The Lord Howe Island Critical Infrastructure Program (CIP) is progressing on the detailed design and construction delivery phase for 2026.

Below are updates on key aspects of the Program including planning approvals, New Marine Vessel and Main Infrastructure Works.

Responses to Submissions Report on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

A Response to Submissions Report was lodged on 4 March 2026 via the NSW Planning Portal. Updated appendices were also submitted to NSW Department of Planning including an updated Urban Design Report and updated Statement of Heritage Impact. These reports are publicly available to view on Lord Howe Island Critical Infrastructure Project | Planning Portal - Department of Planning and Environment.

The Department of Planning is progressing the assessment of the project in accordance with government legislation, policies and guidelines and will prepare an assessment report. Once complete, the Department will publish the assessment report publicly online and progress to determination of the project.

New Marine Vessel and Operations

Shipbuilder Serco Australia and Naval Architects International Maritime Consultants (IMC) presented the ship design plans and answered many questions on the new marine vessel at the Community Information Session. The session was held at the Lord Howe Island Public Hall on Tuesday 17 March, with over 50 people attending.

The community heard directly from the shipbuilder, Serco Australia, about the new marine vessel for Lord Howe Island and the detailed design process. A summary of the “What was heard” on the day and the external paint colour options for the new marine vessel is available here - Get involved and have your say | Lord Howe Island Board.

The Project Control Group, which includes community members, met on Monday 16 March and have reviewed the first Design Pack of ship plans by Serco Australia / IMC Naval Architects. At this meeting potential modifications were discussed, and plans and quotations are in progress for consideration.

The Marine Freight Service (Operate & Maintain Package 2) Request for Tender (RFT) release has been delayed, and the market have been informed of a revised release by end June 2026.

Main Infrastructure Works

Reeves International (Reeves Envico) have been awarded the contract on 7 April 2026 to design and construct the Main Infrastructure Works - Main Infrastructure Works | Lord Howe Island Board.

Reeves Envico has over 30 years' experience throughout Australia and the Pacific Islands for Federal, State and Local Governments. Reeves Envico are specialist contractors in civil works infrastructure and construction management, and delivery of many construction projects in remote locations in sensitive environments.

The design and construction delivery team are as follows:

• Lead Principal Contractor – Reeves Envico
• Marine Construction Specialist – Pacific Marine Group
• Marine Infrastructure designer – Royal Haskoning
• Novated Designers – Lahznimmo Architects, Northrop Structural Engineers and SMM Landscape Architects
• Civil and Waste Engineers – Arup
• Geotechnical Engineers – Douglas Partners

Reeves Envico are preparing the construction programme, required management plans and site investigations. Reeves Envico are also establishing an on-island community liaison contact person for the duration of the Works. This information will be provided once arrangements are finalised by Reeves Envico.

A Marine Infrastructure Design Change Feasibility Study is to commence responding to community comments received on the new fixed piled vessel access ramp and mooring dolphins concept plans, as publicly exhibited in the EIS.

Reeves Envico, sub-contractor Douglas Partners will commence Geotechnical Investigations, which will utilise a drill rig, in both the North Zone and South Zone from early May and complete end May / early June 2026.

Next steps

• Determination and release of the conditions of approval for the Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI). The approval for the Main Infrastructure Works to commence construction. All CSSI projects are determined by the Minister for Planning.
• New Marine Vessel (Design & Construct) detailed design plans progress. Project Control Group will meet in mid-May to review potential modifications and the second Design Pack of ship plans by Serco / IMC Naval Architects.
• Main Infrastructure Works (Design & Construct) site investigations and detailed design of the Works commence.

For more information, visit the LHIB website Critical Infrastructure Program | Lord Howe Island Board.

If you have any questions or comments on the Program, please email the team at [email protected].