Governance in Changing Democracy: achieving better outcomes

Dr Steven Kennedy PSM

I would like to acknowledge the Ngunnawal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we meet. I would also like to pay respect to the Elders of the Ngunnawal people - past, present and emerging - and extend that respect to any other Indigenous Australians who are with us today.

The first stage of the preliminary site investigations on Norfolk Island following the detection of elevated per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in the Mission Creek catchment area will conclude tomorrow.

Publication and notification of applications, and CTLS automated emails.

The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has updated its processes to more closely align with its obligations under the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 (the Act).

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

As part of the Australian Government's ongoing commitment to keeping the Norfolk Island community informed about education transition matters, departmental officers returned to the Island again this week to meet with the NICS staff and school community.

Anyone who is planning to visit the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) this January long-weekend must follow the current Public Health Directions for the Territory, unless exempt:

Nominations remain open until 27 February for the 2015 National Awards for Local Government, which aim to recognise the sector's vital role in serving Australian communities.

The Awards are an annual celebration of local governments" achievements in delivering targeted, quality services to Australians in urban and regional communities.

Particular priority will be given to projects that make a meaningful difference to communities and that have the potential to be rolled out on a national scale.

In response to water scarcity and drought conditions on Norfolk Island, the Australian Government is working with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to provide a short-term alternative water source for the community in coming days.

An Army water purification and desalination system, capable of producing 100,000L of drinking water per day from sea water, will arrive on the island tomorrow (Friday, 7 February), as soon as the ADF can arrange its transport.

Senversa and the expert team are returning to Norfolk Island on 8 March 2021 to update the community on the results of the first step of the detailed environmental investigation into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels related to the historical use of firefighting foam at the Norfolk Island International Airport.

After delays due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Senversa and the expert PFAS team will brief a range of stakeholders and host community walk-in sessions on the Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) report.