We want to hear from you, the community, on the alternative site considerations for the new Norfolk Island Multipurpose Health Services (MPS) facility when consultations take place on island next week.

As I announced last month, as we move to the next stage of the MPS project, we are investigating potential alternative site options in addition to the current Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) site.

To improve the long-term biosecurity and sustainability of Norfolk Island, the Australian Government is funding the Norfolk Island Pest and Disease Survey.

Following tender processes targeted at organisations with the required expertise, the Australian Government recently awarded contracts for three of the four survey components. These components will increase our understanding of the health status of Norfolk Island’s marine environment, bees and plants. The surveys will take place on Norfolk Island over the next 12 to 18 months.

The announcement of the new partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments for the provision of state services to Norfolk Island is a great outcome for the community.

Please understand that this is the beginning of the process and I ask for patience as we progress this critical transition planning and establish ongoing opportunities for you to contribute.

As the formal arrangements are being developed and agreed, we are focusing on supporting your ongoing engagement and input into the transition process and future service delivery models.

The provision of best-practice, fit-for-purpose healthcare for Norfolk Island is a key priority for the Australian Government, which is why we are continuing to progress planning for Government approval of a new Multipurpose Health Services (MPS) facility for the Island.

As we move to the next stage of the MPS project, we are investigating potential alternative site options in addition to the current Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) site.

Following my announcement last month about the Australian Government’s funding for the continuation of CSIRO’s Norfolk Island Water Resources Assessment (NIWRA) project, I am pleased to confirm the project’s expansion to include water quality investigation.

I am pleased to announce the Australian Government is commencing roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine program to Norfolk Island.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is working with the Department of Health to finalise arrangements for the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine program. This includes working with vaccine logistics partners to ensure cold chain management and secure supply.

The continued availability of sea freight to Norfolk Island remains a key priority for the Australian Government, with progress continuing on the proposal for a temporary landing structure at Cascade alongside work on broader measures to address pressures on freight services and infrastructure now and into the future.

The Australian Government has now received the detailed designs for the temporary groyne, or landing structure, and is continuing to work towards approvals. The landing structure is intended to unlock vital additional sea freight capacity for Norfolk Island.

I am pleased to announce the Australian Government is extending its agreement with Air New Zealand for the delivery of air services to and from Norfolk Island for two years with flights resuming on 30 August 2021 and running until 27 August 2023.

Ensuring reliable passenger air services for Norfolk Island remains a key priority for the Australian Government, and I am delighted that the extension of Air New Zealand’s services provides the community with certainty on this matter.

In response to ongoing shortages of some essential supplies on Norfolk Island, the Australian Government is providing a number of Toll air freight flights over the coming weeks to address critical animal welfare and food needs.

There are shortages of stock feed, milk and other items critical for food production on Norfolk Island due to shortfalls in the amount of sea freight which is being shipped to the island.

Ensuring the effective governance of the Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) is important for the delivery of best-practice, fit-for-purpose health and aged care services on Norfolk Island.

To strengthen the existing governance arrangements for NIHRACS, the Australian Government is establishing an Advisory Council to oversee the management and operation of the health and aged care service and to ensure we are best meeting the needs and requirements of the Norfolk Island community.