Report launched on SBD5billion-worth 515 projects across every province under Australia-SI infrastructure cooperation
BY MORRIS NAFU
A report on the 515 projects delivered across Solomon Islands by Australia worth over SBD$5 billion has been launched.
Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Rexon Ramofafia and Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel co-launched the report during the Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2025 in Brisbane.
According to a statement by the Australian High Commission on Thursday. August 21, 2025, the report “Building Together – five years of infrastructure partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia” provides a snapshot of the 515 projects delivered across Solomon Islands’ nine provinces, totalling over SBD5 billion, with the majority delivered by local firms and local workers, creating local jobs.
Mr Ramofafia said the Solomon Islands-Australia infrastructure partnership sets a high standard within the Pacific, with strong local procurement and skilled jobs for local workers, quality, climate resilience, and infrastructure linked to economic impact.
“Good infrastructure relies on trusted partnerships, developing our private sector and aligning with our priorities, and that is the story of this report,” Ramofafia said.
Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Rod Hilton said the reportrecognises the value of Australia’s long-term approach, focusing on projects with social and economic impact, creating local jobs, and supporting local companies to deliver more Australian-funded projects at a high quality.
He said the report demonstrates there is more to infrastructure than building roads, bridges, schools or ports.
“While hard infrastructure is important, how we deliver the infrastructure is the real challenge – and that means building climate resilience, working with the government and private sector to design, deliver and maintain a better standard of infrastructure that serves communities and enables them to grow and prosper,” Mr Hilton said.
Recent research has shown Australia’s approach to localising procurement and local workforces means every aid dollar invested by the people of Australia results in $2.50 of local economic benefit, the statement said.
In attendance at the launch were Solomon Islands ministerial delegation, including the Minister of Infrastructure Development (MID), Minister of Rural Development, (MRD) Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, (MME&RE) and Minister of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, (MTGPEA) together with representatives from Solomon Islands and international contractors.
MID Minister Ricky Fuo’o acknowledged Australia as a long-time supporter of infrastructure in Solomon Islands, and their commitment to localise infrastructure delivery using local contractors and suppliers.
On this note, he expressed that the report features many Solomon Islands companies who are here today hence Australia should be congratulated for its efforts.
“We want infrastructure to be high quality, resilient and easily operated and maintained using local suppliers.
“The newly passed National Building Code, a 30-year effort, now offers us with uniform standards to guide better infrastructure development in the future,” Minister Fuo’o said.
Photo: Australian High Commission (AHC)
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