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Keeping the Community Informed - Sussan Ley

Dear residents

I am looking forward to visiting the Island which I can now confirm will be from 12-16 November 2018. My trip will include a visit to key tourism destinations, including the Norfolk Island National Park and the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA). I know that KAVHA is a massive drawcard for national and international tourism, and that many tourists say that this is the main reason they become interested in visiting Norfolk. I would like to hear more about the community involvement and collaborative partnerships that have a positive impact on the sustainability of KAVHA going forward.

In good news for tourism, the custom-built passenger transfer vessels are on track to be delivered to Norfolk Island in mid-2019 in readiness for the 2019-20 cruise ship season. The vessels will be used to transfer passengers from the ships to the pier at either Cascade or Kingston. This will mean that cruise ships don’t need to use their own boats and should increase the numbers of cruise ship passengers that can visit Norfolk Island.

The first of the three vessels is nearing completion, with sea trials happening in the coming weeks. Design is also underway for the modifications to the roads which are necessary for the safe movement of the vessels to and from Cascade Pier.

I am disappointed to hear that the Pacific Explorer was not able to disembark passengers onto the Island last week. Cruise ship visits are a huge economic opportunity for the community and a fantastic time to showcase the local heritage and culture. I hope the new passenger transport vessels may assist with more frequent visits from cruise ship passengers.

I understand there are several projects that are likely to start in the Kingston area in the coming months. Some of these focus on improving the appeal of KAVHA to tourists.

Across the road from the golf club, a damaged roof of the duplex will be replaced, using Norfolk pine shingles. This is a great opportunity to showcase the traditional trades of Norfolk Island.

Preparations are underway to improve access to the disabled toilets near Slaughter Bay, which will improve the visitor experience to KAVHA.

A project aimed at replacing old and poorly functioning sewage transfer and storage infrastructure in Kingston will also commence soon. This project will improve the quality of water flowing into Emily Bay, helping protect the health of residents and tourists who swim in the area. The reduction in pollution will also help protect the environment in the Norfolk Island Marine Reserve.

The retaining wall at Cemetery Bay will also be rehabilitated, using timber and other materials that are similar to the existing structure.

Don’t forget that Round 3 of the Building Better Regions Fund closes for applications on 15 November 2018, and with $45 million earmarked for tourism-related ventures, I encourage Norfolk Island organisations to consider submitting an application. This funding opportunity has the potential to drive economic development, create local jobs and grow stronger partnerships across the community. I encourage interested applicants to speak with the Administrator about their application.

As always, I encourage you to contact the Administrator’s office should you have any questions or concerns, or a particular matter on which you would like an update.

Lastly, I am very pleased to be able to visit Norfolk Island next month. During this time I would like to meet as many people as I am able to. I will make time to meet with individual residents. Please contact Eric Hutchinson, the Administrator, if you would like to meet with me.

Sussan

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