Vision Statement

Working together to create a thriving future for our island communities

愿景声明 - 携手合作为我们的岛屿社区创造繁荣的未来

Pernyataan visi - Bekerjasama untuk membina masa depan yang berkembang untuk masyarakat pulu kita

Pernyataan wawasa - Sama-sama berusaha mewujudkan masa depan yang berkembang maju untuk komuniti pulau kita

IOT RDO Community Newsletter –
July 2023

About us

The Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation (IOT RDO) is one of 53 organisations located across Australia that are part of the national Regional Development Australia (RDA) network, funded by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA). The IOT RDO is funded to facilitate sustainable development in the region, and we are focussed on working with key regional stakeholders to assist the region to become investment ready. The IOT RDO advocates for and works towards the achievement of improvements in local and regional priorities that impact sustainable growth and development, and liveability, that can only be influenced at the macro level.

Message from the Chair

As incoming Chair of the IOT RDO I would like to inform our communities on the organisation’s priorities moving forward into the 2023-24 year.

We believe that 2023-24 promises to be a year of positive change and opportunity for both the region and the IOT RDO. The year starts with the announcement of the Australian Government’s new Regional Investment Framework which outlines its commitment to place-based approaches that are informed by genuine engagement and consultation with local communities. The announcement that projects in the IOT (Indian Ocean Territories) are now eligible for finance through the Northern Australian Investment Facility (NAIF), and the prospect of IOT projects being successful in the Growing Regions and Regional Connectivity funding rounds, could result in significant investment in the region in the coming years.

In the year ahead, we will focus on developing opportunities to collaborate with key regional stakeholders to address the barriers to sustainable development in the region, to support economic activity and diversification, and to achieve improvements in liveability for our communities. We will develop a communications and feedback framework for transparent communications to and from the IOT RDO with our stakeholders, and will represent our communities and provide an important regional voice to the Australian Government.

With our current Committee members, new members who will join the Committee in the coming months, and our current partnerships and intended new partnerships, we believe that 2023-24 will set a new benchmark for collaboration in the region, enabling the IOT to embrace and receive the maximum benefits from the opportunities that emerge.

Farzian Zainal
Chair of the Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation
Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands

What we’ve been working on

IOT RDO Annual Business Plan 2023-24
Recent developments in the IOT
Committee news
Funding and finance opportunities
IOT Business Directory

IOT RDO Annual Business Plan 2023-24

Each year the IOT RDO develops an annual business plan. This is an operational document that details the organisation’s high-level activities for the coming financial year, including its work program, priorities and resources. It links directly to the IOT RDO 2030 Strategic Regional Plan and the Australian Government’s Regional Investment Framework, and provides operational parameters for the organisation. The IOT RDO Annual Business Plan 2023-24 is available now from our website.

Please find below some information about our top three priority business activities for the coming year.

Independent review of the IOT supply chain

Supply ship and barge at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Photo credit: Shak Keegan.

Earlier this year the IOT RDO and the Christmas Island Business Association (CIBA) joined in partnership to commission an independent review of the IOT supply chain and form a Joint Committee of key regional stakeholders to provide input into and oversee the review. Our ongoing commitment to this project and its governance processes will continue into 2023-24.

The need for an independent review of air freight, shipping and passenger services was identified in the IOT RDO 2030 Strategic Regional Plan. Through the review, it is hoped that opportunities to sustainably improve the reliability and efficiency of the region’s supply chains can be identified, and recommendations developed that can be implemented, monitored and reviewed. Joint Committee membership includes representatives from the IOT RDO, CIBA, Shire of Christmas Island, Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and our local Member of Parliament Ms Marion Scyrmgour.

We firmly believe that strategic coordination and collaboration are paramount if the barriers to investment and economic activity in the region are to be addressed. The Joint Committee provides an excellent example of bringing everyone to the table to work together towards a common goal.

If you would like further information on this project, please contact the Committee Secretariat at supplychainreview@iotprojects.com.au. The latest communications from the Joint Committee can be accessed from https://indianoceanterritories.com.au/resources.

Regional engagement framework for the IOT

In 2023-24, the IOT RDO will co-design with key regional stakeholders an engagement and communications framework for the IOT. The purpose of the regional engagement framework is to bring together all levels of government, the private sector, and other key regional stakeholders, to work together to achieve improvements in local and regional priorities that impact sustainable growth and development, and liveability, that can only be influenced at the macro level.

The regional engagement framework will assist with the implementation of the Australian Government's newly announced Regional Investment Framework, and will recognise the regional engagement that is already being undertaken by the Australian Government via the Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, DITRDCA, other government agencies and members of parliament, and the community-level engagement frameworks of local government. A communications framework will also be developed, to provide stakeholder groups in the region two-way channels for communication, and so that all communication and engagement occur in ways that will suit and benefit each stakeholder group.

Regional development forum

The IOT RDO 2030 Strategic Regional Plan identifies a vision for the region, and the barriers, challenges and priorities for unlocking investment and sustainable development. In 2023-24, the IOT RDO will explore with key high-level stakeholders, including the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, local government, CIBA, tourism associations, DITRDCA, other relevant government departments and our representatives in the Australian Parliament, the holding of a regional development forum in 2024 to discuss the barriers and challenges that are hindering development in the region, and to propose a prioritised pathway forward for the lessening or removal of these barriers.

Recent developments in the IOT

Northern Australia Investment Facility (NAIF)

The IOT RDO welcomes the recent announcement that projects in the IOT are now eligible for finance from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF). NAIF is an $8 billion development financier that provides loans to infrastructure projects to benefit specific locations in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and now the IOT. The regional economy must transition from a narrowly based and underdeveloped market to a diversified and more robust market driven economy. A major constraint to development in the IOT is access to finance. Access to NAIF financing is therefore a game changer, potentially funding sustainable development projects that help to diversify the regional economy and provide local opportunities.

The IOT RDO has advocated over many years for the inclusion of the IOT in the definition of Northern Australia used by NAIF. We would like to thank and acknowledge the hard work of all advocates on this issue, including The Hon Madeline King, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia; The Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; Ms Nola Marino, former Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories; and those behind the scenes at DITRDCA. We also acknowledge the ongoing advocacy on this issue by CIBA. The IOT RDO’s submission to the inquiry of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee into the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2023 can be accessed from the Committee’s website.

Air services survey

DITRDCA is inviting community feedback on the provision of air services to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands through the IOT Air Services Survey. The survey is open now and closes on 6 August 2023. While the Department must follow Commonwealth procurement rules when selecting the next IOT air services provider, results from the survey will support this procurement by providing valuable information about the needs and preferences of IOT residents, businesses and travellers. Results from the survey will also inform the recommendations of the independent review of the IOT supply chain.

Seawater Reverse Osmosis Plant on West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The IOT RDO welcomes the recent approval by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works of the $19.6 million proposed Seawater Reverse Osmosis Plant Project on West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands. In addition to providing long-term water security, the proposed Seawater Reverse Osmosis Plant will remove one of the numerous barriers to sustainable tourism and other development, being limitations on additional use of the current water supply. It will also provide short-term contract and employment opportunities for residents and local businesses. The IOT RDO would like to acknowledge the coordination and collaboration by DITRDCA and the Department of Defence for this project, which will result in positive outcomes and lasting benefit to the local community and economy. The IOT RDO’s submission to the inquiry can be accessed from the Committee’s website.

Christmas Island Strategic Land Assessment

The Australian Government announced in June 2023 that it has paused the Christmas Island Strategic Assessment while significant policy and law reforms are ongoing. This is an unwelcome development for potential investors at Christmas Island. The Strategic Assessment is an important initiative that, once complete, will benefit the community, stakeholders and businesses. It aims to provide certainty to developers, help reduce barriers to economic diversification, promote economic activity and diversity, and ensure clarity around environmental approval arrangements under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Further information will be sought from DITRDCA as to the reasons why the assessment has been paused, and the expected timeframe for the process to recommence.

Committee news

IOT RDO Committee meeting 3 July 2023

The IOT RDO Committee held a meeting on 3 July 2023, chaired by Ms Farzian Zainal, Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Formerly the Deputy Chairperson, Farzian has commenced the role of Chairperson as per the IOT RDO Constitution. Thomas Battcher replaces Farzian as our new Deputy Chairperson. Agenda items included an update on the IOT supply chain review; a progress report on the implementation of the Annual Business Plan 2022-23; the draft Annual Business Plan 2023-24 for endorsement; providing letters of support for grant applicants; and an update on the Northern Australian agenda.

RDA National Forum 2023

The IOT RDO Chair, Deputy Chair and Program Manager will be attending the RDA National Forum 2023 in July. The theme of this year’s forum is new directions for regional growth. The forum provides an opportunity for networking with other RDAs, specifically those in the Northern RDA Alliance (NRDAA). Minister McBain will be attending the conference, and the new RDA Charter that will better reflect the link between the RDA network and Australian Labor Government priorities is expected to be finalised and presented to attendees.

Committee memberships

In August 2023, applications will open for membership on the IOT RDO Committee, commencing 1 September 2023. Our Committee members work together to deliver high-level outcomes for our communities and region. If you have a long-term history with and commitment to Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and/or the IOT, have a collaborative approach, and are wanting to make a positive contribution, we would love to hear from you.

Funding and finance opportunities

A focus area for the IOT RDO is to support the development of local business and organisation capability and capacity, so that local businesses are able to realise their potential and obtain maximum benefits from emerging opportunities. Part of the IOT RDO's work in this area is to identify and inform our local communities about funding and finance opportunities. The latest opportunities are available from the Grants section of the IOT RDO website, and include the Growing Regions Program and NAIF.

IOT Business Directory

The IOT RDO developed the IOT Business Directory to showcase the business community in our region, and to shine a light on the local resources and skills that are available. The IOT RDO advocates for local training and employment opportunities for all projects in the IOT. If you would like to add or update your business details on the directory, please visit the website and complete the online form.

Working together to create a thriving future for our island communities

Our door is always open. Please reach out to Committee members or our Program Manager if you have issues that you would like to discuss or bring to the Committee’s attention.

Chair: Farzian Zainal
Deputy Chair: Thomas Battcher
Committee members: Stephanie Lai, David McKinney and John Clunies-Ross
Program Manager: Bianca McKinney