The Australian Government provides regular updates to the community on the development and progress of programs and services for Norfolk Island.

The Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities has been working with other agencies to progress the extension of further pieces of Commonwealth legislation to Norfolk Island. The main changes are:

13 August 2020

The independent audit of the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) has now commenced, with service providers engaged and consultations commencing next week.

The elected members of NIRC requested the independent governance and financial audit of NIRC operations to be undertaken prior to the upcoming Council elections. 

The terms of reference were agreed by the councillors at an extraordinary meeting. At the request of Council, the service providers have been engaged by the department.

3 September 2020

The Australian Government continues to respond to the detection of elevated levels of per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) related to the historical use of firefighting foam at the Norfolk Island International Airport, progressing the detailed environmental investigation and implementing a number of other measures.

The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 11 June 2020, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

By doing this, the JBT community will continue to be protected and supported during this time, with the health and wellbeing of the community the first priority.

As at 11 June 2020, there were no known cases of COVID-19 in the JBT.

A series of improvements to the Kingston and Arthur's Vale World Heritage Area (KAVHA) are being delivered this autumn. Readers might have noticed the new steps to Slaughter Bay beach and two new timber pedestrian bridges over the creek nearby. The barbeque in this area is also currently being restored and more improvements will follow. Upgrades are planned for Slaughter Bay toilets from June and for the two Emily Bay toilets and changing facilities to improve the standard of beach facilities at Kingston.

The Australian Government provides regular updates to the community on the development and progress of programs and services for Norfolk Island.

The Australian Government is asking the Norfolk community to have a say on proposed changes to the law dealing with Norfolk Island Regional Council elections.

To get ready for the council election, due to take place in September 2020, there needs to be a number of changes to the law to make sure it is fit for purpose.

The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino MP, has declared a State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory for the period 3 January until 10 January 2020.

This follows the New South Wales Premier, the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP, declaring a State of Emergency from 3 January. This declaration was made ahead of worsening fire conditions predicted for NSW this week, on the advice of the NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner.

The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 11 February 2021, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By doing this, the JBT community will continue to be protected and supported during this time, with the health and wellbeing of the community the first priority.
As at 15 February 2021, there were no known cases of COVID-19 in the JBT.

Recent sampling has detected elevated levels of PFAS in groundwater at three locations on public land in the Mission Creek catchment adjacent to Norfolk Island International Airport.

The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino MP, has declared a State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory for the period 19 December 2019 to 26 December 2019.

This follows the NSW Premier, the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP, declaring a State of Emergency from this morning, lasting for a period of seven days. This declaration was made ahead of worsening fire conditions predicted for NSW this week, on the advice of the NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner.