Australia’s island Rottnest will get $33.4 million in federal and state funding for infrastructure upgrades to deal with booming tourist numbers.
The federal government will give this fund to Rottnest Island Authority as a part of $50 million tourism icons package announced in the federal budget.
The Federal tourism minister Simon Birmingham said the money would be spent on infrastructure upgrades enhancing visitor experience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the island.
He said that whilst its increasing popularity is great news for Western Australian tourism, the island needs to be able to cope with large increases in visitor numbers in a way that preserves the natural environment and showcases the islands rich Indigenous heritage and history. That’s why vital upgrades to the island’s jetties, wharves, signage and walking tracks, as well as enhancements to the Rottnest museum will help ensure the quality of the visitor experience remains at the highest level.
The Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said he was delighted to see Rottnest Island identified as a national tourism icon.
He said that the tourism fund will enable the Rottnest Island visitation to grow while protecting and enhancing its unique environment, culture and Aboriginal heritage.
