commercial Ferry or Aircraft craft. Figure 2 displays the number of visitor numbers and behaviour and (1997/98 - 2001/02). people arriving on the Island by environmental, social and economic • Accommodation occupancy data also commercial ferry or aircraft from impacts on Rottnest Island. indicate that the occupancy level of 1997/98 to 2001/02. • Develop and implement plans to Authority accommodation has increase the number of Seasonality increased (Figure 3 - Occupancy of accommodated visitors in the cooler The visitor profile shows a marked Rottnest Island Accommodation months. seasonality. This is illustrated in per Month 1996/97-2001/02). • Manage activities on the Island accommodation booking figures that • The number of visitors to the Island is commensurate with optimum show generally between 90 percent and an issue as human activities have the visitor levels. 100 percent occupancy in the peak potential to affect the Island’s natural months including December, January, and social values, and there is a finite February and March; through to around level of resources available to support 30 percent in August (Figure 3 - Island operations. The level of impact Occupancy of Rottnest Island is dependent not only by the number Accommodation per Month of visitors, but also the activities and 1996/7-2001/2). The lower number of behaviours of those visitors. visitors in winter has been attributed to • The Authority does not have a good the combination of the weather on the understanding of the relationship Island and sea conditions experienced between visitor numbers, impact on on the ferry journey to the Island. the Island’s environment and demand on resources. Although there is The Island also receives a greater number awareness of general seasonal and of day-trippers in summer months. annual trends, there are limited recorded data on visitor usage On certain days during the peak season patterns and behaviours. there is a very high number of people on the Island. These days include New Years Seasonality Day, the Rottnest Island Channel Swim, Issues related to the seasonality of and the Australia Day long weekend. This visitors to the Island are as follows: has the potential to cause congestion • Seasonality creates management and affect the visitor experience. issues in relation to staff and resource

63 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 64 • service orfacilityare asfollows: determination tooperateanIsland Issues relevant totheAuthority’s 6.4.2 Issues community. to ensure equityofaccesstothe establishing theethosofIsland,and facility thatplaysasignificantrole in the Authoritytomaintaincontrol overa management role iscriticalinorder for r heritage managementrole. The environmental, accommodation facilities,aswellits management andoperationofits The Authorityiscommittedtothedirect management ofabakeryorrestaurant. has notventured intothelongterm not products. Forexample,theAuthority to limititselfthesupplyofservicesand general trends exist.TheAuthoritytends Island underleaseorlicense,butafew those thatare operatedprivatelyonthe facilities managedbytheAuthorityand There isnodefinitepolicyinregard to 6.4.1 Background CORE BUSINESS 6.4 ROTTNESTISLANDAUTHORITY etention oftheaccommodation Rottnest Islandis maintained. met andthatthevisitorexperience on ensuring thattheneedsofvisitors are ecological environment thatincludes the Island’s social,culturaland Authority hasanobligationtosustain Island visitorexperience.The the maintenanceofRottnest The Authorityhasacommitmentto educational, Rangerand managed bythe Authority. accommodation isownedand the Island.Themajorityofresidential Authority oroneofthebusinesses on their familieswhoworkforthe r guest accommodation,there is cabins andthehostel.Inadditionto units, fibro houses,campsites,camping including villas,bungalows,cottages, accommodation typesavailable Rottnest Islandhasarangeof 6.5.1.1 Background accommodation 6.5.1 Rangeandstyleof available onRottnestIsland. the amountofaccommodation the upgradingofaccommodationand the rangeandstyleofaccommodation, within thisManagementPlan.Theseare accommodation, whichare addressed There are three mainissues related to facilities are addressed in facilities. Privateaccommodation operation ofAuthorityaccommodation This sectiondealsexclusivelywiththe F 6.5 AUTHORITYACCOMMODATION • 6.4.3 Recommendations esidential accommodationforstaff and ACILITIES Island’s environmental andsocialvalues. equity andaccess,sustainthe over theReserve,preserve theethos, the requirements tomaintaincontrol case-by-case basis,givingpriorityto Assess businessopportunitiesona Section 6.6 . • • as follows: style ofAuthorityaccommodationare Issues associatedwiththerangeand 6.5.1.2 Issues r Sergeants’ Messandsomedormitory provide easy accesstoKingstown access ramphasbeenconstructedto people withmobilityimpairment.An been renovated foreaseofaccess universal accessfeatures. Sixunitshave provision ofaccommodationwith The Authorityiscommittedtothe catered nature. Accommodation isofamodest,self- from 4- to 8-bedunitsandhouses. it provides. Accommodationranges flexible intheservicesandfacilitiesthat means thattheAuthorityneedstobe Australianfamilies and sizeofWestern needs offamilies.Thechangingnature accommodation isfocussedonthe Authority Act1987 In accordance withthe Planning Scheme Reserve ZoningPlanandSettlement Island (refer within theSettlementZoneof All visitoraccommodationiscontained ooms atKingstownBarracks. by thisstyleofaccommodation. order tomaintaintheethos created accommodation ontheIslandin is themajorsupplierof It isimportantthattheAuthority impact onthis. style andrangecouldhaveanegative ethos, andalterationstotheexisting contributor totheRottnestIsland accommodation isanimportant The existingstyleandrangeof Part B,Chapter2- ). , Authority Rottnest Island 6.5.1.3 Recommendations •A high proportion of accommodation maintenance burdens. However, • Retain the existing range of has not been refurbished, and there is within the current revenue earning accommodation on Rottnest Island. a clear and strong message from capacity, it remains a constant • Investigate designs for a Rottnest customers that the existing condition challenge for the Authority to fund Island style of holiday cottage in of several types of unrefurbished these refurbishments at a rate preparation for times when existing accommodation is below acceptable consistent with visitor expectations. cottages require replacement. standards. Many units are cold in •There is a perception that the winter with their basic facilities not Authority accommodation does not 6.5.2 Upgrading Accommodation suitable for this time of year. provide specifically for singles and • The proportion of reactive couples. The Rottnest Island Hotel 6.5.2.1 Background maintenance that occurs in addition and the Lodge have accommodation As noted previously, facilities provided to the scheduled maintenance that caters for singles and couples within Rottnest Island accommodation program is considerable and a but this is not the same style as are modest. This is a consequence of the significant proportion of this could be Authority accommodation. affordable pricing charter that has been reduced if dated and aged facilities • Rottnest Island is committed to maintained by the Authority. were refurbished or replaced. the provision of universal access • Of the existing un-refurbished accommodation. Although the modest forms of accommodation, there are three 6.5.2.3 Recommendations accommodation are considered areas that are highly degraded and in • Investigate the feasibility of the appropriate for Rottnest Island, need of improvement: redevelopment of the existing Kelly Authority accommodation and facilities - Accommodation situated on Kelly St and Abbot Street accommodation, contained within are generally old and and Abbot St (fibro houses and paying attention to environmental in need of refurbishment. A bungalows). This accommodation is and heritage sensitive construction refurbishment program commenced in in need of major maintenance to the and operation, winter comfort 1996, as part of a Government extent that full or partial redevelopment standards, and the flexibility to commitment to upgrade the Island’s may be a more cost-effective option. provide for wider styles of use. infrastructure. - Geordie/Longreach Bay • Refurbish the heritage cottages accommodation. The condition of As at June 2002, 44 Bathurst units, 30 and the Geordie/Longreach units, Geordie/Longreach area is degraded paying particular attention to North Thomson units, 38 South and uncomfortable. environmentally sensitive Thomson Units and 28 Caroline - Allison camping cabins. Allison construction and operation and to Thomson camping cabins have been camping cabins are highly degraded, winter comfort standards. refurbished under this program. poorly designed and landscaped, •Demolish the existing Allison cabins Customers have provided positive and lacking in appropriate facilities. and construct replacement cabins feedback about the standard of • Improved accommodation conditions near Caroline Thomson using the refurbished accommodation. could increase visitor satisfaction and existing Caroline Thomson cabin be done in a manner that heightens model, paying particular attention to 6.5.2.2 Issues the potential for increased use. winter comfort standards. Issues associated with the standard and Improvements could also incorporate • Improve and enhance the universal upgrading of Authority accommodation best practice environmental access features of accommodation are as follows: standards and minimise ongoing and visitor facilities on Rottnest Island.

65 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 66 • 6.5.3.3 Recommendations •W • accommodation ontheIsland: increasing theamountof There with are twoprimaryconcerns 6.5.3.2 Issues allocate accommodation. extent thataballothasbeenadoptedto during peakholidayperiods,tothe well exceedstheamountavailable Demand forAuthorityaccommodation capacity to3036. this bringsthetotalpotentialsleeping hired by theAuthorityare considered 2326. Whenadditionalfoldingbeds This leadstoatotalbedcapacityof people and326bedsinKingstown. are 50campsites withcapacityfor400 1600 people.Inadditiontothisthere the capacitytoaccommodateatotalof the Island,includingcabins,whichhave There are 322accommodation unitson 6.5.3.1 Background 6.5.3 AmountofAccommodation boundary ofthe SettlementZone. building envelope withinthe Determine andimplement adefined environmental valuesofRottnestIsland. be inconsistentwiththesocialand considerable developmentthat would 1987 in the the entire SettlementZone,asspecified accommodation developmentbeing which are limitedandcostlytoproduce. increasing demandonresources, allof Island atanyonetime,potentially number ofpeopleabletostayonthe accommodation wouldincrease the The developmentofnew ith thecurrent availablearea for , there ispotentialfor Rottnest IslandAuthorityAct available toenable on-linebookings. accommodation. Facilitiesare notyet check availabilityofAuthority-managed payments tobemade,andforvisitors to accommodation tobeobtained andfor general informationaboutAuthority The RottnestIslandwebsiteallows the durationofstayduringpeakseasons. of multipleunits.There are alsolimitson selling ofaccommodationorthebooking year. Reservationspoliciesprevent theon- bookings forthatmonththefollowing an ‘openday’foraccommodation the beginningofeachmonthdesignated booked more thanayearahead,with Authority accommodationcannotbe the HotelandLodge. establishments ontheIsland,suchas for theprivateaccommodation Contact Centre doesnottakebookings 6.9.4.2 peak ballotperiods(refer accommodation bookedduringthe and ontheIsland,exceptfor the accommodationoffice inFremantle customer contactcentre orinpersonat be bookedeitherbyphoningthe accommodation. Accommodationcan procedures forthesaleofAuthority tailored software andbooking contact centre withdedicatedstaff, The Authorityoperatesacustomer 6.5.4.1.1 Background 6.5.4.1 Regularbookingprocedures 6.5.4 AllocationofAccommodation • existing accommodation,asnecessary. Rottnest Islandtothereplacement of construction ofaccommodationon Except where otherwisespecified,limit of thisChapter).TheCustomer Section periods accommodation isallocated of thoseperiods. Duringthesepeak tend toextendintotheshoulder months October schoolholidaysbutthey now the summer, Easterand September/ Historically, thesepeaktimes havebeen outweighs availability. demand foraccommodationfar popular. However, inpeaktimesthe accommodation onRottnestIslandis At mosttimesoftheyear, 6.5.4.2.1 Background allocation procedures 6.5.4.2 Peakaccommodation • • 6.5.4.1.3 Recommendations • • • on RottnestIsland: booking ofAuthorityaccommodation The followingare issuesrelevant tothe 6.5.4.1.2 Issues booking facilities. introducing on-lineaccommodation Investigate thefeasibilityof and procedures. accommodation bookingsoftware Upgrade andimprove RottnestIsland accommodation styleandcost. and gatherinformationon can checkaccommodationavailability line reservations. Currently, visitors to thewebsitemovetoward on- Further enhancementcouldbemade customer contactcentre. accommodation office andthe there iscongestion atboththeon-site On ‘opendays’forpopularmonths, also desirable. checking andverificationcapacity, are particularly theintroduction ofa need ofupgrade.Enhancedfeatures, customer contactcentre (ABBS)isin The software program usedbythe through a ballot system. This requires 6.5.5 Accommodation Charges 6.5.5.2 Issues that people wanting accommodation fill There are issues associated with the in a form available in The West Australian 6.5.5.1 Background current charge structure for Authority newspaper and on the Authority’s Rottnest Island Authority charges for accommodation: website. The Authority collects ballot accommodation vary on a seasonal • Analysis has revealed that the revenue forms and an independent operator basis. The Rottnest Island Authority Act from accommodation does not cover randomly allocates accommodation to 1987 states that the supply of facilities the full cost of providing these facilities. the applicants. should not advantage any particular • The Authority has a charter to provide person or group. In the past, the affordable accommodation options 6.5.4.2.2 Issues Authority has underpriced its for Western Australians who want to The following issues are relevant to the accommodation as a means of achieving holiday on Rottnest Island. The present system of accommodation affordable access to some facilities. Authority will continue to fulfil this allocation in peak times: charter by increasing the number of The Authority measures its affordability •A high degree of administration is Caroline Thomson-style cabins, by undertaking a comparison of the cost required to conduct the providing them with heating, of day trips or longer family holidays accommodation ballot. The Authority maintaining them to a high standard, on Rottnest Island with day trips and will investigate more cost-effective and maintaining affordable pricing holidays at broadly equivalent holiday options for administering the structures. It will also continue to destinations in the south west of the accommodation ballot process for the offer discounted accommodation State. In 2001/2002 the comparative allocation of accommodation during during off-peak times. costs of a day trip and family holiday to peak seasons. •Different visitors to Rottnest Island Rottnest Island were 66 percent and • Monitoring and auditing of the ballot choose to make use of different 50 percent less expensive, respectively. process has identified this as a fair and services and facilities and the equitable approach to allocation of Accommodation fee increases over the Authority will set prices so that the accommodation. However, segments past five years have been few, and have costs of those services are paid of the public perceive the ballot included two CPI increases and by the users and are not imposed process to be non-transparent. increases in price on the completion of on all visitors. 6.5.4.2.3 Recommendation some refurbished units. Over this same • Investigate alternative methods period, pensioner concessions have also to allocate accommodation during been introduced and the Caroline peak periods. Thomson Cabins were refurbished and leased without a price increase.

67 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 68 • 6.5.5.3 Recommendations Accommodation Charges as describedin bookings takenfrom 1January2003 accommodation chargesfor Implement thescheduleof aoieTosnCbn 550 95 75 70 65 85 80 210 170 140 195 170 170 135 125 Caroline Thomson Cabins 185 Bungalows: 6bed Bungalows: 4bed 300 Fibros 270 Unit: unrefurbished, noview, 8bed 225 Unit: unrefurbished, noview, 6bed 165 355 Unit: unrefurbished, noview, 4bed 140 Unit: refurbished, noview, 6bed Units: refurbished, noview, 4bed V V V 400 V 315 V V Cottage: restored, 8bed Cottage: restored, 6bed Cottage: restored, 4bed Cottage: refurbished, 8bed Cottage: refurbished, 6bed(GemHeritageCottage) Cottage: refurbished, 4bed(GemHeritageCottage) Campsite Accommodation Style T able 5-AccommodationCharges la neubse,ve e 1 110 100 95 150 125 115 210 205 180 245 225 205 illa: unrefurbished, view8bed illa: unrefurbished, withview, 6bed illa: unrefurbished, withview4bed illa: refurbished, withview, 8bed illa: refurbished, withview, 6bed illa: refurbished, withview, 4bed T able 5- . • • and operations. Annually revise accommodationcosts discount rate. of adiscountpackage,at20percent for off peakperiods,whichisnotpart Charge accommodationbooked ih $ Pernight for additionalnights($) 1 night($) 2 40 125 535 35 85 75 88 Accommodation Charge 6.6 PRIVATELY OPERATED 6.7 EDUCATION AND Discovery Centre. The program has been ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES INTERPRETATION SERVICES developed in accordance with the State Curriculum Framework and is aimed at 6.6.1 Background 6.7.1 Background primary and secondary school students. Education and interpretation are There are two accommodation facilities The Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association on Rottnest Island not directly operated recognised as key tools for the are active contributors to education and by the Authority. These are the Rottnest management of Rottnest Island and interpretation and offer free of charge Island Lodge and the Rottnest Island Hotel. have a role in many of the Authority’s tours of various styles around the Island. diverse operations. Education and 6.6.2 Issues interpretation programs focussing on 6.7.2 Issues the natural environment, cultural Issues associated with the Issues associated with the provision heritage and sustainable management accommodation facilities on the Island of education and interpretation of the Island are run by the Authority. that are not operated directly by the services include: Authority are as follows: Education and interpretation refer to • Education and interpretation are • The Rottnest Island Hotel is managed the use of information to create investments in the management and under contract by an agent. The awareness and understanding of use of Rottnest Island by future Authority will consider options for the management issues and the values of generations of visitors. future development of the Rottnest the Reserve. Education programs are 6.7.3 Recommendation Island Hotel site, in consultation with directed at formal learning groups the community. The Rottnest Island visiting the Island with an interest in • Continue to provide education Hotel will be redeveloped during the particular topics, while interpretation is and interpretation activities on life of this Management Plan. aimed at the general visitor who may Rottnest Island. • The Lodge is leased and operated not have an intention to learn about privately. The lease for the Lodge specific issues and whose main purpose 6.8 SERVICES AND ATTRACTIONS extends beyond the life of this is to enjoy the Island experience. Management Plan and is due to 6.8.1 Background expire in 2018. Some interpretive methods include • The Authority will continue to work guided and self-guided tours, displays, There are a number of visitor with the Rottnest Island Hotel and signage, brochures and talks. More attractions provided on Rottnest Island Rottnest Island Lodge to provide information on these interpretation which are used by both day-trippers appropriate holiday accommodation methods and directions are contained and holiday-makers. on Rottnest Island. throughout the remaining chapters of this Plan, relating to various areas of the The range of visitor attractions has been 6.6.3 Recommendations Authority’s operations. dominated by links to the natural and cultural environment resulting in these • Conduct a community consultation In addition to interpretation, the attractions playing an important role in exercise to inform the future Authority implements an Education setting the tone of behaviour and development of the Rottnest Island Program that offers a range of activities, experience of visitors on Rottnest Island. Hotel site. encouraging active student involvement Visitor attractions are used to increase • Redevelop the Rottnest Island and hands-on learning. The program is awareness, appreciation and Hotel facilities informed by centred at Kingstown Barracks which understanding of the Island’s cultural community consultation. contains accommodation and a and natural environment.

69 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 70 standards. and complieswith publicsector which involvespublicadvertisement business opportunitiesontheIsland, selection andappointmentprocess for The Authorityhasadoptedastandard the peakseason. r summer-specific servicesbutmore licensed businesseshaveprovided in Authoritypremises. Traditionally, issued tobusinessesthatdonotoperate throughout thewholeyear. Licencesare generally provide theirservices operate inAuthoritypremises and Leases are issuedtobusinessesthat including leases,licencesandcontracts. under avarietyofarrangements Businesses ontheIslandare managed arrangement withtheAuthority. operate underaleaseorlicense and attractions.Thesebusinesses essential servicesaswellsometours Businesses ontheIslandprovide a rangeofsubjectsandissues. conducts free toursforvisitorscovering Rottnest Voluntary GuidesAssociation V including themuseum,libraryand and alsoproviding ofarangefacilities range oftoursincludingcoach environmental activities,providing a interpretation ofheritagesitesand The Authorityisresponsible forthe Association. the RottnestVoluntary Guides Authority, thebusinesscommunityand attractions includetheRottnestIsland Providers ofvisitorfacilitiesand ecently, somehaveoperatedoutside isitor andInformationCentre. The • •T on theIslandincludefollowing: of thestyleandrangevisitorservices Issues associatedwiththemanagement V 6.8.2.1 StyleandRangeof 6.8.2 Issues Recreation andFacilities Part B,Chapter7-Marine (this isconsidered specificallyin such asdivingandfishingcharters licence arrangementwiththeAuthority the Reservethatdonothavealeaseor There are commercial operationswithin service isaddressed in bus tours;however, thebustransport This sectionwilladdress toursincluding languages spoken. name badgessignifyanysecond non-English speakingbackground staff services tovisitors.To assistvisitorsof and bilingualstaff provide language symbols the Islanddisplayinternational the uniqueIslandexperience.Signson barriers donotprevent visitorsenjoying has beendevelopedtoensure language visitors, andaLanguageServicesPolicy to provide fornon-Englishspeaking The Authorityalsorecognises theneed isitor Services from itscurrent interpretative, ethos. Alteringthis styleandrange contributes totheRottnestIsland The styleandrangeofvisitorservices of visitorattractionsiscritical. management andthedevelopment maintenance, environmental appropriate linksbetweenheritage values meansthedevelopmentof and heritageenvironmental he strong linkbetweenvisitorattractions Section 6.9 ). . • • • businesses includethefollowing: of theIsland’s privatelyoperated Issues associatedwiththemanagement 6.8.2.2 ManagementofBusinesses • • winter months. number ofvisitors totheIslandduring of seasonalitybyattractingagreater assist theAuthoritytoreduce thelevel through licencearrangementsmay The provision ofwinterservices activities duringpeakvisitorperiods. who haveprovided anarrayof small businessoperatorstotheIsland strategy fortheAuthority, attracting licences havebeenasuccessful In general,itisconsidered that surrounding waters. the Reserve,itsproperty, landsand The Authoritymaintainscontrol over an under-supply ofbicycleracks. Island whileinpeakseasonsthere is telecommunications networkonthe There are alsogapsinthe and afterdarkactivitiesforyouth. a ‘traditionalstyle’ice-cream shop provides choiceandvalueformoney, additional takeawayfoodvenuethat advised there isademandforan services. Customerfeedbackhas current range andextentofvisitor There are someidentifiedgapsinthe services andattractions. development andprovision ofvisitor clear direction inregard tothe there isa needforcoordination and and therangeofopportunitiesmeans The rangeofvisitorserviceproviders visitor experience. Rottnest Islandethosandalterthe focus wouldcompromise the environmental andculturalheritage • It is considered that the existing range of services and ability to meet 6.8.3 Recommendations selection process for business peak demands. There are also some • Develop and implement a Plan for opportunities on the Island is open, universal access issues associated visitor services and attractions which transparent and appropriate to with the Visitor and Information is consistent with the Island’s purpose determine the ability of a business to Centre that need to be addressed. and based on the principles of deliver quality products and services • The current range of brochures environmental, social and economic to visitors. provided by the Visitor and Information Centre is not considered sustainability. 6.8.2.3 Tours adequate interpretation tools. •Provide a range of visitor services and This section will address issues • The range of merchandise sold attractions that are available on a self- associated with guided tours, including by the Visitor and Information directed, free-of-charge basis. coach tours (note that bus services of Centre is limited. • Maintain and enhance the services the Bayseeker and Shuttle Bus are • There are opportunities to be provided by businesses operating on addressed under Section 6.9 of explored in terms of the range of Rottnest Island. this Chapter): merchandise available, as well as •Provide and enhance language • Guided tours increase visitor alternative ordering mechanisms such services to non-English speaking knowledge and positively influence as mail order and on-line ordering. visitors. behaviour. Some guided tours are • Develop and implement a research provided with the use of a bus and 6.8.2.5 Impacts of Visitor Services program to determine the impact of some are walking based. The impact of visitor services is an issue: services and attractions on the • Coach tours add to the number of • The Authority has a limited Rottnest Island environment and vehicles, but provide the only understanding of the impact of tours its visitors. opportunity for certain groups to and visitor attractions on the Island’s • Develop and implement a Rottnest discover the outer bays of the Island. environment, the level of influence Island Merchandising Plan. Furthermore, coach tours are a they have on visitors, and how they • Increase the number of bicycle racks managed way for people to shape visitors’ enjoyment and on Rottnest Island. experience the natural environment understanding of the Island. • Develop and implement a with minimal impact. telecommunications plan. 6.8.2.6 Charges for Visitor Services • Coordination between the various • Determine and provide recreation and Facilities groups responsible for offering tours facilities targeted at youth. Issues associated with the charges for is required to ensure an optimum • Undertake a review of charges for the balance of products. visitor services and facilities are as full range of tours and visitor services. follows: 6.8.2.4 Visitor and Information •Many visitor services currently Centre provided do not operate on a cost- The Rottnest Island Visitor and recovery model. Information Centre provides • Given the provision of self-guided information and advice to visitors to free interpretative opportunities, Rottnest Island. The following issues are guided tours and services could be associated with provision of services by sold at cost recovery rates while the Visitor and Information Centre: maintaining a high level of access to • The existing Visitor and Information Island experiences. Centre is inadequate in terms of size,

71 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 72 are associatedwiththe future needs. However, thefollowingissues adequate tomeet visitors’current The existingrangeofbusservices is 6.9.1.2 Issues the numberofbusseatsavailable. Authority hasdeterminednottoincrease buses, pedestriansandcyclists,the As aresult oftheconflictbetween tours offered around theIsland. operates abusaspartoftheirdiving and speciallydesignedbus.MalibuDive disability withtheaidoftheirdedicated conducts fishingtoursforpeoplewitha Authority. TheDepartmentofFisheries the Island,notoperatedby There are twobustransportserviceson Thomson BaytoOliverHill. operates alightrailoperationfrom available onrequest. TheAuthorityalso Kingstown. Acharterbusserviceis and Geordie/Longreach Bayand that shuttlespeoplebetweenThomson Island Reserve the Island(refer from the Settlementtotheouterbaysof Bayseeker busservicethatcarriespeople passengers. Primaryservicesare the primary purposeofthecarriage services ontheIsland,whichare forthe The Authorityoperatesseveraltransport in considered ‘tours’.Tours are addressed primarily fortransportandare not passenger servicesthatare tobe This sectiondealsonlywiththe 6.9.1.1 Background 6.9.1 RangeofServices 6.9 TRANSPORT SERVICES Section 6.8 of thisChapter. Chart 1-Rottnest ), andtheShuttleBus Parakeet Bayand Geordie Baystore. Stark Bay, CityofYork Bay, Little Bay, RockyBay, Roland SmithMemorial, Salmon Bay, Green Island,Strickland Bay, ParkerPoint,LittleSalmon Bay, Porpoise Thomson, Kingstownturn-off, Settlement mainbusstop,South The Bayseekerstopsincludethe organised eveningactivities. services are provided tocomplement every 30minutes.Someadditional The ShuttleBusrunsapproximately to 30-minuteintervalsbetweenbuses. frequent summertimetableoffering 20- and summerschedulewiththemore The Bayseekerbusservicehasawinter 6.9.2.1 Background 6.9.2 BusRouteandSchedule • 6.9.1.3 Recommendation • • management oftherangeservices: bus services. the carriageoflargeequipmenton Investigate mechanismstoimprove of equipmentaround theIsland. carriage to arrangeforthealternative Authority can inconveniencepassengers.The and carriage of passengeralternative can compromise its equipment bytheIsland’s busservices and otheritems.Thecarriageoflarge surfboards, butalsoincludingprams r mainly associatedwithpeople’s large equipmentaround theIsland There isademandforthecarriageof need foradditionalbusservices. Hill precinct occur, there maybea Should thedevelopmentofWadjemup ecreational pursuits,forexample will beconsideringtheneed primary function • • 6.9.2.3 Recommendations • • • with theoperatingschedules: adequate, there are issuesassociated Although therangeofbusservicesis 6.9.2.2 Issues of theIsland. access buscarrypeopletovariousareas the DepartmentofFisheriesuniversal Charter buses,theMalibuDiveBusand W The Bayseekerbusdoesnottravelto Bay/Fays Bay, AirportandKingstown. main busstop,Geordie Bay/Longreach Settlement Zoneincluding The Shuttlebusislimitedtothe est Endalthoughthecoachtourdoes. rail service. the extensionof theRottnestIsland Investigate thefeasibilityof and environmental amenities. have amore positiveimpactonvisual buses forRottnestIslandthatwill Investigate alternative-powered travelling onbuses. including walkers,ridersandthose to meettheneedsofallvisitors buses intermsofnumberandstyle to determinetherightbalanceof outer bayexperience.There isaneed diminishes theamenityvalueof as apassingbusintheNaturalZone between cyclists,walkersandbuses must bemanagedagainsttheconflict The frequency ofthebusschedule visually andaudiblyobtrusive. the busesare probably themost Of allthevehiclesonRottnestIsland, visitors inpeaktimes. not adequatetomeetthedemandsof The current Bayseekerbusscheduleis 6.9.3 Bus Charges Self directed recreation can occur over injury are similar to risks on the the entire Island with the exception of mainland. The requirement to wear a 6.9.3.1 Background Environmental Exclusion Zones helmet when cycling and to use a The current charges for Bayseeker (refer Part B, Chapter 2 - Reserve light at night applies on Rottnest buses, at December 2002 were $7.00 Zoning Plan and Settlement Island. Enforcing cycling road rules is per adult and $3.50 per child. Planning Scheme). the responsibility of the Western Concessions, family passes and annual Australian Police Service. tickets are also available. The Shuttle 6.10.1 Cycling • Although cycling is popular on bus service is free of charge. 6.10.1.1 Background Rottnest Island, there are some areas The primary form of transport on Rottnest where it is a hazard as a result of 6.9.3.2 Issues Island is the bicycle. Bicycles are available congestion and high volumes of • The operational costs of bus services for hire on the Island year round. Visitors people. These areas include the are not covered by the fees charged. are also able to transport their own Arrival and Departure Precinct, 6.9.3.3 Recommendation bicycles onto the Island by ferry. shopping area and the Main • Annually review and amend bus Passenger Jetty. This is addressed in service fees and charges. There are conflicts between the various the Settlement Planning Scheme modes of transport on the Island. where it is recommended that 6.10 SELF-DIRECTED RECREATION Cycling, as well as vehicular traffic, are mechanisms be developed and known to cause mortality of Island implemented to enforce no bicycle Self-directed recreation is popular and fauna, particularly quokkas. The level of riding in these areas (refer Part B, highly valued on Rottnest Island. mortality is elevated by the fact that Chapter 2 - Reserve Zoning Plan Generally this includes bicycle riding some cyclists ride at night without a and Settlement Planning Scheme). and walking in the terrestrial bicycle light. Conflicts also occur 6.10.1.3 Recommendations environment, and swimming, fishing between cyclists and pedestrians. To •Work with the Rottnest Island Police and snorkelling in the marine minimise this conflict cycling is not to enforce the requirement for cyclists environment. This section deals only permitted in congested and popular to wear helmets on Rottnest Island. with the terrestrial recreational pedestrian areas including the mall and •Work with the Rottnest Island Police activities. Refer to Part B, Chapter 7 - the jetty. Marine Recreation and Facilities, to enforce the requirement for cyclists to use a light when cycling at night. for discussion on self-directed The interpretation of the Island on a marine recreation. self-directed basis is covered under 6.10.2 Walking Part B, Chapter 3 - Terrestrial 6.10.2.1 Background Rottnest Island offers exceptional scenic Environment, and Chapter 5 - Walking is an activity that is enjoyed by views and walking tracks appreciated by Cultural Heritage. people of all ages, interests and fitness both cyclists and walkers. There is an levels, and is a popular mode of opportunity to further enhance the self- 6.10.1.2 Issues transport around the Island. Rottnest directed recreational experience of Issues associated with cycling on Island offers several impressive walking Rottnest Island through the provision of Rottnest Island include: areas and a range of opportunities to interpretative material either in the form •Visitors tend to feel safe on their meet the needs of this diverse group. of brochures or site-specific bicycles on Rottnest Island, Interpretative walks have been provided interpretative signage. presumably due to the small numbers to enhance the visitor experience. of vehicles. However, the risks of

73 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 74 Services Planfor RottnestIslandwhich visitors. TheAuthority hasaDisability accessible holidayexperiencefor all r and leisure projects ontheIslandand guiding thedevelopmentofrecreation of universalaccessasbeingbeneficial to The Authorityrecognises theprinciples 6.10.3.1 Background Recreational Facilities 6.10.3 UniversalAccessto • 6.10.2.3 Recommendation •V Rottnest Islandinclude: Issues associatedwithwalkingaround 6.10.2.2 Issues Cultural Heritage Environment andChapter5- Part B,Chapter3-Terrestrial self-directed basisiscovered under The interpretation oftheIslandona Section 2.5.1 Settlement PlanningScheme, 2 -ReserveZoningPlanand enhance thistrail(refer the recommendation toextendand Settlement PlanningSchemeincludes constructed overrecent yearsandthe coastal walkingtrailhasbeenpartially r W emoving thebarriersthatprohibit an oads andexistingwalkingtracks.A alkers are encouragedtousethe providing fortheneedsofvisitors. minimise environmental impactswhile walking tracksonRottnestIslandto Review andrationalisethenumberof and isencouragedbytheAuthority. tracks canbealowimpactactivity formalised andmaintainedwalking iewing theIslandthrough ). . Part B,Chapter The mainuserof theaerodrome isthe in theregion of1000landings peryear. The RottnestIsland aerodrome receives and equipmentusedattheaerodrome. r A Authority isresponsible totheCivil Rottnest IslandAerodrome. The The Authorityownsandmaintainsthe 6.11.1 Background 6.11 ROTTNESTISLANDAERODROME • • 6.10.3.3 Recommendations activities forallvisitorstotheIsland. and enhancementofrecreational committed tothefuture maintenance The RottnestIslandAuthorityis 6.10.3.2 Issues of apurpose-builtbus. for peoplewithadisabilitytheaid Fisheries whichconductsfishingclinics enhanced bytheDepartmentof The Authority’s recreational facilitiesare wheelchair lifts. some tourvehiclesequippedwith wheelchairs. TheAuthorityalsohas available, inadditiontomanual electronic scootersare currently Beach accessiblewheelchairsand r providing universalaccessto The Authorityhasbeenactivein universal recreational facilities. guides theapproach toproviding elating tothemaintenanceoffacilities ecreational facilitiesonRottnestIsland. viation Authorityforallmatters and wateraccess. Thomson Beachtoprovide beach Refurbish theramptoNorth Authority DisabilityServicesPlan. Implement theRottnestIsland payment forAerodrome Usage Fee. choose topaythe Authorityanannual theownerof Alternatively, 2000kg and$33.00forahelicopter. 2000kg, $33.00foraircraft greater than at $22.00foraircraft notgreater than landing occasionwhichare currently set Aerodrome UsageFeepaymentsoneach The owneroftheaircraft maymake Authority anAerodrome UsageFee. service, are required topaythe out aregular passengerorjoyflight aerodrome, otherthanthosewhocarry owners ofaircraft thatlandatthe In additiontotheAdmissionFee, to theAuthority. passengers andremit thefeescollected collect theAdmissionFeefrom their passengers totheIslandare required to Commercial aircraft operatorsbringing r Admission Feehasbeenpaid,are not which anannualpaymentinlieuof arriving byrecreational aircraft for currently $110peraircraft. People lieu oftheAdmissionFee,whichis option tomakeanannualpaymentin 55 centsperchild.There isalsoan Admission Feeof$10.45peradultand transport) are required to paythe commercial servicewhopayafeefor r People arrivingontheIslandin and privaterecreational users. Airforce, theRoyalFlyingDoctorService training schools,RoyalAustralian air chartercompanies,recreational conducts joyflights.Otherusersinclude transport forvisitorstotheIslandand Rottnest AirTaxi whooffers chartered equired topaytheAdmissionFee. ecreational aircraft (ie.notthoseona an aircraft may The annual usage fee is currently 6.12 QUALITY OF CUSTOMER 6.13 MARKETING calculated: SERVICE - for aircraft with a maximum loaded 6.13.1 Background weight not greater than 2000 6.12.1 Background Rottnest Island devotes limited kilograms, by multiplying the number It is important that all Rottnest Island staff resources to marketing. This is largely of declared visits to the Island by $17; provide a high level of customer service. because of the fact that during peak - for aircraft with a maximum loaded This is critical to achieving the Authority’s seasons, demand for accommodation weight greater than 2000 kilograms, vision of ‘Rottnest: Forever Magic’. outweighs availability. In addition, the by multiplying the number of highest proportion of visitors come from declared visits to the Island by $25; The Authority conducts an Induction the local market who are considered to and Program and Environmental Awareness have a high level of awareness of the - for any helicopter, irrespective of its Course aimed at familiarising staff with Island. The Authority does not currently maximum loaded weight, by topical issues. A program of training have a formalised marketing plan. multiplying the number of declared staff in nationally accredited visits by $25. telecommunications customer service Marketing activities conducted by the If the owner of the aircraft has paid the programs has also commenced. Authority include the compilation and Aerodrome Usage Fee, then a person distribution of brochures, the 6.12.2 Issues who is carried to the Island in that monitoring and development of the aircraft shall be deemed to have paid Issues associated with management of website, campaign marketing during the Admission Fee. customer service include the following: the winter months which aims to • Industry standards provide a benchmark increase accommodation occupancy 6.11.2 Issues from which to assess customer service and visitor numbers, and ongoing media activity throughout the year. Issues associated with the management and product standards. •Uniforms are required so that all of the Rottnest Island Aerodrome include: The Island is also promoted by ferry Authority staff are identifiable to visitors. • The annual payment in lieu of companies who advertise regularly, and Admission Fee and Aerodrome Usage 6.12.3 Recommendations the Business Community who take part Fee for aircraft has not been increased in seasonal marketing initiatives. for some years, resulting in these •Provide training opportunities to being out of line with other Rottnest Authority staff to improve service 6.13.2 Issues Island Admission fees and with the levels to meet industry standards and Issues associated with the marketing of cost of the provision of these services. benchmarks. Rottnest Island include the following: Fees for the aerodrome must be set • Investigate certification under national • The absence of a good understanding within the context of the high tourism accreditation schemes. of market segmentation, market management cost and relatively low • Develop and introduce a new needs and visitor behaviour limits the usage of the aerodrome. range of Rottnest Island Authority Authority in its ability to market the staff uniforms. 6.11.3 Recommendations Island’s services effectively. • The absence of a formal marketing • Review the operation of the Rottnest strategy also limits the ability of the Island Aerodrome. Authority to be strategic in its • Review the range of aerodrome fees. marketing activities.

75 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 76 •W • • 6.13.3 Recommendations •A • • • r based ontheoutcomesofmarket marketing planforRottnestIsland, Develop andimplementastrategic and needs. understanding ofmarketsegments r Design andimplementamarket as astrategicmarketingtool. been implementedandwillbeutilised with theAuthority’s objectives. businesses isaccurateandconsistent promotion undertakenbyIsland It iscriticalthatmarketingand the standard ofservicesandfacilities. disillusionment andcomplaintsabout manage customerexpectations,limit the RottnestIslandproduct inorder to Island isrealistic aboutthenature of It iscriticalthatmarketingofthe given lessattention. accommodation, butthisaspectis important asmarketingof attractions ontheIslandisas Marketing ofvisitorfacilitiesand with RottnestIslandobjectives. compatibility ofmarketingcampaigns and ferryoperatorstoimprove the esearch. esearch program togainan

new Authoritywebsitehasrecently ork withRottnestIslandbusinesses Settlement Zone andtheActivityNodes. functions are restricted tothe Planning Scheme Zoning PlanandSettlement Plan (refer In accordance withtheReserveZoning to conditionalapproval. Authority’s EventsPolicyand issubject events andfunctionsisguidedbythe The approval andmanagementof and FunRun. Thru, andtheRottnestIslandMarathon Island ChannelSwim,RottnestSwim- Rottnest Islandincludingthe events are conductedannuallyon or contest.Severallarge-scalepublic for exampleafestival,sportingoccasion involves more peoplethanafunction, activity oflargerscaleandusually while aneventisgenerallyacommercial wedding, birthdaypartyorconference formal gathering,forexamplea function isdefinedasanofficial or the familyholidayexperience.A preference isgiventoeventsthatadd express approval oftheAuthority, and be heldwithintheReservewithout direct that eventsandfunctionscannot The Rottnest Islandasavenue. groups, using operated byexternal Many oftheseare organisedand for arangeoffunctionsandevents. Rottnest Islandisapopularlocation Externally OrganisedEvents 6.14.1 Background FUNCTIONS 6.14 ORGANISEDEVENTSAND Rottnest IslandRegulations1988 Part B,Chapter2-Reserve ) eventsand • • • include: events andfunctionsonRottnestIsland Issues relevant tothemanagementof 6.14.2 Issues among others. holiday programs andartdisplays, in publicareas, ChristmasCarols, school visitors. Theseincludeorganisedbands and interest foritsaccommodated a numberofeventsasentertainment The RottnestIslandAuthorityalsohosts Authority HostedEvents the Island. r organisers are responsible forthe event attractsmore than300people, functions ofmore than50people.Ifthe functions, corporateeventsandprivate is payableformostlarge-scalepublic event orfunctionontheIsland.Abond individuals wishingtoholdaprivate permit feeforallorganisationsand The Authoritychargesanon-refundable emoval ofevent-generatedwastefrom shoulder months. numbers inoff peakperiods and that havethepotentialtoboost visitor Authority prefers tosupportevents associated impacts,therefore the add tothecongestionandpotential is congested,organisedeventscan During peakperiodswhentheIsland individual visitors. compromising theexperienceof current eventscouldcontributeto Demands toincrease thescaleof the Island. people recreating andholidayingon of eventsandfunctionsonother There isaneedtoconsidertheimpact • Events on Rottnest Island should have relevance to the Rottnest Island environment and ethos and not compromise the visitor experience. • There is currently little guidance about the type or scale of events or functions that require approval. •Authority-hosted programs add considerable value to the visitor experience. • Events can have positive financial benefits to the Island businesses including the Authority.

6.14.3 Recommendations

• Determine a policy on the scale and type of function and event appropriate for Rottnest Island based on considerations of social, economic and environmental benefits and impacts. • Undertake a range of Rottnest Island Authority-hosted programs to enhance the visitor experience.

77 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 78 land-based visitors andtheseusers significant amenity andvisualvalueto The marineenvironment alsohasa snorkellers, boaters,fishersand surfers. users includingswimmers,divers, environment lendsitselftoarangeof The diversityofRottnestIsland’s marine 7.1.2 UsersoftheMarineReserve appropriate andencouraged. disposal ofrubbish,andtheseusesare example, theprovision ofwaterandthe uses theIsland’s infrastructure, for showers andbarbeques.Thisgroup also facilities provided includingtoilets, make useofgeneralland-based users oftheMarineReserveoftenalso It isalsoimportanttoacknowledgethat management ofthemarineenvironment. that detailstheenvironmental Chapter 4-MarineEnvironment be read in conjunctionwith natural resources. Thischaptershould management andprotection ofits inextricably linkedtoenvironmental within theMarineReserve,whichare of themanyusergroups andfacilities This chapterdealswiththemanagement attention thantheterrestrial realm. past, beengivenconsiderablyless attraction, itsmanagementhas,inthe although theMarineReserveisamajor visitors. Itisinteresting tonotethat waters asignificantattractionfor r Island Reservecontainsavarietyof The marineportionoftheRottnest 7.1.1 General 7.1 INTRODUCTION 7. MarineRecreation andFacilities esources andfacilitiesthatmakethese Part B, on adailybasisfor muchoftheyear. bring diversand snorkellers totheReserve Commercial divingcharteroperators Parker Point. and snorkellersatKingstonReef and developed self-guidedtrailsfor divers marine habitats.TheAuthorityhas opportunities, includingadiversityof and shore-based divingandsnorkelling there are alargevarietyofboat-based r Diving andsnorkellingare common their boats. People swimoff thebeachesandoff are popularswimminglocations. Settlement andtheNaturalZonewhich There are numerous bays inthe Swimming, DivingandSnorkelling 7.2.1 Background these activitiesare describedbelow. diving andsurfing.Managementof of theseincludeswimming,snorkelling, occur intheMarineReserveandsome A rangeofpassiverecreational activities ACTIVITIES 7.2 MARINERECREATIONAL r commercial fishing,aswell example charterboatoperationsand members ofthecommercial sector, for of userstheMarineReserveinclude fish anddiveduringtheirstay. Therange private boatstoRottnestIslandmayalso exclusive, forexamplethosewhobring Many usergroups are notmutually the managementofMarineReserve. should alsobeconsidered inregard to ecreational pursuitsintheReserveand ecreational users. compatible with theReserve. risk issuesandare notconsidered associated noise,environmental and Personalised powered watercraft have of amarinezoningplantoaddress this. Scheme Plan andSettlementPlanning Part B,Chapter2-ReserveZoning these usesneedscareful management. activities, andtheconflictingnature of popular andvaluedrecreational Swimming, snorkellinganddivingare all activities intheReserveare asfollows: Issues relevant tomarinerecreation 7.2.2 Issues where speed limitsapply. r be operatedwithintheReservebutare (eg. Jetskis)are currently permittedto Personalised powered watercraft Personalised PoweredWatercraft been stagedatthislocation. championship surfingeventshavealso are held atStricklandBayand surfing waves.Annualevents forthequalityofits internationally Rottnest Islandisrecognised Surfing operate intheReserve. Commercial fishingchartersalso Chapter 4-MarineEnvironment activities isaddressed in environmental managementoffishing visitors fishduringtheirstay. The Australiaandmany locations inWestern of themostpopularrecreational fishing Rottnest Islandisconsidered tobeone Recreational Fishing estricted intheirefficiency inareas r ecommends thedevelopment Part B, . 7.2.3 Recommendations increasing with approximately 500 swimming and snorkelling activities private vessels purchased each month that will influence boating capacity, as • Monitor the use of Personalised and the number of registered boats in will the size profile of boats. Powered Watercraft within the Western Australia increasing by about • The sustainable boating capacity of boundary of the Reserve over the three percent per year and 28 percent the Reserve is unknown; however, peak months of 2003/2004 and over the last decade. As Perth’s major monitoring data and anecdotal 2004/2005 and determine whether boating destination, it is assumed that evidence suggests the number of they should continue to be permitted without mechanisms to manage boats on peak boating days already within the Reserve. boating visitors, the number of boats in affects the amenity of the Island. the Reserve will escalate, and so will the • The Authority has no mechanisms to 7.3 BOATING associated impacts discussed in Part B, control the number of boats 7.3.1 Boating Capacity Chapter 4 - Marine Environment. occupying the Reserve. Furthermore, there is no model or formula available To assist in consultation and liaison, the 7.3.1.1 Background for determining its maximum Authority has recently endorsed the As the only developed offshore boating sustainable boating capacity. establishment of a Rottnest Island destination in the region, with close Marine Issues Advisory Committee 7.3.1.3 Recommendations proximity to Perth, Rottnest Island is one (RIMIAC) to provide advice and • Undertake research into the boating of the most popular destinations in the assistance on matters relating to the capacity of the Rottnest Island west and southwest of Western recreational use and management of Marine Reserve based on social, Australia. Facilities on the Island mean it the Marine Reserve. environmental and infrastructure can also be used as an overnight constraints. destination, which creates specific 7.3.1.2 Issues • Investigate mechanisms to manage conditions requiring consideration Issues associated with the management the boating capacity of the Rottnest and management. of boating capacity of the Marine Island Marine Reserve. Reserve are as follows: Western Australia has the highest vessel 7.3.2 Boating Annual Admission Fee ownership per capita in the nation, and • The amount of boating activity the Reserve can sustain is closely linked to 16,000 private vessels are registered 7.3.2.1 Background the behaviour of boaters. Appropriate and capable of travelling to Rottnest Visitors entering the Reserve by ferry management of boating and Island. It is estimated that up to 150,000 pay the Authority an Admission Fee, as associated activities will minimise any visitors to the Island arrive by private part of their ferry fare, which is currently potential adverse impacts. However, vessel annually. set at $10.45 per adult and 55c per there will be a point when the Reserve child. Those entering the Reserve by Many boaters who arrive at the Reserve reaches its limit in accommodating private boat are also required to pay the and spend an extended time there, private boats without harmful effects Admission Fee, but have the option of bring with them around three to six to the environmental and social making an annual payment in lieu of the people. They use land-based facilities, values of the Island. Admission Fee of $110 (as at 2002) and and make use of the natural resources • Limiting factors are sullage and displaying a sticker to this effect on their and facilities. damage to marine life and impacts on vessel. This is then valid for all visitors the amenity in terms of the vistas of Boating industry figures indicate that entering the Reserve in that vessel, the bays. There are also conflicts the number of boats in Perth is regardless of the number of people between boating use and diving, carried, days of access or facilities used.

79 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 80 • • are asfollows: annual paymentinlieuofAdmissionFee Issues associatedwiththeboating 7.3.2.2 Issues for 3years. increased inaccordance withCPI of theAdmissionFeehasnotbeen The boatingannualpaymentinlieu by othervisitorstotheIsland. by boatersare used,tovaryingextents, acknowledged thatmanyfacilitiesused bus transportservices.Itis disposal servicesandtheprovision of provision ofrubbishcollectionand ablution blocksandshowers,the the provision andmaintenanceof facilities, barbeques,afuellingstation, Rottnest Islandincludingjettyberthing facilities forrecreational boatsvisiting The Authorityprovides arangeof boating community. the activitiesand servicesofthe funding from otherareas, tosubsidise other visitors’admissionfees,and the Authoritytouserevenue from environment, itisnotsustainablefor considered thatinaself-funding Authority makesanetloss.Itis current chargeshasrevealed thatthe versus therevenue received from facilities totheboatingcommunity provision oftheseservicesand An analysisofthecost individuals. Admission Feespaidpervisitby underpriced whencompared with annual paymentissignificantly Island anditsfacilities.Thecurrent used forthemanagementof This feeisrevenue totheAuthority • 7.3.2.3 Recommendations • includes thefollowingissues: Management ofboatingspeed limits 7.3.3.2 Issues Marine Reserve. accidents are reasonably frequent inthe Marjorie andPorpoiseBays.Boating Parakeet, Stark,Rocky, Narrowneck, Longreach, Geordie andParkerPoint, speed limitsapplyinThomson, Infrastructure, inthisregard. Five-knot safety, theDepartmentforPlanningand lead agencyforboatingtransportand Reserve. TheAuthorityworkswiththe classes ofvesselsinanyarea ofthe limit thespeedofanyspecifiedclassor provide the Authoritywithpowerto The 7.3.3.1 Background 7.3.3 BoatingSpeedLimits and Infrastructure. AustralianDepartmentforPlanning by theWestern vessel asdefinedinregistration papersissued * Vessel lengthrefers totheregistration lengthofa • - - Vessels 10metres orgreater butless - Vessels greater than8metres but - Vessels upto8metres: $121.00 GST inclusiveprices: 1 September2003tothefollowing in lieuofAdmissionFeefrom Increase theboatingannualpayment accidents, boat speed limitsshould considering the potentialfor snorkel andswimmingarea, and The Reserveisapopulardiving, Payment inLieuofAdmissionFee. Annually review theboatingAnnual V than 15metres: $165.00 less than10metres: $137.50 Rottnest IslandRegulations1988 essels 15metres orgreater: $275.00 Marine Reserve, consistingof864 There are 899mooringswithin the 7.4.1.1 Background 7.4.1 MooringCapacity exceeds availabilityinpeaktimes. and thedemandforrental moorings exceeds theavailabilityofthesefacilities, r annual basis.Thedemandfor are licensedtoboatownersonan basis. Permanentrecreational moorings to privatevesselownersonashort-term Authority-owned mooringsare rented Section 4.7-AnchorDamage Section 4.6-MooringDamage,and Chapter 4-MarineEnvironment, environmental managementtool(refer considered tobeaneffective environmental impactandare therefore considered tohaverelatively low Compared toanchoring,mooringsare Bay, Geordie BayandLongreach Bay. moorings are locatedonlyinThomson outer baysoftheIsland.Rental distributed through theSettlementand r licensed recreational mooringsand The RottnestIslandReservecontains 7.4 MOORINGS •W 7.3.3.3 Recommendation ecreational mooringsitelicenceswell ental moorings.Licensedmooringsare metres of theshoreline. moorings andallwaterswithin100 to includeallbayscontaining the boatingfive-knotspeedlimitarea Planning andInfrastructure toexpand precautionary vesselmovements. r eflect theneedtoensure ork withtheDepartmentfor ). recreational moorings and 35 rental • Sand accretion in bays is rendering Under the existing policy, only a mooring moorings. There is limited documented some moorings unsuitable for a Licensee or its ‘Authorised User’ can use information available on the level of use vessel as the draft of the vessel the licensed recreational mooring. of moorings but anecdotal evidence exceeds the depth of the water. In Authorised Users are people who have suggests that apart from peak periods, such circumstances, the Authority been given formal approval by the it is unusual for a high proportion of facilitates the re-assignment of a licensee of the mooring to occupy that moorings in the Reserve to be occupied suitable mooring to that licensee. facility, and the Authorised User system at any one time. Interference with the sea bottom in is administered by the Authority. order to increase the depth of the As the demand for recreational mooring 7.4.1.2 Issues mooring apparatus is considered site licences well exceeds the availability Issues associated with the number of unacceptable. moorings in the Rottnest Island Reserve of moorings, the Authority also include the following: 7.4.1.3 Recommendations operates a waitlist that allows eligible •At the broadest level, the mooring • Maintain the current total number of people to register applications for a capacity of an area is influenced by licensed recreational moorings in the relinquished mooring. Waitlist periods the size of boats using the moorings - Rottnest Island Marine Reserve. can be up to fifteen years. • Employ geographical positioning which must be far enough apart to The mooring policy creates a range of survey methods to determine and avoid collisions. It is also influenced by requirements regarding eligibility for a maintain records of mooring locations. the need to minimise environmental mooring site licence. The major •Prohibit people from dredging or damage caused by the apparatus itself requirement is that only those who own otherwise interfering with any area of and the need to manage the resultant a boat registered in Western Australia, sea bed in the Marine Reserve. impact of boating in the Reserve. and who reside in Western Australia • The Authority does not maintain 7.4.2 Mooring Site Licences and are on the Western Australian geographically positioned data on electoral role are eligible for a mooring mooring locations, which impedes its 7.4.2.1 Background site licence and are able to sit on the ability to ensure appropriate distances Licensed moorings are allocated and mooring site licence waiting list. Further, are maintained between moorings managed in accordance with the a maximum of one mooring site licence and that no illegal relocation of Authority’s 1997 Moorings Policy. is permitted per person. moorings occurs. The Authority grants recreational • There is concern that if the pattern of 7.4.2.2 Issues licences for moorings allowing a mooring usage increases significantly, The following are issues relevant to the person’s vessel to occupy a specific the environmental and social values future management of Rottnest Island mooring site. A recreational mooring of Rottnest Island will be recreational mooring site licences: compromised, particularly in the site licence has a 12-month term and popular Settlement bays of the current policy is to renew these Allocation and Access to Thomson, Geordie and Longreach. annually on 1 September, subject to Recreational Mooring Site Licences Any alteration to the existing compliance with licence conditions. The The current policy restricts access to a mooring policy should carefully Authority may refuse to renew a licence mooring to the Licensee of that consider the influence that this if it considers that it is in the public mooring and any nominated Authorised may have on patterns of mooring interest or in the best interest of the Users. Licensees are not permitted to use and subsequent social and Reserve to do so. moor on another person’s mooring, environmental impacts.

81 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 82 T Summary ofRecreationalMooring follows, andsummarisedin allocation ofAuthorisedUsersas of thoseusersandthemethod increase accessbyextendingtherights Licensees andAuthorisedUsers)but categories ofmooringusers(ie. This systemwillmaintaintheexisting the supportofboatingcommunity. Authority proposes totrialasystemwith ways thatthiscanbeachievedandthe r increasing accesstolicensed The Authorityiscommittedto moorings onashorttermbasis. other boaterstohaveaccess while introducing theopportunityfor and AuthorisedUserarrangements system thatretains thecurrent licensing expressed strong supportforamooring Reserve. Theboatingcommunityhas increase accesstomooringsinthe There is strong publicpressure to access toamooringontheIsland. approximately 1600individualshaving policy hasresulted inatotalofonly increase accessforboaters.Thecurrent waitlist systemislimitedinitsabilityto licence renewal process meansthe moorings ontheIsland,andannual from the Authority. Thepopularityof r to makeuseofthatfacility, however r Licensees orAuthorisedUsersofa intend touse.Boaterswhoare not Authorised Userofanymooringthey that mooring.Boatersmustbean unless theyare anAuthorisedUserof ecreational moorings.There are several ental mooringsare availableforhire ecreational mooringare notpermitted rial System. T able 6- from thewaitlistwillremain. Licensees processes andallocation ofmoorings Under thetrialsystem,existing renewal License termandrenewalprocess. utilise facilities. Geordie Baystoobtainessentialsand short periodsoftimeinThomsonor bays, explore otherbays,ortomoorfor will allowpeopletovisitfriendsinother will havetheoptionofcasualuse.This Both LicenseesandAuthorisedUsers to use,overcasualusers. those mooringsthattheyare authorised Authorised Usershavepriorityaccessto their mooring,overallotherusers. Licensees willhavepriorityaccessto and otherconditionstobespecified. times, recognising physicallimitations competent operatoronboard atall conditions includinghavinga moorings. Thisaccesswillbesubjectto casual useraccesstoallotherrecreational they are assignedto,andwillalsohave have therighttoaccessmoorings Licensees andAuthoriseduserswill Access Rights. for severalrecreational moorings. User mayhaveAuthorisedaccess associate ofaLicensee.EachAuthorised Authorised Userwithoutbeingan nominate theirinterest inbecomingan to ensure increased access.Peoplemay Authorised Userstomoorings,inorder Authority therighttoallocate conditions ofsitelicenceswillgrantthe nominate them.Thetermsand Authorised Users,andmaycontinueto r Authorised Users. equired bytheAuthoritytohave Under thetrialsystem, Licensees willbe $660, whichever isthegreater amount. been amendedto$66permetre, or per metre. Thelicencefeeforthetrialhas the Authoritywhichiscurrently setat$55 r Mooring Licenseespayanannual metre ofboatlength. Authorised Userswillbebasedonper All feesandchargesforLicensees Site LicencesandAuthorisedAccess Charges forRecreationalMooring Reserve, shouldthetrialbeunsuccessful. r mechanisms toincrease accessto The Authoritywillpursueother issues willrequire development. economic viabilityandadministrative Island butotherinsurancematters, Insurance forallmooringsonRottnest Authority willunderwritePublicLiability implementation ofthetrial.The be resolved inthedevelopmentand There are severalissuesthatwillneedto Marine IssuesAdvisoryCommittee. newly establishedRottnestIsland groups and inconsultationwiththe including representatives ofstakeholder consultation withaworkinggroup developed andimplementedin 1 September2003.Thetrialwillbe This systemwillbetrialedfrom new licensees. annual renewal policywillalsoapplyto vacant willbefrom thewaitlist.The Allocation ofmooringsthatbecome annual renewal policywillcontinue. will retain theirmooringlicenceandthe ecreational mooringsitelicencefeeto ecreational mooringswithinthe Table 6 - Summary of Recreational Mooring Trial System

Feature Description

Access Rights of Licensees Licensees have priority access to their mooring above all others. Licensees have casual access to all other vacant recreational moorings until such time as the Licensee or an Authorised User of that mooring requires use of the mooring - a competent operator must remain on board during “casual” use. Access Rights of Authorised Users Authorised Users have priority access to moorings for which they are an Authorised User, above others who are not nominated to that mooring. The Licensee of that mooring has priority access over the Authorised User and the Authorised User would be required to vacate the mooring should the Licensee arrive. Authorised Users have casual access to all other vacant recreational moorings until such time as the licensee or an Authorised User of that mooring requires use of the mooring - a competent operator must remain on board during “casual” use. Nomination of Authorised Users A Licensee can nominate Authorised Users or a person can nominate themselves to the Rottnest Island Authority. All mooring sites will be required to have Authorised Users. Allocation of relinquished moorings From existing waitlist License term and renewal for existing licensees 12-month licence with annual renewal subject to compliance with conditions. License term and renewal for new licensees 12-month licence with annual renewal subject to compliance with conditions.

Should the trial be unsuccessful and the • There is concern that some • Revise annual recreational mooring current arrangements be reinstated, the recreational moorings are being used site licence fees effective 1 September licence fee will be set at $77 per metre, for commercial operations. 2003 to $66.00 per metre of length or $770, whichever is the greater amount. • There are opportunities to improve of licensed vessels or $660, which the methods of determining eligibility ever is the greater amount, for the In the past, Authorised Users have not status for a mooring site licence, duration of the recreational mooring been required to pay a fee to the particularly in relation to vessel trial, and permanently thereafter Authority for access to mooring ownership. The requirement to should the trial system be facilities. Authorised User fees will be present a ‘hull identification number’ implemented substantively. set at $33.00 per metre of vessel, with as issued by the Department for • Introduce an Annual Authorised User no minimum fee, plus the applicable Planning and Infrastructure may Fee of $33.00 per metre as at 1 Admission Fee. These fees recognise the strengthen the Authority’s ability to September 2003. increased access to moorings by enforce the eligibility policies. • Maintain the Annual Administration Fee Authorised Users and the flexibility 7.4.2.3 Recommendations for Authorised Users of $33 per vessel. provided by the “casual user” status • Undertake a trial of a mooring system • Review all mooring fees annually. afforded to Licensees and Authorised as detailed in Table 6 - Summary of •Prohibit recreational moorings from Users. The existing annual Recreational Mooring Trial System, being used for commercial gain or administration fee of $33.00 will remain. in consultation with major stakeholders, commencing September 2003, with a being sub-let. • Revise mooring renewal procedures Eligibility for Recreational view to on-going implementation. • Pursue alternative mechanisms for to make the presentation of a hull Mooring Licenses increasing access to recreational identification number a prerequisite There are two issues in relation to moorings should the trial indicate for a mooring site licence renewal by the eligibility for recreational mooring that the system detailed in Table 6 is 1 September 2004. site licences: not feasible.

83 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 84 • • management: moorings torental mooringsrequires The conversionoflicensedrecreational 7.4.3.2 Issues vessels ofarangesizes. to haverental mooringssuitablefor r r conversions eachyear. Theselectionof This equatestoabouttwothree for conversiontorental moorings. Thomson, Geordie andLongreach Bays r one ineverythree relinquished has implementedapolicyofretaining available. Sincelate2000theAuthority increase thenumberofrental moorings r occurring inDecemberandJanuary. In with waitlistsforthesefacilities Rental mooringsare inhighdemand use ofmooringfacilities. moorings provides agreater accessof addition totherecreational licensed The provision ofrental mooringsin 7.4.3.1 Background Rental Moorings 7.4.3 ConversionofPermanentto ental mooringsissensitivetotheneed elinquished mooringstoconvert ecreational licensedmooringsin esponse, theAuthorityhasaimedto mooring apparatus. r months, andalsoduetotheexpense demand fortheseduringoff peak r Authority toconvertallmoorings to It wouldnotbeeconomicalforthe mooring sitelicence. moorings slowsthewaitlistfora moorings forconversiontorental Resuming licensedrecreational elated tomaintaining thisvolumeof ental facilitiesasthere islittle • r Issues associatedwiththeprovision of 7.4.4.2 Issues continue toprovide thesefacilities. available andtheAuthoritywill are $11.Rentaljettypensare also andBathurstBeachmoorings overnight moorings are currently chargedat$22 fee payableforrental moorings.Swing permit theAuthoritytodetermine The charged atratesthatreflect this. r are established fortheuseof during peakperiods.Rentalmoorings contribute tothedistributionofaccess to 14consecutivenightsyearround to The rental ofswingmooringsislimited be bookedthree monthsinadvance. from 10am to10am.Thesefacilitiescan basis available forrent onanovernight offshore swingmooringswhichare The Authoritymanagesbeachand 7.4.4.1 Background 7.4.4 RentalMoorings • 7.4.3.3 Recommendation •W ental mooringfacilitiesare asfollows: ecreational vesselsonlyandare 14-night limitis unnecessary. moorings are notindemand andthe During off peakseasons,rental r determine anoptimumnumberof r Develop abusinessmodelforthe in theRottnestIslandReserve. increased demandforrental moorings envisaged thatthere willnotbean term accesstolicensedmoorings,itis system thatprovides enhancedshort- ental moorings. ental mooringbusinessunitto Rottnest IslandRegulations1988 ith theintroduction ofamooring charters andtherefore commercial benefit. operators userecreational moorings for available forcommercial use.Some specific sitesthatdonothavemoorings fishing charters,generallyoperate at charter vessels,particularlydiving and vessels operatingintheReserve. These There isarangeofcommercial charter 7.4.5.1 Background 7.4.5 Commercial Vessel Moorings • • • • • 7.4.4.3 Recommendations • • Annually review rental mooringprices. to $16.50pernight,from 1July2003. Increase BathurstBeachmooringfees $33 pernight,from 1July2003. Increase rental swingmooringfeesto from 1July2003. maximum ballotbookingperiods, ballot periodsconsistentwiththe moorings duringtheaccommodation Introduce amaximumlimitforrental peak seasonofMaytoNovember. limit forrental mooringsfortheoff- Eliminate themaximumrental period Christmas andEaster. school holidays,andparticularly particularly trueforpeakperiodsof below marketvalue.Thisis Rottnest Island,current pricesare based onthedemandformooringsat throughout theState.However, par withothermooringfacilities The feesforrental mooringsare ona to bebooked. the maximumnumberofnightsable generated ifthere wasareduction in access tothesefacilitieswouldbe moorings duringpeakseason,greater As there ishighdemandforrental 7.4.5.2 Issues 7.5 RENTAL PENS 7.5.3 Recommendations The following issues are relevant to the 7.5.1 Background • Eliminate the maximum rental period mooring of commercial vessels in the limit for rental pens for the off-peak Marine Reserve: The Authority has jetty and beach pens season of May to November. • The generally large size of commercial available for rental on a daily basis. • Introduce a maximum limit for the charter vessels and repeated These can be booked three months in rent of rental pens during the anchoring at specific sites by those advance, for a period of up to 14 nights. accommodation ballot periods vessels creates potential for consistent with maximum ballot environmental damage. Strategic Rental fees for pens are currently booking periods, from 1 July 2003. placement of moorings for $16.50 overnight for small pens and • Increase charges for rental pens to commercial charter operators may $22 (GST inclusive) for larger pens. By $33 per night for large pens at the contribute to reducing the amount of comparison, the rate for all pens Fuel Jetty, and $22 per night for small anchoring by commercial vessels. (ranging from 10-18metres) at Hillary’s pens at the Fuel, Hotel and Stark Jetty, • Although it may be appropriate in Boat Harbour is $38.50 (GST inclusive). from 1 July 2003. some circumstances for commercial The Authority will maintain the • Annually review rental pen prices. vessels to use rental mooring facilities, provision of rental pen facilities. the commercial nature of the operations 7.5.2 Issues should be reflected in the application of a commercial pricing scale. Such a Issues associated with the provision of scale has not been established. rental pen facilities include: • The mooring policy allows for the • Rental pens require less maintenance establishment of commercial than rental moorings and are moorings but the establishment of considered to be relatively benign in these facilities has not yet been terms of environmental impact. explored or implemented. • During off peak seasons, rental pens 7.4.5.3 Recommendations are not in demand so that the • Investigate the feasibility of 14-night limit is unnecessary. establishing a number of strategically • As there is high demand for rental placed moorings dedicated for pens during peak season, greater commercial charter operations, with access to these facilities would be the objective to establish a viable generated if the maximum number of commercial charter moorings system. nights able to be booked was • Establish and introduce a commercial reduced. rate for commercial operators using • Based on a comparison of jetty pen rental moorings. charges in similar localities, the Rottnest Island pen fees are undervalued.

85 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 86 •D • anchoring include: Issues associatedwithbeach 7.6.2 Issues areas of theReserve. mooring. Drop anchoringispermittedin permitted within50metres ofany Parakeet Bay. Anchoringisnot Bay andthewholeofBasinLittle Thomson Bay, Geordie Bay, Longreach areas which existinsmallportionsof any beachoutsideboating-prohibited currently availableforsmallvesselson Reserve andanchor. Beachanchoringis Authorised UserstatusentertheMarine r Many boatsthatdonothavea 7.6.1 Background 7.6 ANCHORING ecreational mooringsitelicenceor problems. density ofboatscompoundthese within ThomsonBay, where thehigh popular anchorages,particularly Rottnest Islandbays.There are some compromise theaestheticappealof antisocial behaviourthatcan associated withhighnoiselevelsand anchorage areas havealsobeen contribute tobeacherosion. Beach present trippinghazards andcan with thisactivity. Beachanchorlines associated are anumber ofconcerns and thosewithoutmoorings,there access totheIslandforsmallvessels While beachanchoringopensup impact thatdetracts from thequality structures. Thiscanalso causeavisual biological damagetofauna,flora and limestone areas causesphysicaland r op anchoringontheseabedand •P 7.6.3 Recommendations r short termberthingofboatsand Island. Theotherjettiesare usedfor for landinglargeequipmenton the The ArmyJettyisusedperiodically independent andprivatelyowned. majority ofvisitorstotheIslandare Commercial ferriesthatcarrythe ability tocontrol ferryschedules. licensed totheAuthority, allowingthe Passenger Jettyhasrecently been Jetty forrecreational vessels.TheMain operators berth,followedbytheFuel Passenger Jettywhere commercial ferry The mostutilisedjettyistheMain Green Island andGeordie Bay. and StarkJetty. Jettiesare alsolocatedat Jetty, ArmyJetty, FuelJetty, HotelJetty in ThomsonBay:theMainPassenger contains sevenjetties.Fiveoftheseare The RottnestIslandMarineReserve 7.7.1 Background 7.7 JETTYMANAGEMENT • ecreational fishing. Chapter 4-MarineEnvironment. This issueisaddressed in of divingorsnorkellingexperiences. implementation. sites inThomsonBay, withaviewto formalisation ofbeachanchoring Investigate thefeasibilityof anchoring. on appropriate methodsofbeach r ovide informationtoboatowners Part B, •W • • • 7.7.3 Recommendations • • following: of theIslandjettiesinclude Issues associatedwiththemanagement 7.7.2 Issues Fee totheIsland. fare includestheindividualAdmission ferry tickets,acceptingthatthe pricing strategiesforRottnestIsland companies toencourageaffordable area andsmallvessel-berthingsite. Island Jettyasarecreational fishing Restore and maintaintheGreen Hotel Jetty. Assess thefeasibilityofupgrading Passenger Jetty. and managementoftheMain efficient andeffective operation Implement mechanismstoensure fares to Rottnest Island. r level ofcustomercomplaints The Authorityreceives averyhigh this ManagementPlan. become unusablewithinthelifeof and HotelJettyare expectedto issues. Inparticular, theGreen Island have associatedriskmanagement of repair, are costlytomaintainand Many ofthejettiesare inapoorstate egarding theexpenseofferry ork withcommercial ferry 7.8 CHARTERED COMMERCIAL 7.8.2 Issues 7.8.3 Recommendations VESSELS The following issues are relevant to • Adjust the annual payment to the 7.8.1 Background the management of the chartered Authority in lieu of Admission Fees for commercial vessels operating in Charter Boat operators to: $22 Charges to Charter Vessels the Reserve: multiplied by the vessel’s capacity for Several charter and commercial • The current system allows that charter vessels making 14 or less entries to passenger vessels (often referred to as vessel clients pay an Admission Fee the Reserve; $44 multiplied by the Surveyed Passenger Vessels or SPVs) that is in the order of 10 percent of vessel’s capacity for vessels making including charter-fishing boats, that paid by other daily visitors to the more than 14 but less than 31 entries ecotourism vessels, party charters and Reserve. The current system of into the Reserve; $66 multiplied by dive charter vessels frequently operate charges has not been subject to the vessel’s capacity for vessels within Rottnest Island’s Marine Reserve. adjustments in line with the increase making more than 30 and less than in individual Admission Fees that have 45 entries into the Reserve; and $88 Under the Rottnest Island Regulations taken place in recent years. multiplied by the vessel’s capacity for 1988 fishing or diving charter operators Furthermore, current arrangements vessels making 45 or more entries to make an annual payment based on do not include a requirement for the Reserve. carrying capacity and the number of commercial charter operators to • Develop and implement a pricing visits the vessel makes to the Island, in contribute financially to the strategy to apply to charter vessel lieu of Admission Fees. This currently management of the Reserve. fees, including annual review. ranges from $48 to $1 600 per annum • The Rottnest Island Regulations 1988 • Amend legislation to ensure that all for the use of Rottnest Island waters. specify payments by fishing and categories of charter vessels Admission Fees for commercial vessels diving charters, although it is known operating in the Reserve are required were last increased in 1993. that there are other types of charters to collect and pay Admission Fees. operating in the Reserve. • Investigate a charter vessel Management of Charter Vessels • Licensing charter vessels may allow operators licence system for the The Authority has the power to grant a the Authority to have an influence on Rottnest Island Reserve. licence to any person operating a the operations of charter operations business for recreational and holiday in the Reserve to ensure sustainable facilities on the Island under the use of marine resources, receive Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987. The equitable revenue returns, provide Authority has never yet pursued such an better management of the Reserve arrangement with Charter operators in and provide additional facilities for the Reserve. charter vessel operators.

87 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 88 W Mysteries andTall Tales, Star Gazingand W Hill, PilotBoatandService, Bird Settlement, GunsandTunnels atOliver the GuidesincludeHistoryof Some toursandactivitiesprovided by valued bytheAuthorityandvisitors. r Association hasadailyinterpretative The RottnestVoluntary Guides financial environment. valued inthecontextofAuthority’s The efforts ofvolunteersare particularly programs andotherprojects. planting, fencing,construction environment, participatinginweeding, help maintaintheIsland’s natural Thousands ofpeoplegivetheirtimeto enhancing andconservingtheIsland. provide information andassistwith contribute tovisitors’enjoyment, many others.RottnestIslandvolunteers Island Foundation,RottnestSociety, and Australian ArmyReserve,Rottnest Rottnest IslandHonoraryRangers,the Birds Australia, CarineProbus Group, W Rottnest IslandMilitaryHeritage V Reserve. TheseincludetheRottnest work onavolunteerbasiswithinthe that carryoutasubstantialamountof fortunate tohaveanumberofgroups The RottnestIslandAuthorityis 8.1.1 Background 8.1 COMMUNITYINVOLVEMENT 8. CommunityInvolvementandRelations ole onRottnestIslandthatisgreatly oluntary GuidesAssociation,Winnits, alks, BehindtheScenesTour, Ghost est EndSunsetTours. orking Group, ScoutingAssociation, • • • 8.1.3 Recommendations • • Rottnest Islandincludethefollowing: Issues associatedwithvolunteerson 8.1.2 Issues volunteer efforts. r In addition,membersofstaff and Marine IssuesAdvisoryCommittee. a RailwayAdvisoryCommitteeand Environmental AdvisoryCommittee, subjects. There iscurrently an and communityadviceonspecific advisory committeesthatprovide expert The Authorityalsohasanumberof esidents are significantcontributorsto issues andsubjects. guidance tothe Authorityonspecific committees toprovide adviceand Maintain theuseofadvisory interpretive activitiesontheIsland. groups tocarryoutconservationand Encourage andsupportvolunteer on RottnestIsland. formalise therole ofvolunteergroups V groups, developandimplementa In consultationwithvolunteer groups onspecificissues. range ofexpertsandrepresentative for theAuthoritytogaininputfrom a Advisory committeesprovide aforum conservation activities. control in interpretation and r and coordination. TheAuthority through appropriate management gained from volunteergroups that greater benefitscouldbe by theAuthority, anditisrecognised The role ofvolunteersishighlyvalued etains theresponsibility forquality olunteer ServicesPlantoclarifyand 8.2 COMMUNITY RELATIONS 8.2.2 Issues

8.2.1 Background Issues relevant to community relations for the Authority include: The Authority’s community relations • There are opportunities to further processes are focussed on systems to improve the relationship between gauge feedback from the community in the Authority and the Western relation to their satisfaction with the Australian community, and to Island. These systems include customer enhance the role of this community in feedback forms being placed in Island decision making regarding Rottnest accommodation to enable visitors to Island’s management. provide positive or negative feedback on various aspects of the Island’s 8.2.3 Recommendations services and facilities. Surveys are • Operate a complaint handling carried out across a random selection of process that is visible, accessible visitors who have stayed in Rottnest and fair. Island accommodation or visited the • Review the consultation mechanisms Island. These measure the level of used for the development of the satisfaction on a number of key Rottnest Island Management Plan. facilities. Visitors to the Island also write or e-mail the Rottnest Island Authority with comments and feedback.

The Authority has recently reviewed its current system for managing customer complaints in accordance with Australian Standard AS 4269-1995 and is in the process of implementing a revised system.

Other links to the community include various public consultation exercises such as those conducted for the proposed wind turbine and for input into this Management Plan.

89 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 90 r In additiontocompliance, Rangersare approachable profile. while maintainingafriendlyand and visibility, withallIsland visitors, maintain ahighlevelofpubliccontact performing theirduties,Rangersseekto education isnotanoption.In notices torepeat offenders and/orwhen offences; andissueinfringement guidance andexplanationforminor giving adviceonactivities;offer guidance andenforcement: educateby three-phase approach ofeducation, In termsofcompliance,Rangersadopta is availableforcloseshore work. their duties.Athird smallmarinevessel Rangers toassistintheperformanceof sea-going vesselsare provided tothe T with Regulations. mechanisms toensure compliance Rangers mustbeoneofanumber to theIslandeveryyear, itisevidentthat there are anestimated500,000visitors assist duringtheseperiods.Because Authority contractssecuritystaff to peak timesandcertainevents,the adequate andappropriate resourcing at employed ontheIsland.To ensure Five full-timeresident Rangersare Regulations 1988 to enforce the Act 1987 under the Rottnest IslandRangersare appointed 9.1.1 Background 9.1 RANGERS SupportServices 9. Visitor esponsible fora numberofotherduties wo land-basedvehicles,andtwo . TheActgivesRangerspowers Rottnest IslandAuthority Rottnest Island . • • • on RottnestIslandincludethefollowing: Issues associatedwithRangerservices 9.1.2 Issues issues andtheIslandRegulations. trained inpubliccontact,environmental of activitiesaround theIslandandare a role in theobservationandreporting Rottnest IslandHonoraryRangershave support totheRangeroperation. program provides muchnecessary The RottnestIslandHonoraryRanger Honorary Rangers. coordination oftheRottnestIsland the control ofpestsandsupervision and injured wildlife,fencing,planting, management through dealingwithsick events, environmental andwildlife involved intheplanningofmajor educational programs. Rangersare also behaviour andassistancewith advising visitorsonactivitiesand r in localemergencyandincident Management Committee,participation r Rottnest IslandReserve.Theseinclude r esponses, visitorriskassessments, epresentation ontheLocalEmergency elevant tothemanagementof performed byRangers. issues associated withduties There are manyriskmanagement r particular, theAuthority needs a staff are appropriately trained.In maintained andreplaced andthat and resources are regularly Rangers, itisessentialthatequipment Given theemergencyresponse role of can positivelyinfluencebehaviour. inform andguidevisitorsinawaythat Rangers are intheidealpositionto eplacement marinevessel. assist inenforcing Island Regulations. Marine Search andRescueincidents, and of allemergencysituationsincluding for themanagementandcoordination The WA PoliceServiceisalso responsible investigation ofoffences ontheIsland. general lawenforcement and periods. Policeare responsible for number isaugmentedinpeakvisitor full-time resident PoliceOfficers. This Settlement Zoneandisstaffed bythree The PoliceStationislocatedwithinthe 9.2.1 Background 9.2 POLICE • • • • 9.1.3 Recommendations • • seasonal Rangerduties. are available tofulfilshorttermor Identify andtrainapoolofstaff who Ranger Program. Continue tosupporttheHonorary Replace theRanger1MarineVessel. public contactwithallusergroups. interpretation andahighlevelof profile based onguidance, Maintain andpromote aRanger Honorary Rangers,isahighpriority. observation andreporting role of education, andthrough the through interpretation and the augmentationofcompliance on-call basisisexpensive.Asaresult, 24-hour aday, seven-dayaweek, The operationofaRangerserviceon term orseasonalrequirements. r has resulted indifficulties inthe r The highleveloflocalknowledge ecruitment ofstaff tomeetshort equired toundertakeRangerduties 9.2.2 Issues 9.3.3 Recommendation contractual risk, financial management risk, human resource risk, asset and Issues associated with the Rottnest • Maintain and enhance relations technology risk and market, public and Island Police Station include: between the Nursing Post, as part of political risk. • The coordination between the Rottnest the Fremantle Hospital and Health Island Rangers and the Rottnest Island Service, and the Authority. The Authority’s risk management Police provides for efficient and program includes fencing of hazardous effective compliance operations. 9.4 RISK MANAGEMENT areas, warning signage, staff hazard reporting, emergency response 9.2.3 Recommendation 9.4.1 Background procedures and critical incident reporting. • Maintain and enhance relations with Rottnest Island is an A-class Reserve that Island visitors are required to act the Rottnest Island Police. offers visitors the experience of a reasonably and responsibly and adult natural environment that has inherent visitors are responsible for the behaviour 9.3 NURSING POST risks. Rottnest Island has a diverse risk of children in their care. profile with numerous natural and built 9.3.1 Background hazards that require visitors to show 9.4.2 Issues The Department of Health operates a appropriate caution. Effective risk Nursing Post on Rottnest Island as an management is now recognised as Issues associated with risk management annex of the Fremantle Hospital and being essential in any private or public on Rottnest Island include the Health Service. The post is staffed by sector organisation. following: three full-time resident nurses. A • There is an increasing culture of The Authority is required under the Memorandum of Understanding exists litigation and courts are applying a terms of the Financial Administration outlining the relationship between the wide definition of negligence and and Audit Act 1985 (Treasury Nursing Post and the Authority. very high compensation payments. Instruction 109) to ‘ensure that there • Rottnest Island’s relaxed ethos and The Nursing Post is represented on the are procedures in place for the periodic the community’s familiarity with the Local Emergency Management assessment, identification and Island give visitors an exaggerated Committee and plays a principal role in treatment of risks inherent in the sense of security and safety, the response to emergencies, accidents operation of the [agency] together with particularly with respect to the and illness on the Island. suitable risk management policies and supervision of children. practices, and that these are The Ranger Service work closely with • Given the diversity of the Island’s risk documented.’ Responsibility for risk the Nursing Post and provide logistical profile, the large number of visitors to management rests with the Authority’s support to their operations. the Island each year, and limited Audit Committee. resources, the management of risk 9.3.2 Issues puts a heavy burden on the Authority’s The Authority has put in place policies financial and human resources. Issues associated with the Rottnest and procedures to manage the diverse • The Authority’s obligation to protect Island Nursing Post include: risks associated with the Island. These and conserve the natural and built • Close links are required between the include human risk as well as statutory environments can conflict with Authority and the Nursing Post to compliance risk (at least 50 pieces of required risk treatments. ensure that situations resulting in legislation apply to the Authority), For example, extensive signage accidents and incidents can be corporate governance, business and warning of coastal hazards and addressed and resolved. operational risk, commercial

91 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 92 of potentialscenarios. emergency response planforanumber Committee hasdevelopedan Local EmergencyManagement on theIsland.The management ofemergencyincidents Service) overseesplanningforand Rottnest IslandFire andEmergency Nursing Post,Fremantle SeaRescueand Police Service,RottnestIslandAuthority, and EmergencyServicesAuthority, WA Committee (whichconsistsoftheFire A LocalEmergencyManagement sinking, chemicalspillandcliff rescues. accidents, wildfire, structuralfire, vessel including planecrashes,divingrelated have occurred overthelastfiveyears A numberofemergenciesandincidents 9.5.1 Background 9.5 EMERGENCYMANAGEMENT • • • 9.4.3 Recommendations • Management Program. Rottnest IslandAsbestos Continue theimplementationof Risk Awareness Brochure. Review andreissue theAuthority’s Management Program. Review theAuthority’s Risk treatment andremoval. r include asbestosmaterialandwill Many buildingsonRottnestIsland diminish theirholidayexperience. considered bymanyvisitorsto r equire along-termstrategyfor estriction ofaccesstocoastalareas is services theIsland. A Volunteer SeaRescueGroup also day-to-day Islandoperations. of flares, activitiesofholidaymakersand campfires, lightningstrikes,illegaluse Potential fire sources includeillegal fighting standards. pressure isnotsufficient tomeetfire- issue intermsoffire fightingasthe low waterpressure ontheIslandisan vegetation typesare prone tofire. The Australia requirements. AlltheIsland’s not meetcurrent BuildingCodeof to thefactthatmanyofbuildingsdo The Island’s susceptibilityisalsorelated winds thatcouldrapidlyspread afire. the drynessofarea andthestrong Island, especiallyinsummerbecauseof Fire isaparticular threat toRottnest and personnel. advice andrequest specialistequipment situation reports, accessspecialist mainland, enablingthemtoprovide Communications Centre onthe Fire and EmergencyServicesAuthority Service hasdirect radiocontactwiththe The RottnestIslandFire andRescue has atruckandtwoothervehicles. equipped withalocalfire stationthat Contractor. TheVolunteer serviceis the Authority’s FacilitiesManagement operates ontheIslandcoordinated by A Volunteer Fire andRescueService •V Management onRottnestIslandinclude: Issues associatedwithEmergency 9.5.2 Issues •P • • 9.5.3 Recommendations water pressure environment. ensure efficient fire fighting inalow Investigate andimplementmeansto Committee. of theLocalEmergencyManagement Maintain participationinandsupport other incidentsontheIsland. management ofemergenciesand r Code ofAustraliarequirements in that theymeetthecurrent Buildings egard to fire ratings. r olunteer effort isessentialtothe ogressively upgradeallbuildingsso 10. Infrastructure and Utilities

10.1 INTRODUCTION provided on Rottnest Island. This has Prior to the introduction of the second occurred to the extent that Rottnest desalination plant the relative As Rottnest Island is not connected to Island has a distinct feel, which to a contribution of the three main sources the mainland, utilities and services such large extent, is founded on minimal use of water were: desalination 20 percent; as power, water, sewerage systems, of resources. groundwater abstraction 70 percent; waste collection and disposal are and rainwater catchment 10 percent. produced and managed on the Island. 10.2 POTABLE WATER With the introduction of the second The Authority fulfils the significant role 10.2.1 Potable Sources and Systems desalination plant, the annual of both a Local Council and a State expectation of relative contribution is: utility supplier within the bounds of the 10.2.1.1 Background desalination 74 percent; groundwater Reserve. Water supply on the Island has always abstraction 20 percent; and rainwater been limited, as there is no natural fresh An overview of the operation of utilities catchment 6 percent. surface water supply. In the past, there and infrastructure on Rottnest Island have been times when water has had to Generally rainfall on Rottnest Island is reveals a trend of improvement over the be brought to the Island from the low, typically receiving less rainfall than last 50 years with respect to efficiency, mainland to meet demands. Perth. Over the last decade rainfall levels technology and environmental have declined. For example, the average management, limited by available The water on Rottnest Island is supplied rainfall over last 100 years was funds. Nonetheless, some problems of by three main sources: 710.5mm; the average over the last past practices persist, notably a leachate • Reverse Osmosis Desalination decade was 617mm, and in 2000 it was plume from the Island’s landfill site (refer Plant - Rottnest Island has been 477.8mm. These figures illustrate Part B, Chapter 3 - Terrestrial operating with one desalination plant rainfall being relatively limited in terms Environment, Section 3.3). since 1995. A second plant was of the Island’s total water needs. commissioned in January 2002. The concept of sustainability is • Groundwater Abstraction - particularly relevant in terms of these 10.2.1.2 Issues Groundwater from the freshwater issues. Increased environmental Borefield lens situated in the central area of the management of infrastructure and Issues associated with the management Island is pumped by the Island’s utilities, and minimising the use of of the Island’s groundwater borefield borefield and used as a potable water resources are issues which are relevant include the following: source. The shallow freshwater lens both on the mainland and on Rottnest • The maximum allowable yields from floats above a saline water layer with Island, but which can be passively and groundwater abstraction were a thick brackish zone in between. more effectively interpreted on the calculated by the Department of • Rainwater Catchment - Rainwater Island. This chapter considers these Environmental Protection in 1988 and is collected from a 7.3ha bituminised issues and emphasises the were incorporated in the licence catchment located on the eastern interpretation of environmentally conditions covering the borefield. side of the Island on Mt Herschel. The sustainable utilities and infrastructure Despite never drawing the maximum rainwater catchment is made up of on the Island that can be used to amount of water from the borefield, two areas, one of 5.3ha and the promote sustainable living. monitoring has indicated that the other of 2ha. Only the 5.3ha aquifer has reduced in size. This is The restriction on water and power has catchment is operational as the tank related to the below average rainfall significantly influenced the range of servicing the 2ha southern of the last decade that has reduced services and style of experience that is catchment is in need of repair. the natural recharge to the aquifer.

93 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 94 • • the following: plants onRottnestIslandinclude Issues associatedwiththedesalination Desalination plant • • Government funding. Government Ministerial approval andFederal the windturbinehasreceived supply fortheplant.Installation of Island, providing aneconomicpower introduction ofawindturbineonthe desalination plantwiththeplanned This project coupledthesecond W 2001/2002 IntegratedPowerand desalination plantwaspartofthe The installationofthesecond this process requires. to thedieselpowersuppliesthat other twosources, mainlydue to produce potablewaterasthe costing around three timesasmuch Desalination isahigh-energyprocess, decline inrainfalloverthelastdecade. particularly giventhesignificant plan in1988are nolongervalid, develop theborefield management The valuesoftheparametersusedto extraction conditions. development ofsustainable these relationships, toaidinthe the Authorityundertakeresearch into r and rainfalllevels.Itwassubsequently the Island’s groundwater, wetlands definition oftherelationship between Environment - Terrestrial Chapter 3 It waspreviously discussedin ecommended inthatchapter ater SupplyProject fortheIsland. , thatthere isalackof Part B, •P • • 10.2.1.3 Recommendations • • •A • • • include thefollowing: bituminised rainwatercatchment Issues associatedwiththe Rainwater Catchment of Environmental Protection. in coordination withtheDepartment rainfall, groundwater andwetlands, and outcomesofresearch between current rainfallanddefineparameters licence conditionsaccording to Revise theborefield management primary source ofpotablewater. Operate thedesalinationplantsas r maintenance burden thatthiswould infrastructure, operationaland because oftheadditional r catchment. the remaining bituminised ensure maximumpossibleyieldfrom catchment maintenanceprogram to Develop andimplementabituminised freshwater seeps. and rehabilitate thearea ofthe catchmentarea Remove thesouthern achieve asustainablenumberofbores. in itspathway. with thefreshwater seepsthatexist not beingusedmaybeinterfering catchmentthatis The southern difficulties associatedwiththisfacility. influenced bymaintenance The effectiveness ofthecatchmentis not seenasdesirable. outside theSettlementZoneandis modified environment inthearea area wouldincrease theamountof Increasing thebitumencatchment equire. oofs isnotinplaceontheIsland r

ogressively decommissionbores to system ofwatercollectionfrom • • infrastructure includethefollowing: of theIsland’s potablewater Issues associatedwiththemanagement 10.2.2.2 Issues Island’s AutoCADsystem. infrastructure workisrecorded intothe that informationregarding any maintained. Current procedures require have notbeenfullykeptand years andthroughout thattimerecords been developedoveraperiodofmany The waterinfrastructure networkhas transported watertothesesites. with theborefield, from rainwaterorby provided through adirect connection Potable waterforouterbayfacilitiesis compliant withthelicenceconditions. water hasneverbeenfoundtobenon- Department licenceconditions.The tested fortnightlyaccording toHealth Settlement. Thewaterissampledand allows agravityfedsupplytothe and pumpedtoafeedertankwhich of MtHerschelwhere itischlorinated pumped toafurthertwotanksatthetop The watercollectedinthesetanksis tanks locatedatthebaseofMtHerschel. W 10.2.2.1 Background 10.2.2 Infrastructure ater from allsources is collected intwo of thecurrent waternetwork location past haveledto alimitedknowledge Poor record-keeping practicesofthe and intheforeseeable future. r capacity isadequatetomeetthe has beendeterminedthatthisholding maximum of23,000kLwater. It The Islandhasacapacitytohold equirements oftheIslandcurrently which has complicated maintenance The Authority has been progressively 10.3 WASTEWATER and repair operations. replacing current water fixtures with 10.3.1 Wastewater Treatment • The water pressure on the Island is water saving alternatives, as part of System and Infrastructure low as the gravity fed distribution ongoing maintenance. There is also a system does not have the head of long-running passive information 10.3.1.1 Background pressure required to produce higher campaign on the Island relating to the Wastewater is generated from pressure. This does not seem to be a conservative use of water supplies. Settlement toilets, sinks and showers, high priority issue from the gravity fed to a number of pumping perspective of visitor facilities but is an Potable water is supplied to residential stations and fed to the Island’s issue in terms of fire fighting as the and business properties. A water levy wastewater treatment plant. The pressure is not sufficient to meet fire- is charged to in order to recover cost wastewater treatment plant is a fighting standards. of production. sequential batch reactor type utilising a 10.2.2.3 Recommendation 10.2.3.2 Issues biological nutrient removal process. • Map the location of the water Management of the demand for Maximum capacity of the treatment network system. potable water on Rottnest Island plant is 800kL. The plant is operated by include the following issues: the Authority through the Facilities 10.2.3 Potable Water Demand •Water supply on the Island is severely Management Contract and is limited and will never match the levels maintained through a fully automated 10.2.3.1 Background available on the mainland. asset management plan. Potable water supplies on Rottnest • Demand for potable water on the The wastewater treatment process Island are used for drinking water, Island needs to be carefully managed results in greywater and biosolid. watering Settlement vegetation at a level that can be met on an Approximately 10 percent of the especially grass, showering and toilet environmentally and economically greywater is used to reticulate the flushing, cleaning and emergency fire sustainable basis. During peak cricket oval, while the remaining 90 control. It should be noted that up until periods Rottnest Island is close to percent is evaporated off. The biosolid is 1995 the Island operated with a dual capacity in terms of its ability to sent to the landfill site and used in the water system in which potable water produce enough water to meet the production of compost. was supplied to the kitchen only and salt essential water needs of its visitors. A water was supplied to the toilets and significant portion of potable water is Monitoring bores measure the nutrient showers. This system was serviced by used for watering lawns. levels in the groundwater adjacent to two separate pipeline networks, which • It is generally agreed that the cost of the evaporation ponds located at the have now been bonded together to water production on the Island should Wastewater Treatment Plant. Monthly provide potable water to all outlets. be provided on a cost-recovery basis. samples are taken from effluent after Based on current costs and charges, The demand for potable water on treatment and prior to discharge into residents and businesses cover the Rottnest Island in 1998 was estimated evaporation ponds. These are tested for cost of their water use. at approximately 160ML/year (Transfield nutrient and microbiological levels as required by the Department of Environmental Services 1999). The 10.2.3.3 Recommendations Environmental Protection. Grey water maximum possible demand has been • Continue to install water-saving used on the cricket oval is disinfected estimated to be 215 ML/year with full devices in accommodation units. and is monitored for microbiological occupancy and visitor numbers at • Investigate options to reduce the levels on a monthly basis for the existing levels. demand on potable water for Department of Health. watering lawn areas.

95 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 96 • • 10.3.1.3 Recommendations • • • include thefollowing: treatment systemonRottnestIsland Issues associatedwiththewastewater 10.3.1.2 Issues guidelines setbybothDepartments. issues andresults havebeenwithin There havebeennonon-compliance with publichealthrequirements. sensitive useofgreywater, compliant cost-effective andenvironmentally Develop andimplementplansforthe wastewater networksystem. Develop aplantoreplace the management. greywater meansitwillneedcareful surrounding theuseof concerns health andenvironmental impact this currently evaporated.Public use ofgreywater, with90percent of would bebeneficialtomakebetter In suchawater-poor environment, it maintenance. a highdegree ofreactive r difficult maintenanceissues.These in termsoflocation,andpresents network isoldandpoorlyunderstood Much oftheIsland’s wastewaterpipe plant isoperatingclosetocapacity. times withinpeakperiodswhere the 450kL perday, butthere are isolated plant operatesatapproximately periods, thewastewatertreatment Through normalsummerpeak esult inanumberofbreakdowns and •A the Islandinvolvesfollowingissues: Managing thegenerationofwasteson 10.4.1.2 Issues materials andputrescible wastes. Island businessesseparaterecyclable glass, aluminium,plasticsandpaper. f facilities are recycling stationsthatprovide The majorityofpublicwastecollection and varioushazardous wastes. treatment process, constructionwaste biosolid product ofthewastewater waste from landmanagement,the businesses’ putrescible wastes,green aluminium, paper, andplastic, r domestic wastes,generallitter, Solid wastesincludevisitorandresident 10.4.1.1 Background 10.4.1 Sources ofWaste 10.4 SOLIDWASTE • • ecyclable wastesofglass,cardboard, or theseparationofgeneralwastes, products, non- increased byhighlypackaged of wastegeneratedontheIslandis mainland totheIsland.Theamount products thatvisitorsbringfrom the generated ontheIslandcomesfrom opportunities which couldbeexplored. there are furtherwastereduction in placetoreduce wasteproduction, Although there are severalmechanisms and isunsightly. creates anexcessiveamountofwaste The useofplasticbagsontheIsland operations addtothewasteload. through Islandbusinesses.Authority and useofnon-recyclable products being boughttotheIslandand

large proportion ofwaste r ecyclable materials the sale r diversion oforganic wastefrom landfill putrescible waste.Thisallowsthe r Island businessesalsoseparate cement around theIsland. glass wastecanbeground andreused in purchase aglasscrusherthatwillmean The Authorityisalsoplanningto r the firstpublicareas tohavewaste their waste.RottnestIslandwasoneof with visitorsencouragedtoseparate stations are situatedaround theIsland is separatedforrecycling andrecycling A highproportion oftheIsland’s waste r disposal facilities.Constructionwasteis and senttospecialisedtreatment and Hazardous wastesare removed bybarge the Islandtoarecycling facility. r Island. Afterseparationandbailing, wastes, istreated anddisposedofonthe construction debrisandhazardous All waste,exceptforrecyclable material, 10.4.2.1 Background 10.4.2 Waste Treatment •W • 10.4.1.3 Recommendations esulting inareduction of waste ecyclable materials,aswell ecycling facilities. emoved from theIslandasrequired. ecyclable materialsare removed from excessively packaged. products suppliedthatare to reduce theproportion of Rottnest Island. and excessivelypackagedproducts to visitors from bringingnon-recyclable awareness campaigntodiscourage Develop andimplementan ork withthebusinesscommunity production and protection of management practices in order to 10.5 ENERGY groundwater. Putrescible waste is used extend the life of the current cell and 10.5.1 Energy sources to produce compost. Limited resources has commissioned a consultant to means the Authority is unable to investigate all options for waste 10.5.1.1 Background separate putrescible waste generated management and determine a Power generation on Rottnest Island is from residences, and therefore this goes strategic plan for waste management currently provided by five diesel and to landfill. for the future. gas-supplemented generators with a total output of 300kW each. The diesel Biosolids from wastewater treatment 10.4.2.2 Issues distillate and LPG are brought to the and cardboard are used in the Rottnest Island supports and Island by barge. Diesel distillate is composting process, while general encourages the general philosophy of pumped to a storage tank adjacent to waste goes to landfill. Green waste from local treatment and disposal of waste. the power station and at the fuel farm. land management activities is used for However, there are several factors that Gas is also delivered by truck to brushing dune areas and the remainder limit its ability to treat and dispose of all numerous individual bullets located goes to landfill for use in composting. wastes on the Island: around the Island. In 2001, the cost of Waste sump oil is added to the diesel • Rottnest Island has a statutory and diesel was calculated at $685,000 and fuel used in the power plant. social obligation to provide a holiday LPG $188,000, making the cost of and recreation facilities. Its size leads Over the history of the Island’s power generation on Rottnest Island to a limitation of the amount of waste development it is likely that several one of the most expensive in Australia. landfill sites have operated. The current that can be disposed of before landfill operation is located on Forbes affecting the social values of the Electricity is used predominantly to Hill and is managed in accordance with holiday experience and desalinate, pump, and treat water for Department of Environmental environmental values of the Island. lighting, refrigeration, cold storage and Protection licence conditions and the • The waste burden is increased on the powering the borefield operation. With Island’s Waste Management Plan. Island as holiday-makers and day one exception, all power distribution is visitors tend to consume a high underground. The exception is the The Authority originally had approval to proportion of highly packaged overhead line that runs from the cut four landfill cells. The first cell was products (for example, take away powerhouse to Wadjemup Hill to serve cut in 1992 and capped in 1996. The food products), putting a strain on the bore fields. second cell, which is currently being the capacity to treat all waste locally. used, was cut in 1996. At 2002, that • It is critical that recycling and re-use Both gas and combined solar/electric landfill was approximately 65 percent are key tools used to lighten the booster hot water heating systems are full. The first and second cells have not Island’s waste production, and that used in some of the accommodation. been lined and leachate from the fill has visitors are educated in waste LPG is used mainly for cooking and been absorbed into the Island’s minimisation, recycling and reuse. water heating and is piped from foundation. The option of a fourth cell numerous LPG bullets underground to has now been removed. 10.4.2.3 Recommendation many of the Island’s buildings. Some • Develop a waste management plan bottled gas is still used in isolated outer- The Department of Environmental for Rottnest Island. settlement areas. Protection has specified that should a third cell be cut it should be lined. The Authority has changed waste

97 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 98 • power ontheIslandincludefollowing: Issues associatedwiththeproduction of 10.5.1.2 Issues for thisproject. Federal fundinghasnowbeensecured community consultationprocess. Australian communityduringarecent positively received bytheWestern r the establishmentofawindturbinehas desalination plants.Asnotedpreviously, energy tooperatetheIsland’s Project, where theturbinewillgenerate Integrated PowerandWater Supply being progressed aspartofthe The establishmentofawindturbineis of energyfortheIsland. considered aviableandefficient source with current technologieswindisnow time, difficulties were experienced,but installed fortrialontheIsland.At In the1980s,twowindturbineswere Hotel inThomsonBay. trialed infront oftheRottnestIsland panels. Solarlightsare currently being Neck toiletsare powered bysolar on theIsland.TheStarkBayandNarrow Solar lightinghasbeenusedandtrialed commenced ontheIslandinmid-2002. Island. Atrialofabiodieselfuelledvehicle environmental benefitsonRottnest The useofbiodieselmayhave with woodfires orpotbellystoves. of theheatedaccommodationis on theIsland.Approximately 50percent Some woodheatingsystemsstilloccur eceived Ministerialapproval andwas to andstored ontheIsland. of dieselandgas whichare transported issues associatedwiththehighvolumes There are significantrisksandcost • • • • • • • • alternative energiesonthe Islandand alternative The costofpower production, useof desalination plant. cost ofoperatingthesecond will dramaticallyreduce the The introduction ofawindturbine for outerbayfacilities. power forRottnestIsland,particularly appropriate formofalternative Solar panelsappeartobean 3.5 -Atmosphere T documented in currently beingeliminatedas Consequently, theuseofwoodis local vegetationasfuel. visitors inappropriately tendtouse Island’s environmental ethos;and inefficient, anddoesnotsupportthe The useofwoodiscostlyand maintenance issues. is oldandpresents significant The electricalwiringaround theIsland scare lines willbemonitored. the of the wetland.Theeffectiveness to wadingbirds arrivingatandleaving make thepowerlinesmore obvious overhead powerlinesinanattemptto Scare lines are beingfixedtothe heavily bymigratorywaterbirds. they are locatedoverwetlandsused and environmental impactwhere Overhead powerlineshaveavisual sustainability ethosofRottnestIsland. contribute significantlytothe current diesel/gassystemwould tothe energies asanalternative The introduction ofrenewable on thelocalscaleofRottnestIsland. fuel isunsustainablebothgloballyand Reliance onnon-renewable sources of errestrial Environment,Section Part B,Chapter3- . • • • • • • 10.5.1.3 Recommendations power supply. interpret issuesassociatedwith Develop andimplementaprogram to the Island. fuelon introduction asanalternative for RottnestIsland,withaviewtoits Investigate thebenefitsofbiodiesel where possible andpracticable. energyonRottnestIsland, alternative Use solarpanelsasasource of efficiencies ofthefirstwindturbine. based ontheanalysisofimpactsand introduction ofasecondturbine, Assess thebenefitsof and efficiency. Mt Herschelandmonitoritsimpact Construct awindturbineon Activity Node. the developmentofWadjemup asan effective mannerincoordination with environmentally sensitive,cost- the Wadjemup powerlineinan Investigate thefeasibilityofburying business operators. Island’s staff, visitors,residents and messages tobecommunicatedthe non-renewable sources, are key endeavours toreduce thedemandon 10.5.2 Power Demands • The proportion of power use The Authority is responsible for the attributed to accommodation units is maintenance of local roads and this is 10.5.2.1 Background not well understood and limits the done through the Facilities Each of the generators at the power Authority in accounting for this Management Contract in accordance plant has a 300kW capacity, resulting in expense in accommodation charges. with the maintenance plan for local a maximum capacity of 1500kW, Mechanisms to recover costs of roads. Volunteer groups also play a sufficient to meet current requirements. power production on Rottnest Island significant role in the maintenance of The plant runs most efficiently at up to will be investigated. the Island’s tracks. 800 kW. The wind turbine will 10.5.2.3 Recommendations 10.6.2 Issues significantly reduce the amount of • Investigate and trial energy-saving power generated by existing technologies in Rottnest Island Issues associated with the maintenance infrastructure and the use of diesel. buildings and facilities. of the Island’s roads and tracks include • Employ appropriate passive energy Feeder ring capacity is adequate to cope the following: and other energy-efficient with current power demands, but in • The dual responsibility of road technologies in all new parts of the Island power feeder maintenance on Rottnest Island accommodation and other buildings supplies are operating close to capacity. means the efficient relationship that constructed on Rottnest Island. has developed between the Commercial businesses and residents Department for Planning and are metered and charged for electricity 10.6 ROAD AND TRACK Infrastructure and the Authority is and gas consumption. MAINTENANCE important and highly valued. • There is no maintenance plan for 10.6.1 Background 10.5.2.2 Issues walking tracks and trails. Management of power usage on Rottnest This section deals only with the • Lack of appropriate funding and Island includes the following issues: maintenance of roads and tracks. The resources limits the ability to • The long-standing limitation on Settlement Planning Scheme addresses implement the local road power production on Rottnest Island the issues of road alignment and maintenance plan. has significantly influenced the style rationalisation. • Maintenance of walking trails, tracks of the Settlement’s development. and roads should take into Limitation on power production is a The road and track system on the Island consideration the requirement for key element contributing to the includes bituminised roads, unsealed universal access. The Authority will Island’s ethos and should be roads, unsealed tracks and trails for assess universal access requirements maintained. pedestrian and bicycle access, and in the maintenance and construction • The high cost of power production firebreaks. Roads on the Island are of of all roads and tracks. means the management of power two kinds: ‘gazetted roads’ (under the usage and demand is critical. The Road Traffic Act 1974) and ‘local roads 10.6.3 Recommendations Authority can further capitalise on and tracks’. Maintenance of gazetted • Develop and implement a opportunities that exist to reduce and roads on Rottnest Island is the comprehensive maintenance plan for better manage energy consumption responsibility of the Department for roads and tracks. through cheaper and more efficient Planning and Infrastructure. The energy sources. Authority values and benefits significantly from the work of this Department on the Island.

99 Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008

Part C. Implementation Part C. Implementation

1. Introduction 101 2. Legislation 102 3. Research 103 4. Resources and Funding 104 5. Implementation 105 6. Review and Public Reporting 106

100 1. Introduction

The implementation of this Plan will occur over the five-year period, from 2003-2008, and will be undertaken according to a set of predetermined priorities, based on the availability of funding and resources. These factors are discussed in this chapter, however priorities will need to be reassessed as circumstances, including the availability of resources, change.

101 Part C. Implementation Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 102 Management Plan. and willprogress duringthelifeofthis amendment totheActisyetoccur r r operations ofRottnestIsland into allaspectsofthemanagementand Rottnest Island.In1995amajorreview Authority tocontrol andmanage Authority Act1987 Management Plan.The a relevant objectiveforthecurrent operation oftheAuthority. Thisremains the Plan andlegislationgoverning consistency betweentheManagement 1997-2002 had,asanobjective, The RottnestIslandManagementPlan 2. Legislation eview oftheActwascompletedbut ecommended areview oftheAct.The establishes an Rottnest Island • • • 2.1 RECOMMENDATIONS environmental harm. threatening orthatcouldcauseextreme offences thatare potentiallylife deterrent, particularlyinrelation to penalties are notconsidered tobea Regulations 1988 established underthe r A particularlegislativeissueinneedof eview isthepenaltiesforoffences as Rottnest IslandRegulations1988 offences asestablishedunderthe Review andamendpenaltiesfor Regulations 1988 appropriate the Annually review andamendas Island AuthorityAct1987. Review andamendthe . Inmanycases Rottnest Island . Rottnest Island Rottnest . 3. Research

This Management Plan proposes to This Management Plan proposes undertake numerous research projects research projects that will lead the relating to the Island. These projects Authority to gain a better relate to the terrestrial and marine understanding of visitor demographics environment, as well as to the and patterns, visitor needs, use of management of holiday and recreation marine resources and aspects of the facilities. Aspects of the Island’s future Island’s infrastructure as a basis for management will depend on the evidence-based decision making. outcomes of these research projects. There will be a need to seek formal The Authority has been active in research arrangements in relation to maintaining relating to biological and physical aspects intellectual property rights in relation to of the Island’s terrestrial environment, research processes and outcomes. however very little research has been 3.1 RECOMMENDATIONS conducted on the social aspects of Rottnest Island, for example, in relation • Develop and implement a research to managing recreational and holiday program for Rottnest Island. programs and facilities. There is also • Implement arrangements to ensure relatively less information available maintenance of intellectual property on the management and use of the in relation to Rottnest Island Marine Reserve. research projects.

103 Part C. Implementation Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 104 for itself. of theseworks.Inshort,thisPlanpays provided forinthePlanmeetscost r treatment works.Theincreased additional cabinsandongoingasbestos accommodation units,constructionof heritage cottages,refurbishment of improvements bywayofrestoration of The Planprovides forsignificantcapital the lifeofPlantoimprove efficiency. It willalsoattendtoitsowncostsover increased pricesforarangeofservices. in thisPlantheAuthoritywillpursue As foreshadowed inrecommendations prices andtheconditionofIslandassets. has criticallyexamineditscosts,current development ofthisPlantheAuthority infrastructure. Inthecourseof and maintaininvestmentinIsland necessary tomeetitsoperationalneeds struggled togeneratetherevenue For manyyearstheAuthorityhas 4. Resources andFunding evenue generatedbyvariousinitiatives • 4.1 RECOMMENDATION heritage oftheIsland. conservation ofthenaturalandbuilt significant achievementsinthe service, improved assetconditionand of thePlan,improved accommodation performance ineachyearofoperation The Planprovides forimproved financial supplement income. grants andsponsorships,to sources, includingspecial external Continue toseekfundingfrom 5. Implementation

A timeframe has been developed for the implementation of recommendations over the five-year period of this Plan. This is particularly important to facilitate the effective implementation of the many inter-dependent recommendations in this Plan.

Appendix 2 - Implementation, Timelines & Responsibilities summarises the recommendations and implementation timeframe, and responsibilities for the recommendations contained in the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008.

105 Part C. Implementation Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 106 • 6.1 RECOMMENDATION its AnnualReport. performance againstthisplan,through that itreports tothepubliconits for theAuthorityanditisappropriate Management Plansetsanewagenda Administration andAuditAct1985 accordance withthe The Authorityreports annuallyin r public commentontheproposed the five-yearperiodofitscurrency, Management Planberequired during Should significantchangestothe this evaluation. Island willbeassessedonthebasisof The needforchangesinmanagingthe implementation andsuccessofthePlan. annual review toassessthelevelof 2003-2008 willbethesubjectofan The RottnestIslandManagementPlan 6. ReviewandPublicReporting evisions willbesought. 2003-2008. the RottnestIslandManagementPlan progress ontheimplementationof Annually report tothepublicon Financial . The 107 References Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 108 Commonwealth ofAustralia. (1994). ‘NationalEcotourismStrategy.’ Commonwealth Departmentof Tourism Nature 7(6):160-166. Australia on RottnestIsland.’Western ChangesintheVegetationQuaternary Churchill, D.M.(1960).‘Large for theRottnestIslandAuthority. Management Study.’ Reportprepared ‘Rottnest IslandLocalTraffic and OveArupPartners(1995). Chris AntillPlanningandUrbanDesign 99-101. Papua NewGuinea.’ r Chappell, J.(1983).‘Arevised sealevel Ecology Journal ofMarineandFreshwater W Hypersaline LakesonRottnestIsland, (1984). ‘SeasonalMeromixix inThree Bunn, S.E.andEdwards, D.H. 184 and21:142-143. W Australia: birds andreptiles.’ survey ofGarden Island,Western Rebeira, C.P.S. (1995).‘Abiological D.A. Ingram,J.A.,Leone,J.andde Brooker, M.G.,Smith,G.T., Saunders, February 1985. Island DraftManagementPlan Rottnest IslandAuthority(RIA), V Black, R.(1985).‘TheIntertidalZone: References ecord for thelast300,000yearsfrom ulnerability toRealorPotentialStress.’ estern Australia.’ estern estern AustralianNaturalist 35: 261-265. W Search estern Australian 14 (3-4): The 20: 169- vol 2, W Remote: LandscapeCharactersof Management (1994) Department ofConservationandLand Rottnest IslandAuthority. Rottnest Island.’Reportprepared forthe (1995). ‘Chronological Historyof Ltd andOnlineRichards Consultants Considine andGriffiths Architects Pty the RottnestIslandAuthority. Conservation Plan.’Reportprepared for (1994). ‘ThomsonBaySettlement Ltd andOnlineRichards Consultants Considine andGriffiths Architects Pty Bulletin 4086. Australian DepartmentofAgriculture aid tolanduseplanning.’Western Resource SurveyofRottnestIsland:an and Riches,J.R.H.(1983).‘Land Hesp, P.A., Wells, M.R.,Ward, B.H.R. Management W boat mooringsatRottnestIsland, (1995). ‘Seagrasslossassociatedwith Hastings, K.,Hesp,P. andKendrick,G. Commonwealth ofAustralia. Australia’s BiologicalDiversity. Strategy fortheConservationof Environment Australia.National W W Opportunity forSustainabilityin (2002). Department ofPremier andCabinet W Conservation andLandManagement: estern Australia. estern Australia.’ estern Australia. estern estern Australia. Australia. estern Focus ontheFuture: 26 (3):225-246. Government of Government Department of Ocean andCoastal Reading the Rottnest IslandAuthority. Landscape MasterPlan.’Report forthe Arup andPartners.‘RottnestIsland Online Richards, ChrisAntillandOve Perth: AdvancePress PtyLtd. Environment. Book2: ofitsHistory,Survey Architecture and Rottnest Island: Hart, L.Hasper, H.andProud, I.(1977). O’Connor, D.,Morris,C.,Dunlop,J.N. Management Plan1985 Authority (1985)DraftRottnestIsland of RottnestIsland’ Marsh, L.(1985).‘MarineInvertebrates 49-62. Australia HerbariumResearch’ Notes5: the floraofGarden Island,Western ‘Historical andrecent observationsof Marchant, N.andAbbot,I.(1981). Island Authority. Plan.’ Reportprepared fortheRottnest (1997). ‘RottnestIslandInterpretation Consultation andPeterFreeman PtyLtd Interpretation Kylie Winworth February 1985. Management PlanVol 2 Authority (1985)RottnestIslandDraft Rottnest IslandsWaters’ Hutchins, B.(1985).‘MarineFishof biogeography’ Kingia1:349-549. notes ontheirdistributionand Australia,with Rottnest Island,Western catalogue ofthemarineplants Huisman, J.andWalker, D.I.(1990).‘A A NationalEstate Rottnest Island : Appendices, . Rottnest Island Playford, P.E. and Leech, R.E.J. (1977). Smith, L.A. (1997). ‘An Additional Williams, A. A. E. (1997). ‘The ‘Geology and Hydrology of Rottnest Species of Reptile for Rottnest Island, butterflies (Lepidoptera) of Garden and Island.’ Geological Survey of Western Western Australia.’ The Western Rottnest Islands, Western Australia.’ Australia, Report No. 6, Perth. Australian Naturalist 21: 181. Australian Entomologist, 24: 27-34.

Powell, R. (1998). ‘Two additional Storr, G.M. (1989). ‘A new Pseodonaja White, B. J. and Edminston, R. J. (1974). species of butterfly recorded from (Serpentes: Elapidae) from Western ‘The Vegetation of Rottnest.’ Rottnest Island.’ Western Australian Australia.’ Records of the Western Unpublished report by the Forest Naturalist, 22: 136. Australian Museum 14: 421: 481. Department for the Rottnest Island Board.

Rippey, E. and Rowland, B. (1995). The Planning Group (1997) ‘Rottnest Plants of the Perth Coast and Islands. Island Settlement Land Use University of Western Australia, Management Plan.’ Report prepared for Nedlands. the Rottnest Island Authority.

Rottnest Island Authority (1985). Draft Veron, J.E.N., and Marsh, L.M. (1988). Rottnest Island Management Plan 1985. ‘Hermatypic corals of Western Rottnest Island Authority. Australia.’ Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement 29: 1- Rottnest Island Authority (1995). 136. Rottnest Island Review. Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H. and Rottnest Island Authority (1998). Outer Lethbridge, R. (eds) (1993a). The Marine Bay Plans for West End, Narrow Neck, Flora and Fauna of Rottnest Island, Parakeet/Little Parakeet Bays, Fays Bay, Western Australia, Vol 1. Western Bathurst Point, Bickley Bay, Parker Point Australian Museum, Perth. and Nancy Cove. Rottnest Island Authority. Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H. and Lethbridge, R. (eds) (1993b). The Saunders, D. A. and de Rebeira, C.P. Marine Flora and Fauna of Rottnest (1985). ‘Turnover in Breeding Bird Island, Western Australia, Vol 2, populations on Rottnest Island, Western Western Australian Museum, Perth. Australia’. Australian Wildlife Research 12: 467-477. Wells, F. E. and Walker, D. I. (1993). ‘Introduction to the Marine Saunders, D. A. and de Rebeira, C.P. Environment of Rottnest Island, (1993). Birds of Rottnest Island. DAS Western Australia.’ The Marine Flora and CpdeR Guildford, WA. and Fauna of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Edited by Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H., and Lethbridge, R. Western Australian Museum, Perth.

109 Appendix 1 Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 110 •T • • • • • • • Plan andSettlementPlanningScheme: the developmentofReserveZoning The followingprincipleshaveguided Reserve ZoningPlanandSettlementPlanningScheme Appendix 1.PrinciplesGuidingtheDevelopmentof manage theIsland. number necessary toprotect and and trackswillbetheminimal cyclists willbegivenpriority;roads sound riskmanagement. Settlement planningwillbebasedon Risk Management-Zoningand visitor experiences. will beusedappropriately toenhance r Appropriate useofareas and cost effectiveness. Planning Schemewillaimtomaximise of theZoningPlanandSettlement Cost effectiveness -Thedevelopment compatible. activities andlinkthatare designed toseparateincompatible Compatible Users-Zoneswillbe impacts andenhancesustainability. designed tominimiseenvironmental Environmental impacts-Zoneswillbe will beminimal. outside theSettlementarea andthese essential structures willbeprovided designated Settlementarea; only will beestablishedoutsidethe Settlement area -Noaccommodation No accommodationoutsidethe Rottnest Islandethos/experience. or facilitieswillbeconsistentwiththe Rottnest ethos-Newdevelopments esources -Builtandnaturalresources ransport/Access -Pedestriansand • • • •V • •V • and services. optimal locationofthesebusinesses Island experienceandwillensure that contributetotheRottnest for asuiteofholidayservices The SettlementPlanwillprovide Businesses andservices- of zoningplans. key strategiesfortheimplementation Education andinterpretation willbe Education andInterpretation - and enhanced. and associatedsiteswillberespected Heritage -Linkswithculturalheritage r vegetation formsandfaunawillbe and distributionofimportant heritage anduse. be appropriate tothearea, its Streetscape -Streetscape features will maintained andimproved. and, asfarpossible,unobtrusive. vehicles willbeminimalinnumber Motorised Vehicles -Motorised ecognised, preserved andenhanced. egetation andwildlife-Thediversity istas -Importantvistaswillbe g ng ices on and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Marketing and Communications ear Directorate Y 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility alues Conservation and Planning onmental heritage. r environmental heritage. environmental ’. Conservation and Planning . that comprise the Settlement Zone, Conservation and Planning interpretation of military,maritime and envi of military,maritime interpretation Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987 Chart 3 - Terrestrial Zoning Plan Indicates year of commencement implementation. to be implemented over the years highlighted. Indicates ongoing project able 1 - Activities and developments permitted in the Rottnest Island Terrestrial Zones able 1 - Activities and developments permitted in the Rottnest Island Terrestrial T Develop and implement a signage plan for Rottnest Island. Investigate the feasibility of development Oliver Hill Activity Node for the Develop and commence implementation of an interpretation strategy that allows visitors to fully appreciate and understand the v strategy that allows visitors to fully appreciate Develop and commence implementation of an interpretation Develop Rottnest Island as a model of sustainability. they meet the social and cultural requirements technologies where demonstrate and integrate environmental Promote, Define the boundary of Rottnest Island Reserve in terms a series geo-positioning data points.Amend the Rottnest Island Reserve purpose to ‘for purposes ofthe Incorporate Swan Locations 12523, 12524, 12525, 12526, 12667,10613, 10750 and 10614 into the Rottnest Island Reserve.Define the Rottnest Island Settlement Zone boundary in terms of a series geo-positioning data points. Business Serv maritime and of military, Hill Activity Node for the interpretation Investigate the feasibility of development Wadjemup Conservati Conservation and Plannin Conservation and Planni Implement the Terrestrial Zones as described in Implement the Terrestrial Appendix 2. Implementation Timelines and Responsibilities Sustainability 1. of the Island, and which communicates its sustainable management practices. 3. economically viable and relevant. of the Island and are Reserve Zoning and Settlement Planning Scheme 4. 5. 6. 7. with 9. 10. 11. 2. 2. Natural Zone, Activity Nodes and Permanent and Temporary Environmental Exclusion Zones and manage in accordance Exclusion Zones and manage in accordance Environmental Natural Zone, Activity Nodes and Permanent Temporary 8.

111 Appendix 2 Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 112

Year Directorate 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility

12. Develop and implement a marine management strategy that promotes equity of access and opportunity for a quality experience among Conservation and Planning recreational users of the Marine Reserve, protecting its environmental values, in coordination with the Department of Fisheries and in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

13. Pursue restriction on commercial fishing in coordination with the Department of Fisheries. Conservation and Planning

14. Develop the Arrival and Departure Precinct to provide for a visitor-friendly experience. Business Services

15. Investigate and implement methods to improve the orientation of arriving visitors to their required first point of contact and other points Tourist Services around the Island.

16. Establish appropriate shelter for ferry passengers in the Arrival and Departure Precinct. Business Services

17. Develop a conceptual model for a purpose-built interpretation facility on Rottnest Island. Conservation and Planning

18. Seek external funding for the establishment and operation of an interpretation facility on Rottnest Island in consultation with relevant Conservation and Planning groups with a historical interest in the Island.

19. Develop and implement a strategy for Signal Hill to reduce erosion from trampling and to manage risk issues. Conservation and Planning

20. Maintain the Commercial Precinct to provide commercial services to enhance visitor experience, and to improve access for people with disabilities. Business Services

21. Investigate the feasibility of the construction of a vehicular route connecting the Service Precinct 6a to the Golf Club and the south side of Business Services the Settlement to link the north and south of the Settlement, eliminating the need for vehicles to move through the core pedestrian area.

22. Investigate the feasibility of establishing an additional food outlet in the Commercial Precinct, which provides further value-for-money food Business Services options utilising and promoting Western Australian produce.

23. Develop and implement strategies to enhance the library service. Tourist Services

24. Develop and implement strategies to enhance the museum service. Tourist Services

25. Manage the Bathurst Visitor Accommodation Precinct to provide visitor accommodation. Tourist Services

26. Provide appropriately designed beach access paths and approaches in the Bathurst Visitor Accommodation Precinct. Conservation and Planning ng urist Services siness Services ourist Services T Business Services Business Services Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning ear Directorate Y 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility low. Business Services Business low. dation Precinct. dation Precinct. economic viability. economic viability.

. Education Centre primarily for school groups.Education Centre Conservation and Planning the Railway Track to limit the use of Parker Point Road by vehicles.the Railway Track Business Services Kingstown Barracks to the North Thomson Visitor Accommodation Precinct. Relocate the Hire Services Shed and the Office from the North Thomson Visitor Accommodation Precinct to the Services Precinct the North Thomson Visitor Accommodation Precinct from Services Shed and the Office Relocate the Hire Bu Maintain and preserve the Bathurst Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage without additional development. the Bathurst Lighthouse and Keeper’s Maintain and preserve visitor accommodation. to provide Manage the North Thomson Visitor Accommodation Precinct Hostel facility from the Youth Investigate the feasibility of relocating visitor accommodation. to provide Manage the existing accommodation stock in South Thomson Visitor Accommodation Precinct access to the beach via purpose-built designated accessways and stairs in South Thomson Visitor Accommo Continue to provide in the South Thomson Visitor Accommodation Precinct. Monitor beach erosion visitor accommodation. to provide and Fays Bay Visitor Accommodation Precinct Longreach Manage the Geordie, f amenity and traffic to improve and Fays Bay area Longreach flows in the Geordie, tracks and traffic roads, Review and realign Business Services and Fays Bay Visitor Accommodation Precinct. Longreach beach access in the Geordie, Improve Fays Bay headland. and rehabilitate Restore To to this area other precincts from of staff including the relocation Accommodation Precinct Develop a plan for dedicated Staff along Investigate the feasibility of development an additional road the use of Kingstown Barracks as an Environmental Maintain and improve Develop a business Plan for Kingstown Barracks that capitalises on other its and improves opportunities for the use of this area the Service and Operation Precinct. noise, odour and visual impact around Control Services Tourist the Country Club. based around Precinct Develop and implement a plan for the development of Recreation Conservation and Planni 29. 27. 28. Precinct. or the Commercial 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43.

113 Appendix 2 Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 114

Year Directorate 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility

44. Promote and enhance golf on Rottnest Island and undertake a feasibility study into the sustainable greening of the golf course, Tourist Services with a view to implementation.

45. Review, rationalise and where necessary realign tracks in areas outside the Settlement Zone. Business Services

46. Extend and enhance the existing Rottnest Island coastal walk trail. Conservation and Planning

47. Restrict vehicle numbers, size and type to the minimum required to carry out necessary operations and actively encourage alternatively Business Services powered vehicles, as replacements are required.

48. Implement an approved range of landscape materials for Rottnest Island. Business Services

49. Define and implement a furniture style for the public open spaces of the Settlement Zone and around the Island that meets customer Business Services needs and is consistent with and sympathetic to the heritage elements of Rottnest Island.

50. Retain existing Settlement vegetation including trees, ground cover and shrubs. Conservation and Planning

51. Maintain existing canopy lines within the Settlement Zone, particularly along the ocean frontage where they are a key element of the vista. Conservation and Planning

52. Define and implement a colour scheme that maintains the character of Rottnest Island. Conservation and Planning

53. Develop and implement a lighting plan that addresses the location and style of lighting. Business Services nning anning Planning

servation and Planning onservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning ear Directorate Y 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility se Business Services e Herschel. Develop and implement strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on Rottnest Island in accordance with the National Greenhou gas emissions on Rottnest Island in accordance greenhouse Develop and implement strategies to reduce Develop and implement a strategy for the protection and rehabilitation of coastal landforms. and rehabilitation Develop and implement a strategy for the protection landforms and soils. geology, featuring the Island’s program Review and implement an interpretation and the wetlands of Rottnest Island. between rainfall, groundwater into the relationship Undertake research condition of Rottnest Island swamps. Barker Swamp as a primary example of the pre-disturbed and interpret preserve Protect, vegetation. seeps and surrounding Rottnest Island lakes, swamps, freshwater conserve and interpret Protect, seeps on Rottnest Island. Monitor water and salinity levels within swamps freshwater Rehabilitate Lighthouse Swamp. Rehabilitate Parakeet Swamp. Rehabilitate Salmon Swamp. of Bulldozer and Bickley Swamps. Develop a Plan for the rehabilitation of Rottnest Island swamps. the rehabilitation Develop and implement a Plan to interpret Con Conservation and Planning Conservation and Pl minimal impact to the water quality and other values of Lak landfill to ensure Rottnest Island’s Manage the nutrient plume from Conservation and Pla natural landscapes. the values of Island’s manage and interpret Develop and implement a Plan to effectively Conservation and Revise and commence the implementation of plans for outer bays to minimise any negative impact on diversity values C errestrial Environment errestrial 68. T 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. landscape and vistas. the Island’s 67. Challenge actions 66.

115 Appendix 2 Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 116

Year Directorate 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility

69. Eliminate wood fires in Authority accommodation and replace them with an alternative environmentally sensitive and cost-effective Business Services source of accommodation heating.

70. Investigate options to reduce the impact of aircraft noise. Business Services

71. Review and implement the Woodland Restoration Strategy in the context of a vegetation management strategy. Conservation and Planning

72. Assess and manage all developments on the Island to minimise possible threats to the habitats, flora and fauna of Rottnest Island. Conservation and Planning

73. Review and implement a Plan for the interpretation of the flora and fauna of Rottnest Island. Conservation and Planning

74. Develop and implement a fire management plan for Rottnest Island that recognises key ecological areas of protection, in coordination Business Services with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority.

75. Implement an effective weed management program for Rottnest Island, based on existing procedures. Conservation and Planning

76. Implement an effective feral animal eradication program, based on existing procedures. Conservation and Planning

77. Encourage research on Island flora and fauna particularly that which contributes to the management of plant diseases on Rottnest Island. Conservation and Planning

78. Investigate the benefits of pursuing Ramsar wetland classification for Rottnest Island’s wetlands used by migratory bird species. Conservation and Planning ing vices tion and Planning ourist Services ourist Services T Business Services servation and Planning onservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning ear Directorate Y 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility . Conservation and Planning in the Conservation and Planning Island Reserve. T marine habitats, particularly in relation to movement of large vessels. marine habitats, particularly in relation Develop and implement a research program to monitor fish stocks and gain an understanding of the level of recreational fishing to monitor fish stocks and gain an understanding of the level recreational program Develop and implement a research Implement the Rottnest Island policy on waste discharge from vessels. Implement the Rottnest Island policy on waste discharge from for Rottnest Island bays, to test bacteria and nutrients. Develop and implement a water quality monitoring program to minimise land-based discharge of nutrients and debris into the marine environment. Manage Island infrastructure Review the Rottnest Island fuel and oil spill Plan. vessels. facility for liquid waste from of a waste receptor Investigate the provision on the impact of vessel movements Rottnest Island’s Undertake research management tool. Maintain the use of moorings in designated Rottnest Island bays as an environmental mooring apparatus design the current impact from to monitor the level of environmental program Develop and implement a research other than sand. the anchoring of boats in Rottnest Island Reserve on areas Prohibit Conserva Business Ser walking on marine habitats and species. and understanding among Island visitors of the adverse impacts reef Raise awareness of locally generated marine litter in the Rottnest Island Reserve. the occurrence Develop and implement a strategy to reduce to collect litter in Rottnest Island bays. Implement an annual program and extent of coral bleaching in the Rottnest Island Marine Reserve. on the occurrence Encourage research C Con Conservation and Plann Develop and implement a campaign to promote environmentally benign diving techniques to divers and snorkellers in the Rottnest environmentally Develop and implement a campaign to promote 89. Marine Environment 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. Rottnest Island Reserve. 90. 91. 92. 93.

117 Appendix 2 Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 118

Year Directorate Cultural Heritage 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility

94. Compile a comprehensive inventory of Rottnest Island’s heritage assets. Conservation and Planning

95. Undertake an assessment of the condition and significance of all heritage assets on Rottnest Island. Conservation and Planning

96. Develop a priority listing of heritage restoration projects required on Rottnest Island according to condition and significance of assets. Conservation and Planning

97. Develop and implement heritage maintenance procedures, in accordance with the Burra Charter, to direct heritage maintenance Conservation and Planning activities on Rottnest Island.

98. Develop comprehensive guidelines for the appropriate treatments for landscapes and streetscapes on Rottnest Island in order to maintain Conservation and Planning associated heritage values.

99. Develop and implement heritage projects that can be undertaken with the aid of volunteer effort. Conservation and Planning

100. Establish a Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee reporting to the Rottnest Island Authority to provide expert advice on heritage issues. Conservation and Planning

101. Develop an Island-wide integrated heritage interpretation approach that includes business opportunities that support heritage works. Conservation and Planning

102. Revise and reissue heritage brochures to enhance the interpretative capability of this medium. Conservation and Planning

103. Develop and implement a strategy to increase the profile of Rottnest Island for heritage-focussed conferences, seminars and training events. Marketing and Communications

104. Maintain and enhance opportunities for free of charge, self-directed heritage interpretation on Rottnest Island. Conservation and Planning

105. Undertake further ground probing radar work to determine the full extent of the Aboriginal burial grounds. Business Services

106. Relocate any accommodation overlying the established area of the Aboriginal burial grounds. Business Services

107. Investigate and implement mechanisms to further interpret the Aboriginal burial grounds and other areas of Aboriginal significance. Conservation and Planning

108. Maintain and enhance relationships with Aboriginal people to further interpret the Aboriginal heritage of Rottnest Island. Conservation and Planning lanning on and Planning ation and Planning ourist Services ourist Services T T Business Services Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Marketing and Communications ear Directorate Y 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility the Business Services the Business omic Conservation and Planning mental and Conservation and Planning eplacement. Services Tourist r e, preserve e, preserve e. Rottnest Island Authority to control entry into the Rottnest Island Reserve. Rottnest Island Authority to control to allow the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987 Assess business opportunities on a case by case basis, giving priority to the requirements to maintain control over the Reserv to maintain control Assess business opportunities on a case by basis, giving priority to the requirements Develop and implement guidelines for the appropriate archaeological assessment and supervision of ground disturbance assessment and supervision of ground archaeological Develop and implement guidelines for the appropriate assess and enhance the Rottnest Island museum collection. Review, operations and activities of Rottnest Island. features, current of recording Develop and implement a program associations with Rottnest Island. and current persons with previous oral accounts from of recording Undertake a program Annually adjust the individual Admission Fee commencing 1st July 2003. Pursue amendment to the Conservati the number of accommodated visitors in cooler months. Develop and implement plans to increase Manage activities on the Island commensurate with optimum visitor numbers. Conserv Conservation and P Retain the existing range of accommodation on Rottnest Island. for the times when existing cottages require Investigate designs for a Rottnest Island style of holiday cottage in preparation Investigate the feasibility of the redevelopment of existing Kelly and Abbot Street accommodation, paying attention to environ of existing Kelly and Abbot Street Investigate the feasibility of redevelopment Undertake research on the relationship between Rottnest Island visitor numbers and behaviour and environmental, social and econ between Rottnest Island visitor numbers and behaviour environmental, on the relationship Undertake research 118. 109. work on Rottnest Island. and hardening 110. 111. 112. Facilities Holiday and Recreation 113. 114. impacts on Rottnest Island. 116. 117. and social values. environmental ethos, equity and access, sustain the Island’s 119. 120. for wider styles of us and the flexibility to provide heritage sensitive construction and operation, winter comfort standards, 121. 115.

119 Appendix 2 Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 120

Year Directorate 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility

122. Refurbish the heritage cottages and the existing Geordie/Longreach units, paying particular attention to environmentally sensitive construction Business Services and operation and to winter comfort standards.

123. Demolish the existing Allison cabins and construct replacement cabins near Caroline Thomson using the existing Caroline Thomson Business Services cabin model, paying particular attention to winter comfort standards.

124. Improve and enhance the universal access features of accommodation and visitor facilities on Rottnest Island. Business Services

125. Determine and implement a defined building envelope within the boundary of the Settlement Zone. Conservation and Planning

126. Except as otherwise specified, limit construction of accommodation on Rottnest Island to the replacement of existing accommodation, Business Services as necessary.

127. Upgrade and improve Rottnest Island accommodation booking software and procedures. Business Services

128. Investigate the feasibility of introducing on-line accommodation booking facilities. Marketing and Communications

129. Investigate alternative methods to allocate accommodation during peak periods. Tourist Services

130. Implement the schedule of accommodation charges for bookings taken from 1 January 2003 as described in Table 5 - Accommodation Charges. Tourist Services

131. Charge accommodation booked for off peak periods, which is not part of a discount package, at a 20 percent discount rate. Tourist Services

132. Annually revise accommodation costs and operations. Business Services

133. Conduct a community consultation exercise to inform the future development of the Rottnest Island Hotel site. Business Services

134. Redevelop the Rottnest Island Hotel facilities informed by community consultation. Business Services

135. Continue to provide education and interpretation activities on Rottnest Island. Conservation and Planning d Planning ourist Services ourist Services ourist Services T T T Business Services Business Services Business Services Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Conservation and Planning Marketing and Communications Marketing and Communications ear Directorate Y 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility nities. Business Services nities. Business e principles of sis. Tourist Services sis. Tourist services and attractions on the Rottnest Island environment and its visitors. services and attractions on the Rottnest Island environment ork with the Rottnest Island Police to enforce the requirement for cyclists to wear helmets on Rottnest Island. the requirement ork with the Rottnest Island Police to enforce Conservation an Develop and implement a Plan for visitor services and attractions which is consistent with the Island’s purpose and based on th Develop and implement a Plan for visitor services attractions which is consistent with the Island’s ba free-of-charge available on a self-directed, a range of visitor services and attractions on Rottnest Island that are Provide by businesses operating on Rottnest Island. Maintain and enhance the services provided and enhance language services to non-English speaking visitors. Provide to determine the impact of program Develop and implement a research Plan. Develop and implement a Rottnest Island Merchandising the number of bicycle racks on Rottnest Island. Increase Develop and implement a telecommunications plan. facilities targeted at youth. recreation Determine and provide of charges for the full range tours and visitor services. Undertake a review the carriage of large equipment on bus services. Investigate mechanisms to improve ame positive impact on visual and environmental Investigate alternative-powered buses for Rottnest Island that will have a more Investigate the feasibility of extension Island rail service. and amend bus service fees charges. . Annually review W 136. social and economic sustainability. environmental, 137. 138. 139. 140. 141. 142. 143. 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150.

121 Appendix 2 Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 122

Year Directorate 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility

151. Work with the Rottnest Island Police to enforce the requirement for cyclists to use a light when cycling at night. Conservation and Planning

152. Review and rationalise the number of walking tracks on Rottnest Island to minimise environmental impacts while providing for the needs of visitors. Conservation and Planning

153. Implement the Rottnest Island Authority Disability Services Plan. Conservation and Planning

154. Refurbish the ramp to North Thomson Beach to provide beach and water access. Conservation and Planning

155. Review the operation of the Rottnest Island Aerodrome. Business Services

156. Review the range of aerodrome fees. Business Services

157. Provide training opportunities to Authority staff to improve service levels to meet industry standards and benchmarks. Business Services

158. Investigate certification under national tourism accreditation schemes. Tourist Services

159. Develop and introduce a new range of Rottnest Island Authority staff uniforms. Marketing and Communications

160. Design and implement a market research program to gain an understanding of market segments and needs. Marketing and Communications

161. Develop and implement a strategic marketing plan for Rottnest Island, based on the outcomes of market research. Marketing and Communications

162. Work with Rottnest Island businesses and ferry operators to improve the compatibility of marketing campaigns with Rottnest Island objectives. Marketing and Communications

163. Determine a policy on the scale and type of function and event appropriate for Rottnest Island based on considerations of social, Marketing and Communications economic and environmental benefits and impacts.

164. Undertake a range of Rottnest Island Authority-hosted programs to enhance the visitor experience. Marketing and Communications g st Services ourist Services ourist Services ourist Services T T T servation and Planning Conservation and Planning ear Directorate Y 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility ls up Services Tourist ontaining Conservation and Planning in Tourist Services in Tourist

should

n , in consultation Services Tourist Reserve based on social, environmental and infrastructure constraints. and infrastructure Reserve based on social, environmental able 6 - Summary of Recreational Mooring Trial System able 6 - Summary of Recreational Mooring Trial T is not feasible. ork with the Department for Planning and Infrastructure to expand the boating five-knot speed limit area to include all bays c to expand the boating five-knot speed limit area ork with the Department for Planning and Infrastructure Revise annual recreational mooring site licence fees effective 1 September 2003 to $66.00 per metre of length licensed 1 September 2003 to $66.00 per metre mooring site licence fees effective Revise annual recreational Touri Monitor the use of Personalised Powered Watercraft within the boundary of Reserve over peak months 2003/2004 and Watercraft Monitor the use of Personalised Powered into the boating capacity of Rottnest Island Marine Undertake research Investigate mechanisms to manage the boating capacity of Rottnest Island Marine Reserve. the boating annual payment in lieu of Admission Fee. Annually review Con moorings in the Rottnest Island Marine Reserve. total number of licensed recreational Maintain the current of mooring locations. Employ geographical positioning survey methods to determine and maintain records of sea bed in the Marine Reserve. or otherwise interfering with any area dredging people from Prohibit Undertake a trial of mooring system as detailed in moorings should the trial indicate that system detailed Pursue alternative access to recreational mechanisms for increasing as at 1 September 2003 an Annual Authorised User Fee of $33 per metre Introduce Services Tourist Conservation and Plannin Conservation and Planning Increase the boating annual payment in lieu of Admission Fee from 1 September 2003 to the following GST inclusive prices: vesse the boating annual payment in lieu of Admission Fee from Increase W able 6 176. Marine Recreation and Facilities Marine Recreation 165. 2004/2005 and determine whether they should continue to be permitted in the Reserve. 166. 167. $275.00. or greater: $165.00; vessels 15 metres 15 metres: 169. of the shoreline. moorings and all waters within 100 metres 171. 172. 173. 174. with major stakeholders, commencing September 2003 a view to ongoing implementation. 175. T the trial system be implemented substantively. 177. 168. but less tha or greater $137.50; vessels 10 metres but less than 10 metres: than 8 metres $121.00; vessels greater to 8 metres: 170. vessels or $660, whichever is the greater amount, for the duration of the recreational mooring trial and permanently thereafter amount, for the duration of recreational vessels or $660, whichever is the greater

123 Appendix 2 Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 124

Year Directorate 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility

178. Maintain the Annual Administration Fee for Authorised Users of $33 per vessel. Tourist Services

179. Review all mooring fees annually. Tourist Services

180. Prohibit recreational moorings from being used for commercial gain or being sub-let. Conservation and Planning

181. Revise mooring renewal procedures to make the presentation of a hull identification number a prerequisite for a mooring site licence Tourist Services renewal by 1 September 2004.

182. Develop a business model for the rental mooring business unit to determine an optimum number of rental moorings. Tourist Services

183. Eliminate the maximum rental period limit for rental moorings for the off-peak season of May to November. Tourist Services

184. Introduce a maximum limit for rental moorings during the accommodation ballot periods, consistent with maximum ballot Tourist Services booking periods, from 1 July 2003.

185. Increase rental swing mooring fees to $33 per night, from 1 July 2003. Tourist Services

186. Increase Bathurst Beach mooring fees to $16.50 per night, from 1 July 2003. Tourist Services

187. Annually review rental mooring prices. Tourist Services

188. Investigate the feasibility of establishing a number of strategically placed moorings dedicated for commercial charter operations, with Business Services the objective to establish a viable commercial charter moorings system.

189. Establish and introduce a commercial rate for commercial operators using rental moorings. Business Services

190. Eliminate the maximum rental period limit for rental pens for the off-peak season of May to November. Tourist Services

191. Introduce a maximum limit for rental pens during the accommodation ballot periods, consistent with maximum ballot Tourist Services booking periods, from 1 July 2003.

192. Increase charges for rental pens to $33 per night for large pens at the Fuel Jetty, and $22 per night for small pens at the Fuel, Hotel and Tourist Services Stark Jetties, effective 1 July 2003. ces t Services ourist Services T Business Services Business Services Business Services Conservation and Planning ear Directorate Y 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility l’s capacity l’s Business Services ission Fees. Conservation and Planning the Reserve; ut less than 31

ork with commercial ferry companies to encourage affordable pricing strategies for Rottnest Island ferry tickets, ferry companies to encourage affordable ork with commercial Servi Tourist Annually review rental pen prices. rental Annually review methods of beach anchoring. information to boat owners on appropriate Provide with a view to implementation. Investigate the feasibility of formalisation beach anchoring sites in Thomson Bay, operation and management of the Main Passenger Jetty. and effective efficient Implement mechanisms to ensure Assess the feasibility of upgrading Hotel Jetty. and small vessel-berthing site. fishing area Island Jetty as a recreational and maintain the Green Restore W Adjust the annual payment to Authority in lieu of Admission Fees for Charter Boat operators to: $22 multiplied by vesse Develop and implement a pricing strategy to apply charter vessel fees, including annual review. Touris to collect and pay Adm required that all categories of charter vessels operating in the Reserve are Amend legislation to ensure Business Services Investigate a charter vessel operators licence system for the Rottnest Island Reserve. Business Services 193. 194. 195. 196. 197. 198. 199. includes the individual Admission Fee to Island. accepting that the ferry fare 200. entries to the Reserve. capacity for vessels making 45 or more and $88 multiplied by the vessel’s 201. 202. 203. for vessels making 14 or less entries to the Reserve; $44 multiplied by the vessel’s capacity for vessels making more than 14 b capacity for vessels making more for vessels making 14 or less entries to the Reserve; $44 multiplied by vessel’s than 30 and less 45 entries into capacity for vessels making more entries into the Reserve; $66 multiplied by vessel’s

125 Appendix 2 Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 126

Year Directorate 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility Community Involvement and Relations

204. In consultation with volunteer groups, develop and implement a Volunteer Services Plan to clarify and formalise the role of volunteer Tourist Services groups on Rottnest Island.

205. Encourage and support volunteer groups to carry out conservation and interpretive activities on the Island. Conservation and Planning

206. Maintain the use of advisory committees to provide advice and guidance to the Authority on specific issues and subjects. ALL

207. Operate a complaint handling process that is visible, accessible and fair. Tourist Services

208. Review the consultation mechanisms used for the development of the Rottnest Island Management Plan. Conservation and Planning Visitor Support Services

209. Maintain and promote a Ranger profile based on guidance, interpretation and a high level of public contact with all user groups. Conservation and Planning

210. Replace the Ranger 1 Marine Vessel. Business Services

211. Continue to support the Honorary Ranger Program. Conservation and Planning

212. Identify and train a pool of staff who are available to fill short term or seasonal Ranger duties. Business Services

213. Maintain and enhance relations with the Rottnest Island Police. Conservation and Planning

214. Maintain and enhance relations between the Nursing Post, as part of the Fremantle Hospital and Health Service, and the Authority. Conservation and Planning

215. Review the Authority’s Risk Management Program. Conservation and Planning

216. Review and reissue the Authority’s Risk Awareness Brochure. Marketing and Communications

217. Continue the implementation of the Rottnest Island Asbestos Management Program. Business Services

218. Maintain participation in and support of the Local Emergency Management Committee. Business Services

219. Investigate and implement means to ensure efficient fire fighting in a low water pressure environment. Business Services

220. Progressively upgrade all buildings so that they meet the current Buildings Code of Australia requirements in regard to fire ratings. Business Services Services Business Services Business Services Business Services Business Services Business Services Business Services Business Services Business Services Business Services Business Services ting and Communications Conservation and Planning ear Directorate Y 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility nation Business Services nation Business sensitive use of grey water, compliant with public health requirements. water, sensitive use of grey ork with the business community to reduce the proportion of products supplied which are excessively packaged. supplied which are of products the proportion ork with the business community to reduce Business Services Operate the desalination plants as the primary source of potable water. of potable water. Operate the desalination plants as primary source to achieve a sustainable number of bores. decommission bores Progressively seeps. of the freshwater the area Remove the southern and rehabilitate catchment area Map the location of water network system. devices in accommodation units. Continue to install water-saving the demand on potable water for watering lawn areas. Investigate options to reduce the wastewater network system. Develop and implement a plan to replace and environmentally Develop and implement plans for the cost-effective W Develop a waste management plan for Rottnest Island. Construct a wind turbine on Mt Herschel and monitor its impact efficiency. Revise the borefield management licence conditions according to current rainfall and define parameters outcomes of research to current management licence conditions according Revise the borefield the remaining maximum possible yield from to ensure Develop and implement a bituminised catchment maintenance program and excessively packaged bringing non-recyclable campaign to discourage visitors from Develop and implement an awareness Business manner in coordi sensitive, cost-effective power line in an environmentally Investigate the feasibility of burying Wadjemup Marke Utilities and Infrastructure 221. Protection. with the Department of Environmental and wetlands, in coordination between rainfall, groundwater 223. 224. bituminised catchment. 226. 227. 228. 229. 230. to Rottnest Island. products 232. 233. as an Activity Node. with the development of Wadjemup 235. 222. 225. 231. 234.

127 Part B. Management Planning Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 128

Year Directorate 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007/8 Responsibility

236. Assess the benefits of the introduction of a second turbine, based on the analysis of impacts and efficiencies of the first wind turbine. Business Services

237. Use solar panels as a source of alternative power on Rottnest Island, where possible and practicable. Business Services

238. Investigate the benefits of biodiesel for Rottnest Island, with a view to is introduction as an alternative fuel on the Island. Business Services

239. Develop and implement a program to interpret issues associated with power supply. Conservation and Planning

240. Investigate and trial energy-saving technologies in Rottnest Island buildings and facilities. Business Services

241. Employ appropriate passive energy and other energy-efficient technologies in all new accommodation and other buildings Business Services constructed on Rottnest Island.

242. Develop and implement a comprehensive maintenance plan for roads and tracks. Business Services Implementation

243. Review and amend the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987 Conservation and Planning

244. Annually review and amend as appropriate the Rottnest Island Regulations 1988. Conservation and Planning

245. Review and amend penalties for offences as established in the Rottnest Island Regulations 1988. Conservation and Planning

246. Develop and implement a research program for Rottnest Island. Conservation and Planning

247. Implement arrangements to ensure maintenance of intellectual property in relation to Rottnest Island research projects. Conservation and Planning

248. Continue to seek funding from external sources, including special grants and sponsorships, to supplement income. Conservation and Planning

249. Annually report to the public on progress on the implementation of the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003 - 2008. Conservation and Planning ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Rottnest Island Authority Board Rottnest Island Management Plan Reference Group Ms Jennifer Archibald, Chairman Mr Laurence O’Meara, Deputy Chairman Chair: Ms Lesley Smith, Director Mr Joseph Merillo Conservation and Planning; Mr Angas Hopkins Acting Chief Executive Officer Ms Rachel Roberts from October 2002 Ms Catherine Nance Project Manager: Ms Jo McCrea Rottnest Island Authority Chief (Bunting), Principal Planning Officer Executive Officer Members: Mr John Mitchell (to October 2002) • Mr Peter Purves, Director Tourist Services; • Ms Carol Shannon, Director Business Services; • Ms Claire Wright, Manager Conservation; • Ms Roxane Shadbolt, Manager Visitor Operations, • Mr John Richmond, Principal Projects Officer (to August 2002).

129 Rottnest Island Authority Administration Level 1, E Shed, Victoria Quay Fremantle WA 6160 Postal Address PO Box 693, Fremantle WA 6959 Tel:(08) 9432 9300 Fax: (08) 9432 9301 Website: www.rottnest.wa.gov.au Email: [email protected] Published by the Rottnest Island Authority. March 2003