$7 million for Norfolk Island National Park roads

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley has issued tender requests for up to $7 million in tourism spending to upgrade roads in the Norfolk Island National Park.

The funding is part of a $233 million Morrison Government investment in infrastructure upgrades across Commonwealth national parks to create jobs and improve access to key tourism sites.

Minister Ley said the upgrades would play a key role in enhancing visitor experience as well as ensuring safety and improved access for the local community and park staff.

“This is an investment that will help stimulate tourism and provide employment opportunities for the Norfolk Island community,” Minister Ley said.

“Having visited the beautiful Norfolk Island National Park and driven on the park’s roads myself, I know how important these road upgrades will be, and with COVID-19 limiting overseas travel, it comes as more Australians are looking for local destinations.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino said Norfolk Island is a great tourist destination, and there has never been a better time to visit the Norfolk Island National Park.

“The proposed work will include three main roads that lead to popular tourist attractions,” Assistant Minister Marino said.

“Duncombe Bay Road, which provides access to Captain Cook Lookout, Mt Pitt Road, which provides access the top of Mt Pitt, the highest point on the island and Palm Glen (Selwyn Pine) Road, which provides access to the Palm Glen picnic area, will all be upgraded.”

This $7 million in funding, comes in addition to the Government’s previously announced $5.45 million tailored COVID-19 stimulus package for Norfolk Island to increase local employment and improve the infrastructure used by locals and tourists. Works are progressing well across the 22 community infrastructure initiatives, with a number of projects already completed.

The projects include upgrades to Rawson Hall, new equipment and infrastructure at Lion’s Park, plus improvements to local sport facilities including the resurfacing of the netball and tennis courts along with a new grandstand and signage for the squash courts.

A key objective through the projects is to encourage return visits and attract a wider variety of visitors from different markets and demographics to experience the rich heritage and attractions of Norfolk Island.

Road works are expected to commence by July 2021 and take about five months to complete.

Source : Mirage News, 8th April 2021