Community and stakeholder consultation
Community consultation on the draft Rottnest Island Management Plan was conducted for a period of two months (3 March to 5 May 2009). A total of 203 submissions was received by the closing date.
Organisation submissions were received from:
- Boating WA
- Department of Indigenous Affairs
- Department of Planning and Infrastructure (New Coastal Assets Branch)
- Engineers Australia (WA) Engineering Heritage Panel
- Heritage Council WA
- National Trust WA
- Parks and Leisure WA
- Rottnest Island Business Community
- Rottnest Island Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee
- Rottnest Society
- Rottnest Volunteer Guides Association (RVGA)
- Tourism Council WA (TCWA)
- Tourism Western Australia (TWA)
- WA Museum
- WA Naturalists Club
- Winnits
The remainder came from Rottnest visitors, businesses, researchers, and other interested individuals. The submissions jointly represent the views of thousands of stakeholders and Rottnest Island visitors.
Overview of submissions
The direction of Island management was endorsed by the community, with each of the 25 initiatives receiving majority support to proceed.
A strong message was the desire to protect the current features that people love about the Island – unspoilt scenery and a relaxed, safe environment.
Some submissions raised concern about particular issues:
- review of the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987;
- the need for more detailed information, particularly on major development proposals;
- opportunity for public consultation on significant developments;
- aspects of funding;
- impacts of tourism.
Proposals that attracted a range of opinions, both for and against, were:
- hotel-style accommodation;
- providing recreational and marine facilities;
- a feasibility study for a commercial marina;
- alternative accommodation management options.
The Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) considered all submissions and made changes to the Rottnest Island Management Plan in response to community views.