LATEST UPDATE: Priority Projects
In 2023, the Rottnest Foundation launched the 5 Priority Projects. In partnership with the RIA, we are working to bring these ambitious, once in a generation projects to life.
Following our March Board Meeting, Jason Banks, Arvid Hogstrom and Helen Geers of the RIA provided a comprehensive update on the projects, including concept and detailed designs from the selected architecture firms. Our Board, Ambassadors and other stakeholders were also invited to tour project sites around Wadjemup to get a firsthand understanding of project locations and outlooks.
This update and tour demonstrated both the significant financial investment expended by the RIA to complete the planning stages for each project, and the passion and drive the RIA has to see them completed.
The site assessments, concept designs and costings that RIA have produced will provide the Foundation with the valuable detail required to seek future funding which will enable the projects to proceed.
Wadjemup Conservation Centre: A purpose-built centre with interactive education spaces, quokka hospital and environmental research facilities.
The Concept Design is now finalised, with three possible sites undergoing environmental and heritage approvals. The site at Lake Baghdad has been approved for further investigation. Costs are currently estimated to be in the vicinity of $21 million.
Boodja Kaartdijin: A trail of 7 sites across Wadjemup, dedicated to sharing Noongar culture, knowledge and stories.
The overall Concept Design for the project has been completed including its linkages to the established Wadjemup Bidi Walk Trail. Additionally, Concept Designs have been finalised for each of the 7 sites; Garden Lake, Porpoise Bay, Fairbridge Bluff, Wadjemup Hill, West End, Rocky Bay, and Ricey Beach. The costs vary per site from $300,000 to $2.6 million, depending on site size, location and structural requirements.
Bickley Military Heritage Precinct: A project to renew military heritage structures and features including the creation of a dedicated military museum in the DID shed.
Concept Designs have been completed, with Detailed Design due in April 2025. The project encompasses the DID Shed, outdoor spaces and upgrades to the Bickley Walk Trail. Costings are currently estimated at $20 million, including $6 million for the Museum, $5 million for the outdoor spaces and $9 million for the Bickley Walk Trail.
Wadjemup Bidi Walk Trail: To extend and improve accessibility to the 45km network of existing trails across Wadjemup.
Concept planning is currently being undertaken, with a budget for Concept Design yet to be determined. Planning includes three areas; Expansion of the Trail through the Woodlands in the middle of the Island, Accessibility improvements around West End, Salt Lakes and Bickley, and the possibility of Overnight Shelters.
Woodlands Restoration and Expansion: Continuing restoration of Wadjemup's natural habitat and conservation of woodland eco-systems through planting.
The continuation of this project is currently funded by the Rottnest Foundation, with a commitment of $150,000 over the next three years, contributing to the growth of seedlings in the nursery right through to the planting of mature trees in selected Woodland areas.