- Tender now open to deliver new worker accommodation on Rottnest Island
- Major upgrades planned for Stay Rottnest accommodation at Longreach Bay and Fay's Bay
- Renewable energy initiatives advancing with request for design of hybrid electricity generation
- Comes as the island prepares for another bumper summer with late-night ferries now running
As preparations continue for another bumper summer, the WA Government continues to focus on futureproofing and improving infrastructure on Rottnest Island, setting it up for years to come.
Following successful public consultation, a tender process has now opened for new worker accommodation on the island paradise.
The $98.5 million development on Parker Point Road - the single-biggest investment by a State Government into the island - will provide approximately 149 new units, which will support island businesses to attract more staff and provide better services, while also freeing up more accommodation for visitors.
The refurbishment program at Stay Rottnest accommodation also continues to progress, with a tender open to deliver major upgrades for Longreach Bay and Fay's Bay self-contained units.
Those upgrades are due for completion in mid-2025, following successful upgrades at South Thomson and Geordie Bay with modernised kitchens and bathrooms, new furniture, fixtures and fittings and improved outdoor amenities.
Additionally, electrical system upgrades are underway as part of the island's $54.8 million renewable energy transformation.
A request for proposal will be released shortly for a new Hybrid Electricity Generation System, marking the next phase in achieving the island's target of 75 per cent renewable energy usage.
Along with new cabling and power distribution works, the new system will modernise the island's energy infrastructure and reduce its reliance on diesel power generation.
It comes as late-night ferry services were introduced earlier this month, allowing day visitors to experience the island after dark, enjoy sunset views or grab dinner at the array of restaurants and eateries before returning to Perth.
The last ferry departs the island at 9pm from Thursday to Sunday between November and January and will then operate Friday to Sunday between February and April 2025.
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Rottnest Island is an iconic tourism destination, visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors and locals every year.
"It's vital we continue to futureproof and plan for the island's growing popularity through investments in new worker accommodation, which will support local businesses and essential infrastructure like energy.
"Of course, we also need to make sure we're providing the best possible experience for visitors now, which is why we're progressing with our program of upgrades across the Stay Rottnest accommodation across the island."
