Have your say on shipping needs for Norfolk Island

The Australian Government is seeking the Norfolk Island community’s views on its long-term, sustainable shipping requirements, with a Have Your Say process launching on 11 October 2022.

This written submission process will inform the community forum on shipping which I will lead on my return to Norfolk Island on 14 November 2022.

The continued availability of sea freight services to Norfolk Island is a key priority for me and the Australian Government.

The success of future long-term shipping initiatives and Government support for sustainable solutions depends on them being informed by the needs, knowledge and experience of the community.

This is an important opportunity to share the expertise in shipping and freight which Norfolk Islanders have and outline what is important to you in freight services.

Submissions will be reviewed by my Department and information from them provided to me ahead of the community shipping forum, to guide our open dialogue.

A summary of the issues raised by the Norfolk Island community, including from the Have Your Say process and the community forum, will then be published later this year.

These engagement initiatives are in line with my commitment to you that the Government and my Department would work more closely with Norfolk Island community members on shipping solutions.

• While this open communication on long-term solutions is ongoing, the Australian Government-subsidised barge service will commence next month from Brisbane to Norfolk Island over the peak tourist period. This is a short-term measure to help address the immediate shortages you are experiencing, and support businesses and the community through summer and high visitor numbers.

• Have Your Say submissions on shipping and freight open on Tuesday, 11 October 2022 and can be made until Tuesday, 8 November 2022. Further information on what we’d like to hear from you and the submission process is available at https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/norfolk-island-long-term-shipping-needs

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the community forum in November.