I would like to wish everyone across the Indian Ocean Territories a happy and peaceful holiday season.
For many of us, this is a chance to be with family and friends, and to rest and reset.
It is also a time to look back at everything we have achieved over the last year, before turning the page to the new year.
The Indian Ocean Territories are a remote tropical paradise, but are also uniquely placed on the frontline of extreme weather events and climate change.
The impacts of which we have witnessed on both Cocos and Christmas Islands this year - with climate change a present and real issue that the Australian Government is committed to planning for now and into the future.
As part of this, I recently announced our $23.3 million investment in to improve emergency preparedness and community safety on Cocos, while planning for the next steps.
While sea walls and cyclone shelters are extended and improved, 2025 will also see the finalisation of the Coastal Hazards Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) for Cocos, supporting us to develop the pathway for a long-term response.
It is fitting that 2024 marks 40 years since self-determination, when 88 per cent of Cocos residents voted overwhelmingly for integration with Australia.
It is with this spirit of partnership that we are planning the way forward for the Cocos Islands together - with planning for the future a key theme throughout our Territories in 2024.
The Christmas Island Economic Future Working Group is an important initiative to support the Island's future sustainability.
Coming from a small community myself, I understand the importance of local perspectives informing local solutions - and I recognise this group's passion and commitment to building a more sustainable future for your region.
We have seen private enterprise seizing the opportunities your communities can deliver, with Google's recent announcement that they will be connecting Christmas Island to Darwin by subsea cable boosting digital resilience and connectivity.
Targeted infrastructure investment is part of the Australian Government's commitment to building strong regional communities.
Key highlights include the progress made on replacing the tower crane at the Christmas Island wharf, with our Government committing $10 million towards this critical project.
We have also moved forward on the rockfall and landslide mitigation program for Flying Fish Cove, with Palladium Group appointed to deliver the next stage of the project.
The safety and wellbeing of the community is our Government's highest priority, which is why we are making sure we are getting this vital program right.
We are tailoring our procurement approach to ensure the designed solution is fit-for-purpose, and will meet the current and future needs of the community.
I look forward to seeing the works commence in the second half of next year.
I ask that you all keep your safety, and that of your friends and family, front of mind during this wet season and make sure you have emergency plans in place.
The ongoing delivery of essential and community services is critical to the remote communities of the IOT, which is why I would also like to thank the West Australian Government for their strong partnership with us, and for their ongoing commitment to servicing Christmas and Cocos Islands.
I look forward to continuing to work with you, your Federal Member Marion Scrymgour, and Indian Ocean Territories Administrator Farzian Zainal to progress your priorities in 2025.
But before we get cracking on next year, let us enjoy what remains of 2024, and from my family to yours, I wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
