Norfolk Island Royal Commission 1976

"Nonetheless, it is equally true that to contemplate a situation where not a single freehold in Norfolk Island is held by a Pitcairn descendant would be to view an Island stripped of a vital part of its character. Norfolk Island and Pitcairn’s Island together occupy a special place in history, and it would be a loss to the world not to encourage the preservation of the genuine and unique character of Norfolk. It is important that agricultural blocks of land be retained in large numbers in Norfolk, and it is felt that Pitcairn descendants should be encouraged to retain their holdings within their families. Necessity or cupidity may cause them to diminish further their holdings but if this happens, it should be in the face of government encouragement to the contrary and not due in part to government apathy.

In the past, approximately 1700 acres have been set aside as reserves in the Island (excluding Philip and Nepean Islands which are wholly reserves). This makes a significant contribution to ensuring the Island retains an essentially rural character. However, it is regrettable that a reserve around the entire Island to protect the foreshore has not been established. This situation should be corrected and the Commission recommends that the Commonwealth Government complete the reservation of a coastal strip (not less than one hundred metres from the edge of any cliffor 150 metres from the high water mark of the shore, whichever is the greater) around the entire Island."