Rottnest $40m redevelopment approved

The state government has given a $40 million redevelopment of Rottnest Lodge the green light, with the resort expected to be built by 2025.

Place Development Australia, Peter Fogarty's Pendulum Group and GPA plan to redevelop the existing Karma Resort, with 102 rooms including 46 new and 56 refurbished rooms, a restaurant, café, wellness centre, pools and community space.

Rottnest Island Authority released detailed plans of the redevelopment in September, which include a gathering ground to pay respect to the traditional owners of the site.

A public consultation period on the development resulted in 16 submissions supporting the development, five raising concerns and two objections.

Concerns were raised about the development turning Rottnest into a “rich person’s playground” given the current Karma Resort provides cheaper options than the Samphire resort and glamping facilities on the island.

Doubts around waste management and stormwater drainage on the site were raised, but Rottnest Island Authority said approval would rely on waste management and stormwater disposal management plans.

Supporters of the development commented that it would provide a much-needed tourism boost for the area through world-class facilities that accentuated the island’s natural beauty.

Rottnest Island Authority placed several conditions on the resort’s approval, including an Aboriginal cultural heritage management plan and construction of staff accommodation off-site.

Tourism Minister Roger Cook said the resort provided an opportunity to recreate the lodge in a way that complemented the historic built environment of the area while respecting the region’s Aboriginal heritage.

“Importantly, the conditions applied to this redevelopment will help ensure the significant heritage of the site is acknowledged,” he said.

“It is important for Wadjemup to embrace its future with deep respect for the past.”

Como-based cultural heritage consultant David Collard was engaged to design the culturally sensitive aspects of the development.

Construction is expected to commence on the new Rottnest Lodge in the middle of this year and be complete by 2025.