The Australian Government will provide the Norfolk Island community with $210,000 for critical infrastructure to boost the genetic diversity and sustainability of local ruminant livestock.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the funding to the Norfolk Island Cattle Association would provide for a liquid nitrogen plant, generator, portable cattle crush and portable yard fencing to support artificial reproduction for ruminants.

The Australian Government is commencing a capital works project to improve public safety at Longridge Barracks Arches.

The project will also preserve this important heritage structure for the community.

The Longridge Barracks Arches ruins has a lean of up to 200mm to the south and is unrestrained at the rear. Independent safety reports have found that this presents an unacceptable risk of structure collapse in the event of an earthquake.

With the three new passenger transfer vessels now on Island, the Australian Government is keeping the community informed on progress of the planned works to widen Cascade Road for movement of these vessels.

The Department previously advised that roadworks along Cascade Road (which will extend from the upper carpark area at Cascade Pier to the corner beyond the Youngs Road intersection of Cascade Road), would commence at the end of July 2019. 

The three passenger transfer vessels are set to arrive on Norfolk Island following the completion of successful sea trials and their departure from Port Macquarie on 21 July.

The vessels, which can hold up to 90 people each, will be used to transfer cruise ship passengers from ship to shore. They are anticipated to arrive on a barge towed by a tug on 27 July, depending on weather and sea conditions, in readiness for the cruise ship season.

I am pleased to let you know that Ian Lean, Managing Director of Scibus, will be on Island next week from Monday, 25 February 2019. This visit has been arranged in response to meetings held with Assistant Minister Sussan Ley when she visited the island in November last year. Scibus is undertaking a study on artificial insemination on ruminant livestock, focusing on cattle, goats and sheep.

The Australian Government is committed to engaging with the Norfolk Island community on the delivery of health and aged care services and is preparing for further consultations on the Health Service Plan for Norfolk Island.

In an exciting opportunity to showcase Norfolk Island and the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA), an Australian production company will next week capture drone footage of the site for an audio-visual display at Hyde Park Barracks in Sydney.

The small team of three producers from audio visual company Collider will be filming from 20 to 22 September 2019, for a permanent display which will be part of the $18 million refurbishment of the Barracks.

Over coming weeks, lighting will be switched off within the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) to coincide with seabird breeding season.

The Department of Environment advises that artificial light can disrupt critical behaviours in wildlife, stalling the recovery of threatened species and interfering with migratory species’ ability to undertake long distance migrations integral to their life cycle.

I look forward to welcoming Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino MP, on her first visit to Norfolk Island.

The Assistant Minister will be on island from 7-10 December.

During her visit, the Assistant Minister will meet with a wide range of stakeholders and community members including the Mayor, Norfolk Island Regional Council, Council of Elders, young leaders, tourism operators and business owners. The Assistant Minister is also looking forward to meeting with emergency and rescue service volunteers.