The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts continues to deliver a range of infrastructure, heritage, environmental and community projects across the Island.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts continues to deliver a range of infrastructure, heritage, environmental and community projects across the Island. The following update provides an overview of current and upcoming activities being undertaken by the Department and its contractors.
At NIHRACS, the new laundry facility project represents an important investment in community health and infrastructure on Norfolk Island. The facility supports reliable and safe support services for NIHRACS and the community it cares for. Work is also continuing to return NIHRACS's backup generator to full working order, following repairs undertaken by Norfolk Electricity and J.E. Electrical. Further measures are being progressed to improve system reliability and strengthen maintenance practices, helping to support the continuity of essential health services.
Efforts to support Norfolk Island's long-term water security are progressing through works associated with the Teeny Menzies Well, with trenching works being finalised. Initially, the well will supply the new hospital laundry and provide a backup water source for NIHRACS, improving resilience and supporting essential health services. Maintaining and enhancing water infrastructure remains a key priority in strengthening the Island's long-term sustainability and service reliability. There has been progress on the Mawson Units project. Design development is being finalised and includes a purpose-built fire-rated server room to enhance the protection and resilience of critical ICT infrastructure within the facility.
Several projects at Norfolk Island Central School continue to support facilities for students, staff and the wider school community. Following the discovery of a small amount of asbestos-containing material at the school site, appropriate assessment and remediation activities were undertaken immediately to ensure the continued safety of students, staff and the broader community. The affected soil has been remediated, and the affected classrooms have undergone professional decontamination and cleaning. Following an independent assessment by a licensed occupational hygienist, a final clearance report was issued confirming that the classrooms were safe for students and staff to reoccupy.
Work is also continuing across the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA), with a range of projects supporting the conservation, maintenance and enhancement of one of Norfolk Island's most significant heritage precincts.
As part of the Department's ongoing maintenance and asset management program, remediation works are also planned for No. 8 Quality Row to support the preservation and longevity of this important residence while ensuring it remains suitable for future use. Community members may notice increased activity in the areas as works commence.
The contract for the project has been executed, and re-roofing works are scheduled to commence in the coming weeks. The contractor will remove the existing roof tiles and battens and install new Belgian roof tiles, battens, and Enviroseal insulation as part of the roof replacement works. Remedial works will also be carried out to the laundry roof to address existing water ingress issues, and new lead flashing will be installed to both existing chimneys. As part of the project scope, asbestos-containing materials within the veranda ceiling space will be safely removed. The front veranda will also undergo refurbishment, including the replacement of existing timber columns and the removal and reinstatement of a small section of concrete.
With the approach of the dry season construction works on the Bounty Street Bridge project are scheduled to commence, in line with environmental approvals.
The Department thanks the Norfolk Island community for its ongoing support, patience and engagement as these projects progress.
