Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area Advisory Committee April 2024 Meeting Communiqué

The Advisory Committee for the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) met on 24 April 2024, in its first meeting of 2024, to discuss a range of issues relating to site management and future governance considerations.

The committee welcomed four newly appointed community members for their first committee meeting – Fiona Anderson, George Parsons, Helen Pedel and Simon Bigg. These members were appointed by the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts’ Norfolk Island Branch following an expression of interest process which was conducted in accordance with the committee’s terms of reference.

The new community members join Susan Prior in providing invaluable community input to the conservation and progress of the KAVHA site for the community and visitors, now and into the future.

Collectively, they bring knowledge on KAVHA land ownership, tourism, past and current KAVHA construction projects, KAVHA governance, understanding of reserves management, cattle management and recreational site users.

As well as the community representatives, the committee includes three expert members (Duncan Edward, Janet Carding and Dr Jane Harrington) and is chaired by the Administrator of Norfolk Island.

The committee reviewed tour packages designed for cruise ship passengers. Members’ well-reasoned feedback will support the department to continue to develop tourism offerings that both enhance the visitor experience and represent value for money.

With the increase in community representation on the committee, it considered how best to utilise the KAVHA Community Advisory Group (CAG) to both share and seek information from the community on the management and conservation of Kingston. Options for achieving these twin goals will be a key focus of the CAG’s next meeting which is currently being scheduled for the week commencing 20 May.

The committee discussed a range of immediate tree management issues in Kingston. It agreed that community engagement be undertaken on the small number of trees that are diseased or damaging heritage structures and require removal. More information will be provided on this in coming weeks.

The committee was provided with updates on completed projects from the museum manager, site manager of projects and capital projects. All agreed that the most recently completed projects are a compliment to the local tradesmen who delivered them.

The committee received feedback from the Norfolk Island Governance Committee on considerations relating to future governance of Kingston, as part of the NIGC’s broader work.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for August 2024.

For KAVHA site matters, contact Grant Anderson through the KAVHA secretariat on KAVHASecretariat@infrastructure.gov.au or on 23315.

For further information or discussion, please contact the Office of the Administrator (phone 22152 or email office.administrator@infrastructure.gov.au).

George Plant

Chair, Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area Advisory Committee