Golf Upgrade Hits Rotto Plan into a Bunker

Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren, spokesperson for Tourism, today called into question the million dollar upgrade of the Rottnest Island Golf Course.

“This more than $1m spend is outside the budget in the Rottnest Island Management Plan for 2009-2014. But that’s only part of the problem.”

“In responding to my question in Parliament, the Minister said that there has been no environmental assessment for the upgrade. That means no hydrology reports, nothing on the effects of chemically treated irrigation.”

“The sustainable management of Rottnest Island requires that close attention be paid to what’s happening to existing water and lakes surrounding the course.”

“So far, $140 000 has been spent on this upgrade. It’s not too late to let the public weigh in on its value before any more money is spent.”

“In answer to concerns I raised in Parliament, the Government claimed that a golf course upgrade would be consistent with Initiative 13 – Expand Recreational Activities – of the Rottnest Island Management Plan.”

“However, Initiative 13 of the Management Plan specifically focuses on low-impact visitor experiences, based on nature appreciation. I’m not sure how the Minister for Tourism can wedge a golf course into those criteria.”

“At a minimum, the community would expect there to be an opportunity for comment. This is a move that affects more than just the members of the golf course.”