A significant infrastructure
investment will see Norfolk
Island planted firmly on the
radar for cruise firms globally.
FEDERAL Minister for Regional Services,
Local Communities and Territories Catherine
King has joined with Federal Member for
Canberra Gai Brodtmann on Norfolk Island, off
Australia’s East Coast to unveil a $13m funding
package for the development of new facilities
to encourage cruise operators to visit.
Two jetties on the island will benefit from
the funding package, with Cascade Jetty and
Kingston Jetty upgraded to accommodate a
mobile crane for efficient passenger transfers,
with the latter also extended & strengthened.
The funds have been allocated as part of the
Federal Government’s Regional Development
Australia Fund, which was applied for by the
Norfolk Island Administration.
King heaped praise on the Administration,
saying the Government was determined to see
the island build its economy to achieve the
self-sustainability model it strives for.
“The infrastructure upgrade will provide
more certainty to the many Australians who
wish to visit this beautiful part of our country,
as well as to those on Norfolk Island whose
businesses rely on the tourists who come to
see the unique history, attractions and natural
sights that the Island has on offer,” King said.
Carnival Australia ceo Ann Sherry welcomed
the funding allocation, saying that previously,
a combination of factors, passenger transfers
being one of them, had contributed to Carnival
Australia sending its ships elsewhere.
“Our ships have missed more than 70% of
scheduled calls to Norfolk Island in recent
years due to the combined effect of prevailing
weather and the operating limitations of
normal cruise ship tenders,” Sherry said.
In an effort to improve the accessibility at
Norfolk Island, Carnival Australia last year
funded the design of special tender boats
designed to handle the often treacherous
conditions experienced near the island’s ports.
Sherry added that the new Government
funds would enable the construction of these
special tenders, which would be operated by
certified locals trained in their use.
She added that Norfolk Island will receive a
major economic boost from more frequent
cruise ship visits, and that the announcement
could see Carnival ships visiting more often.
“A successful cruise industry could deliver
thousands of tourists a year to the island and
add millions of dollars in economic value to
the community,” Sherry added.
