Worker Accommodation Consultation

Worker Accommodation

Worker accommodation plays a critical role in supporting a successful tourism industry on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. A shortage of worker housing has the potential to limit business growth and visitor service quality.

To address this challenge as part of the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28, Rottnest Island Authority is committed to delivering a multi-stage program for the development of new worker accommodation on Rottnest. The development on Parker Point Road aims to provide approximately 149 new units, offering a mix of accommodation types to meet diverse workforce needs.

This project, supported with $98.5 million from the Western Australian State Government, will provide much-needed housing for employees who contribute to the island's tourism and hospitality sector.

Key benefits

Improved ability for businesses to attract and retain a skilled workforce
Enhanced liveability for workers
Positive economic impact
Potential for businesses to extend operating hours outside of ferry timetables
Improved visitor experiences

Key dates

Public consultation opens: 7 October 2024
Public consultation closes: 5pm AWST on 28 October 2024

Location

Parker Point Road, south of South Thomson

How to submit your feedback

All comments must be in writing and include the writer's identification. They can be submitted via email to [email protected] by 5 pm (AWST) Monday 28 October.

Frequently asked questions

Rottnest Island’s workforce is critical to maintaining essential services and supporting visitor operations. The current housing facilities are insufficient to meet demand, particularly during peak periods. This new worker accommodation will address those needs and help ensure the island can continue delivering quality experiences to visitors.

The new worker accommodation units will be leased to commercial businesses operating on the island, in accordance with the Rottnest Island Authority Worker Housing Policy.

The worker accommodation will serve a range of essential island workers including facilities and maintenance contractors, police, nurses, teachers, island business staff, and RIA staff. There is an increased demand for staff accommodation to support the businesses operating on the island.

The new worker accommodation will be located on Parker Point Road.

This location was identified as part of the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28's Land Use Plan, following a period of public consultation. This Land Use Plan clearly sets out the boundary of the settlement for the purpose of accommodation development. Importantly, the remaining 85 per cent of the island is a designated reserve for the purpose of conservation and recreation.

The primary site identified for new worker accommodation at Parker Point Road offers topography suitable for development and can be easily serviced with utilities and infrastructure.

The project aims to deliver approximately 149 new worker accommodation units, providing housing for up to 336 workers. The proposed single level, self-contained accommodation, including 6 x 3-bed units, 7 x 2-bed units, 24 x 1-bed units and 112 studio units, enabling businesses to adjust staffing in line with seasonal demands.

This accommodation will ensure the island has sufficient housing for its workforce, which is essential for the continued operation of businesses and services. By supporting workers, we enhance the island’s ability to maintain high-quality services for visitors and residents alike, contributing to the island’s long-term sustainability.

RIA is committed to sustainability, and environmental considerations are central to this project. We are currently working on site assessments for vegetation, geotechnical, and bushfire risks. Any necessary mitigation measures will be incorporated into the final design.

We’re conducting the consultation at this stage to gather valuable community input before finalising the designs. This approach allows RIA to remain flexible and ensure the project considers community priorities. Additionally, the detailed design will be informed by the proposal from the successful tenderer, allowing for innovative and cost-effective solutions as part of the design and construct tender process.

Once the consultation period closes, all feedback will be reviewed and considered in the development of the final design. A summary of key concerns raised in submissions will be published on our website, and we will provide an update on how the feedback has been incorporated into the project.

While the project is in its early stages, we are carefully assessing the environmental impacts, including vegetation clearing and bushfire risks. We are working closely with relevant authorities to ensure all environmental risks are mitigated, and the development appropriately addresses sustainability guidelines.

Updates on the project’s progress will be posted on the Developments page.

All comments must be in writing and include the writer's identification. They can be submitted via email to [email protected] by 5 pm (AWST) Monday 28 October.

Worker Accommodation Consultation