Development Applications

Development and Improvement Applications are required to be submitted to and determined by RIA pursuant to the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987 and subsequent Regulations for any development and improvement on the Island. This includes the erection, construction, alteration, demolition or carrying out of any building, excavation, improvement or other works, in, over or under Rottnest Island, a change in use of a premises and any other act or activity in relation to land declared by regulation to be development.  

Development and Improvement Applications can be lodged via the following email address developmentplanning@rottnestisland.com. All Development Applications must be accompanied with all the following documents:

The assessment process for Development and Improvement Applications can take a minimum of 90 days for a determination. Please note, no application fee applies.  Should RIA determine that your application requires Public Consultation, then all costs associated with this are at the applicant’s full expense.  

Does your application require referral to the Heritage Council of Western Australia?  Find out more.

The Rottnest Island Authority Prospectus for Developers (PDF 1MB) provides further detailed information on Development and Improvement on the Island and should be read in conjunction with preparing your Development Application.