The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts continues to progress a broad program of community infrastructure works across Norfolk Island, with several projects approaching key milestones that will strengthen essential services, improve sa
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts continues to progress a broad program of community infrastructure works across Norfolk Island, with several projects approaching key milestones that will strengthen essential services, improve safety and accessibility, and support the island's long‑term resilience.
At Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS), works across multiple facilities are advancing to support reliable and fit‑for‑purpose health services for the community.
The new laundry facility is progressing well, with fit‑out works continuing despite minor weather delays to flue installation. Commissioning is scheduled for the first half of June. These upgrades will provide NIHRACS with more reliable, efficient and hygienic laundry services to support patient care.
In medical imaging, joinery is enroute to the island for installation in early June, and a replacement battery for the X‑ray unit is being arranged. Design work for the Teeny Menzies well is also advancing, to support the development of a secure, sustainable water source for the new laundry.
Strip‑out works for Units 1 and 2 of the Mawson Units are nearing completion, with design now close to finalisation and procurement under way. Additional works will be delivered next financial year to ensure the buildings remain safe and compliant for future use.
At Norfolk Island Central School, construction continues to progress well across priority projects that will improve safety, functionality and learning environments for students and staff. Structural works for the bus shed are well advanced, with slabs now complete and critical materials due to arrive in June to support the next phase of construction. Procurement for the staff car park is also moving forward, with the tender process completed and an award decision pending. These upgrades will support safer access, improved traffic flow and more reliable facilities for school operations. The new maintenance truck for Norfolk Island Central School is scheduled to arrive this month, supporting day‑to‑day upkeep of school facilities.
Structural repairs at the Norfolk Island Police Station are nearing completion, with painting to follow. At Selwyn Reserve, boundary fencing is now about 50 per cent complete and weed management remains ongoing to protect the reserve's environmental values.
Within the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA), water hyacinth removal is under way at the Watermill Dam to protect water quality and preserve the site's natural and cultural values. The removed hyacinth is not being taken to the waste management facility and is instead intended for beneficial reuse as mulch within Selwyn Reserve. Recent PFAS analysis of the hyacinth has returned extremely low concentrations, supporting its suitability for environmental reuse. As a further precaution, additional testing is being conducted for confirmation before the hyacinth is removed from site. Any reuse is guided by the relevant environmental requirements and best-practice principles.
All project timeframes remain subject to weather conditions and logistics. The Department remains committed to keeping the community informed and thanks residents, businesses and visitors for their continued cooperation and support as these projects progress, helping to strengthen services and infrastructure for Norfolk Island's future.
