OUR ISLAND HOME

Many Norfolk Island families still live on land which is part of the 50 acre blocks granted to them by Queen Victoria. Some still proudly display the "Original Grant" documents on their walls. When the Colonial Government decided to cease handing out grants to island families over 100 years ago, the portions remaining became Crown land. Some of this became Reserve land, while other portions were "sold" as 28 year leases to new settlers.
Of considerable interest is a large area of land - almost 1000 acres - which was purchased back from the Melanesian Mission when they moved their headquarters to the Solomons earlier in the 20th century. This land was purchased back from the Mission with trust moneys that belonged to the people of Norfolk Island, and the land was meant to be used for the benefit of the people of the island. However, the Commonwealth or "Crown" assumed the title to this land for themselves.
In very recent years, the Commonwealth has begun a process of converting much of the privately occupied leasehold land to freehold, at a fairly reasonable cost to the owners. The proceeds from these sales are to go into an Environment fund for the island.
A magnanimous gesture?
Well, not really, if the land was not morally theirs in the first place.
But it gets worse.
You see, you cannot charge rates or land taxes on leasehold land.
If either of the two options for governance models is imposed on this island, it is highly likely that property rates would be part of the raft of taxes imposed.
If we are forced to accept a "Municipal" style model, our own government will be forced to levy such rates, because much of their present sources of revenue e.g. customs, will have been taken away from them.
Now many Norfolk people are what you would describe as asset-rich and cash poor. As I said yesterday, they will make any sacrifices to hang on to their land for future generations.It is very important in island culture that you have something to hand on to your family, so that they can continue to call Norfolk Island "home".
The fact that fairly large tracts have been preserved in many parts of the island means that we have been able to retain the rural character of the island. There are many such areas which are used to benefit more than the family owners. Privately owned land is often made available for community and sporting events. There are areas where tourists can walk, or where horses can be ridden. Both the Archery Club and the Pony Club use large areas belonging to the Church of England.
If land and property taxes are brought in, this amenity will surely be diminished. These owners will be forced to utilise this land for profit. Or they will be forced to sell it. There will be pressure to subdivide. There will be mainland-style "developments." The owners may expect facilities such as kerbing and guttering, or garbage services to justify the payment of rates.
If Australia also plans to take away control of our immigration, the problem will be compounded. No doubt there will be any number of people in search of a "sea-change" or "island escape" who will be willing to snap up homes and land from Norfolkers who can no longer afford to hang on to them.
Norfolk Island has always been an annoying anomaly to Canberra and the Territories Department. This will really fast track the final solution to the Norfolk problem for Australia. Just replace the Norfolkers with Australians, many of whom will no doubt proceed to turn this island into a glossy and ostentatious resort area much like the ones they thought they had left behind.