$150 million to upgrade and transform Rottnest Island

• Cook Labor Government to invest $150.5 million in essential infrastructure upgrades at Rottnest Island
• Funds allocated to boost staff accommodation, upgrade wastewater infrastructure and Rottnest Airport, and create new barge operations area
• Upgrades to assist in meeting visitor expectations and operational demands

The Cook Labor Government will invest $150.5 million into Western Australia's iconic tourism destination, Rottnest Island, as part of the 2024-25 State Budget, to ensure the island paradise continues to meet visitor expectations and future operational needs.

It includes $98.5 million - the single-biggest investment by a State Government into the island - over the next eight years for the planning and development of new staff accommodation for island businesses.

This will enable island businesses to provide better services to visitors, by helping them to attract staff and operate outside ferry timetables.

A further $15.8 million will be allocated to upgrading wastewater infrastructure across the island, while $31.9 million will enable the relocation of barge and freight operations from the Main Jetty to South Thomson Bay, with the redevelopment of the Army Groyne.

This will reduce overlapping activities at the Main Jetty and improve safety by reducing interactions between vehicles and pedestrians, while also providing a more welcoming arrival point for visitors.

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

This significant investment into essential infrastructure will ensure Rottnest Island remains a destination of choice for Western Australians and tourists.

This investment is in addition to existing funding of $168.7 million for infrastructure improvements across the island, including electricity, water, and tourism facilities. 

Close to 800,000 people visited Rottnest Island in 2023 by ferry, with those visiting over the summer period able to enjoy pop-up recreational offerings including parasailing, scenic flights, pop-up eateries, a water taxi, and holiday care for children.

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:

"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.

"Of course, we're also focused on improving operations to provide that seamless experience for visitors, which is why we're allocating nearly $32m 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."