Territories Minister to Visit Christmas and Cocos Islands

The Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government Paul Fletcher will travel to Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands from Sunday 13 December to Wednesday 16 December.

As the first visit by the new Territories Minister in the Turnbull Government to the Indian Ocean Territories, Mr Fletcher said the visit will provide an opportunity to view key industries and infrastructure on the islands and discuss the future needs of the local communities.  

“During my first official visit to the Indian Ocean Territories of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island as Minister for Territories, I am looking forward to meeting with local communities and discussing the key issues that are important on each of the islands,” Mr Fletcher said.

“I have been in contact with the Administrator Barry Haase regarding future priorities and the importance of economic growth for these island communities. It will be informative to be able to speak to locals and hear first-hand accounts of the challenges they face, and see for myself the scale of economic activity and options to improve it.”

The visit will include a tour of key infrastructure on the West Island of Cocos (Keeling) Islands including the erosion mitigation works, quarantine station, port, power station, health centre and community resource centre.

On Home Island the Territories Minister will meet with representatives of the Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the local Malay community and community organisations to gain an understanding of the lifestyles and distinctive cultures on Islands.

On Christmas Island the Minister will meet with Phosphate Resources Limited and representatives of the Mining to Plant Enterprise to discuss the value of the mine to the local economy, as well as inspect key infrastructure and discuss eco-tourism opportunities on Christmas Island.