Published on 07 April 2026
Norfolk Island Regional Council (Council) has formally commenced its Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) process, with a program of community engagement and strategic planning that will serve to assist both Council and the future Norfolk Island Assembly (NIA) in planning for the Island’s future over the next decade.
The IP&R framework is the cornerstone of a local government’s long-term planning. It sets out the community’s vision for Norfolk Island and translates that vision into clear strategies, priorities and actions across government services, infrastructure and finances.
As part of this process, Council has engaged the Centre for Local Government at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to assist with the development of an updated suite of IP&R documents, including:
A new Community Strategic Plan (2026–2036)
A Delivery Program (2026–2030)
An Operational Plan (2026–2027)
Supporting resourcing strategies covering workforce, long-term financial planning and asset management.
The current Community Strategic Plan was prepared in 2016 and is due to lapse in 2026. The new planning process provides an important opportunity to refresh the Island’s long-term vision and ensure service delivery priorities reflect current challenges, opportunities and community expectations.
Community participation is a central requirement of the IP&R framework. Over the coming weeks and months, Council will be inviting residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders to take part in surveys, interviews and engagement sessions to help shape the next Community Strategic Plan.
The engagement process will explore:
The long-term vision for Norfolk Island
Key strategic directions for the next 10 years
Community priorities and service expectations
How Council or the future Norfolk Island Assembly can best deliver services, work in partnership with key stakeholders and advocate on behalf of the Island.
Draft IP&R documents are expected to be placed on public exhibition in late May 2026, with several opportunities for community feedback to be made available in June 2026 before the documents are considered for adoption.
Council encourages all members of the Norfolk Island community to participate and have their say on the future direction of service delivery on the Island.
Further information about engagement opportunities and key dates will be published on Council’s website and through Council communication channels in the coming weeks.