Number: A31/2020
Date: 23 July 2020
All Christmas Islanders are being asked to provide their feedback on a draft staged plan of our community vision for the future of Flying Fish Cove.
In the Our Christmas Island, 2030 Strategic Plan, the community recognised the importance of the Cove for industry, recreation, and tourism, and recommended a long-term vision be developed to ensure facilities better support its variety of uses.
Following initial community engagement sessions in February, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the department) and its consultants Manteena and Oxigen, in consultation with my office, have now developed the draft Flying Fish Cove Landscape Master Plan, outlining planned improvements on public land from the roundabout area to the end of the boat ramp carpark.
The feedback you provided in February has been invaluable to shape this draft master plan, and I look forward to your further views to help us progress to a final design, and an approved program of works for the first few years.
Public display boards with explanations in English, Mandarin and Malay can be found at the Indian Ocean Territories Administration building (my office), out the front of the Harbour Master's office, at Christmas Island District High School and Poon Saan Coffee Shop. A short video explaining the design intent behind the plan will also be available—details available on the display boards.
There are a number of ways you can comment on the Plan, including:
- Completing an online feedback form—access by scanning the codes on the signs
- Requesting a hard copy of the plan and feedback form from my office and returning it there
- Participating in future small group consultation sessions targeting key user groups of Flying Fish Cove (more information will be provided soon, and sessions will be conducted in line with COVID safety restrictions and requirements).
With your input, we are confident that together we can improve Flying Fish Cove, increase its usability for all groups on Christmas Island, while also benefiting tourism, building community spirit and enhancing the beauty of our home.
The final Flying Fish Cove Landscape Master Plan will be delivered using a staged approach over a number of years, subject to future Government funding processes.
Natasha Griggs
Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands