The Australian Government wants to hear from the Norfolk Island community on options for the long-term management and infrastructure of Norfolk Island ports, with the next stage of consultations set to commence.
The Norfolk Island Ports Management Strategy is being developed by Grosvenor Performance Group (Grosvenor) and Consult Marine to ensure reliable and safe port operations are identified to support the economic wellbeing and sustainability of the Norfolk Island community.
Extensive consultation and research activities have already occurred over the past year, drawing on the expertise and knowledge of the Norfolk Island community and best practice. The Ports Management Strategy has broadened its original focus on Cascade and Kingston Ports to explore all options available for sustainable sea freight solutions, infrastructure and operational requirements.
All options identified by Grosvenor and Consult Marine will be provided to the community and stakeholders for their consideration and feedback in the upcoming round of engagement. These consultations will also ensure that all options have been captured for consideration.
A community engagement plan has been developed, in line with the Community Engagement Framework principles and a fact sheet on the project can be found on the Department's website at www.regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/norfolk_island_projects/port_management_strategy.aspx
COVID-safe consultation will commence in the week of October 5, with stakeholders being invited to provide feedback and complete a questionnaire. In addition to the questionnaire, the freight working group will be provided an opportunity to review the option paper in a face-to-face meeting with my office. Dependent on travel restrictions, on-island consultations will occur at a later date. There will be a second stage of sessions later in the year, at which the options for future management will be tested with the community.
Project documents will be available on the Department's webpage as the project progresses. In addition, Grosvenor has set up a dedicated email address, which can be used to communicate with the project team. If you would like to have your say regarding options identified as part of the Norfolk Island Ports Management Strategy, please contact Grosvenor at the following email address: NIPortsProject@grosvenorpg.com.au or forward your submissions to my office.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
24 September 2020