NEXT MILESTONE FOR NEW NORFOLK ISLAND AGED CARE FACILITY

The Norfolk Island Residential Aged Care facility project has reached an important milestone, with the Australian Government referring the project to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works

The referral marks the next step towards delivering this important community facility.

The committee referral provides another opportunity for Norfolk Island residents to have their say on the project. Community members can make submissions on the proposal, its design and how the facility can best meet the needs of older residents, their families and the broader community.

Residents can also view the latest designs and artist impressions to see how the proposed facility is taking shape, now the project has reached the 50 per cent design stage.

Reeves International Pty Ltd, an experienced contractor with expertise in remote and regional infrastructure projects, continues to work closely with Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) and local health stakeholders to ensure the facility reflects the needs and priorities of the Norfolk Island community.

The new 16-bed residential aged care facility will help more older residents remain on Norfolk Island as they age, surrounded by their families, friends and community connections. Located on the existing NIHRACS site, the facility will increase local aged care capacity and strengthen the island's broader health and aged care services.

The project represents an important step towards strengthening aged care services on Norfolk Island, helping ensure older residents can access quality care close to home and remain connected to the community they know and love.

The project will continue to progress through parliamentary and building approval processes, with further updates provided as key milestones are reached.

Community members are encouraged to have their say on the proposal through the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works inquiry portal. Submissions are open until 1 October 2026 and can be made online via the inquiry webpage: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Public_Works/DITRDCSANorfolkAgedCare

Alternatively, submissions can be sent directly to the Committee Secretariat:

Committee Secretary

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works

PO Box 6021

Parliament House

Canberra ACT 2600

Further information on the project, including design imagery, is available at Norfolk Island Residential Aged Care Facility | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain:

"This is an important milestone for the project and another opportunity for the Norfolk Island community to help shape the future of aged care on the island.

"I am pleased to share updated designs that show how the facility is progressing and to see the project move to the next stage through the Public Works Committee process.

"The Albanese Government is committed to delivering aged care services that support older Norfolk Islanders to remain connected to their community while receiving the care they need."

Quotes attributable to the Member for Bean, David Smith:

"Community input has been central to this project from the beginning, and the Public Works Committee process provides another opportunity for residents to contribute their knowledge and perspectives.

"This facility will help ensure older Norfolk Islanders can access high-quality care closer to home."