Update on NI Multipurpose Health Service alternative site selection process

Following extensive community consultation on potential alternative sites for the new Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) Multipurpose Health Service (MPS) facility, a decision has been made to progress design options on two of the sites.

These sites are the current Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) site, using the village layout design for the residential aged care facilities, and Lot 44A, the vacant land adjacent to the Norfolk Island Central School (NICS).

After collating all the important feedback you provided to the project team when they were on island in July, consultants KPMG undertook analysis of the site options presented to the community and determined these two locations would best serve the community moving forward.

The analysis was based on community input and assessment against a range of criteria including the ability of each site to deliver an appropriate level of safe and quality healthcare, guided by the 2019 Health Service Plan, the extent to which each site supports the best and highest use of assets, the costs to build on each site and community culture considerations.

The village layout for the existing NIHRACS site was determined to be more appropriate than the integrated residential aged care design which was originally proposed and also reflected community feedback.

The vacant land adjacent to the NICS has the largest footprint of all options and would provide enough room for additional community facilities, including the multi-use emergency shelter, if that site is confirmed as the preferred location for that facility.

The two preferred sites will now progress to a detailed business case, for consideration by the Australian Government as part of the budget approvals process.

As we have said before, it is critical that Government considers the strongest case for a new MPS for Norfolk Island, as the proposal will be considered against other competing priorities. We are also seeking to deliver a new facility on Island in the shortest practical timeframes.

I would like to once again take this opportunity to thank you all for engaging with the project team. If you have any questions, please contact my office at office.administrator@infrastructure.gov.au.

Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
23 September 2021