The Australian Government is continuing to progress works at the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA), to preserve heritage and improve community safety and experience.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the department) will shortly commence relocating existing timber barriers at Munna's to better protect the remains of buildings and create a more defined parking area.
New timber vehicle barriers will also be installed at Slaughter Bay, adjacent to the former Blacksmith's compound. These barriers will help to protect the remains of several buildings from the second penal settlement that were later lived in by Pitcairn settler families, help to remove the pressure of bus and car traffic and complement the recently installed picnic benches which have been generously provided by the Norfolk Island Board Riders Association.
This is another practical project which is being implemented based on the KAVHA Cultural Landscape Management Plan, and the associated community consultation with Norfolk Island residents.
Work to restore the structure of the Sirius Museum is also continuing in partnership with the Norfolk Island Regional Council. The Council's KAVHA works crew has been supported with additional funding from the department to help manage long-standing problems of damp and salt-attack. You will see render being removed from the building's exterior as part of these works.
Over coming months Council staff will be using traditional trade skills to reinstate the lime-rich renders which were historically used in Kingston, and which are now being made on island for the first time in several decades.
The restoration of the Settlement Guard House near the pier is also progressing. The KAVHA works crew is removing internal renders and plasters to expose the structure for selective repair. They are also removing synthetic paints from the exterior and improving ventilation to reduce damage to the building.
Anyone with questions or wanting to discuss the works should contact Martin Purslow on 23115.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
2 April 2020