Progressing shipping solutions for Norfolk Island

The Australian Government is subsidising monthly barges from Brisbane to Norfolk Island over the peak tourist period, relieving critical freight pressures ahead of community consultations on longer-term shipping solutions.

Starting in November, there will be four subsidised barge trips run by NPDL through to February 2023. These will help address the immediate shortages you are experiencing and support businesses and the community through summer and high visitor numbers.

Government financial support for the barges is the first in a series of measures to stabilise sea freight in the short-term. Further information on other initiatives under development will come in the weeks ahead as discussions with stakeholders and shipping providers progress.

In the meantime, we will continue to subsidise air freight flights to help address critical shortfalls. The barge service is separate to any voyages by the Southern Tiare.

As I announced last week, I will return to Norfolk Island on 14 November 2022 to lead an open community forum on long-term shipping solutions.

Ahead of the forum, my Department will shortly open a Have Your Say written submission process to inform the community forum, where we will have a broad discussion on the future of your shipping.

More information on how to make submissions to the Department’s ‘Have Your Say’ will be available in coming days.