Critical Infrastructure Program June 2025 Update
The Program will provide the Lord Howe Island Board with improvements to essential infrastructure which are critical to day-to-day services and operations. And importantly, to support its long-term future as a viable community and tourism destination.
Implementation of the Program to upgrade critical infrastructure and services for the Island continues with approvals planning, design plans and procurement phase.
Highlights of the period include:
Site investigations to inform EIS preparation
Contamination investigations are being planned for late-June/early-July, 2025, at the Waste Management Facility and near the existing jetty. These works will involve the use of a drill rig and excavator to assess site conditions over a two-week period.
Temporary access restrictions may apply near the existing jetty during this time, potentially affecting some areas of parking (as shown in figure 1 below).
The investigation results will inform both the environmental assessments for the Environmental Impact Statement and the ongoing design development.
Figure 1 red zones for site investigations
Community Consultation
The “What we Heard” Report from the December, 2024 /January 2025, on-Island community consultation period is now available publicly on LHIB website – Lord Howe Island – Phase B – Final Summary Report.pdf
The Project Team will continue to engage and update community on the Critical Infrastructure Program in the bi-monthly Community Consultation Group Meetings.
NSW Public Works appointed
NSW Public Works are engaged to manage the detailed design phase from late 2025, including contract administration and construction delivery in 2026 and 2027.
NSW Public Works will project manage the main infrastructure and civil works including the Cargo Laydown Facility, Marine & Biosecurity Infrastructure, Waste Management Facility and Detection Dog Kennels.
Master Planning & Authority Approvals
Master Plans, Concept Designs and Artist Impressions were endorsed by Lord Howe Island Board at the Open Session on 5 June, 2025, and are now released publicly on LHIB website – North Zone and South Zone Master Plan Designs
Video animations of the of master plan concept designs are also publicly available on LHIB website North Zone and South Zone Master Plan Designs
The Critical State Significant Infrastructure project approvals are in progress, with regular meetings with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for information refer link below: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/lord-howe-island-critical-infrastructure-project
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act Referral has been submitted to the DCCEEW Commonwealth for the Project (EPBC Number: 2025/10188), refer link Referral summary · EPBC Act Public Portal
Waste Management Facility
Project Architect is progressing the building design plans in response to operational, engineering and safety requirements, including artist impressions and video animations.
Project Engineers are progressing the remediation plans and civil, hydraulic and services design.
Marine Infrastructure
Marine infrastructure engineering design has progressed a fixed piled ramp, adjacent to the existing jetty. The fixed piled ramp will be designed to interface with the proposed new marine vessel.
New Marine Vessel & Operations
New Marine Vessel (Design & Build) request for tenders was released to the market on 14 April, 2025, for a 15-week’s tender period. Tenders close on 25 July, 2025.
Contract Award for the New Marine Vessel Design and Build Contractor is currently scheduled for November, 2025. This follows the Evaluation of the Tenders, contract finalisation and Department and Ministerial approval of the successful Tenderer.
The detailed design and build phase of the new marine vessel for LHI will therefore commence from November, 2025.
Biosecurity Infrastructure
Biosecurity infrastructure design plans are complete which include the detection dog kennels co-located at the Bureau of Meteorology site adjacent to the Airport and a biosecurity quarantine shed co-located with the Unstuffing Shed at the new Cargo Laydown Facility in the north zone.
Biosecurity Technical Advisory Group (BTAG) has been appointed to inform, guide and advise on best practice requirements for the Program and projects.
Progress on a Biosecurity Risk Management Plan, including biosecurity requirements for the Main Infrastructure Works construction over the next two (2) years.
Next steps the Program will focus on are:
Concept Design Plans to progress for the North Zone (Cargo Unloading Facility and Marine Infrastructure) and South Zone (Waste Management Facility and Detection Dog Kennels) for Board endorsement.
Main Infrastructure Works procurement to commence in July, 2025, with a Head Contractor to be appointed by end 2025, with construction commencement in 2026.
New Marine Vessel – Tenders closing on 25th July, 2025, with tender assessment and award to a ship builder by November, 2025.
Progress the Environmental Impact Statement Report (EIS) for submission to the NSW Major Projects Planning Portal in late-2025. And EIS to go on public exhibition allowing 28-days for submissions.
Marine Freight Operate & Maintain – Scope of Services for the Request for Tender for a Marine freight operator is in progress.
See LHIB website – Critical Infrastructure Program | Lord Howe Island Board
If you have any questions or comments on the Program, please email the team at CIP@lhib.nsw.gov.au
Lagoon Foreshore Cleanup
LHIB will be conducting a survey and cleanup of the lagoon foreshore throughout July and August to improve the area’s usability, safety, and visual amenity.
As acknowledged in the Lagoon Foreshore Management Plan, there is a need to store small watercraft within some areas of the foreshore. However, derelict or unused items left on the foreshore are not desirable.
Only small watercraft (under 6m) may be stored on the foreshore. This may include parts of a watercraft, such as oars.
Other items associated with small watercraft e.g. fuel containers, life jackets, unattached motors must not be left on the foreshore unless securely and neatly stored within a vessel.
If you are leaving the Island or will not be using your watercraft for four consecutive months or more, please relocate it to an alternative storage location, such as your place of residence.
Items that are not watercraft will be subject to removal by the owner at the request of LHIB.
Watercraft left unused on the foreshore for extended periods may also be subject to removal requests.
Requests to store items on the foreshore outside these criteria will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by LHIB.
Identification of unattended items
In accordance with the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021, LHIB will attempt to identify and contact owners of unattended items.
Unidentified items will be tagged with numbered pink flagging tape. Please do not remove these tags. If you find your item tagged, please contact LHIB with the tag number to claim ownership of the item.
If you know the owner of a disused item, we encourage you to notify them that their property must be relocated from the foreshore area to an alternate storage location.
Removal of unclaimed items
Items that remain unclaimed 14 days after tagging will be removed from the foreshore and relocated to an LHIB storage facility. A recovery fee of $175, associated with the removal and storage of the item, will apply when reclaiming items.
Items not collected within 28-days of removal by LHIB will be either disposed of or sold.
Boat ramp guidelines
The storage of small private boats and/or trailers (under 6 metres) is not permitted at the boat ramp area for more than 48 hours. Short-term storage of larger vessels for repairs and maintenance is time-limited and subject to prior approval.
We thank you for your cooperation in maintaining this valued shared space.
Lord Howe Island Air Service Update July 2025
(Please note the following information is provided to assist the community. Any enquiries should be made directly with the respective airlines)
The Qantas-Skytrans codeshare service continues to progress, with several recent developments of note.
Qantas codeshare flights operated by Skytrans from February, 2026, are now available for booking, including Classic Rewards seats.
Skytrans has reached an in-principle agreement with Sydney Airport to continue using Terminal 3 (T3) for check-in and departures. For now, there is no change to the current check-in arrangements. Eligible travellers will also continue to enjoy access to the Qantas Lounge.
The third Q200 aircraft, VH-TQS, has completed its scheduled maintenance and is now back in service.
Further updates, including community FAQs, will be shared as they become available.
Biosecurity notice update on mouse investigation
Thanks to community vigilance and our ongoing biosecurity protocols, evidence of mouse activity has been detected and confirmed in five general goods consignments delivered on the recent Island Trader voyage (B178). This included a total of five mouse droppings and minor signs of chewing on packaged items. All affected consignments were from a single supplier on the mainland.
The Island Trader vessel, jetty area, and all properties that received goods from these consignments have been thoroughly inspected and intensively monitored since Monday.
Measures undertaken include:
Installation and daily checking of bait stations, snap traps, and motion-sensor cameras
Daily Biosecurity Detection Dog (BDD) searches of all relevant areas
We are pleased to report that no further signs of mouse activity have been detected on the Island or aboard the Island Trader.
Evidence strongly suggests that this mouse activity originated at the supplier’s facility on the mainland. The supplier has confirmed a recent increase in mouse activity following severe weather events in the Wauchope and Port Macquarie region. Our local biosecurity team in Port Macquarie has since conducted an onsite visit to the supplier’s warehouse, observed minor mouse activity, and provided guidance and tools to improve rodent control measures.
Additionally, routine inspections before and during loading of voyage B178 identified minor rodent activity in the Birdon shed, which is believed to be unrelated to the mainland incident. The shed is subject to a comprehensive, daily pest control program, managed by contracted Biosecurity Officers.
What we’re doing in response:
To maintain biosecurity standards and prevent rodent establishment, we are:
Continuing intensive monitoring and BDD searches at all affected sites for a minimum of five days, with a follow-up within 14 days
Maintaining close communication with the supplier to ensure risk reduction measures remain in place
Reviewing and strengthening BDD protocols at Birdon and during unloading operations on the island
How you can help:
Please report any signs of rodent activity, including:
- Small, dark droppings
- Chewed packaging or food items
- Nesting materials such as shredded paper or fabric
- Strong musky odours
- Sightings of live or dead rodents
If you observe any of the above sign, or have any other concerns, please contact Team Leader Biosecurity, Darryl Birch and the LHIB Biosecurity Team immediately:
Phone: (02) 6563 2066 ext. 28
Email: biosecurity@lhib.nsw.gov.au
We sincerely thank the property owners involved for their cooperation and understanding during this investigation.
Meet the Biosecurity Team
We invite you to visit the Biosecurity team and their detection dogs every Tuesday at 10am at the Aquatic Club area (intersection of Lagoon Rd & Middle Beach Rd, opposite the Museum) for a free demonstration session this winter.
This ongoing program offers a great opportunity to see how these dogs work to protect Lord Howe Island from invasive pests and diseases.
What to Expect:
Learn about the unique dog breeds, their daily routines, and how they are trained for conservation work.
Watch a live demonstration as the dogs detect target odours and species.
Chat with our expert dog handlers and get answers to your questions about biosecurity, Island conservation, and how these incredible dogs help keep Lord Howe Island safe.
We encourage you to join us for this informative and engaging experience.
June Board meeting minutes now online
The minutes from the 4-5 June, 2025, Board meeting are now available on our website.
The next meeting is scheduled for 26-27 August, 2025.
Applications open for Team Leader World Heritage
Lord Howe Island Board has an opportunity for a Team Leader World Heritage to work as part of the Environment Services unit, leading the World Heritage Program on beautiful Lord Howe Island.
As Team Leader World Heritage, you will coordinate and supervise projects and staff to effectively manage the natural and cultural heritage of the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage property.
The Team Leader World Heritage provides team management and support for the delivery and ongoing review of the Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan and the Permanent Park Preserve Plan of Management. The focus will be on conserving the Island’s biodiversity, including endemic species and unique ecological communities, while managing threats to these values and balancing the objectives of an active, tourism-centred island community and its visitor experience.
Applications close on Sunday 3 August, 2025, at 11.55pm.
About you
Your ability to deliver results, manage projects and people, and to communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders will be essential to your success in this role. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and have the ability to innovate, and to deliver outcomes with available resources. Through your sound leadership and experience in managing operational teams, you will maintain a supportive and outcomes driven unit of field crew and Rangers and liaise with the community on environmental issues.
View the online job listing and role description: Team Leader World Heritage.
Before you apply
The position is located on Lord Howe Island. Assistance to staff who must relocate to the Island to take up an appointment is available in accordance with the Crown Employees (Lord Howe Island Board Salaries and Conditions 2009) Award, including staff accommodation.
A range of policies apply to living on Lord Howe Island which can be reviewed here.
How to apply
Apply by submitting your application online via the I work for NSW website before the nominated closing date and time.
For more information about the role, please contact Kristine Ward or Nicola Fuller on 02 6563 2066, or via email at Kristine.Ward@lhib.nsw.gov.au or Nicola.Fuller@lhib.nsw.gov.au