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Site for proposed Luxury Tent development at South Thomsons

This site was identified by the Rottnest Island Task Force Report for a 'low-impact eco-tourism resort'.  The Rottnest Island Authority now proposes that that development will be at Mt. Herschell - which is certainly a more suitable site than this one because of the ecological value of the old-growth trees which would have to be cleared and the proximity to the lake.  It is proposed to put a 40-tent Luxury Tent development on this site.  Further, the size of the current proposed site, as highlighted above, is about half of that originally proposed by the Taskforce - for which we are grateful.

We understand that there would be very minimal disturbance of the area and that the tents would have composting toilets.

The Rottnest Society is, however, concerned about the proposed Luxury Tent development as this area is likely to be a significant habitat for many creatures.  Society members and friends plant approximately 25,000 melaleuca seedlings each year and they are very slow growers, and habitats for all sorts of creatures evolve over many years.  Thus it does not make sense to us to develop this area for visitors - even though we understand that no trees will be removed, and boardwalks will be provided for access to tents.  However the tents may require vehicle access for daily servicing and maintenance and this is likely to further degrade the habitat value of the area (the area highlighted does have some tracks through it).

The Society is seriously concerned that the introduction of 'high-end' tourists may well bring pressure for more 'up-market' facilities and services on the island, more coach tours, and a much greater disparity between 'high-end' and 'low-end' accommodation.  Why?  Because amongst the highly valued things (by many, although not all) about Rottnest is an egalitarian quality, and a limited number of business demanding that we buy.  Back...