As another busy year draws to a close, I want to thank you for your shared commitment to building a more sustainable pathway forward for Norfolk Island.
Across the community, you have continued to display the passion and determination on which Norfolk Island prides itself.
This year has seen a number of significant milestones reached, where decisions have been made, and a blueprint for the years ahead designed.
The biggest achievement is the new bespoke local governance model for Norfolk Island - the design of which reflected feedback from the community.
Thank you to everyone - including the Norfolk Island Governance Committee, and community members who made submissions to this important process, which will restore local democracy on-island.
The next step in the implementation of this bespoke model of governance is designing the financial structure and integrity framework, followed by development of draft legislation - with the community to be kept updated as this work progresses.
There will also be ongoing work on the transition with the Norfolk Island Regional Council throughout 2025, under its new leadership team of Scott Mason as Lead Administrator, and Gary Mottau as Financial Administrator - with their expertise to underpin the success of this important process.
While the future governance of Norfolk Island was the focus for 2024, we made significant achievements in infrastructure and service delivery.
I would like to particularly acknowledge the hard work of the Noroflk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) staff, and congratulate them on the accreditation of NIHRACS against the National and Quality Health Service Standards.
They were supported in this achievement by Queensland's Metro North Hospital and Health Service, as part of the Queensland Government's commitment to the delivery of high-quality state services to Norfolk Island, tailored to local needs.
As a former Mayor of a regional community, I understand the importance of access to services, and the impact geography can play in determining the choices and career options we have.
I was pleased to see that over the past financial year, our partnership with the Queensland Government supported 21 apprenticeships and traineeships, including both on-campus and online - helping Norfolk Islanders to build their future.
Laying the foundations for Norfolk's future is something we take seriously, which is why we've continued to make targeted and strategic investments in local priority projects.
The Government has supported improved water quality in Kingston, through the ongoing project to replace and upgrade the sewer system - with stage one already delivered.
Norfolk Island's connectivity has also been strengthened through upgrades to satellite internet, to support Norfolk Island Central School and NIHRACS, as well as the broader community.
We know there is more to do in 2025, which is why your Federal Member, David Smith and I will continue working with the Norfolk Administrator, George Plant and the community to progress shared priorities for Norfolk's future.
Once again, thank you all for a busy and productive year.
I wish you a safe and happy holiday season, and a wonderful New Year.
