Summary and Submission Form

DRAFT RottnestIsland ManagementPlan 2009-204 Summaryand SubmissionForm R E V I T A L I S E D A N D M O V I N G F O R W A R D  Page INVITATION FOR SUBMISSIONS TheRottnestIslandAuthority(RIA)isdevelopinganewRottnest Island Management Plan(RIMP)toguideitsmanagementoftheIsland from2009to204.TheDraft Rottnest Island Management Plan 2009 – 2014wasreleasedon3March2009foraperiodoftwo monthsconsultation. You are invited to provide your views on the draft Management Plan. ThisbookletisasummaryofthedraftManagementPlanwithspacesforyourcomments. ThedraftManagementPlancanbeviewedonwww.rottnestisland.comorinspectedattheRottnestIslandAuthority(EShed,Victoria Quay,Fremantle),theRottnestIslandMuseum,theStateLibrary(PerthCulturalCentre)andFremantleCityLibrary. CopiesofthedraftManagementPlancanbepurchasedfor$20attheRottnestIslandAuthorityOffice,RottnestIslandGiftShoporby calling(08)94329300. Have your say Youcanhaveyoursaybycompletingthesubmissionformonlineatwww.rottnestisland.com(preferred)orbyfillinginthishardcopy andmailingitto: RottnestIslandManagementPlanSubmissions RottnestIslandAuthority POBox693,Fremantle,WesternAustralia6959 or deliveringtotheQuaysideVisitorCentre,RottnestIslandAuthority,EShed,VictoriaQuay,Fremantle. Thisbookletincludesasummaryofpolicies,keypointsandInitiativesintheDraftRottnest Island Management Plan 2009-2014 andanswerstosomefrequentlyaskedquestions.PleasetellusyourviewsonspecificpoliciesorInitiativesinthespacesprovided. Youcanindicateyourlevelofsupport,providerelevantcommentormakesuggestions.Itisnotnecessarytofillinallboxes. Pleaseprovideyourdetailsandanygeneralcommentsontheinsidebackpageoftheform. Submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday 5 May 2009 TheRottnestIslandAuthoritywillconsiderallcommentsbeforethedraftPlanisfinalised.TheManagementPlanwillbereviewed accordingtothecriteriabelow.AsummaryofsubmissionswillbepublishedontheRottnestIslandAuthority’swebsite,withan indicationofhowthePlanwasamendedornotamendedinresponsetothesubmissions.Howeveritwillnotbepossibletorespondto individualsubmissions.TheRIMP 2009-2014willbesubmittedtotheMinisterforTourismforendorsementandreleaseinJune2009. Criteria for considering submissions: . ThedraftManagementPlanmaybeamendedifasubmission: • providesadditionalinformationofdirectrelevancetomanagement; • indicatesachangeinorclarifiesgovernmentlegislation,managementpolicyorcommitment; • proposesstrategiesthatwouldbetterachievethemanagementobjectives; • indicatesomissionsorlackofclarity. 2. ThedraftManagementPlanmaynotbeamendedifasubmission: • addressesissuesbeyondthescopeofthePlan; • makespointsthatarealreadyinthePlanorwereconsideredduringitspreparation; • makespointswhichareoperationalratherstrategicinnature; • contributesoptionsthatarenotpossibleduetolegislation,governmentpolicyorfundingrequirements. Page2 D R A F T  R O T T N E S T  I S L A N D  M A N A G E M E N T  P L A N  2 0 0 9 - 2 0  4 DRAFT ROTTNEST ISLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN: SUMMARY AND SUBMISSION FORM 1. MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS OUR VISION Rottnest Island is a model of ethical tourism based on financial, environmental and social sustainability. In brief • RottnestIslandisanA-classreserve.Itssignificanceliesinitsuniqueenvironment,includingterrestrial,lakeandmarine ecosystems,anditsrichanddiverseculturalheritage. • TheRottnestIslandAuthority(RIA)managestheIslandundertheRottnest Island Authority Act 1987andRottnest Island Regulations 1988.ThereisaneedtoreviewandupdatetheAct. • StrategicDirectionsarelinkedtothemajorfunctionsdefinedintheAct–‘RecreationalandHolidayServices’and‘Natural EnvironmentandCulturalHeritageManagement’. • TheRottnestIslandManagementPlan(RIMP)isastrategicfive-yearplanthatsetsthedirectionforallareasofRIAoperations. TheRIMPsetsoutGuidingPrinciples,PolicyStatementsand25Initiativespresentedbelow.TheRIMPisnotanenvironmental managementplan.MarineandterrestrialmanagementplanssupporttheRIMP. • TheRIMPisbasedonthefundamentalconceptsofsustainability,ethicaltourismandunderstandingRottnestIslandvisitortrends, demographicsandexpectations. • EthicaltourismmeansthatvisitorsareattractedtoRottnestIslandtoenjoytheenvironmentinasafe,friendlyandrelaxed atmosphere,knowingthattheIslandiswellmanagedonsustainableprinciples.Italsomeansthatvisitorsplaytheirpartincaring fortheIslandenvironmentandleavewithadeeperappreciationandunderstandingofitsnaturalandculturalheritagevalues. EthicaltourismisaphilosophythatappliestobothWesternAustralianvisitorsandtourists. • ThefocusforthenextfiveyearsistoprovideWesternAustraliansandvisitorstotheStatewithholidayandrecreationalserviceson RottnestIslandincluding: o arangeofholidayaccommodation, o avarietyofnature-basedrecreationalactivities,and o experienceoftheIsland’sAboriginalandotherculturalandsocialheritage, basedonalong-termsustainableapproachandincooperationwiththeIsland’sstakeholders. GUIDING PRINCIPLES The Rottnest Island terrestrial and marine environment will be protected to safeguard the landscape and the diverse plant and animal life. The sense of escape, discovery, sanctuary and enjoyment of the natural environment will be sustained. Cultural and social heritage will be protected and interpreted to add depth to the visitor experience. Innovative education, interpretation and visitor experiences will be based on the principles of ecotourism and cultural heritage tourism, environmental education, nature conservation and respect for cultural values. Fostering appropriate events, activities and experiences and imposing strong controls on antisocial behaviour will encourage a safe, family-oriented social environment. Providing friendly and welcoming customer service will be a focus for Rottnest Island services and facilities. The Rottnest Island Authority strongly supports the commercial sustainability of private business on Rottnest Island. R E V I T A L I S E D A N D M O V I N G F O R W A R D  Page3 Initiative 1 REVIEWTHEROTTNEST ISLAND AUTHORITY ACT 1987 ReviewtheRottnest Island Authority Act 1987andprepareandpropose amendmentstobringtheActintolinewithcurrentsocial,environmental andeconomicconditions.ThiswillincludeconsiderationoftheGovernment TradingEnterprisemodel. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Initiative 2ECOTOURISMSTRATEGY DevelopanEcotourismStrategytocoordinateresearch,planningand developmentofarangeofrelevanteco-friendlyrecreationalexperiences, facilities,interpretation,toursandeventsthatwillrenewvisitors’ experiences,expandmarketsandproviderevenue-generatingecotourism productstocontributetoIslandmanagement. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Initiative 3 TWENTY-YEARVISIONFORROTTNESTISLAND Developa20-yearvisionforRottnestIslandmanagementwiththeRottnest IslandBusinessCommunityandotherstakeholdersasabasisforlongtermsustainableplanning. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support COMMENTSONGUIDINGPRINCIPLESANDMANAGEMENTDIRECTIONS 2. SUSTAINABILITY Sustainable management: financial Policy statement Revenue will be generated from commercial activities and other funding will be sourced to financially sustain the Rottnest Island Authority’s operating and asset management and replacement costs. In brief • TheRIAoperatesprimarilyontherevenuereceivedfromvisitorsintheformofadmissionfees,chargesforholidayaccommodation andrecreationalservices(e.g.moorings).Fundingisalsoreceivedfrombusinessleases,aStateGovernmentannualcontribution, grantsandsponsorship. • TheRIAhasalegislativerequirementtocontainitsexpenditurewithinrevenue.Challengestofinancialsustainabilityarisefromthe significantcostsassociatedwithmaintainingessentialutilitiesandinfrastructureandconservationofenvironmentalandheritage valuesandassets. • Movingtowardsfinancialsustainabilitywillincludeachievingadditionalfundingthroughreviewoffeesandchargesaswellasraising revenuethroughofferingnewservices.TheRIAwillseektofundspecificprojectsthroughgrants,privatepartnerships,commercial sponsorshipandraisingloansforrevenue-generatingprojects.Opportunitiesexisttoachievecostsavingsincludingreprioritising expenditure,efficiencyimprovements,reducinglevelsofservicingandintroducingnewtechnologies. • RottnestIslandliesatlatitude32˚00S,longitude5˚30E,whichplacesitoutsidetheMetropolitanRegionasdefinedinthePlanning and Development Act 2005.TheRIAthereforeproposesthatitshouldbetreatedasaregionallocation,includingaccesstoStateand FederalGovernmentregionalfundingand‘communityservices’normallyprovidedtoregionalareasatsubsidisedrates. • TheInitiativespresentedinthedraftRIMPhaveanidentifiedcostandfundingsourceandareassessedtobeachievableonthe basisofcurrentfinancialprojections. Acommonlyaccepteddefinitionofsustainabilityis ‘Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. Page4 D R A F T  R O T T N E S T  I S L A N D  M A N A G E M E N T  P L A N  2 0 0 9 - 2 0  4 Sustainable management: environmental and social Policy statements The Rottnest Island Authority and its partners will work towards basing all operations on sustainable principles, practices and technologies to the extent that this is commercially achievable. Planning will be based on sustainable tourism research and other environmental and cultural assessment procedures to ensure recreational development is compatible with maintaining environmental and heritage values. All developments on Rottnest Island will be formally assessed and managed to ensure consistency with the style and scale that is appropriate to Rottnest Island and that they remain in harmony with the Island’s natural and cultural assets. Management plans and performance reporting will be based on monitoring and research that enables effective responses to the changing external environment. In brief • Sustainabilitywillbeprogressedthroughseekingindependentaccreditation,undertakingsustainabletourism(visitorcapacity) research,strengtheningdevelopmentplanningcontrols,andidentifyingexternalenvironmentalandeconomicthreats(including climatechange)asabasisforfutureplanning. • TheRIAwillupdateitsSustainabilityActionPlan.ThereisscopetoincorporatemoresustainablebusinessandIslandmanagement practicese.g.moreuseofrenewableenergy,alternativefuels,andsustainabledesigninnewprojects. • SocialsustainabilityincludespositioningtheIslandasanecotourismdestination,promotinglocalcultureandarts,Aboriginal economicdevelopment,heritageconservation,communityeducationandinvolvement,maintainingasafe,healthysocialculture andsupportingvolunteers. Initiative 4SUSTAINABILITYACCREDITATION Implementaninternationallyrecognisedsustainabilityprogramwith externalaccreditationasaframeworkfororganisation-widesustainable practicesandindependentassessmentofprogress. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Initiative 5SUSTAINABLETOURISMRESEARCH DeterminesustainablevisitoruseofsitesintheRottnestIslandReserve outsideTheSettlementAreaincludingresearchandanalysisofvisitorand boatingusepatternsandimpactstoprovideasound,informedbasisfor recreationplanningandenvironmentalmanagement. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Initiative 6 DEVELOPMENTPLANNINGCONTROLS Implementanindependentdevelopmentassessmentsystemtoensurethat allplanneddevelopmentsarelegislativelycompliant,consistent(e.g.style, dimensions),appropriatetotheIslandanddonotadverselyaffectnatural, culturalandsocialvalues. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Climate change and global factors Policy statement Long-term planning will be based on consideration of external factors including climate change, global trends including the global economic crisis and fuel prices, and emerging economic, social and environmental issues. Rottnest Island’s greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced in accordance with WA government policy. In brief • TheRIAneedstounderstandpotentialimpactsofclimatechangeontheIslandenvironment,visitorsafetyanditstourismbusiness. Researchneedsandmitigation/adaptationresponseswillbeassessedandfactoredintoplanningbothduringthelifeofthisRIMP andinthelongerterm.Monitoringandmitigationofidentifiedriskswillbesetinplaceasappropriatebasedonriskrating. • ApriorityistoprotecttheIsland’secosystemstogivethemthebestchanceofadapting. R E V I T A L I S E D A N D M O V I N G F O R W A R D  Page5 Initiative 7ADDRESSEXTERNALENVIRONMENTALANDECONOMICTHREATS(INCLUDINGCLIMATECHANGE) Identifyexternalenvironmentalandeconomicthreatstothesustainabilityof RottnestIslandasanecotourismdestinationanditsassociatednaturaland culturalvaluesandpursuestrategiestoaddresstheeffectsofthosethreats. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support COMMENTSONSUSTAINABILITYANDCLIMATECHANGE 3. ABORIGINAL RECONCILIATION Policy statement The Rottnest Island Authority is committed to working with Aboriginal people in the spirit of reconciliation to ensure that its actions and decisions are informed, culturally appropriate and give consideration to economic opportunities for Aboriginal people. Rottnest Island will be a key Western Australian point of reference for Aboriginal reconciliation. In brief • TheRIArecognisesthepre-andpost-settlementculturalsignificancethatRottnestIslandholdsforAboriginalpeopleandtherefore itspositionofresponsibilitytoensuretheIslandisappropriatelymanaged. • TheRIAiscommittedtoworkingwithAboriginalpeopleinthespiritofreconciliationtoensurethatitsactionsanddecisionsare informed,culturallyappropriateandgiveconsiderationtoeconomicopportunitiesforAboriginalpeople. • TheRIAwillimplementitsReconciliation Action Plan 2008-2011inpartnershipwithAboriginalpeopletobuildrelationshipsand respectandcreateopportunitiesforAboriginalpeoplethroughbusiness,employmentandculturaldevelopment. • TheRIAwillimplementtheRottnest Island Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plantoprotectandinterpretthecultural significanceofplacesofAboriginalheritagevalueonRottnestIsland. • SupportforAboriginaltourismdevelopmentwillbeinpartnershipwiththeTourism WA Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2006-2010. • TheRIAwillsupporteconomicandemploymentopportunitiesidentifiedintheReconciliation Action Planincludingtraineeships, cadetships,targetingemploymentopportunities,encouragingdevelopmentofAboriginaltourismproductsandbusinesses,and incorporatingAboriginalinterpretationinappropriateculturalandnaturalheritageprojects. • TheRIAwillworkinpartnershipwithAboriginalpeopletogatherauthenticinformationaboutAboriginalassociationswiththeIsland. Initiative 8ABORIGINALRECONCILIATIONANDECONOMICDEVELOPMENT ImplementtheRottnest Island Reconciliation Action Plan 2008-2011, includingrepairandinterpretationoftheAboriginalBurialGround,tobuild relationshipsandrespect,createopportunitiesforAboriginalpeople andprotectandinterpretthesignificanceofplacesofAboriginalcultural importanceonRottnestIsland.(BurialGroundrequiresexternalfunding) Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support COMMENTSONABORIGINALRECONCILIATION Page6 D R A F T  R O T T N E S T  I S L A N D  M A N A G E M E N T  P L A N  2 0 0 9 - 2 0  4 4. RECREATION AND HOLIDAY SERVICES The Settlement Area and visitor accommodation Policy statements The Rottnest Island Authority and private businesses will provide for a range of accommodation from basic to high quality levels to meet changing visitor needs. Product offerings will remain relevant to visitor demands. The RIA will ensure that guest feedback and research is factored in when considering new developments as well as refurbishment programs to ensure Rottnest Island remains competitive and secures or improves its market share. The Rottnest Island Authority aims to provide the best and most efficient means by which our customers can book accommodation and other products and services on Rottnest Island. All developments in The Settlement Area will be formally assessed and managed to ensure consistency with the style and scale that is appropriate to Rottnest Island and that they remain in harmony with the Island’s natural and cultural assets. Assessment will include ensuring compatibility with heritage and sustainability requirements. The Island will offer competitive, high quality, relevant services and products that are delivered in an exciting, professional, vibrant yet safe environment. Together with the Rottnest Island Business Community, the RIA will develop strong policy guidelines to ensure delivery of excellent customer service. In brief • RIAvisitoraccommodationhasbeenrefurbishedwithahigherlevelofservice.Ongoingproactiverefurbishmentwillbecarriedout toensurethestandardsaremaintained. • On-linebookingwillmakeiteasierforvisitorstobookaccommodation. • DevelopmentislimitedtothedesignatedSettlementArea,asspecifiedinthe Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987,unlessapproved bytheMinisterorprovidedforinthefive-yearManagementPlan.InthefiveyearscoveredbytheRIMP2009-204,itisproposed toundertakethefollowingnewdevelopmentsintheSettlementArea(somedevelopmentsaresubjecttofundingorpublicprivate partnerships): o o o o anewpermanentcampinggroundatSouthThomson; expansionofguestaccommodationonasiteadjacenttotheHotelRottnest(QuokkaArms); replacementoftheexistingfibrounitsinTheSettlementwiththenewstyleofchaletthathasbeentrialledsuccessfully; developmentofnewstaffaccommodationat‘WindyHill’(ParkerPointRoad)and/oronvacantlandadjacenttothecurrent operationsworkshops; o redevelopmentoftheArmyJettyanditssurroundsforcommercialusee.g.ferryservices,bargeservices,charterboat services,fuelandsullagetankfacilities; o newvolunteeraccommodation; o ahotelwithconferencefacilities(MtHerschel). • TheRIA’sguidelinesandpoliciesforsustainabledevelopmentwillbereviewedandupdatedinlinewiththesustainabilityInitiativesin theRIMP.ThesewillbeapprovedbytheMinister.Anynewdevelopmentproposalsbeyondthoselistedabovewillberequiredtobe consistentwiththepublishedguidelinesandtheRIMP,andtobeapprovedbytheMinister. • TheRIAneedstoachievevisitationthroughouttheyeartoimprovefinancialsustainability.Thiswillhavepositivespin-offsforIsland businessesenablingabetteryear-roundlevelofservice.Wintervisitationwillbeencouragedbyattractingnichemarketsincluding meetingsandincentivesgroups.TheRIAisdevelopingtheCountryClubforsmallandmedium-sizedmeetings. • TheRIAwillcontinuetoupgradethevisitorarrivalareaincludingconsiderationofajettyshelterandawaitingareaatThomsonBay. TheVisitorCentrewillincreaseitsfocusonprovidingvisitorinformationandmarketingtheIsland'sproductsandservices,e.g. environmentalandheritageinformation,recreationopportunities,toursandservices. • TheRIAwillcontinuetoworkcloselywiththeRottnestIslandBusinessCommunitytoensuretheIslandoffershighquality,value-formoneyproductsandservicesandexcellentcustomerservice. Initiative 9MAINTAINQUALITYOFRIAVISITORACCOMMODATION Implementacyclicalrefurbishmentprogramovera0-yearperiodto maintainthequalityoftheRIA’saccommodationatlevelsreachedduringthe 2004-08refurbishments. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support R E V I T A L I S E D A N D M O V I N G F O R W A R D  Page Initiative 10PROVIDEARANGEOFVISITORACCOMMODATION Investigateoptionstodevelopanewpermanentcampinggroundand/or eco-styleaccommodationtoreplacethetemporarycampingfacility.Replace oldfibrounitsintheSettlementwithnewchaletsthathavebeentrialled successfully.Investigateoptionsforexpansionofguestaccommodationon thesiteadjacenttotheHotelRottnest(QuokkaArms).(Newcampsitewould requireexternalfunding). Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Initiative 11UPGRADEKINGSTOWN Provideeducationfacilities,andgroupandadventuretourism(backpacker) accommodation,andexploreoptionsforthemosteffectiveuseof Kingstownincludingconsiderationofapublicprivatepartnershiptodevelop thisareatoitsfullpotential. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Initiative 12REVIEWVISITORACCOMMODATIONMANAGEMENTOPTIONS Explorethepotentialforalternativerentalmanagementstructuresfor asegmentofaccommodationtocontributetocashflowandfinancial sustainability,allowingreinvestmentinIslandservicesandmanagement. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support COMMENTSONTHESETTLEMENTANDVISITORACCOMMODATION Recreation facilities and activities Policy statement Development of recreational activities, facilities and infrastructure in the Marine and Terrestrial Reserve will provide quality visitor experiences based on environmental and heritage values and taking account of the sustainable tourism research. Maintaining visitor safety and enjoyment of bike riding and walking around Rottnest Island will underpin transport and recreation planning and provision of services. In brief • TheRIAoperatestours,bustransportandbikehireandprovidesrecreationalfacilitiesincludingsnorkelanddivetrailsandthegolf course.Events,educationandinterpretationassistvisitorstoappreciateandunderstandtheenvironment.TheRIAwillincreaseits focusonproviding,orencouragingprivateoperatorstodeliver,recreationopportunities. • Newtourproducts,eventsandrecreationalactivitieswillbebasedonthesustainabletourismresearchandmarketresearch,and linkedtoecotourism,culturaltourismandAboriginalthemestoprovidevisitorswithmorethingstodoandengagethemwiththe uniquefeaturesoftheIsland. • TheRIAwillreviewtheneedfortoilets,shadeandotherfacilityupgradesanddeveloplow-impactvisitorfacilitiesbasedonvisitor needsandsustainabletourismresearch. • TheRottnestConservationFoundationiscoordinatingtheCoastalWalkTrailtoenhancethevisitorexperiencethroughinterpretation ofenvironmental,culturalandhistoricalsitesandstoriesbasedonAboriginalseasons. Page8 D R A F T  R O T T N E S T  I S L A N D  M A N A G E M E N T  P L A N  2 0 0 9 - 2 0  4 Initiative 13EXPANDRECREATIONALFACILITIES Expand,developandfacilitatenew,low-impact,innovativeexperiencesthat provideopportunitiesforvisitorstohavecloseencounterswiththenatural andculturalenvironment(linktoEcotourismStrategy). Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Initiative 14IMPROVEVISITORFACILITIES Basedonsustainabletourismresearchfindings,reviewtheneedforand developlow-impactvisitorfacilitiesintheRottnestIslandReservetoensure visitorcomfort,enjoymentandsafety(linktoEcotourismStrategy). Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Marine recreation and boating facilities Policy statement The Rottnest Island Authority will provide the boating community with optimal access to safe, well-managed marine facilities that are consistent with the overall environmental, financial and social sustainability of Rottnest Island. Marine facilities management will minimise environmental impacts from boating and respond to predicted impacts of climate change whilst optimising user access to the Marine Reserve. In brief • TheIslandoffersavarietyofmarinefacilitiesforcommercialandrecreationalboatownersincluding860moorings.Demandsfor mooringandanchoringareincreasing.Theaveragesizeofvesselspurchasedisalsoincreasing.TheRIAintendstobuildonthe improvementsalreadyunderwaytoprovideandmanagemarinefacilitiestomeetgrowingdemandswhileprotectingthemarine environmentandvisitoramenityandsafety.TheRIAwillcontinuetoconsultwithstakeholders. • Mooringsmanagementwillfocusonimprovedefficiency,includingstreamliningproceduresforbookings,mooringlicencesand compliance. • ABoatingManagementStrategybasedonsustainablevisitorandboatingresearchwillprovideabasisforplanningnewmarine facilities.Anynewfacilitieswillbebasedonafeasibilitystudyoffinancial,socialandenvironmentalsustainability. • BoatingimpactswillbemanagedtoprotectthemarineenvironmentinlinewiththeRottnest Island Marine Management Strategy 2007.Thisincludesminimisingboatingimpactsthroughawareness,educationandcompliance. • Climatechangewillimposeincreasingpressuresonthemarineenvironment.Thesepressureswillbeinvestigatedandfactoredinto management. Initiative 15MARINEFACILITIES–BOATINGMANAGEMENTSTRATEGY DevelopaBoatingManagementStrategyasabasisforprovidingtheboating communitywithoptimum,equitableaccesstosafe,well-managedmarine facilitiestoanextentcompatiblewiththeboatingcapacityofRottnestIsland. Newfacilitiesunderconsiderationincludemooringsitesforlargervessels andforkeydivesitesandafeasibilitystudyforacommercialmarinainthe vicinityoftheArmyJetty.(Newfacilitiesneedprivateinvestment/public privatepartnership). Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support COMMENTSONRECREATIONACTIVITIESANDRECREATIONANDBOATINGFACILITIES R E V I T A L I S E D A N D M O V I N G F O R W A R D  Page9 5. UTILITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES Utilities, recycling and waste management Policy statement The Rottnest Island Authority will provide compliant, high quality and accessible utilities and essential services to Rottnest Island users, businesses, visitors and guests. As far as practicable, new utilities will be supported by renewable energy and sustainable technologies. In brief • A$.2millionwastemanagementsystemhasresultedinwastenolongerbeingdisposedofattheIslandlandfillsite.Recycling andrubbishdisposalwillbemanagedaccordingtotheStrategic Waste and Resource Management Plan 2006withagreaterfocus oneducationandmoreefficientrecycling. • Almost40%oftheIsland’spowerisgeneratedbythewind,savingapproximately,00tonnesofgreenhousegasemissionseach year.Augmentingcapacitycouldinvolveoneormoreofanumberofoptionsincludingreplacinggenerators,anewpowerhouse, secondwindturbineorincorporatingwaveenergy.Demandmanagementthrougheducationandenergyefficiencywillplayapart. Considerationisbeinggiventoanewpowerplantattheoldlandfillsite. • Atleast0%oftheIsland’swaterisproducedbyseawaterdesalination.Thecurrentproductionofdesalinatedwaterisexpectedto meetmostoftheprojectedincreaseddemandoverthenext20years,withcompletionofassociatedplantupgrades,storagetank refurbishmentandinfrastructure. • Nomajorupgradeofthewastewatertreatmentplantisanticipatedbutinfrastructureupgradesareplanned,includingthe productionoflargevolumesofgreywaterforuseinvegetatedareas. • TheRIAwillcontinuetoensurethattheIsland'sutilities,infrastructureandservicedeliverynetworksprovideacompliantand reliableservice.Whereverpracticable,theRIAwillpursuesustainabletechnologyandrenewableenergyforpowerandwater supply. • Aninvestmentinutilitiesinfrastructureisrequireddueitsageandexpectedfuturedemand.TheRIA’sresponsibilityforproviding andmaintainingitsownutilitiescannotbesupportedinthecurrentfundingframework.Areviewisunderwaytodeterminethemost cost-effectivesolutionincludingoutsourcingorshiftingtheresponsibilitytorelevantgovernmentagencies. Infrastructure and asset management Policy statement Rottnest Island’s infrastructure will be managed and maintained to a level of safety and compliance that meets the applicable legislation, codes and standards for the infrastructure’s use and accessibility. In brief • TheRIAmanagesandmaintainsrecreationalandbuiltinfrastructureincludingroads,pathways,railways,fences,ablutionblocks, boardwalks,steps,stairsandtheairport. • Maintainingtheroadsasasafeenvironmentforpedestriansandbikeriderswillcontinuetounderpinroaddesignandmaintenance. ARoadsMasterPlanwillguideplanningforfuturemaintenance. • Marinefacilitiesincludemoorings,pensandjetties.Currentmarinefacilitieswillneedmajorupgradeorreplacementwithintheterm oftheRIMP.TheRIAwilldevelopanAssetManagementPlanforcapitalworks,facilityupgrade,repairandmaintenance.Someof theseworksespeciallyjettyupgradesrequirecapitalinvestmentandarenotfundedinthePlan. • TheRIAwillreviewresponsibilityforutilitiesandnon-commercialservices,includingconsideringtheimplicationsofRottnestIsland lyingoutsidetheMetropolitanRegion. • TheRIAwillnegotiatewiththeCivilAviationSafetyAuthority(CASA)tochangethestatusoftheIslandasaflighttrainingareato protectvisitorcomfortandsafety. Initiative 16REVIEWRESPONSIBILITYFORUTILITIESANDNON-COMMERCIALSERVICES Reviewresponsibilityforprovidingutilitiesandothernon-commercial services,includingmanagementoftheTerrestrialReserve,through arrangementswithrelevantgovernmentagenciesforcost-effectiveservice provision. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Page0 D R A F T  R O T T N E S T  I S L A N D  M A N A G E M E N T  P L A N  2 0 0 9 - 2 0  4 COMMENTSONUTILITIES,INFRASTRUCTUREANDESSENTIALSERVICES 6. ROTTNEST ISLAND’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Terrestrial and marine environment Policy statement The Rottnest Island Authority will maintain and protect the natural, cultural and social environment, while maintaining compatible accessibility for visitors that protects the assets that people are coming to experience. Education, interpretation and recreational experiences will foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation. In brief • ManagementofRottnestIsland’sterrestrialenvironmentisbasedonidentifyingandprotectingkeyvaluesandonconservation, maintenanceandrestorationactivitiesincludingcoastalrehabilitationandwoodlandrestoration.TheRIAwilldevelopaTerrestrial Management Strategythatcoordinatesmanagementplansincludingweed,fireandcoastalmanagement,woodlandandwetland restoration. • TheMarineReserveisadrawcardforboating,recreationalfishing,divingandotherwater-basedrecreationandhasimportant environmentalvaluesduetoitsuniquelocationwhichsupportsamixoftropicalandtemperatespecies.TheRIAwillmaintainthe conditionandprotectbiodiversityofthemarineenvironmentinaccordancewiththeRottnest Island Marine Management Strategy 2007. • TheRottnestConservationFoundationiscoordinatingtheCoastal Walk Trailtoenhancethevisitorexperiencethroughinterpretation ofenvironmental,culturalandhistoricalsitesandstoriesbasedonAboriginalseasons.AsitedevelopmentplanfortheCoastal WalkTrail(Stage2)isproceedingwithaLotteriesCommissiongrant.Stage3,includingconstructionandrehabilitationworksand developmentofinterpretationmaterials,willproceedsubjecttoexternalfunding. Initiative 17TERRESTRIALMANAGEMENTSTRATEGY DevelopandimplementaTerrestrial Management Strategythatsetsthe strategicdirectionforthenextfiveyearsandtiestogethercurrentstrategies andmanagementplanstoachievesustainablemanagementoftheterrestrial environment. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Initiative 18IMPLEMENTTHEMARINEMANAGEMENTSTRATEGY ImplementtheRottnest Island Marine Management Strategy 2007 includingsurveillanceandensuringcompliancewithRIAActRegulationsto maintaintheconditionandintegrityandprotectbiodiversityofthemarine environment. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Initiative 19EDUCATIONANDINTERPRETATIONFORENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT Provideeducationandinterpretationtosupportimplementationofthe Terrestrial Management Strategy, Marine Management Strategyandrelevant heritagemanagementstrategiesthroughcommunityeducation. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support R E V I T A L I S E D A N D M O V I N G F O R W A R D  Page Research and monitoring Policy statement Management plans and performance reporting will be based on monitoring and research that enables effective responses to the changing environment. In brief • Increasedprioritywillbegiventosupportingscientificandsocial/culturalresearchthroughtheRottnest Island Research Strategy. Supportwillbegiventoresearchprogramsthathaveadirectbenefittolong-termmanagementoftheRottnestIslandReserve, especiallythroughlong-termmonitoring.Thisincludesseekingpartnershipstoimplementresearchandmonitoring. Initiative 20ROTTNESTISLANDRESEARCHSTRATEGY Providetheopportunityformarineandterrestrialscientificresearchand monitoring,andsocialandculturalheritageresearch,toestablishRottnest Islandasasignificantcentreforresearchandcontributetoasoundand scientificbasisformanagementofthemarineandterrestrialenvironment. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support COMMENTSONMANAGINGROTTNESTISLAND’SNATURALENVIRONMENT 7. CULTURAL HERITAGE Policy statement Rottnest Island will be recognised as an example of good practice in cultural heritage (conservation) management. In brief • RottnestIsland’shistoryhasprovideditwithasignificantculturalheritage.VisitorscanengagewithAboriginal,maritime, colonial,European,military,recreationalandsocialheritage.Culturalheritagemanagementwillcontinuetobebasedonthe BurraCharter,includingidentificationofculturallysignificantsites,objectsandassociations,protectionofheritagesitesand artefacts,conservationpracticesforsitesandcollections,andvisitorparticipationinexperiencesthatprovideunderstandingand appreciationoftheIsland’sculturalandsocialheritage. • PartnershipsandconsultationwithAboriginalpeopleandotherswithastrongassociationandknowledgeoftheIsland’scultural heritage,andwithstatutoryorganisations,willunderpinthework. • Astrategicapproachwillincludeensuringthatstatementsofsignificanceexistforheritage-listedplacesandpreparingaCultural Heritage Management PlantoincludethecurrentdraftAboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan. • TheRIAseekstoestablishRottnestIslandasaCentreforConservationStudies. • TheRIAwilldevelopaCultural Heritage Tourism StrategyforRottnestIslandaspartoftheEcotourismStrategy. Initiative 21CULTURALHERITAGECONSERVATIONANDTOURISM Ensureprotectionandconservationofheritageplacesinaccordance withtheBurraCharterandincreaseparticipationandtourismtoensure sustainablemanagementandgeneraterevenuethroughculturalheritage tourism. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Page2 D R A F T  R O T T N E S T  I S L A N D  M A N A G E M E N T  P L A N  2 0 0 9 - 2 0  4 COMMENTSONCULTURALHERITAGE 8. COMMUNITY SERVICES Ranger services Policy statement Rottnest Island Rangers will encourage and enforce compliance with Regulations made under the RottnestIslandAuthorityAct98, and any other legislative authority given to them, to protect the Island environment and wildlife. In brief • RangershavepowerstomonitorcomplianceandenforcetheActandRegulations.Theirenvironmentalrolewillbecomeamore prominentaspectoftheirworkontheIsland,enhancingthecapacitytoprotectandmanagethenaturalvaluesoftheRottnest IslandReserve. Education and interpretation Policy statement Innovative education, interpretation and visitor experiences in the Marine and Terrestrial Reserves will be based on relevant RIA Management Plans and strategies focused on environmental education, cultural heritage tourism, nature conservation and ecotourism principles. In brief • Avarietyofactive,engaginglearningexperienceswillencourageschoolsandvisitorstodiscoverandexploreRottnestIsland. Thesewillbesupportedbyeducationalandinterpretationmaterials. Initiative 22EDUCATIONANDINTERPRETATIONPRODUCTS Provideeducationalandinterpretationmaterialsandopportunitiestosupport guidedandself-guidedtoursandotherrecreational,ecotourismandcultural tourismactivities,toencouragevisitorstoexploretheIslandandtopromote conservation. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Emergency services Policy statement The RIA will minimise the effect of emergencies and disasters on Rottnest Island through the effective support and management of the Rottnest Island Local Emergency Management Committee and associated emergency service providers. In brief • EmergencyservicesincludingtheRottnestIslandPoliceStation,NursingPost,andVolunteerFireandRescueService(RIVFRS) combineundertheRottnestIslandLocalEmergencyManagementCommittee.TheRIAwillcontinuetoensureeffective managementofemergencyservicesthroughriskmanagementplanningandprovisionofrequisitepersonnelandexperienceduring emergencysituations.TheRIArecognisestheimportanceoftheRIVFRSandwillseektoencourageresidentsandotherRottnest Islandstafftobecomeinvolved.IncreasedinteractionwiththeRottnestIslandBusinessCommunitywillimprovetheeffectiveness andincreasethemembership. R E V I T A L I S E D A N D M O V I N G F O R W A R D  Page3 Rottnest Island culture Policy statement Fostering appropriate events, activities and experiences and imposing strong controls on antisocial behaviour will encourage a safe, family-oriented social environment. In brief • TheRIA,togetherwiththeRottnestIslandBusinessCommunity,willimplementavarietyofpoliciesandpracticestobuilda customer-focusedIslandculture. • TheRIAwillincreaseitsfocusonprovidingrecreationalopportunitiesforvisitorsandIslandresidentstocreateopportunitiesto enjoythespecialIslandlifestyleandencourageasafe,friendlyculture. • TheRIAandPolicewilltakeastrongstandagainstantisocialbehaviour.PeoplearewelcomedonRottnestIslandtocelebratebut celebrationsshouldnotadverselyaffectanyotherpersonvisitingorworkingontheIslandortheIsland’senvironmentandwildlife. TheRIAwillconsiderapolicyof‘blacklisting’seriousorrepeatoffenderstopreventthemvisitingtheIslandforadefinedperiod Initiative 23BUILD‘TEAMROTTNEST’TOPROVIDEAGREATVISITOREXPERIENCE Facilitatedevelopmentofthe‘TeamRottnest’approachestablishedwith theRottnestIslandBusinessCommunitytobuildacustomer-focusedIsland culturethatleadstovisitorshavingapositiveandsatisfyingexperience. AllmajorserviceprovidersontheIslandtoimplementagreedpoliciesand obtainTourismAccreditation. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Initiative 24FOCUSONROTTNESTISLANDCULTURE Implementpoliciesandproviderecreationalfacilitiesandeventsforpeople whovisitandliveontheIslandtoencourageafamily-friendlyIslandculture basedonthevaluesoffriendliness,safetyandrespectforothersandthe environment. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Disability services Policy statement Rottnest Island will be welcoming to people with disabilities and their carers and, within the Rottnest Island Authority’s means, will offer facilities and services that meet their needs as visitors. In brief • TheRIAwillcontinuetoseekadviceandguidancefromtheDisabilityServicesCommissiontoensurecontinuedprogresstowards providinganaccessibleholidayexperience. • TheRIAwillseekfeedbackfromdisabledpeoplevisitingandwantingtovisittheIsland,andwillworkwiththebusinesscommunity, contractorsandotherpartnerstoensureoperationsareinaccordancewiththeRIA’sDisability Access and Inclusion Plan. COMMENTSONCOMMUNITYSERVICES Page4 D R A F T  R O T T N E S T  I S L A N D  M A N A G E M E N T  P L A N  2 0 0 9 - 2 0  4 9. INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY Volunteers and volunteer groups Policy statement Volunteer groups will be recognised, encouraged and supported in their interpretation, research and conservation activities on Rottnest Island. In brief • VolunteersplayavariedandhighlyvaluedroleonRottnestIsland.TheRIAwillexpandtherangeofcurrentopportunitiesfor volunteeringwithintheMarineandTerrestrialReserveincludingecotourismandresearch,andwillimplementmoreefficientand effectivemanagementpracticesforengagement,supportandmanagementofvolunteers. • TheRIAwillcontinuetoprovidesupportincludingresidentialaccommodationontheIslandfortheRottnestVoluntaryGuidesand otherkeyvolunteergroups.Volunteeraccommodationwillbeupgradedtoenhancefacilitiesandsocialnetworkingopportunities forvolunteers(Initiative25). Initiative 25SUPPORTVOLUNTEERS Improvepracticesforsupportandmanagementofvolunteersincluding establishingdedicatedvolunteeraccommodationtoprovidecentralised, sharedfacilitiesforallvolunteergroupsontheIsland. Pleasetick  Noopinion Donotsupport Support Advisory Committees In brief: • TheRIAvaluesthepartnershipsdevelopedwithitsAdvisoryCommittees.Newmemberswillbesoughttoprovidethevarietyof expertiserequired. • TheRIAiskeentoincludeadvicefromtheAboriginalcommunityinmanagementofthenaturalandculturalenvironmentandon AboriginaleconomicdevelopmentopportunitiesontheIsland. COMMENTSONCOMMUNITYINVOLVEMENT 10. IMPLEMENTATION • TheAuthorityisresponsibleforimplementingtheManagementPlanandreportingprogresstotheMinisterforTourism.Inmost casesauthorityisdelegatedtotheChiefExecutiveOfficer(CEO)oftheRIA. • Implementationwillbestaged.Initiativesthatsetthefoundationsforenvironmental,socialandfinancialsustainability,togetherwith Initiativestoincreasethescopeofrecreationalandecotourismopportunitiesandsomerevenue-producingprojects,willbeginin year.TheremainingInitiativeswillstartinyear2oftheRIMPorbeyond. • TheRIAwillconsideralternativemethodsofdeliveryofitsservices,includingoutsourcing,whereitmakesgoodbusinesssense. • ProgresswillbereportedthroughtheRIAAnnualReport.ThiswillincludetheresultsofrelevantPerformanceIndicatorswhichwill assistthecommunitytoassessthelevelofachievementofthePlan’sobjectives. R E V I T A L I S E D A N D M O V I N G F O R W A R D  Page5 ROTTNEST ISLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN 2009-2014 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FortheanswerstomoreFrequentlyAskedQuestionsplease checkthewebsitewww.rottnestisland.com How is Rottnest Island management funded? TheRottnestIslandAuthorityoperatesprimarilyontherevenue receivedfromvisitorsintheformofadmissionfeesand chargesforholidayaccommodationandrecreationalservices (includingmooringandanchoringfees,bikehire,toursand transport).Fundingisalsoreceivedfrombusinessleases,a StateGovernmentannualcontributionandthroughgrantsand sponsorship. How is the income spent? UnderSectionoftheAct,thecontrolandmanagementof RottnestIslandisvestedintheRottnestIslandAuthorityforthe purposeofenablingitto: (a) provide and operate recreational and holiday facilities on the Island; (b) protect the flora and fauna of the Island; and (c) maintain and protect the natural environment and the manmade resources of the Island and, to the extent that the Authority’s resources allow, repair its natural environment. Theoperationsundertakentoperformthesefunctionsare complexandinclude: • providingandoperatingarangeofholidayhomesand facilities; • providingrecreationalservicessuchaseducation, interpretationandtours; • supplyingutilitiesforwater,power,gas,wastewaterand rubbishmanagement; • providingandoperatingtransportservicesand infrastructureincludingpublictransport,roadsandpaths, boatingfacilitiesandairport;and • managingtheIsland’sA-classreserve(terrestrialand marine)andheritageassets. How will the Initiatives in the RIMP be funded? TheInitiativespresentedinthedraftRIMPhaveanidentified costandfundingsourceandareassessedtobeachievableon thebasisofcurrentfinancialprojections. Fundingsourcesinclude: • RottnestIslandAuthoritybudget(operatingandcapital); • externalfundinge.g.grants,sponsorship,arrangements withcommercialoperators,publicprivatepartnerships; • requestsforadditionalGovernmentfunding. FundingneededtopayforthenewRIMPinitiativeswillbe generatedbyacombinationofincreasingrevenuegeneration, achievingefficienciestoreducecosts,andre-prioritising existingexpenditure. SomeInitiatives,forexamplerepairandinterpretationofthe AboriginalBurialGround,anewpermanentcampingground, upgradingKingstown,constructingtheCoastalWalkTrailand newmarinefacilities,aredependantonexternalfunding.These arespecifiedinthedraftRIMP. Somenecessaryworkssuchasmajorrepairsorupgradesof utilities,jetties,roadsandmarinefacilitiesarenotfunded.Costeffectivemanagementofinfrastructureandutilitiesisunderreview. Will fees and charges go up? TheRottnest Island Authority Act 1987(Section34, Relationshipofrevenuetoexpenditure)statesthat:‘The Authority shall perform its functions in such manner as to ensure that, taking one year with another, its revenue is at least sufficient to meet its expenditure.’ SomesectionsofthecommunityhaveaskedtheRottnest IslandAuthoritytomaintainaffordabilitybykeepingfees andchargesdown.Howeverthisneedstobebalancedwith generatingsufficientrevenueandfundingtomaintainthe Island’sphysicalassetssuchasaccommodationaswellas environmentandheritagevaluesatanacceptablelevel. FinancialbusinessmodellinghasdemonstratedthattheRottnest IslandAuthority’scommercialoperationsaresustainable. Howeversignificantcostsareassociatedwithconserving RottnestIsland’snaturalandculturalheritageassetsand maintainingessentialinfrastructure.Currentsourcesandlevels offundingarenotadequatefortheRottnestIslandAuthorityto becomefinanciallysustainableinthemediumtolong-term. TheRottnestIslandAuthorityisreviewingfeesandcharges andcommercialrevenueopportunitiestostrikeanacceptable balancebetweenrevenuegenerationandmaintainingthe qualityofaccommodation,infrastructure,facilitiesandnatural environmentthatthecommunityexpects.Considerationisbeing giventoimplementingdifferentcategoriesofadmissionfees. How will the current global economic crisis affect Rottnest Island? Themediumandlong-termeffectsofthecurrentglobal economicsituationarehardtopredict,includingpotential impactsonthetourismindustryingeneralandRottnestIsland inparticular.Changesinvisitornumbers,visitorspending patternsandcostsoffuelandtransport,amongotherthings, couldimpacttheRottnestIslandAuthority’sincomeand expenditure.TheRottnestIslandAuthoritywillmonitorleading indicators(e.g.levelofadvancebookings)onaquarterlybasis togaugeanyeffects. Page6 D R A F T  R O T T N E S T  I S L A N D  M A N A G E M E N T  P L A N  2 0 0 9 - 2 0  4 AproposedInitiativeinthedraftRIMPisto‘Identify external environmental and economic threats to the sustainability of Rottnest Island as an ecotourism destination and its associated natural and cultural values and pursue strategies to address the effects of those threats.’ThiswillenabletheRottnestIsland Authoritytotakeadvantageofopportunitiesthatariseandbe inabetterpositiontoplanforlong-termresponsestothreats, includingpossibletourismdownturns,risingcostsandclimate change. Will the proposed initiatives proceed if the economy gets worse? TheInitiativespresentedinthedraftRIMPhaveanidentified costandfundingsourceandareassessedtobeachievable onthebasisofcurrentfinancialprojections.Thepotentialfor aworldwideandlocalrecessionmayadverselyaffectfinancial managementoftheIsland.Thepoliciesandinitiativesoutlined arethereforequalifiedonthebasisthatcurrentlyprojected fundinglevelsaremaintainedandanticipatedlevelsofrevenue andfundingareachieved. Likeanyotherbusiness,theRottnestIslandAuthorityneeds toadapttotheconstantlyevolvingfinancialsituation.Itmay becomenecessarytoreviewprioritiesanddeferorreschedule someprojects.Howevertheoverallmanagementdirection wouldremainthesame. What developments are proposed over the next five years? InthefiveyearscoveredbythisRIMP,itisproposedto undertakethefollowingnewdevelopmentsintheSettlement (somedevelopmentsaresubjecttofundingorpublicprivate partnerships): • anewpermanentcampinggroundatSouthThomson; • expansionofguestaccommodationonasiteadjacentto theHotelRottnest(QuokkaArms); • replacetheexistingfibrounitsintheSettlementwiththe newstyleofchaletthathasbeentrialledsuccessfully; • newstaffaccommodationat‘WindyHill’(ParkerPointRoad) and/oronvacantlandadjacenttothecurrentoperations workshops; • redeveloptheArmyJettyanditssurroundsforcommercial usee.g.ferryservices,bargeservices,charterboat services,fuelandsullagetankfacilities; • newvolunteeraccommodation; • ahotelwithmeetingfacilities(MtHershel). InkeepingwiththeUtilities Master Plan 2007,consideration isbeinggiventoestablishinganewpowerplantattheold landfillsite. What happened to the Precincts in the Settlement Area? TheRIMP2003-2008definedprecinctsforspecificlanduses intheSettlementArea,forexamplevisitoraccommodation, servicesandoperationsandcommercialuse.Thisapproach hasnotbeenworkable,asmanyfactorschangeduringa five-yearperiod,andtheAuthorityhasbeenhinderedfrom makingeffectivedevelopmentdecisions.Itisproposedthata singleSettlementzone(theareadefinedintheRottnest Island Authority Act 1987),withclearpolicies,developmentcontrols andsustainabilityguidelines,offersbetterprotectionforthe heritage,environmentandsocialamenityoftheSettlement. Thiswillalsoresultinamoretransparentplanningand approvalsprocessandgreaterplanningefficiency.Upgrading theRottnestIslandAuthority’sGuidelines for Sustainable DevelopmentwithapprovalfromtheMinisterforTourismwill givethemgreaterstrengthandauthorityandprovideaclear andeffectivebasisfordevelopmentplanning,assessmentsand implementation. How will the Settlement’s environment and heritage values be protected? DevelopmentislimitedtothedesignatedSettlementArea, asspecifiedintheRottnest Island Authority Act 1987,unless approvedbytheMinisterorprovidedforinthisfive-year ManagementPlan. Anydevelopmentproposalsaresubjecttostrongcontrols throughlegislation,stringentdevelopmentplanningcontrols, andRottnestIslandAuthorityGuidelines for Sustainable DevelopmentandotherrelatedpoliciesintheSustainable Development:RottnestIslandPlanningandDevelopmentToolkit (availableonthewebsite).Thepoliciesandguidelinesfor sustainabledevelopmentwillbereviewedandupdatedinline withthesustainabilityInitiativesinthedraftRIMP.Thesewillbe approvedbytheMinister. Anynewdevelopmentproposalsinthenextfiveyearsbeyond thoselistedintheRIMPwillberequiredtobeconsistentwith thepublishedguidelinesandtheRIMP,andtobeapprovedby theMinister. Why is the Rottnest Island Authority looking at alternative methods for managing the accommodation? Thereisaneedforincreasedrevenuetoallownecessary investmentintheIsland.TheRottnestIslandAuthorityproposes toexplorethepotentialforalternativerentalmanagement structuresforasegmentofIslandaccommodationinorder tocontributetocashflowandfinancialsustainability,allowing reinvestmentinservicesandIslandmanagement.Thecurrent modelofshort-termrentalofallRottnestIslandAuthority accommodationbyballotorbookinguptooneyearahead doesnotallowflexibilitytomaximiserentalthroughouttheyear ormaximiserevenue. R E V I T A L I S E D A N D M O V I N G F O R W A R D  Page ROTTNEST ISLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN 2009-2014 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - continued Alternativeoptionsmightincludeoutsourcingmanagement ofsomeaccommodationtoaprivateoperatororforward leasing.Thismeansofferingasegmentofaccommodation(not necessarilyallinonearea)foradvancebookingbyballotfor oneweekperyearfor0years.Anup-frontinvestmentwould secureholidayaccommodationfor0years–somethingthat wouldbeattractivetosomevisitors–andgivetheRottnest IslandAuthorityadvancerevenueforinvestmentinIsland management. Will there be a marina development? TheRottnestIslandAuthorityproposestoredeveloptheArmy Jettyanditssurroundsforcommercialusee.g.ferryservices, bargeservices(analternativetothecurrentMainJetty location),charterboatservices,fuelandsullagetankfacilities. Thiswouldprovideadvantagesbothtotheboatingcommunity andtootherIslandvisitorswhowouldbenefitfromreduced congestionattheMainJetty.Itissuggestedthatwhileboating numbersmayincrease,betterfacilitieswillenablethemarine environmenttobebettermanagedandprotected. AcommercialmarinawassuggestedduringtheStage communityconsultationleadinguptopreparingthedraftRIMP. Thiscouldprovideboatpens,facilitiesforcharterboatsand largercommercialvessels,andservicesforboatowners. TheRottnestIslandAuthorityisinterestedinapublicprivate partnershiptoundertakeafeasibilitystudyfordevelopmentof acommercialmarinainthevicinityoftheArmyJetty. Page8 D R A F T  R O T T N E S T  I S L A N D  M A N A G E M E N T  P L A N  2 0 0 9 - 2 0  4 COMMENT SUBMISSION FORM Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________Organisation(IfRelevant):_______________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Telephone:______________________________________ By providing your email and telephone numbers you are consenting to being sent occasional emails from the Rottnest Island Authority promoting special offers and notifications. Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive emails from the Rottnest Island Authority. AdditionalComments R E V I T A L I S E D A N D M O V I N G F O R W A R D  Page9 Rottnest Island Authority Level,EShed,VictoriaQuay FremantleWA660 Telephone:(08)94329300Facsimile(08)9432930 Page20 D R A F T  R O T T N E S T  I S L A N D  M A N A G E M E N T  P L A N  2 0 0 9 2 0  4