Conserving and protecting Norfolk Island’s outstanding beauty, diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity is a key priority for the Australian Government, with the roll-out of the Norfolk Island Pest and Disease Survey showing our practical commitment to the long-term biosecurity and sustainability of Norfolk Island.
The new, targeted Pest and Disease Survey builds upon the Norfolk Island Quarantine Survey that was carried out during 2012 to 2014, which developed an important baseline of biosecurity information on Island.
Understanding biosecurity risks play a critical role in helping our community manage serious pests and diseases which could not only impact Norfolk Island’s natural environment but also our agriculture and tourism sectors.
The Survey will inform better biosecurity decisions to promote sustainable economic development for the Island, and help maintain Norfolk Island’s diverse ecosystem into the long-term.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications will work closely with the Norfolk Island community, with input from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, to ensure the new Pest and Disease Survey best meets the current and future needs of Norfolk.
Initial stages of the Survey will include a marine, bee and plant component. Specialist consultants will be appointed to carry out the survey components. Further details of each component will be provided as the work progresses.
The engagement and support of the Norfolk Island community is fundamental to the success of the survey, as no one understands the Island and its rich and diverse ecosystem better than its inhabitants. We look forward to your involvement, with information on the community consultation process to be released shortly.
Any enquiries about the Norfolk Island Pest and Disease Survey can be made to: office.administrator@infrastructure.gov.au
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
20 May 2021