1. What is the Critical Infrastructure Program?
The Program is being developed and delivered by the Lord Howe Island Board (the Board) and National Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) to address some of the most critical considerations to ensure a sustainable future for the Lord Howe Island community and its visitors. This includes:
- Servicing the Island with modern marine infrastructure that’s fit for the future
- Supporting the Island’s natural ecosystems and environment with appropriate biosecurity systems and infrastructure
- Sustainably managing, re-using and exporting waste generated on the Island.
The 2022/2023 and 2023/24 NSW budgets included significant funding for:
- Replacement of the waste management facility on Lord Howe Island
- Securing a new vessel, long-term marine freight service and marine infrastructure for the Island
- Biosecurity risk mitigation and control measures on Lord Howe Island and the mainland port.
This funding means that plans can be progressed for a replacement vessel and marine infrastructure, to ensure the community has a reliable marine freight service tailored to the needs of Lord Howe. Enhanced biosecurity measures will also be a feature of the new freight and logistics arrangements, to protect the Island’s environment and its economy, and to minimise the risk of disruption to freight services.
Feedback is now being sought from the community on conceptplans for the upgraded waste management facility, biosecurity and marine infrastructure, including the cargo laydown area which will support ongoing vessel operations.
2. Why do we need the Critical Infrastructure Program?
The Critical Infrastructure Program improvements and upgrades are providing essential infrastructure, to secure the Island’s future. The Program will include infrastructure projects that are critical to everyday life for Islanders, as well as to support its long-term future as a sustainable tourism destination.
Specific drivers include:
- The current marine freight vessel is at the end-of-life, and the service is critical to the Island’s community and visitor economy.
- Lord Howe Island is an internationally renowned tourist destination, notably for its World Heritage status and environment and ecology, which is recovering post several successful eradications. Improved biosecurity measures will protect the environment and the intrinsic values the community and economy depend on into the future.
- The Board is committed to the Critical Infrastructure Program, the ongoing care, control, and management of the affairs and trade of the Island, and the care and welfare of residents.
- Many businesses and residents of Lord Howe Island rely on the visitor economy. The Critical Infrastructure Program will support a resilient island community and visitor economy into the future.
3. What is the proposed timeline for planning and delivery of the Critical Infrastructure Program?
Investigations to firm up the Program details, along with preliminary works, commenced in early 2024. While some details need to be refined, the majority of works will be implemented over the next three years.
The Program is currently at the ‘Master Plan concept options’ stage of the planning process. Preliminary site investigations commenced earlier this year and have been used to develop a number of design concept plans. The concept plans were shared with the community in early December and can be viewed here.
The next steps for the Program will involve refinement of the preliminary design concept plans and preparation of a master plan. There will be a further opportunity to comment on the master plan as part of the public exhibition process for the Environmental Impact Assessment. Submissions relating to the Program will be addressed, prior to detailed design, and final approvals, before construction commences. We will notify the community ahead of any further site investigations or activities scheduled to be undertaken over the coming months. Some early works will commence in 2025, however main construction works are not planned to commence until early 2026. Works are anticipated to be ongoing for approximately 12-15 months, subject to the final design.
4. What is the dollar value of the Program?
The NSW Government has made a significant investment in the Critical Infrastructure Program for Lord Howe Island. The Program is funded to sustain a marine vessel and service, waste management facility and biosecurity infrastructure for the Island into the future.
Funding details are confidential at this important stage to ensure a competitive market-based process. For this reason, the Program figures will not be publicly released. Similarly, the budget for the replacement vessel is confidential and will not be made public in advance of a competitive tender process for the vessel.
5. What infrastructure is funded through the Critical Infrastructure Program (CIP)?
Funding for the Critical Infrastructure Program was the result of three business cases submitted to NSW Treasury for replacement of the Island’s waste management facility, marine infrastructure and biosecurity.
The marine infrastructure business case comprised three key components to secure the Island’s future freight service. This includes a freight transport vessel, a freight service operating model and Island based infrastructure. The Island based infrastructure considered the delivery of a new piled barge ramp, staging area for loading, unloading and sorting freight as well as related access roads.
A separate business case secured funding to replace Waste Management Facility infrastructure and equipment, including organics processing, materials recovery facility, chemical shed, community drop-off facilities and staff facilities.
In 2023, the Lord Howe Island Board secured funding through a biosecurity business case, that provided for ongoing operational costs and capital for infrastructure upgrades, particularly at the port of departure of the vessel. That infrastructure is being delivered through the Critical Infrastructure Program aligned with finalization of marine operations.
To support delivery of the Program we are undertaking master planning associated with all critical infrastructure and facilities, to ensure they work together in an integrated way, and reflect the unique landscape, heritage and character of the Island.
The master planning process is an opportunity to consider alternate and future options to ensure the best possible solutions for the Island’s community. It is important to note, however, that not all items shown in the North and South Zone master plans are funded by the Critical Infrastructure Program. As such these may be subject to future works and funding.
6. How will environmental and marine impacts be managed through the Program, particularly during construction of the new vessel infrastructure, waste management facility, and related access roads/upgrades?
The Project Team worked closely with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to establish the planning pathway as Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI). The CSSI process involves determining and obtaining all relevant planning and environmental approvals before construction can commence. Projects under the CSSI Program are subject to more stringent requirements than those under the Development Application process and will be designed and delivered with a view to minimize potential impacts to the natural environment including marine life.
Comprehensive flora and fauna surveys will be carried out on the island and in the surrounding lagoon to understand the baseline environment. These baseline conditions form the basis of environmental constraints informing the design as early as the conceptual stage. Following further detailed design and information regarding construction methodology, detailed assessments will be carried out to determine potential impacts and inform strategies to either avoid, minimize or mitigate those impacts.
The Project Team will continue to regularly engage with DPHI and other Government stakeholders in order to consider and minimize impacts. The Project Team will also maintain ongoing engagement with the community, via the Community Consultation Group, which meet bi-monthly. The team are available to respond to any concerns relating to environmental / marine impacts via the Program’s email address: [email protected].
7. What are the potential impacts for the community and businesses during the Program’s construction phase?
A staged approach will be taken to minimise impacts to the community and businesses. Redevelopment of the waste management facility and development of new marine infrastructure are subject to developing a full understanding of issues and opportunities, undertaking further site investigations and confirming constraints, opportunities and community feedback. Community feedback and the environment are important considerations being considered and used by the Project Team to inform the appropriate approach to delivering the Island’s critical infrastructure. For instance, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared that considers a wide range of issues such as noise, dust, broader environmental and social impacts. Community consultation is also a requirement of the EIS, providing members of the community with another opportunity to comment on the Program.
There may be a small increase in traffic periodically due to the importation and transport of building and construction materials. However, the Board and project team will make every effort to minimise disruptions and to notify the community in advance where possible. Environmental approvals will be sought around the new waste management facility and marine facilities, to ensure that this infrastructure minimises impact to the Island’s natural environment and Marine Park.
8. Will there be local employment opportunities resulting from the Program?
Yes, there may be opportunities for members of the Lord Howe Island workforce as part of the construction phase, subject to the competitive tender process. In addition, local employment opportunities associated with operation of the marine infrastructure (such as stevedoring and delivery of goods) will be determined and promoted through liaison with the Island’s community and businesses, in the first instance.
Roles associated with the waste management facility and biosecurity will be undertaken by the Lord Howe Island Board workforce and are not expected to increase.
9. Will there be costs for the community associated with the Program?
The NSW Government has provided significant funding to develop and deliver capital works associated with the Program. There is no intent to recover these costs, or the operational costs of biosecurity which are fully funded into the future.
Ongoing user fees and charges will continue to apply for marine freight and the waste management facility.
Marine Infrastructure and New Vessel
10. Why is the Marine Infrastructure no longer being planned in the South Zone? Why is the North Zone now preferred?
Extensive work has been undertaken to progress the Program since the consultations earlier this year. This includes site investigations, environmental, engineering and operational assessments which have identified a number of important considerations for the Program.
On the basis of the findings from the various investigations and studies, it has been determined that the initial proposal to locate marine infrastructure in the South Zone is not viable, for the following reasons:
- Physical requirements for the marine infrastructure which would mean a vessel ramp length of more than 170 metres, in order to achieve keel clearance for the new vessel in the shallow lagoon, resulting in a significantly greater cost than initially anticipated
- Visual impacts of a vessel ramp structure, at the above scale, on the lagoon environment
- Challenges associated with marine freight operations due to exposure to weather and wave conditions in the South Zone.
- Environmental impacts on the lagoon environment relating to the use of Erscotts Passage, for both construction of the marine infrastructure and ongoing operation of the marine freight service
- World Heritage and Marine Park considerations and constraints
- Community sentiment which indicated the majority of people who participated in the earlier consultations did not support establishment of marine infrastructure in the South Zone
- Challenges associated with obtaining environmental planning approvals due to the environmental and visual impacts, as noted above
11. How will the proposed cargo laydown area in the North Zone impact community access and use of the boat ramp?
As part of the concept design plans, the Project Team is considering options to maintain and improve access to and upgrade of the adjacent boat ramp. The team is also exploring opportunities to enable use of the cargo laydown area by the community and visitors, for a range of purposes, when it is not being used for vessel loading and unloading. We welcome your feedback on these proposed initiatives.
12. Who can bid for construction, operation and maintenance of the new vessel?
The tender for operation and maintenance of the new marine vessel and service has involved an open market Expression of Interest (EOI) process. The EOI process was advertised via the NSW eTendering website in July 2024. The EOI for New Marine Vessel (Package 1) and Marine Freight Operations (Package 2) has now concluded. Applicants to both packages have been notified of the outcome of the EOI process. Work on the Request for Tender (RFT) for the New Marine Vessel (Package 1) is currently underway. The RFT for the Marine Freight Operator (Package 2) will commence in 2026.
Waste Management Facility
13. Why does the existing waste management facility need to be upgraded?
The existing waste management facility requires urgent upgrades to be compliant with waste management standards and licence requirements and support ongoing needs of the Island. The Board will continue to liaise with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the community to ensure that the new waste management facility meets best practice standards and is fit for purpose.
14. How will vehicle movements and traffic associated with the new waste management facility be managed, to ensure easy access for residents, businesses and trucks?
Analysis of traffic flows and movements will be undertaken and used to inform traffic planning and design relating to the new infrastructure.
15. How will noise, litter and odour generated from the waste management facility be managed?
The new waste management facility will be designed to minimise noise, odour, visual impacts and energy use, and to maximise reuse and repurposing of waste where possible.
Biosecurity Measures and Infrastructure
16. What are the proposed biosecurity measures and infrastructure?
As part of the Critical Infrastructure Program, the Project Team is reviewing the biosecurity requirements for Lord Howe Island holistically, and how these relate to the new marine vessel and freight service. This involves assessing the capability of potential mainland ports, as the primary biosecurity facility, and determining the appropriate measures and infrastructure to be implemented on the mainland to minimise biosecurity risks for Lord Howe Island. Another important aspect of the review is ensuring the new vessel is designed and equipped to support improved biosecurity measures and to successfully integrate with the mainland port operations.
17. What is proposed in terms of biosecurity related dog kennels?
As part of a holistic approach to the Island’s critical infrastructure, the Project Team is considering options to relocate the dog kennels from their current premises at the Lord Howe Island Board to the South Zone, to improve efficiency and animal welfare.
Community Consultation
18. How can I find out more and have my say on the Critical Infrastructure Program, related master plan and projects?
We’re keen to hear from you and other members of the community. There are a range of opportunities to provide input to the Program’s development. Early engagement commenced in May-June 2024, and will continue in December 2024/January 2025.
You can visit Critical Infrastructure Program | Lord Howe Island Board (nsw.gov.au) or contact [email protected] to find out more
Community drop-in sessions:
Five community drop-in sessions were held in early December at the Lord Howe Island Community Hall to share the latest information about the Program.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultations and shared your valuable feedback. We encourage all community members to provide any further feedback by 31 January 2025.
Email us:
Please email your feedback to the Project Team at [email protected].
19. How can I stay in touch with the Project Team during the second phase of engagement, and beyond that as the Program progresses? Who can I contact with any questions or concerns about the Program?
To find out more, please keep an eye on Critical Infrastructure Program | Lord Howe Island Board (nsw.gov.au) or contact [email protected].
20. When is the community engagement period? How will the community and other stakeholders be involved?
There will be a number of opportunities for members of the community and other stakeholders to share their ideas and feedback as part of the Program. The community engagement process commenced in May 2024 and will continue throughout planning and delivery of the Critical Infrastructure Program.
We encourage all members of the community and others with an interest in the future of Lord Howe Island to get involved in the current consultation period. Your feedback on the Critical Infrastructure Program is welcomed from Monday 2 December to Friday 31 January 2025.
Please keep an eye on the Lord Howe Island webpage and communications to find out more and continue to have your say by contacting [email protected].
The next steps for the Program will involve refinement of the preliminary design concept plans and preparation of a master plan. There will be a further opportunity to comment on the master plan as part of the public exhibition process for the Environmental Impact Statement. Submissions relating to the Program will be addressed, prior to detailed design, and final approvals, before construction commences.