We want to hear from you, the community, on the alternative site considerations for the new Norfolk Island Multipurpose Health Services (MPS) facility when consultations take place on island next week.
As I announced last month, as we move to the next stage of the MPS project, we are investigating potential alternative site options in addition to the current Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) site.
The consultant team from KPMG will be on island from 12 July 2021, to support myself and departmental staff in our consultations with stakeholders and the community on the alternative site considerations. Many of you will remember the team from previous consultations that focused on the Norfolk Island Health Services Plan and on the needs of a new health facility.
We are seeking community feedback on three potential sites, to identify the benefits and challenges for each location. The three shortlisted sites are:
- The current NIHRACS site
- The vacant land adjacent to the Norfolk Island Central School, Lot 44A
- A vacant parcel of land next to the Norfolk Island International Airport
This work may also highlight opportunities for the development of future community resources and precincts.
Engagement opportunities will include stakeholder and public meetings, as well as opportunities to provide written feedback to the team. Community drop-in sessions will take place on:
- Wednesday 14 July 2021, 9-11am, Whaler’s Conference Room, South Pacific Resort Hotel
- Wednesday 14 July 2021, 5-7pm Whaler’s Conference Room, South Pacific Resort Hotel
- Thursday 15 July 2021, 10am-12pm, Whaler’s Conference Room, South Pacific Resort Hotel
I encourage all interested community members to put forward your thoughts on this next step in this critically important project. We must work with you, the community, to put to Government the strongest case for a new MPS for Norfolk Island, which delivers a new facility in the shortest practical timeframes.
These consultations will feed into final site selection, supported by technical site information and logistical considerations. Progression to the construction stage is subject to Government budget and Parliamentary approval processes anticipated to commence in late 2021.
If you have any questions or feedback in relation to the project, including the alternative site investigations under way, please contact the Office of the Administrator by email: office.administrator@infrastructure.gov.au or phone 22152.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
8 July 2021