Good news for Geordie Bay boaties is that the Geordie Bay Jetty has been refurbished and now has a lower landing to make it user friendly and safer for small vessel use.  The lower level landing has a load restriction for vessel up to 6.75m.  There is some remedial work to be completed in the first week in May which includes the installation of ladders to the lower level landing and mooring rings along the jetty. The fresh water tap has been reconnected. This project was made possible through a funding contribution of $50,000 under the Department of Transport Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme.

Be aware of the naturally occurring ‘sea sawdust’ will be visible on the ocean surface during the next few months along the west coast including Rottnest Island. It looks like an oil slick on the surface but is actually a naturally occurring filamentous cyanobacteria called Trichodesmium. They fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, usable also for other organisms. Trichodesmium are among the most important of the marine varieties, and are being extensively studied for their role in nutrient cycling in the ocean.

During this year boating season there has been a number of boating related injuries, especially while attaching pick up lines to vessels, using boarding ladders and moving between and around large rafted tenders. The Rottnest Island Authority urges all recreational boat users to exercise caution at all times around ropes, ladders and rafted vessels and keep all body parts clear of areas that may cause crushing injuries. For any emergency please call 000, or for non life threatening injuries the Rottnest Island Nursing Post is contactable on 9292-5030, urgent matters can also be directed to the WA Water Police on Ch 16 VHF 24 Hours.

A myth has been circulating amongst the Shared Mooring System users that after 6.30pm you do not have to move off the mooring if asked to do so. The RIA would like to remind mooring users that authorised vessels have priority to the mooring regardless of the time of day or night.

Recently a fault was identified by one of our boaties with the poor performance of the Narrow Neck toilets which caused offensive odours.  Investigation by the RIA identified that the RIA’s facilities managers had not added the carbon-based bulking agent such as sawdust to their regular maintenance procedures which is a critical component of the composting process. Further more a new improved exhaust fan and vetting system has been added.  The RIA has instructed our facilities maintenance contractor to modify their standard operating procedures to ensure that this now occurs.  This is an excellent example of our stakeholder involvement to improve the facilities.

The RIA welcomes the arrival of Clinton Hull in the new Park Services Coordinator position where he will be leading the operations of the Ranger and Marine Facilities Business Units.

Clinton has 17 years experience in reserve management with the Department of Environment and Conservation including machinery operations, wildlife management, coastal rehabilitation, fire management. Over the last five years he worked in the Parks and Visitor Services Program undertaking project management as the Perth Hills District Capital Works coordinator, with specific project focus on recreation site and facilities management, trail construction and maintenance for walking, horse and mountain bike trails, management of recreation events, maintenance of facilities on the Bibblimum and Munda Biddi trails and operational and management roles in fire suppression activities. Clinton’s background will ensure an increased focus on the management of visitor facilities and safety especially the implementation of works programs under the Coastal Walk Trail.

The RIA has formed a new committee headed by RIA Board Member Peter Hick who comes with a wealth of knowledge in the marine world.  The new committee will oversight and drive the formulation of the RIA’s Boating Management Strategy and the feasibility for a marina development. The committee will be calling for input from a broad spectrum of Rottnest Island stakeholders later this year.

The excellent summer boating weather conditions found Rottnest Island facilities put to the test once again. All the bays were full occupied. By all accounts people enjoyed the public holiday long weekend and the RIA facilities supported their enjoyment.  The RIA welcomes your user input to improve the experience where possible.

Let us look after you for the day as you enjoy all the major attractions of Rottnest Island. Enjoy a historic walk through the Settlement then a tea or coffee before boarding the Island Discovery Tour. Take a wander through the Rottnest Museum or climb the Wadjemup Lighthouse before returning to the Settlement for lunch. After lunch hop aboard the Captain Hussey for a train ride up to Oliver Hill and view the massive 9.2 inch diameter guns and take a guided tour of the underground tunnels. Return to the Settlement on the Captain Hussey.

The tour commences at 8:15 am from the Main Jetty. Adult $99.00; Concession $79.00; Family (2X2) $252.00; Child $54.50 and Extra Child $30.00. Please purchase tickets from the Visitor Centre.

For more information regarding this fantastic tour package please contact the Visitor Centre 9372 9732 or email enquiries@rottnestisland.com

Hosted by the Chairman of the Rottnest Island Authority, Mr Laurie O’Meara, the Anzac Day Dawn Service will once again be led by the Reverend Michael Wood and Monsignor Sean O’Shea and is presided over by the No 2 Flying Training School, RAAF Base Pearce.

In the early light of morning, the simple yet moving service features a Piper heralding the dawn and commencing the ceremony from the fuel jetty.  A Bugler performs the Last Post and children from the local school and others lay their wreaths of commemoration and respect. 
Representatives from the Defence Services and the Island community take part.

A special shuttle bus will collect visitors from the Geordie Bay Bus stop at 5:40am.  All visitors are welcome to attend the Rottnest Island ANZAC
Service which has become an institution on the Island since its humble beginnings in the 1920s.  It is a unique commemoration of the past and present
sacrifice of Australia’s armed forces.

The service begins at 6am on the foreshore outside Dome.

 Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club is proud to once again be assisting the Rottnest Foundation to bring the ‘Rottnest Festival of Sail’ event to fruition for its second year on Saturday, 28 April 2012. 

The regatta is open to boats eligible in the following divisions:  

1. Round the Island Race – IRC Yachts - IRC (Category 3) Yachts who have a current IRC certificate

2. Transit Race (Dash for Cash to Rottnest) - All non IRC Yachts welcome (Category 6)

Preparations are progressing well with a great weekend planned - we envisage this weekend to be a lot of fun, along with some good sailing and social camaraderie for all to enjoy.  It is hoped to grow this year’s event to 100 yachts, expanding the racing program and providing a spectacle of sail for visitors to the island.  Major sponsors and supporters are, Fremantle Ports, Perth Convention Bureau, Rottnest Express, Rottnest Island Authority, Hotel and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club.  The Festival of Sail boasts the highest prize pool on the WA yachting calendar, not to mention a great location for the finishing line and celebratory presentations.
If you haven’t already submitted an entry, we certainly encourage your involvement, as this is a weekend not to be missed!  All entries will be provided moorings in Thompson Bay!  I have attached the Notice of Race & entry form for your perusal and completion.  In addition, I have included the requirements for Category 6.

The RIA acknowledges and appreciates the cooperation of a large number of Thomson Bay Licensee who have allowed their mooring to used by the sailing participants over the weekend.

Ride your Rottnest Island Hire bike until you are tired then jump on a Bayseeker and return to the settlement in air-conditioned comfort. Simply leave your bike at the bus stop when you have had enough pedal power and we will collect the bike for you later! What could be easier than that? Ideal for families with littlies or those of you who only ride once a year at Rotto when those rarely used muscles have had enough!

Introductory Special: Adult $40 Concession $35 Child $25. Call into Bike & Hire for details.

The 2012 April school holidays are fast approaching, so why not reserve your own bit of paradise on beautiful Rottnest Island.
You can choose from the following remaining options:
5 night stay arriving 13 or 18 April 4 bed units Bathurst or Caroline Thomson Cabins from $529.
4 night stay arriving 17 April in Geordie, Longreach or Fays Bay 4 bed villas for $991. 

The Rottnest Island Authority is offering great off season packages in conjunction with Rottnest Express travelling from Northport.
Units are available throughout the settlement area with options to upgrade to premium view or 6 bed accommodation.

Rates start as follows:
$375* for 2 people
3 Nights including Ferry, or
$585* for 4 people
5 Nights including Ferry
For stays midweek Sun - Thurs, 1 May - 27 September 2012*
Friday and Saturdays can be added on to the basic package.
Self contained unit.
Selected dates and conditions apply.
Package can only be booked by telephone (not online).
For special rates excluding ferry crossing, contact RIA Central Reservations for further details.
* Valid for selected dates Sun - Thurs 1 May - 27 September excluding July school holidays. Conditions apply. Subject to availability.
Prices based on Self Contained Unit, including govt fees and taxes. Ferry based on return Adult fares ex Northport. Additional ferry booking fees and charges may apply.

The Rottnest Island Authority is offering the opportunity to book accommodation at Bathurst for an extended period out of peak season in 2012.
Discounts equivalent to 45% off published rates are available to those booking for a period greater than 2 months between 8 June and 27 September 2012.
Rates start from $480 per week. Conditions apply – Please contact RIA Central Reservations on (08) 9432 9111 for further information.