11 August 2020

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is working closely with the Jervis Bay Emergency Management Committee (EMC) to protect the local community and manage risk, following the detection of two now-confirmed COVID-19 cases from interstate who transited Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) at the weekend.

New South Wales (NSW) Health is managing this investigation given its links to locations in NSW.

Senversa will return to Norfolk Island this week as part of the ongoing response to the detection of elevated per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in the Mission Creek catchment area.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications’ environmental investigation being undertaken by Senversa is assessing the nature and extent of PFAS in the environment and potential exposure pathways for people and the environment.

As a holder of a licence under the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 (the Act) you have declared that you will comply with the requirements of the Act. Compliance with the Act is vital to ensuring safe, secure and efficient coastal shipping as part of Australia's national transport system.

On 22 April, a Public Health Emergency Declaration was made for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT).

A Public Health Emergency Direction was issued under this Declaration. The Direction will assist Emergency Services and other local authorities supporting the JBT to manage the spread of COVID-19, with the health and wellbeing of the JBT community being the first priority.

This Direction will continue until the Public Health Emergency Declaration ends, unless it is revoked earlier.

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 the period 25 March 2020 to 23 April 2020, to 24 April to 23 May 2020 as part of the ongoing response to the evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation.

This has been done to protect and best support the JBT, with the health and wellbeing of the community being the first priority.

As at 7 May 2020, there were no known cases of COVID-19 in the JBT.

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

Work is underway to improve the operation of traffic laws in Norfolk Island to provide a safer environment for drivers, passengers and bystanders.

Thank you to everyone that has welcomed me to the island and taken the time to share your tremendous knowledge about the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) and Norfolk Island’s history, as well as your ideas for the area’s future. I’m incredibly honoured to be working at such a truly unique heritage site, and look forward to working with the community to conserve and enhance KAVHA for future generations.