News from the Administrator
A message from Aaron O'Neill, Acting Administrator
**ADDITIONAL AIR FREIGHTER – SUNDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2021**
The Australian Government will be underwriting an additional airfreight service between Perth and Christmas Island (CI) on Sunday, 26 September 2021, to support clearing a current backlog of freight for CI as well as creating more space for Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) freight on other services.
The additional service allowed freight for CKI to be prioritised on today’s freighter, while also clearing space for the additional Perth to CI to CKI freighter currently scheduled for 1 October 2021.
Demand for IOT airfreight continues to grow, with a 21 per cent increase (or 93 tonnes) in the amount of freight uplifted in 2020-21, compared to 2019-20.
The increase in demand is not expected to ease any time soon, given strong global demand for freight (both shipping and air freight) combined with the ongoing disruptions of the COVID pandemic on the aviation sector and supply chains, including associated issues with freighter availability and general increases in the price of shipping goods.
We ask that you are mindful of these pressures and demands as the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications continues working with its air services providers and other stakeholders to develop options to improve current air freight services to the IOT, while ensuring delivery of essential supplies to your communities. Any changes to existing IOT air freight arrangements must continue to be delivered within existing budgets and in line with operational requirements (including the continued availability of aviation fuel stocks).
Additional details regarding freighter services to the IOT are available at www.freightshop.com.au/
Perhaps the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications could release the revenue figures for the underwritten passenger flights that have for some considerable time, been heavily booked and the expectation is that an aircraft operating to route capacity would in fact not require underwriting at all. That chops a bit off the $1 million per month of underwriting announced in the original negotiations and confirmed in Senate Estimates. If the bureaucrats won't front up with facts then perhaps the retirement of the sitting Member for Lingiari might be an opportunity for the IOT's to demand better than contempt from the elected Government and their appointed representative after the next Federal Election. The IOT's have enough votes to apply leverage to the seat of Lingiari. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_results_for_the_Division_of_Lingiari
Has someone ordered extra aviation fuel? Swell moths around …
They’re onto it 😂😂😂 steak holders - providers - burrow-crats . 🙄
Chris Bray 😯
Extension of IOT State of Emergency
Due to the continuing COVID-19 situation on mainland Australia, the Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, is extending the declared states of emergency (SoE) in Christmas Island (CI) and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) up until 17 December 2021.
While the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) have no known cases of COVID-19, the Australian Government is committed to the ongoing protection and support of our communities, with the health and wellbeing of residents remaining our first priority.
We have had an excellent response across CI and CKI for the COVID-19 vaccination, and I thank every resident who has rolled up their sleeve to get vaccinated. While the vaccine is our best defence against COVID-19, it is just one part of keeping the community safe and healthy. It is important for you to continue to wash your hands regularly, maintain physical distancing, stay home when unwell, and get tested when you have any COVID-19 symptoms.
Our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the IOT has been successful, and I would like to again thank the IOT COVID-19 subcommittee including the Territory Controllers for their hard work and commitment in our ongoing response.
We will continue to monitor the pandemic situation and responses across Australia. As we move closer to the 80% vaccination target across Australian states and territories, we will continue to review arrangements in place for the IOTs to ensure fit for purpose responses are in place to protect our communities.
Thank you for your support and commitment to keeping the IOT COVID-19 safe.
Extension of IOT State of Emergency
createsend.com
Due to the continuing COVID-19 situation on mainland Australia, the Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, is extending the declared states of emergency (SoE) in Christmas Island (CI) and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) up until 17 December 2021... Grant funding opportunities
Are you looking for a grant funding opportunity?
The Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation (IOT RDO) has identified some opportunities for local IOT individuals and organisations to apply for Australian Government funding rounds:
Festivals Australia - www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/festivals-australia
Visions of Australia - www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/visions-australia
2022 Science and Innovation Awards - www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/conferences-events/scienceawards
To search all current opportunities go to www.grants.gov.au and www.communitygrants.gov.au
Hi Natasha. What's the best way to contact your office? My email from a few weeks ago hasn't received any response. Thanks
**Book your COVID vaccine now!**
- A message from Aaron O'Neill, acting Administrator
Any residents of Christmas or Cocos Islands who wish to protect themselves from COVID-19 and have yet to receive their first vaccine need to contact the health service immediately.
The final day for first doses to be administered is 9 September (this Thursday), with 30 September the last day for second doses and the closure of the COVID vaccine clinic.
So, please contact the health service today or tomorrow to book in, if you’ve not yet done so.
With the pandemic causing challenges across the east coast of Australia, and daily new cases, transmission rates and hospitalisations increasing, all locals are urged to arm yourselves and our communities against the virus. The vaccination rate so far has been fantastic (with more than 1500 people across CI and CKI receiving their first jabs and some 1250 now fully vaccinated) so let’s finish strong and ensure the highest levels of protection in the IOT.
Administrator's Newsletter 1 September 2021
In this edition:
• Message from Aaron O’Neill, Acting Administrator
• Final opportunities for COVID vaccines in IOT
• Progress made on Christmas Island Stormwater, Landslide and Rockfall Mitigation Works Project
• Progress continues on COVID economic stimulus projects
• Investing in the future through more strategic waste management
• More air freight services for the IOT
• Mammogram visit
• Radiographer visit
• Changes to CKI Ferry Timetable – September 2021
Job Opportunities:
• Executive Officer
• Director of Nursing and Community Health
• Electrical Supervisor
Administrator of Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands – Community Newsletter #28
createsend.com
Hello to everyone across the Indian Ocean Territories and welcome to the latest edition of the Administrator’s newsletter.Will being vaccinated be mandatory for entry into the IOT?
April Armstrong here are the awesome vaccination rates 💉
Resources
Community Bulletins, Updates and Media Releases
Service Delivery Arrangements for the Indian Ocean Territories
2019-20 Budget Outcomes for the Indian Ocean Territories
IOT Destination Management and Marketing Plan – The Ayre Group
Review of Tourism – The Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island – Deloitte
• IOT Tourism Review
• IOT Action Plan
Publications
Grants
Useful links
Investors
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Visitors
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