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Publications
Based on a draft paper prepared by Southern Cross University
Portfolio Marine Group, Environment Australia, 1997
ISBN 0 642 27129 1
Location
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Facilities
Facilities for day trips (such as bicycle hire, restaurants, shops and the Kingston Barracks Environmental Education Centre) and accommodation facilities to encourage longer visits
Key features of this development
Balance between tourism and ecological sustainability
Energy saving technology
Waste management
Environmental education
Rottnest is a small island located close to Perth which is visited by approximately 400 000 people a year. The island is managed by a statutory government authority, the Rottnest Island Authority. The key recommendations of a 1995 review and management plan to address visitation and associated management pressures are being implemented. Whilst some of the problems identified in the review have not yet been overcome, Rottnest is an example of a proactive management approach, incorporating partnerships between decision-making authorities and community to improve environmental management and performance.
Diesel generators supply on-site power requirements. Solar energy is used for water pumps, navigation aids, ventilation fans in composting toilets, remote street lighting and hot-water systems. Other energy saving technologies include low-energy fluorescent lighting in accommodation and street lighting, timers on gas heaters and solar-powered hot water systems. Wind-generated power is again being considered.
The current sewerage system uses a biological nutrient removal process which results in a dewatered biosolid and a low nutrient waste water product. This waste water is used for irrigation of public grassed areas.
The island has a waste management strategy, incorporating recycling, composting and waste minimisation, which is expected to extend the use of the landfill site by approximately 20 years. The upgraded accommodation units have recycling enclosures - an option that will become available to all residents on the island. The island is currently trialling composting with commercial leasees on the island, which will be extended to all island visitors and residents once evaluated. Compost will also use cardboard and biosolids from the waste water treatment plant. An education campaign to reduce the use of plastic on the island is also part of the strategy.
The high visitation rates to the island have contributed to the development of numerous environmental problems. An education officer is employed to develop an active education program on the island. School and community groups (such as the Winnet Club, Scouts) have helped with environmental management exercises such as clean-up days and tree planting exercises.
Rottnest Island shows that it is important to:
The Environment Manager
Ph: (08) 9372 9771; Fax: (08) 9372 9775