Highlights of Ordinary Council Meeting held 9 October 2024
COMMUNITY RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTRE CONSTRUCTION DELAYED
Council has opted for a redesign of the planned Community Resource Recovery Centre (CRRC) in a bid to reduce the high cost of construction.
The outcome of the tender for the construction of the NI Community Resource Recovery Centre indicated a cost that was significantly higher than anticipated, making the project unaffordable.
NIRC will look at a design review, which could include relocation of the site, that will allow the facility to be built at a more affordable price while still meeting the needs of the community.
Material costs, in particular the price of concrete and steel reinforcement, and earthworks associated with the current design, pushed the project beyond the available budget. Council will maintain communication with potential tenderers on the island to encourage a completely local workforce on the project.
A tender for the management and operation of the CRRC was offered in conjunction with the construction tender to enable the most expedient operation of the newly completed centre. When the construction timeframe has been established, the management of the CRRC will be retendered.
PORT MANAGEMENT TENDER CANCELLED
Norfolk Island Regional Council has cancelled its recent tender for Management of Maritime Ports RFT 02/24.
In a Council meeting held on 9 October 2024, it was acknowledged that the risks associated with awarding a tender before the delivery of two lighterage vessels and the impending shift in governance arrangements were both high priority concerns.
The decision not to accept a tender from those submitted earlier recognised that the new lighterage vessels would initiate some changes in port operation, and it was important that any tender documentation described all activities and expectations clearly and accurately. Council also understands that changes in how the local governance body operates may also impact on major service provision on the island.
NIRC has discussed the current situation with tenderers, and they have indicated their interest to remain involved in any discussions around the reissue of the tender when conditions allow.
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTED TO RADIO NORFOLK
Community radio on Norfolk Island is set to dial it up to a new frequency with the appointment of Brent Adams and John Kenny to the board of Norfolk Island Radio Pty Ltd (NIR) for a period of three years. They join NIRC General Manager, Philip Reid, on the board of the community radio station, with Mike Colreavy and Andrew Roach to step down in the coming months.
These appointments follow changes to Commonwealth broadcasting legislation that require the transfer of ownership of the radio station from council to a community-based group. Norfolk Island Radio Pty Ltd (NIR) has been established as a not-for-profit organisation for the purpose of running a community radio station. The General Manger of Council will represent NIRC to support operational activities, with two directors appointed to represent community interests as a result of an expression of interest process.
John Kenny is a resident of Norfolk Island and has extensive legal expertise in both commercial and company law, and experience in board operations across a wide range of areas, including broadcasting, recording and performance contracts.
Already involved with Radio Norfolk as a volunteer, Mr Kenny has held a variety of directorships and committee positions related to innovation, music, policy and regional community music experiences.
Brent Adams has strong family connections to Norfolk Island, having spent his childhood, school years and early working life on the island, including working and volunteering at Radio Norfolk.
Now based in mainland Australia, Mr Adams has a working history in the areas of corporate communication, broadcasting, issues management, crisis communications and content creation. His skill in digital and social media leadership has been honed by the coordination of large-scale and complex digital projects, using multiple channels and platforms.
Both appointees are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the future growth and success of community radio on Norfolk Island. Following the completion of administrative checks for the new board members, all directors will work collaboratively to see through the transfer of the broadcasting licence to NIR, a process assessed and approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.