Following the two successful cruise ship visits in January, I want to provide the community with an update on the contract for the long term operation of the passenger transfer vessels (PTVs).

Contract negotiations with the preferred tenderer for the long term operation of the PTVs are well progressed but still ongoing.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development will finalise the contract as soon as possible and will then make an announcement to the community and stakeholders on the outcome.

In response to ongoing freight pressures, the Australian Government is scheduling a number of additional air freight flights.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications has worked with TOLL to increase additional flights. The current schedule of TOLL flights for the next month is as follows:

28 February
6 March
13 March
13 March (note, two separate flights on 13 March)
20 March
27 March

Following extensive consultations, I am pleased to announce I have approved the Development Control Plan (DCP) for the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) and it is now in operation.

This will provide a clearer pathway for anyone in the community wanting to operate in KAVHA about what is possible and allowed.

The Territories Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 (the Bill) was introduced into the Parliament on 7 October 2020.

The Bill will amend a range of Commonwealth legislation to improve the legislative frameworks in Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the Jervis Bay Territory.

It will apply laws relating to companies, bankruptcy, broadcasting and education services for overseas students to Norfolk Island.

Norfolk Island is now integrated within the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program (NBPSP), an early warning system coordinated by Plant Health Australia to detect new incursions of exotic bee pests.

The program on Norfolk Island involves a range of surveillance methods conducted at the sea and air ports considered to be the most likely entry points for bee pests.

The five sentinel bee hives across the island act as an early warning system to detect new incursions of exotic bee pests.

Due to a significant increase in passenger demand, I am pleased to announce the Australian Government is supporting an additional return flight between Sydney and Norfolk Island commencing 6 January 2021.

Air New Zealand currently provides five passenger flights arriving on Norfolk Island each week, two from Sydney and three from Brisbane, with an additional flight between Brisbane and Norfolk Island having commenced 10 December 2020.

The additional flight will arrive on Norfolk Island from Sydney on Wednesdays.

The Australian Government is taking steps to protect the Bounty Street Bridge and the community who use it, by undertaking planned technical investigations and making changes to access arrangements.

The Bounty Street Bridge has significant heritage value and is a critical piece of infrastructure for the Norfolk Island community and its movements.

Over the next week, about five metres of reeds will be cleared away from the watercourse around the bridge to enable engineering experts to inspect the foundations.

I want to reassure the Norfolk Island community and visitors that I am working with Australian Government agencies, Emergency Management Norfolk Island (EMNI), the Council and NIHRACS to ensure appropriate local preparation and response plans for coronavirus.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. Good hygiene can prevent infection and most people recover easily.