Greens Call for Public Consultation on Rottnest Plans

Media Release, 11 January 2007

Greens MLC Giz Watson has called on the Government to allow formal public comment on plans to develop a new 120-bed luxury hotel on Rottnest Island.

Ms Watson said Rottnest was an iconic island close to the hearts of many West Australians and the public had the right to have some input into major developments on the island.

"The Government has given the public of Western Australia a fait accompli that this multi-million dollar hotel resort complex will be built on 4ha of what most consider is the people's island," Ms Watson said.

"On an issue of such importance the people should at least be given the chance to comment through a formal public submissions process.

"For many West Australians Rottnest represents an idyllic and affordable low key family holiday destination. We need to establish whether a new luxury hotel is what West Australians really want to see built on Rottnest."