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

Monica Gameng   |   May 5, 2024
Rottnest Island (cr: rottnestisland.com)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New call-to-action

Monica Gameng
As Felix's Marketing Assistant since 2015, Monica is responsible for researching and sharing new and progressing projects within the construction and mining sectors in Australia. It's no surprise that Monica has her finger on the pulse of Australian major projects given she has produced more than 1,000 posts. She truly is an industry expert.
Follow me:

Related Articles

Projects, NSW
NSW Govt green lights development of 1500MW Yanco Delta Wind Farm

The New South Wales Government has green lighted the development of a 1,500MW wind farm in the South West Renewable Energy Zone, which will ultimately have the capacity to produce enough clean, renewable energy to power 700,000 homes annually. 

Projects, NSW
Mount Ousley Interchange project gets additional $150m funding

The Mount Ousley Interchange project has secured an additional $150 million funding from both the Australian and New South Wales Governments. 

Projects
Australia's first Holiday Inn Hotel to rise in VIC under $150m building project

Franzè Developments’ $150 million Ryrie Street mixed-use development has been granted approval by the Victorian Department of Environment and Planning and it will include Australia’s first Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites outlet.

Get the latest project news

Formerly known as the PlantMiner blog, Felix Project News is Australia's top 10 Construction blog. Join thousands of construction and mining pros getting the best content right in their inbox.
  • updates on Australia's pipeline of state and federal projects
  • fresh contract awards from major contractors and builders

If you're looking to contact us about other matters, please contact us.