50 Australian Geographic
The cost of holidaying on Rottnest is a hotly debated issue
and West Australians claim it is moving beyond their reach. Ferry
tickets for a day trip cost $75 for a standard adult pass. Built into
that is a $16.50 contribution to the RIA – more for extended
stays – to cover the expense of running an island independently
of the mainland. Electricity, water and sewage are all handled on
site, largely using eco-friendly strategies, such as a wind turbine
and desalination plant. Only rubbish is shipped of the island,
much of it for recycling.
Paolo Amaranti, the RIA’s chief executive, is accustomed to –
and perhaps a little tired of – defending the price of a Rottnest
holiday. Maintaining the island’s strict environmental standards
while developing tourism is undoubtedly a key driver of prices.
The state government provides $3 million each year, which Paolo
says all goes to Roland’s environment team. Funding for the
island’s utilities and 50km of roads has to be raised through
other means. It’s a non-negotiable reality, he says.
Ef orts have been made to provide visitors with better value
for money – accommodation and campsite upgrades are ongoing,
new events are being added to the calendar and, this year, free
wi-fi has been introduced. Public signage is planned to thank
people for their contribution to the running of the island andto explain where the money goes. However, in mid-October,
the RIA board proposed that the authority withdraw from all
commercial operations on the island, a suggestion backed by
the WA Tourism Council. The government is yet to respond
and the board will make its plan available for public comment
before there are any changes.
Paolo believes visitor numbers, which have varied from
450,000 to 550,000 a year in the past decade, will grow as
more accommodation, a new camping ground, marina and golf
course are developed. “The aim is to increase visitor numbers
by 20,000 per year, but not in peak periods,” he says, adding
that Rottnest’s major asset is its peace and quiet, and the way it
combines a major tourist attraction with a nature reserve.
And he’s not wrong. The deep af ection that the island inspires
is perhaps best summed up by UK expat Harriet. “Rottnest of ers
so many dif erent things to so many dif erent people,” she says.
“You feel a million miles away from home, but you’re not. It’s
like a jewel: it’s multifaceted, and no matter which way you turn
it, there’s more to see.” AG“You feel a million miles away from home, but you’re
not. It’s like a jewel: it’s multifaceted and, no matter
which way you turn it, there’s more to see.”Car no-go zone. Charlie Hessels, left,
Mia Hessels and Charlotte Saunders ride
their bikes along one of Rottnest’s quiet
streets. Quokkas, rather than cars, are
hazards they must be mindful of.SEE more of Andrew Gregory’s images of Rottnest Island online at:
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/issue118.htm