Scheduled Works & Service Improvements

Works and service improvements are conducted periodically across Rottnest Island.

A range of projects are also currently underway to refresh and revitalise Rottnest Island facilities. These works aim to enhance the visitor experience and to preserve the Island long term.

Please refer to this list for updates on works taking place and how they may impact your visit.

For further information on planning your visit to the island, visit rottnestisland.com.

Last reviewed: 21 March 2023

Planned Outages

There are currently no planned outages.
Ablution Facilitates Upgrade Program

Location: Longreach Bay, Digby Drive, Geordie Bay.
Completion: June 2023 to June 2024

Description:

Rottnest Island Authority are in progress of implementing an Ablution Facilities Upgrade Program around the island. All ablution facilities are scheduled to be upgraded over the coming years as part of Rottnest Island Authority’s capital works program.

Longreach Bay ablutions are proposed to be upgraded with the following:

-New disabled toilet facilities
-New light fittings
-Upgraded changeroom facilities
-New fixtures and fittings throughout
-Upgrade of existing building with new finishes to wall, floor and ceiling
-Improvements to entrance and definition to pathways to entrances
-Shade shelters, bike racks and bin enclosures

Construction works are scheduled to be completed by December 2023.

Digby Drive ablutions are proposed to be upgraded with the following:

-New disabled toilet facilities
-New family room with baby change facilities and feeding room
-New fixtures and fittings throughout
-Upgrade of existing building with new finishes to wall, floor and ceiling
-Improvements to entrance and definition to pathways to entrances
-Shade shelters, bike racks and bin enclosures
-Improvements to entrance and definition to pathways to entrances

Construction works are scheduled to be completed by June 2024.

Geordie Bay ablutions are proposed to be upgraded with the following:

-Refurbished toilet building
-New light fittings
-Upgraded shower facilities
-New fixtures and fittings throughout
-Upgrade of existing building with new finishes to wall, floor and ceiling
-New service compound

Construction works are scheduled to be completed by June 2023.
Reinstatement and upgrade of Telstra telecommunications infrastructure︱March to April

Location: Wadjemup Lighthouse
Commencing: 22 March 2023
Completion: 6 April 2023 TBC

Description:

Works will be undertaken at Wadjemup Lighthouse to reinstate telecommunications infrastructure to following its removal to facilitate AMSA’s restoration works to the lighthouse last year.

Works include an upgrade of the infrastructure to 5G and the replacement of three panel antennas, installation three new panel antennas, upgrading of mounts and cabling. Works are restricted to the lighthouse itself.

Impacts and potential disruptions include:

-Lighthouse will be closed to the public during works.
- All works and storage of equipment to occur within the bounds of the AMSA lighthouse lease area.
- Proposal for closure of Wadjemup Rd proximal to the Lighthouse to prevent public entry to the site. Access to Signal Station/WRAN house proposed to be maintained (subject to change).
- Large, elevated work platform (EWP) vehicle to undertake two movements through the settlement.
- Works to take place Monday to Friday inclusive.
- Telecommunications coverage will not be impacted by the works.
Extension of pressurised water main for Staff Housing development︱March

Location: Western verge of Parker Point Road.
Commencement: 7 March 2023
Completion: 8 March 2023

Description:

PFM are building an extension off the pressurised main that traverses the length of Parker Point Road to allow for a water service to the future Staff Housing development.

The works will be completed at night starting at 11 pm on Tuesday 7 March until 4 am on Wednesday 8 March. The works will result in a shutdown of water service to all buildings in Kingstown.
New Water Mains Network – South Thomson︱March

Location: McCallum Avenue, near the corner of Parker Point Road.
Commencement: 15 March 2023
Completion: 17 March 2023

Description:

Minor excavation works will take place on McCallum Avenue near the corner of Parker Point road to complete the installation of new water mains in South Thomson.

McCallum avenue will be reduced to one-lane traffic for a short section. Barricading and traffic management will be in place to safely direct commuters past the work zone. Increased noise is to be expected during the works.
Water Service Headworks for Lodge Development︱March

Location: Longreach Bay, Digby Drive, Geordie Bay.
Commencement: 7 March 2023
Completion: 28 March 2023

Description:

The pressurised water network across Digby Drive (adjacent to the pump station) to the Lodge development are being extended. Water service headworks will be installed in the northern verge space of Digby Drive.

The construction process will include two staged nightshifts, during which Digby drive shall be closed to all vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians (the only exception being emergency vehicles).

Night shifts will run from 9 pm to 6 am, starting on the evenings of:
- March 9
- March 13

Signage will be in place to alert visitors. Vehicle and pedestrian access on Digby Drive will be maintained during the day.

During the day the construction crew will be working on the road verges. Barricade fencing will be in place and Digby drive will be open to all traffic in both directions. Signage will be in place to direct commuters to slow down through the section.

Following completion of the works, the road surface will be re-asphalted. This is currently scheduled to take place on 20 March. Traffic management shall be in place to safely direct road users through the section.

Other potential impacts and disruptions include:
- Noise impacts associated with construction plant.
- Construction traffic between barge landing, airport laydown and construction area.
Demolition of Buildings near the Quod | February to June

Location: Old Buildings North of the Quod, 14 Boreham Way.
Commencing: Mid-February 2023
Completion: June 2023

Description:

Several dilapidated houses (not accessible to the public) located near the north (Digby Drive and Boreham St end) of the Quod and within the Wadjemup Project footprint that will be demolished.

Rottnest Island Authority has committed to demolishing these structures to support the Wadjemup Project.

Works sites will be fenced off during demolition. Potential impacts and disruptions include increased noise from machinery and power tools and increase in traffic around the site. There will be no impact on heritage buildings near the Quod.
PSHB Tree Management Works | February

Location: Trees near Henderson Ave
Commencing: Mid February 2023
Completion: Late February 2023

Description:

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are undertaking works to trees to stop the spread of Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB).

PSHB is a native beetle to Southeast Asia which has recently been discovered in Western Australia.

There is no known effective chemical treatment for PSHB, so the Rottnest Island Authority has been working with the DPIRD to safely manage infested trees through tip pruning or tree removal. All work will be conducted by certified arborists.
Flow Balance Tank (FBT) Replacement – Civil Works | February

Location: Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), Strue Road
Commencing: 13 February 2023
Completion: 24 February 2023

Description:

Works will be undertaken at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to replace a Flow Blance Tank (FBT) between 13 February and 24 February.

Potential impacts include:

-Construction traffic on Kitson, Kelly and Strue Road to deliver plant and materials for the works and to remove excess material.
-Construction works in the vicinity of the bus turnaround in Strue Road near the Basin.
-Construction noise.
-Bus turnaround will be used as a laydown area and be fenced off.
Geordie Bay Commercial Complex Stage 1 Works | January to March

Location: Geordie Bay.
Commencing: 30 January 2023
Completion: 15 March 2023

Description:

Works are scheduled to commence on 30 January 2023 by PFM and Rise Electrics to improve the current toilet facilities and upgrade and replace aging power, water and gas infrastructures.

Potential impacts or disruptions to visitors on the island are as follows:

-The existing disabled toilet will be shut down and a temporary disabled portaloo with a baby change table will be set up at the southeast corner of the complex.
-The existing Male/Female toilet block will be fully operational during these Stage 1 works.
-Most works will be confined to the service compound which will be fenced off from the public.
-Pedestrian access will be available around the work site as shown.
-There will be afterhours shutdowns to power, water, and gas services.
-Short periods of construction noise to be expected.
Summer Water Production | December to March

Location: Desalination Plant
Commencing: 9 December 2022
Completion: March 2023

Description:

Supply, install, commission, decommission temporary unit to ensure water capacity and storage security during summer.

Potential impacts and disruptions include transportation of the Plant to and from the barge by Superscoop to the Desalination Plant and back again to the mainland after decommissioning.
The Lodge Redevelopment | August to Late 2024

Location: The Lodge, Boreham Way
Commencing: August 2022
Completion: Late 2024

Description:

The Lodge Redevelopment will broaden accommodation on the Island by upgrading existing buildings and providing additional facilities. There will be no public access to Boreham Way until the end of the redevelopment works. There will be an increase in traffic along Digby Drive, Brand Way, Parker Point Road and the aerodrome site. There may be noise disruption during site works, particularly during demolition. Some minor impacts on services may occur.