Norfolk Island in running to become Queensland’s newest council

Fresh from officially becoming part of Queensland, Norfolk Island could soon become the state’s newest council, with high-level talks already in motion.

Norfolk Island could become the state’s newest council with high-level talks underway to shift the remote community under Queensland’s Local Government Act.

It is understood the Commonwealth is considering the move, which would align with Queensland providing health and education services to the community.

Queensland’s longest-serving councillor, Ipswich’s Paul Tully said the island should no longer be governed under the New South Wales Local Government Act – which has applied to the island since the Federal Government revoked its self-ruling status in 2015.

“I urge the Commonwealth government to apply the Queensland Local Government Act to the management of the island as it would be more-flexible in the day-to-day operations of Norfolk Island,” he said.

“Norfolk Island could then become part of the Queensland Local Government Association joining the state’s existing 77 councils.”

Mr Tully acknowledged the islanders’ ongoing frustrations after self-government status was removed in 2015, but said the new era of Queensland service provision represented a “golden opportunity” for the community.

“Let’s work together to make Queensland and Norfolk Island the best pair of united tourism destinations in the South Pacific,” he said.

Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Greg Hallam said the State and Federal Governments had not yet raised the prospect with his entity.

Norfolk Island could become Queensland’s newest council. Picture: Supplied

“We have no problems at all if Queensland extend local government status to Norfolk Island, we’ll happily extend membership to them,” he said.

This month the Queensland Government signed an ongoing Heads of Agreement to provide health and education services to the remote island 1440km east of Brisbane.

Under the agreement Queensland Health will operate the 24-bed Norfolk Island Hospital, which has a GP, emergency department aged care and dental services provided by 30 staff.

It has 30 full-time administrative, medical and domestic staff.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino revealed New South Wales had agreed to a final extension of its delivery of health services on Norfolk Island to the end of 2021.

Ms Marino said the six-month extension would “allow time for a managed and staged transition of health service delivery arrangements under the new, enduring partnership with the Queensland Government”.

“This also aligns NSW’s health service provision with the previously announced extension of education services on Norfolk Island to the end of 2021,” she said.

“The Australian Government remains committed to the continuity of critical services for Norfolk Island and achieving the best outcomes for Norfolk Island residents.”