annual report2015 - 2016 Contents Message to the Minister Agency Overview Agency Performance Significant Issues & Trends Disclosures & Legal Compliance Key Performance Indicators Contents Message to the Minister 3 Visitor Centre 22 Disclosures & Legal Compliance 54 Agency Overview 4 Visitor Risk 22 Human Resources 54 Chairman’s Overview 4 Case Study: Rottnest Carnivale 23 Compliance with Public Sector Message from the Chief Executive Officer 6 CONSERVATION AND IMPROVED ACCESS Standards and Ethical Codes 55 Operational Structure 8 TO CULTURAL HERITAGE 27 Government Building Training Policy 55 Rottnest Island context and significance 8 Case Study: Conservation of Olive Tree 29 Unauthorised use of credit cards 55 Enabling Legislation 8 PROTECTION OF THE UNIQUE Financial Summary 56 Responsible Minister 8 ENVIRONMENT 32 Other Financial Disclosures 57 Organisational Chart 8 Terrestrial Management 32 Pricing Policies 57 Administrative Legislation 9 Sustainability 33 Capital Investment 57 Other Key Legislation 9 Environmental Management 33 Board and Committee Remuneration 57 Board Members 9 Marine Management 34 Other Legal Requirements 58 Declaration of Interest 12 PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Disability Access and Inclusion Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance 12 WITH STAKEHOLDERS 35 Plan Outcomes 58 Finance and Audit Committee 12 Aboriginal community 35 Compliance with Public Sector The Rottnest Island Chamber Island based stakeholders 35 Standards and Ethical Codes 59 of Commerce 12 Media – Local, National & International 35 Recordkeeping Plan 59 Agency Performance 13 Research Programs 37 Occupational Safety, Health Performance Management Framework 13 Volunteer oganisations 37 and Injury Management 59 Rottnest Island Authority’s Outcome-Based Case Study: Wadjemup Bidi 39 Injury Management System 60 Management Framework 13 Case Study: Aboriginal Burial Ground 45 Data Definitions 60 Shared Responsibilities with Other Agencies 13 FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY 48 Advertising 61 Reporting Framework 14 Accounting and Cash Flow 48 Financial Estimates 2016/17 61 Report on Operations 15 Rottnest Island Authority Utilities 49 Corporate Snapshot – Highlights 15 Operating Budget 2016/17 61 Significant Issues & Trends 53 IMPROVED VISITOR EXPERIENCES 16 Certification of Financial Statements 62 Significant Issues Impacting the Agency 53 Recreation holiday services Independent Audit Opinion 63 and facilities 16 Rottnest Island Management Park & Emergency Services 20 Plan 2014-19 53 Financial Statements 65 Transport services 22 Economic Viability 53 Key Performance Indicators 110 2 Rottnest Island Authority Annual Report 2015-2016 Contents Message to the Minister Agency Overview Agency Performance Significant Issues & Trends Disclosures & Legal Compliance Key Performance Indicators Message to the Minister To the Hon Colin Barnett MLA Premier of Western Australia In accordance with the provisions and specifically section 61 (1) of the Financial Management Act 2006 and in fulfilment of the obligations imposed on the Authority by the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987, and other relevant legislation, we hereby submit for your information and presentation to Parliament the Annual Report of the Rottnest Island Authority for the year ended 30 June 2016. John Driscoll Hamish Beck Chairman Deputy Chairman 19 September 2016 19 September 2016 Rottnest Island Authority Annual Report 2015-2016 3 Contents Message to the Minister Agency Overview Agency Performance Significant Issues & Trends Disclosures & Legal Compliance Key Performance Indicators Agency Overview Chairman’s Overview It is with very great pleasure that I introduce Top line findings from visitor surveys environment or the Rottnest experience. this year’s RIA Annual Report. For the indicate an increased number of boating It is therefore particularly pleasing that first time in the Island’s history, visitor visitors to an estimated 210,000 a year; all conservation targets have been met or numbers have exceeded 610,000 – an and a high degree of enjoyment in a day exceeded, and annual visitor satisfaction increase of almost 90,000 visitors for the or stay on the Island – 98% in the last levels maintained at 97%. year. Representing a 17% increase over last quarter. The changes we have introduced Our continuing subscription to the year, this outstanding achievement is the in long-entrenched booking methods have rigorous global standard for travel and result of a whole of agency effort, and in been enthusiastically taken up, including tourism organisations, Earthcheck particular a focus on destination marketing, the 18 month booking window. We are provides a robust framework for ensuring combining the efforts of the Authority’s seeing more people book on-line and a sustainable future for Rottnest Island sales and marketing team with those of the make last minute bookings for weekend – environmental, social and financial. Island’s major businesses partners. get-aways which represents a change in This year we have received Silver level the Rottnest peak period holiday culture. The RIA has achieved a profit of $2.42m certification – a most commendable for the financial year, whilst meeting and For locals the Island’s appeal is always achievement. in many cases exceeding key performance the bays and beaches, spending time with indicators across the board. Pleasing family and friends, and just getting away New businesses approved to operate on progress is being made towards some from it all to enjoy the simple pleasures in the Island this year include sky diving, significant new developments on the life. This year, we have seen a huge social snorkel tours and helicopter charters. Island including early planning of the media focus on quokkas– snapping a We continue to encourage new businesses expansion of Hotel Rottnest, in addition to quokka selfie a must, particularly amongst to consider operating on the Island, significant progress towards the glamping international visitors. 355 quokka selfies provided these are compatible with our or upmarket camping at Pinky Beach. news articles were published globally this RIMP and direction for Rottnest. year, repesenting a media value of over Three years ago, we launched the Rottnest The outsourcing of bus transport to $5.6m and a potential audience of Is brand which has steadily gained traction ADAMS and Rottnest Express, in line 613 million people. and increased presence in the market. with the RIMP’s Guiding Principles, has Rottnest is now firmly within a wider range As outlined in the Board’s 20 year vision, achieved an increase in visitor satisfaction of Western Australians' consideration and current Rottnest Island Management with additional services available to meet set for a day trip or extended stay. An Plan 2014-2019 (RIMP), a clear objective peak visitor demand. The roll-out of increased focus on social media and digital is that growth in visitors on the Island our Boating Management Strategy has marketing has had outstanding results. must not occur at the expense of the this year involved a review of regulation 4 Rottnest Island Authority Annual Report 2015-2016 Contents Message to the Minister Agency Overview Agency Performance Significant Issues & Trends Disclosures & Legal Compliance Key Performance Indicators amendments; site developments at the Hon Peter Collier, Minister for Foundation obtained funding for the Finally, I would like to thank the Authority’s Narrow Neck and Stark Bay; and fuel Aboriginal Affairs, who made the Walk Trail of $532,800 from BHP Billiton, hard working and dedicated staff led by CEO, jetty decking repairs. announcement of $500,000+ Lotterywest the largest ever corporate contribution Paolo Amaranti. Your efforts in preserving funding for Phase Two of the Burial to Rottnest Island. I sincerely thank the Rottnest for future generations, whilst Conservation and protection of the Island’s Ground; and the Hon John Day, Minister veritable army of Rottnest Voluntary Guide improving the experience of current day cultural heritage remains a priority. It was for Culture & the Arts who met with actor Association (RVGA) who are the face of visitors is, I am sure, appreciated by all once again a privilege for me to officiate Martin Clunes during the filming of the Rottnest for many of our visitors, and West Australians. at the Dawn Ceremony on Rottnest. This prestigious Islands of Australia BBC/ITV whose selfless devotion to Rottnest Island year we were most fortunate to hear from series featuring Rottnest Island, sponsored represents tens of thousands of hours a Vietnam veteran, Ken Carter. I take this by Screenwest. of contribution to the visitor experience. opportunity to thank Ken most sincerely This year the RVGA celebrate their 30 year for sharing with us his experiences in My Board colleagues and I were pleased anniversary. I extend sincere thanks to the representing our country at a time of to welcome to our meeting on 27th May Rottnest Society, Winnits, Conservation public indifference and even hostility. the Premier of Western Australia, the Hon Australia’s Green Army; Railway, Nursery John Driscoll Colin Barnett MLA as the new Minister for My Board colleagues and I acknowledge and corporate volunteers for their valued Chairman Tourism. We look forward to him visiting the work behind the development of the contribution to the Island’s natural and the Island in an official capacity later Cultural Landscape Management Plan built environments. this year. and the RIA achieving finalist in the State I would like to take this