Biosecurity and Flora Importation
Maintaining biosecurity on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
As a Class A Reserve, Rottnest Island Authority is committed to the protection of the ecological and landscape values of Rottnest Island, and have established processes to prevent degradation through the introduction of exotic species and weeds. This applies to all operations and services undertaken by lessees, licensees, volunteers, contractors, government agencies, and visitors to the island. These processes are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, quarantined pests, invasive species, and living modified organisms, which can occur by bringing plants, flowers, and animals to the island.
Importing flora to the island
Under the Rottnest Island Regulations 1988 Regulation 41B (2), the importation of any flora to the island must be approved by Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) first, and must be demonstrated to be free of weeds, pests, diseases, or any pathogens.
This covers any form of plant life, including:
- Flowers of any kind, both native and non-native
- Seeds
- Leaves
- Spores
- Any flora not intended for human consumption
- Cut flowers
- Plants for landscaping
- Plants for floral arrangements
- Plant, machinery, and equipment to complete work
The Biosecurity – Flora Importation Guidelines 2020 provide all the information you need to know about why and how to safely bring flowers and other flora onto the island. If you’re thinking about bringing flowers with you, please read this first.
If you plan to bring flowers to the island for decoration for a business or landscaping purpose, for example, you’ll need to fill out a Biosecurity - Importation of Flora Request Form.
Can I bring flowers onto the island for events?
The Flora Importation Policy covers bringing flowers onto the island for events, but you’ll still need to complete an application form to bring them onto Wadjemup.
For weddings, parties, gatherings big and small, corporate events—even a simple bouquet to give to a friend for their birthday— you will need approval prior to bringing them on the island.
How to apply to bring flora to Wadjemup
- Download, read, and understand the Biosecurity – Flora Importation Policy 2020 and Flora Importation Guidelines.
- If you’re hosting an event that includes flowers, fill out a Flora and Fauna Application Form.
- For all other purposes for bringing flora to the island, please fill out the Request to Import Flora Form. Include in your request an assessment that demonstrates your flora are free of any dangers to the island, and are not declared weeds.
- Send your completed form to [email protected].
- A risk-based assessment will be conducted of your application and advice provided on the outcome.
Please note that it can take up to 15 business days for written confirmation of your application
Flora and fauna removal
All flora and fauna within the Rottnest Island Reserve is protected and cannot be removed from the island without express permission from RIA and a licence from the Department of Parks and Wildlife. If you need to remove or extract any flora or fauna from the island for any purpose, please contact us in advance at [email protected]
Tree pruning and removal
For any trees on the island that are in need of pruning, either to maintain the health of the tree, to ensure safety of visitors, or to remove an obstruction to construction works, it is essential that a request is submitted for assistance before you undertake any action. This allows the necessary assessment of the situation to determine the best approach and ensure the job is done in the safest way possible without causing any harm to the island’s eco-system.
How to apply
- Submit a Tree Pruning Request online. Ensure you include all necessary details such as the type and location of the tree to be pruned or removed, and justification for the work requested.
- A risk-based assessment will be conducted of the request and advice provided on the outcome.
- Please note that it can take up to 14 business days for written confirmation of the submitted application.
Bringing animals to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a Class A Reserve, meaning that all the plants and animals are protected. This also means animals cannot be brought to the island.
If you need to bring a guide, assistance, or companion animal for medical reasons, please contact the Rottnest Rangers on (+61 8) 9372 9788 in advance of your visit.