Food security on Norfolk Island has been a priority for over a decade. Multiple strategies, audits, and stakeholder processes have been funded, yet on-ground outcomes have remained limited. In 2024-25, RDA Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) took a different approach and built an integrated evidence program designed to move directly from data to active implementation.

What RDAMNC delivered? RDAMNC contracted the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to undertake the first documented, holistic food system map of Norfolk Island. QUT engaged four community organisations through an advisory group, alongside the Office of the Administrator and Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC).

Recognising that Norfolk Island had experienced significant workshop fatigue, the project team adapted its methodology, ensuring that community knowledge was captured without repeating engagement formats that had generated community cynicism. This adaptive approach is documented in the QUT final report and represents a genuine methodological contribution to how RDAs engage in complex communities.

In order to bring concrete data to the food system mapping work, RDAMNC administered the first Norfolk Island Community Food Supply Survey, receiving 144 responses, a substantial sample for a resident population of approximately 2,200.

What the evidence established? The survey confirmed that 74% of respondents grew some food at home and that approximately 48% of the average respondent diet is sourced locally. The nutritional quality of locally produced food was rated a strength by 76% of respondents. Against this, the evidence identified freight cost as the single greatest barrier to food system improvement, with agricultural inputs subject to freight premiums of up to 600% above mainland prices. Water insecurity, biosecurity process failures for imported plant material, the absence of new livestock genetics since 2014, and land conversion pressure were identified as compounding constraints.

From evidence to active programs: RDAMNC used this consolidated evidence base to produce the Norfolk Island Food Security Strategy 2025-2030. Three active programs are already underway: a livestock genetics improvement program building on prior Commonwealth infrastructure investment in Artificial Insemination technology for the Norfolk Island Cattle Association; a structured bare-rooted fruit tree importation program navigating Commonwealth biosecurity requirements on behalf of community members; and a system stabilisation program pursuing freight equalisation advocacy, water security investment, and governance reform.

In order to deliver outcomes in food security, RDAMNC also applied for funding to support an importation program for edible plants and was successful in securing $35,000 to help bolster the Norfolk Island Food System, following their successful ruminant program.

Image Source: RDA MNC (Mid North Coast NSW).