The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is continuing to deliver a range of projects across Norfolk Island to improve community facilities, safeguard important heritage assets and support the Island's long-term environmental and infrastructure needs.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is continuing to deliver a range of projects across Norfolk Island to improve community facilities, safeguard important heritage assets and support the Island's long-term environmental and infrastructure needs.
At the Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service, the new laundry facility is nearing completion. The Department is overseeing final works required to achieve certification and standards, with the project expected to be ready for final certification shortly. This important, long-running project has been progressing since 2023 and will provide a modern laundry facility to support the delivery of health and aged care services on Norfolk Island. Supporting works for connection of the Teeny Menzies Well also continue as part of long-term planning for water supply. Progress is also being made on the Mawson Units program, with early service and strip-out works completed and planning underway for future stages.
At Norfolk Island Central School, work has commenced on the staff car park, which will help improve access and traffic management for students, staff and visitors. Building approval has also been granted for the school bus shed extension, enabling the project to move forward. The Department recently met with stakeholders and community members to discuss opportunities to improve safety during school pick-up and drop-off periods on Cascade Road. A follow-up meeting will be held after completion of the car park works to review outcomes and identify any further improvements.
Following recent strong winds, a large Norfolk Island pine on Quality Row came down on the road and needed to be removed to ensure safety and minimise hazards. The tree had previously been struck by lightning and was subsequently assessed as a safety risk.
Environmental management activities continue across the Island. At Watermill Dam in the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA), work is ongoing to manage water hyacinth and improve waterway health. Recent testing found no detectable PFAS in complete water hyacinth plant samples, supporting consideration of future reuse options. At Selwyn Reserve, boundary fencing is nearing completion, while weed management programs continue to protect the reserve's environmental values. Reuse of removed aquatic vegetation from KAVHA is supporting soil improvement and weed suppression.
Preparations are also progressing for the Bounty Street Bridge project. The project delivery group is focused on technical planning, environmental safeguards and heritage requirements ahead of the approved dry-season construction period.
In addition, the Department is working closely with partner agencies to support avian influenza preparedness on Norfolk Island through updated signage and community information and guidance.
The Department thanks the Norfolk Island community for its ongoing support, patience and engagement as these important projects continue to progress.
