Published on 20 July 2026
Norfolk Island Regional Council (Council) has adopted its key Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents following extensive consideration of community feedback received during the public exhibition period from 1 June to 29 June 2026.
At the Ordinary of Council Meeting held on 30 June 2026, Council adopted the Community Strategic Plan 2026-2036 and Combined Delivery Program 2026-2030 and Operational Plan 2026-2027.
A total of 39 submissions were received from community members and stakeholders during the public exhibition period (compared to the total of 12 submissions received for the prior year).
Approximately 25 themes were identified in the submissions. The top five themes included: Waste Charges on Vacant Land, Land Rates — Equity, Methodology and Capacity to Pay, Governance, Authority and the Rule of Law, Cost of Living and Community Capacity to Pay, Electricity Tariffs and Undertaking.
Council spent a considerable time reviewing and discussing the submissions received, with public feedback forming a significant part of the meeting’s deliberations.
Council sincerely thanks everyone who took the time to review the draft documents and provide detailed and thoughtful contributions. The volume and quality of submissions received demonstrated a strong interest in Norfolk Island’s future, and Council appreciates the comments and suggestions raised throughout the public exhibition process.
A large number of public submissions (22 submissions) were received on the proposed increase on waste management charges on vacant and rural land. The community’s concern was acknowledged, and Council has included an Operational Plan task to undertake rates modelling to review the current rating system and recommend improvements.
View the Media Release published on 5 June 2026 for more information on the changes: www.nirc.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/your-council/documents/nirc-media-releases/2026/2026-06-05-mr-public-exhibition-additional-information-proposed-changes-to-council-rates-and-waste-charges.pdf
Indicative changes to general rates assessments and waste management charges are displayed below on a random selection of rateable properties. Please note that the actual general rates assessment changes for individual properties within each rating category will vary.
Residential Medium, Valuation $225,000; General Rates Increase: $21.09, Waste Charge Increase: $15.79
Accommodation B, Valuation $485,000; General Rates Increase: $599.11, Waste Charge Increase: $5.11 (per unit)
Cafe/Restaurant A, Valuation $127,050; General Rates Increase: $139.84, Waste Charge Increase: $124.08
Council has accepted the electricity rates proposed by Electricity Special Purpose Committee (ESPC). View the Media Release published on 25 June 2026 for more information on the changes: www.nirc.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/2026-06-25-mr-public-exhibition-additional-information-proposed-changes-to-electricity-tariffs.pdf
The full discussion of public submissions can be viewed in the meeting recording from 56:40 via the following link: https://norfolk.resolve.red/portal/meeting/676
Redacted submissions are also available under Agenda Item 13.1 Tabled Attachment 1 and Tabled Attachment 2 within the meeting agenda documents in the link above.
The adopted IP&R documents are now available on Council’s website:
Community Strategic Plan 2026-2036: www.nirc.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/your-council/documents/nirc-community-strategic-plan-2026-2036-adopted.pdf
Combined Delivery Program 2026-2030 and Operational Plan 2026-2027: www.nirc.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/your-council/documents/nirc-delivery-program-2026-2030-operational-plan-2026-2027-adopted.pdf
For enquiries, please contact Customer Care at customercare@nirc.gov.nf, via local free call 0100, or (+6723) 22001.