Story: Sustainability
Episode: 2
Presenter: Jo Beth Taylor
Air Date: 3rd December, 2022

Jo Beth discovers how Rottnest Island is maintaining their pristine nature reserve with a focus on sustainable practices and conservation on the Island

• The island focuses on sustainable practices with the island’s water and energy systems. This includes the production of electricity, the conversion of seawater to drinking water and environmental conservation efforts on the island.
• Very few tourist destinations in Australia have to create their own drinking water. All drinking water is also produced and managed on the island, with a desalination plant at Longreach Bay.
• The power on the island is produced through a wind turbine, solar farm and diesel power
  generation. A recent investment will see renewables powering 75% of Rottnest Island's needs and reduce emissions.
• Rottnest Island manages all the waste that comes on and off the island and has a partnership with Containers for Change All green waste collected on the island stays on the island. It is then turned into mulch.
• Nearly 30,000 trees have been planted as part of coastal restoration projects. To maintain this unique island ecosystem, there is a nursey on the island where native plants like saltbush and samphire seed grow. A team of volunteers dedicate 2,500 hours to this project each year.
• Visitors obviously can create a huge impact, so when people are visiting Rottnest, they are encouraged to Bring your own reusable water bottle and coffee cups to the island and avoid single-use plastics. Put your rubbish in the right bin and turn off lights and appliances when you leave your island home.

For more information:
rottnestisland.com