Media releases

Tuesday 15th December

Infrastructure boost for Christmas Island

THE HON BRENDAN O'CONNOR MP
Minister Home Affairs

THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP
Member for Lingiari, Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health, & Regional Service Delivery

Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced a $50 million infrastructure package to benefit the Christmas Island community.

“The Australian Government is committed to supporting the community on Christmas Island and working with them towards an economically, environmentally and culturally sustainable future,” Mr O’Connor said.

“The package will provide additional health, policing and education resources to maintain a high standard of service to the local community and to people in immigration detention.

“This expansion will not only address current needs but will support the economic future of Christmas Island.”

Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon said these announcements demonstrate the Commonwealth understands the need to address infrastructure and service issues as the island’s population grows.

The Australian Government has approved funding over three years from 2009-10 to:

• expand waste water treatment infrastructure to meet increased demand for this service

• upgrade the power station to respond to the growing need for electricity on the island

• employ additional health workers through the Indian Ocean Territories Health Service

• employ additional school teachers and aides at the Christmas Island District High School; and

• investigate the feasibility of lengthening the wharf at Flying Fish Cove and sealing the road to North West Point.

Two additional police officers will be stationed on Christmas Island to ensure an appropriate level of policing for the increased island population.

The Australian Government has also approved an $11.3 million whole-of-government fibre optic solution on Christmas Island to connect the seven key Australian Government agencies located on Christmas Island.

The funding announced today is in addition to a $10.8 million capital works package announced in August.

“These projects are of considerable importance to sustaining services and supporting economic development on Christmas Island,” Mr O’Connor said.

Contact: Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567 or Alice Plate (Snowdon) 04000 45 999

Copyright © 2004-5 Warren Snowdon MP. This page was last updated on 18 December 2009.