The Lord Howe Island Critical Infrastructure Program continues to progress with ongoing planning, design and procurement.

Below are updates on key aspects of the program.

Public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the main infrastructure works is nearing completion and will be placed on public exhibition for community comment from mid-October.

The EIS includes finalised concept designs for the North Zone (marine infrastructure) and South Zone (Waste Management Facility and detection dog kennels) as well as a suite of environmental reports that detail potential development impacts and key mitigations.

The EIS will be on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days so that community members may review the documentation and make submissions.

During the public exhibition period, community drop-in sessions will be held at the community hall with key personnel in attendance from The APP Group (consultants designing the project) and the NSW Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Housing. This will provide an opportunity for community members to ask questions and have discussions about key components of the EIS.

These sessions are planned for early November with the bi-monthly Community Consultation Group meeting also scheduled at this time so visiting representatives may attend. More information will be provided once dates and times are confirmed.

Main Infrastructure Works tender update

A rigorous and competitive tender process for the main infrastructure works (marine infrastructure and Waste Management Facility) is currently underway.

Tender submissions close on Friday 7 November 2025.

It is expected that a head contractor will be appointed by the end of 2025 so that construction can commence as scheduled in 2026.

Marine Vessel and Operations tender update

Tenders for the new marine freight vessel design and build are currently being evaluated with the award of contract to the successful ship builder expected in October 2025.

This will ensure that the detailed design and build phase can commence as scheduled from November 2025.

Next steps

• Finalise the main infrastructure works procurement with a head contractor appointed by the end of 2025.
• Award the contract for design and build of the new marine freight vessel and announce the successful ship builder by November 2025.
• Review submissions received following public exhibition of the EIS for the main infrastructure works.
• Issue the tender for marine freight operation and maintenance.

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].

Suzie Christensen

Chief Executive Officer

Date: 3 October 2025