Householder – Critical Infrastructure Program update
The Critical Infrastructure Program aims to deliver infrastructure that works well, meets standards and lasts for a long time with a design that suits the Island setting. It will aim to minimise disruption to the community during construction and keep residents informed throughout.
Community feedback and ongoing engagement remain an important part of the program as construction progresses. This update reports back on what the community has told the program, and what has changed as a result.
This update explains:
- what the community told us about the vessel and marine infrastructure
- what changes have been made in response
- what decisions are still being worked through
- what happens next
The Marine Infrastructure Feasibility Study is expected in June 2026. The final layout has not been decided; it follows from the vessel design and the engineering, geotechnical and environmental requirements. Once the study is complete, the layout will be presented and explained at the end of June/ early July information session.
What you told us, and what we have done about it
Over recent months residents have shared their views about the new marine vessel and the proposed marine infrastructure, through Community Consultation Group meetings, letters, the Project Control Group, conversations with the project team, and submissions on the Environmental Impact Statement.
This update sets out what the Lord Howe Island Board heard, how the program has responded, what is still being worked through, and what is not changing.
What you told us
The main concerns raised were:
- That the crane, forklift and truck method that has served the Island for 40 years should not be lost.
- That the proposed jetty works looked too large and too industrial for the setting.
- That the information has been hard to follow and hard to picture, and that not everyone feels across what is proposed.
- That the works must not damage the Island's environment or its World Heritage values.
- That the cost of the program should not burden the Island.
- That some residents would prefer the program did not proceed as presented.
What has changed because you raised it
Community input has changed the program at several points since consultation began in 2024.
| You told us | What changed |
|---|---|
| The South Zone was not suitable for marine infrastructure. | Following consultation and technical studies, the South Zone was ruled out in 2024. |
| The draft concepts needed refinement. | Design changes were made following community feedback on the North and South Zone master plans. The draft concept master plans for the North and South Zone were presented to community in December 2024. Design changes were made in response, as summarised in the “What we Heard” Report dated May 2025 (Lord Howe Island - Phase B - Final Summary Report). |
| More time was needed to review the Environmental Impact Statement. | The exhibition period was extended by one week and additional support was provided for submissions. |
| The crane, forklift and truck method should not be lost. | The vessel is being designed to support both roll-on roll-off and lift-on lift-off operations. |
| Cargo handling and vessel functionality were important. | The vessel is being designed to work both ways, roll-on roll-off and lift-on lift-off. Unloading by crane onto trucks continues, alongside forklift unloading. |
| The proposed new vessel ramp looked too large for the Island setting. | Following community feedback through the Community Consultation Group and the Environmental Impact Statement, Reeves Envico is carrying out a Marine Infrastructure Feasibility Study. |
| The plans were difficult to understand, and request for clearer information. | The Project Team heard that the plans for the vessel and marine infrastructure have been hard to follow, and will continue to present them more clearly, with plain summaries and visuals. Concept designs and artist impressions of the North Zone are available online. |
What is still being worked through
The marine infrastructure layout is not yet decided. The concerns raised were provided to the contractor and are being assessed through the Marine Infrastructure Design Change Feasibility study and the engineering, geotechnical and environmental work, to determine what can and cannot be addressed.
The layout follows from those outcomes and from the requirements of the confirmed vessel design, not from preference, and not every request can be met within engineering and environmental limits. Detailed marine design is paused until the study is complete. The Marine Infrastructure Design Change Feasibility Study is expected in June 2026, and the resulting layout will be presented and explained at the community information session at the end of June/ early July.
What has already been decided, and why
The program is proceeding. The freight service supports almost every part of daily life on the Island, and the existing arrangements require upgrading. The feasibility study and the design process determines how that upgrade is delivered.
The vessel must be able to roll cargo on and off, not only lift it by crane. Cargo that cannot be craned would otherwise come by barge at much greater cost, and the program's funding depends on roll-on roll-off being possible. The marine infrastructure exists to make that work.
The approvals are independent. The Environmental Impact Statement was prepared under the Critical State Significant Infrastructure process. The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is finalising its assessment for determination, alongside Commonwealth approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The marine infrastructure concept designs have been presented to Heritage NSW and to the Commonwealth environment regulator. On 20 May 2026, this program was declared by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces as Critical State Significant infrastructure.
How the conversation continues
Residents can reach the project team and stay up to date through:
- bi-monthly Community Consultation Group meetings
- monthly Householder updates
- monthly articles in The Signal
- quarterly Board meetings
- the project team at [email protected]
- the community information session at the end of June / early July, the best chance to see the plans in person and ask questions
More information will be available once the Marine Infrastructure Design Change Feasibility Study is complete.
Questions?
Email the project team at [email protected] or visit Critical Infrastructure Program | Lord Howe Island Board