Rottnest upgrade plan on the cards

A NEW marina, improved boating facilities, more accommodation and greater eco-tourism options are proposed for Rottnest Island under a management plan extending to 2014.

The plan, which would cost $14.5 million to carry out, is aimed at an expected 500,000 visitors per year.

The Rottnest Island Authority draft management plan is open for public comment until May 5.

It proposes more accommodation including modern chalets, camping grounds, an eco-style centre near South Thomson, and further plans to develop a hotel near Mt Herschel.

The marina would include ferry, barge and charter boat services and mooring at key dive sites to increase the capacity of the existing jetty and 860 boat pens.

A new recreation centre and golf course would improve land-based activity options, and Kingstown would be upgraded with education facilities and adventure tourism.

Indigenous tourism would be developed in response to community interest, with tours based on the aboriginal history of the island.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Graham Moss said as the gateway to Western Australia, Perth needed an iconic tourist attraction to complement Kings Park, the Swan River and Perth beaches.

"People love islands and Rottnest Island has the potential to become the iconic tourism attraction that Perth needs as well as continuing to provide for the type of holiday that thousands of West Australians enjoy each year," he said.

Other more long-term ideas would be part of a 20-year vision to sustainably develop Rottnest for the future.

There is a strong focus on protecting land and marine environments and improving tourist activities, with a growing demand for sustainable and conservation-based tourism.

This strategy is a response to feedback for more family oriented, nature-based tours, adventure tourism and indigenous culture tours.