Site Investigations commence:

Technical experts will undertake key Site Investigations Phase activities over September and October 2024, in both the North and South Zone. The proposed site investigations will provide information and data to inform the best outcome for the Critical Infrastructure Program.

Consent provided in the form of a permit by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for the site investigations being non-intrusive are as follows:

• Hydrographic survey.
• Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) Measurements.
• Geophysical
• Marine Ecology (future permit to be progressed)

Site investigations also includes preliminary contamination assessment at the Waste Management Facility.

The Site Investigations Phase is crucial to informing the planning and delivery of the five major projects that make up the Critical Infrastructure Program, as illustrated in the diagram below.

 Progress includes:

• Planning Approvals Pathway endorsed by the Minister for the Environment and Water seeking Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) declaration for the Program.
• A CSSI declaration for the Program will recognise the World Heritage status and pristine environment and ecology of Lord Howe Island. The infrastructure projects under the Program will be designed and delivered, under required rigorous environmental assessments and guidelines. Further information on CSSI planning process for major infrastructure projects is available here: State significant infrastructure | Planning (nsw.gov.au)
• Community Consultation Group establishment has commenced with first meeting to be held on 30 August 2024.
• Government Stakeholders Consultation Group establishment has commenced, providing a forum to consult with Government Stakeholders and Subject Matter Experts regarding key issues, with an aim to optimise outcomes and bring a whole of government perspective to the Critical Infrastructure Program.
• An Expression Of Interest (EOI) for the New Marine Vessel and Vessel Operations closed on 23 August 2024.

Next steps the Program will focus on are: 

• Marine Vessel EOI evaluation and shortlisting.
• Technical specifications for new marine vessel, in readiness for Stage 2 tender process.
• Commencement of the design process for master plan options
• Phase B Engagement planning for community and stakeholder consultation on site investigations outcomes and master plan options, programmed for November 2024.

For any questions or comments on the Program, please email the team at [email protected]