RDO Community Newsletter –
May 2022

Welcome to the May 2022 edition of the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) Regional Development Organisation (RDO) Community Newsletter.

The RDO is one of 52 organisations located across Australia that are part of the Regional Development Australia (RDA) network. The RDO team is comprised of local leaders and passionate advocates working to facilitate sustainable development in the IOT, and to build strong and confident local economies on both Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

What we’ve been working on

• Freight issues
• Grant writing workshops
• IOT Strategic Regional Plan
• IOT CV
• Christmas Island walking and cycle pathway
• Indian Ocean Fest
• Tourism Promotion Package for the IOT
• Accommodation Strategy for the airfield upgrade at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• RDO Committee membership 2022-23

Freight

Freight is one of the biggest ongoing issues that affects everyone in the region. Due to the importance of this issue, we have taken it on as a key RDO project and have been tirelessly advocating for solutions over the past six months. This has included participating in the community consultations undertaken by the Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, resulting in the identification of short-term solutions to address air freight concerns. In addition, RDO Committee members had the opportunity to communicate the recent impacts of the air freight delays on local businesses when they met with Dr Rachel Bacon, Deputy Secretary for Regional, Cities and Territories, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. We will continue to advocate strongly for short and long-term solutions, and for a comprehensive air and sea freight review.

Grant writing workshops

In early March, the RDO ran face-to-face grant writing workshops on Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to facilitate and encourage local residents and businesses to write successful grant funding and finance applications. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, attendees noting how helpful and rare it was to be given such dedicated face-to-face time with a grant writing, subject matter expert. For those unable to attend the workshops, but who are applying for the recently announced Marine Park Grants, access was provided to an online grant writing course. With the Australian Government continually releasing more grant opportunities, these were timely and helpful workshops to attend.

We continually monitor Australian Government grant and funding announcements, and inform our communities as opportunities arise. The most recent opportunities can be accessed from the grants section of the RDO’s website.

IOT Strategic Regional Plan

The RDO has engaged Centred Solutions to develop the new, macro-level Strategic Regional Plan for the IOT. The development of this plan is a requirement of the RDA Charter. The plan will outline the strategic priorities of the region over the next three to five years, and outline future ambitions. The plan will inform the work of the RDO, and will also be available for use by the community, community organisations, private enterprise and government. Centred Solutions is reaching out to stakeholders, and will be visiting the IOT in the coming months. The plan is slated for completion by early August.

IOT CV

Following on from the successes of the Cocos CV and Christmas Island CV, the RDO is working to combine these resources into the new, online IOT Business Directory. The directory will showcase the impressive and extensive business community in our region, and push local suppliers and businesses to the forefront for new economic opportunities. The IOT CV will be launched later this month.

Christmas Island walking and cycle pathway

The RDO is pleased to be working with local contractor Acker to deliver the walking and cycle path along the Christmas Island foreshore through Settlement, following an extensive consultation process. The pathway will be completed in the coming months. We would like to thank all key stakeholders, with a special thanks to the Shire of Christmas Island for its cooperation in this project.

Tourism Promotion Package for the IOT

We have been very busy implementing the Tourism Promotion Package for the IOT, based upon the findings and recommendations from The Ayre Group’s Destination Management Plan and Comprehensive Marketing Strategy for the Indian Ocean Territories. The targeting of the priority travellers for the region, adventurous travellers, is the focus of promotions. Integral to the implementation of the strategy is a partnership with Australian Traveller to promote the Indian Ocean Fest, and Christmas Island as a tourism destination. Similar promotions with Australian Traveller are in the pipeline for Cocos later in the year.

Accommodation Strategy for the airfield upgrade at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Last year we reviewed and provided feedback to Fulton Hogan on the draft Accommodation Strategy for the airfield upgrade at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. We highlighted the potential impacts on tourism and essential services infrastructure, and discussed opportunities for project assets to be left in place for the benefit of the community. We have recently reviewed the revised accommodation strategy, and will continue to advocate for maximum benefits for local businesses and the community.

RDO Committee membership for 2022-23

We are inviting expressions of interest for RDO Committee membership from people who reflect the industries, businesses and communities of the IOT. If you want to make a contribution to the sustainable development of the region please apply by submitting the Application Form by Friday 3 June. Positions commence on 1 July.

Current RDO Committee

• Chairperson: Natasha Griggs (IOT)
• Treasurer: Farzian Zainal (CI)
• Secretary: Thomas Battcher (CKI)
• Member: Khaliesha Amin (CI)
• Member: Scott de Kruijff (CI)
• Member: David McKinney (CKI)
• Member: Kelli Small (CKI)

Mrs Natasha Griggs
Administrator – Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Chair – Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation