The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications advises the community and visitors on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands of upcoming short-term changes to the ferry service to allow necessary vessel regulatory requirements to be met.

There has been a strong initial response to the Australian Government’s financial assistance payments for Norfolk Island businesses affected by the current COVID-19 outbreak and travel restrictions, with eligibility criteria now adjusted to better reflect the period when the local economy first felt the impacts.

Administered by the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC), applications are now open for the relief scheme which is designed to assist local businesses hit hard by the downturn in visitors caused by widespread COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions across Australia.

Following extensive stakeholder and community consultation, the Australian Government has now finalised the Kingston Pier channel construction design.

The design option selected was the option preferred by the community, with the new design allowing more than one vessel to use the channel at a time to access the Pier (subject to swell and weather conditions).

Due to the continued and escalating COVID-19 situation in New South Wales, and to keep the Norfolk Island community safe, flights between Sydney and Norfolk Island will be suspended until further notice.

As you will be aware, there are currently very few passengers on the flights and this approach will minimise health risks of COVID-19 spreading to the local community. The Australia Government is reviewing the COVID-19 situation in Sydney regularly and will restore Sydney to Norfolk Island services when it is appropriate to do so.