The Australian Government wants to hear from the Norfolk Island community on options for the long-term management and infrastructure of Norfolk Island ports, with the next stage of consultations set to commence.

The Norfolk Island Ports Management Strategy is being developed by Grosvenor Performance Group (Grosvenor) and Consult Marine to ensure reliable and safe port operations are identified to support the economic wellbeing and sustainability of the Norfolk Island community.

I am pleased to advise the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the Department) has extended the air freight service contract with TOLL until 30 September 2020.

This will see a TOLL air freight service flight arrive on Norfolk Island, on average, every 14 days.

Air New Zealand is also continuing to deliver passenger and air freight services, underwritten by the Australian Government, to Norfolk Island.

Kingston Pier Channel Construction project consultants, Advisian, will be on Norfolk Island from 17 to 21 February to meet with regular users of Kingston Pier and begin new technical investigations to inform designs to deepen and widen the channel.

Advisian has been engaged by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the Department) as the design services contractor for the project which aims to improve safety and access for users, and ensure it meets required navigation standards.

In recognition of Norfolk Island's ongoing vulnerability to the risks posed by COVID-19, the emergency declaration and travel ban currently in place will be extended until the end of June.

Extending the declaration now gives a level of certainty to community members, businesses and potential visitors to the island, to support their planning.

Norfolk Island currently has no known cases of COVID-19.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories

I recently returned from my first trip to Canberra of 2020, where I met with our Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino, to discuss and progress a number of important matters.

Community consultation on the long-term shared vision for Norfolk Island will begin next week with an Island-wide survey, followed by on-Island community and stakeholder consultation.

Last month, after discussions with our Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino, in Canberra, I announced the development of a community-led Strategic Plan for Norfolk Island, to identify agreed community priorities for the Island's future.

Last week marked 10 years since the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Norfolk Island's Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) is one of the 11 historic sites that together form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property, inscribed on 31 July 2010.

Collectively, these places tell a story of exile from one side of the world to the other and how a nation was formed from hardship, inequality and adversity.