Introduction to SIIP

The Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) is Australia’s flagship 10-year SBD1.65 billion / AUD276 million partnership with Solomon Islands to create local economic opportunities through a pipeline of high priority infrastructure projects.

Launched in June 2021, SIIP will:

Help build high quality, nation-building infrastructure focusing on inclusion, climate resilience and local jobs.

Work with government and industry to establish the best settings and practices to plan, finance, construct and maintain infrastructure to drive long-term, sustainable economic growth across the nation.

SIIP will deliver four outcomes for Solomon Islands:

1. Finance: Greater access to international infrastructure finance

2. Planning: Improved planning and policy settings to support inclusive, quality infrastructure

3. Construction: Construction of high quality, priority infrastructure

4. Capacity: Improved skills and capacity to plan, build and maintain quality infrastructure.

Local jobs and opportunities

Growing local jobs and opportunities is one of SIIP’s five key principles. SIIP will help create jobs both in the construction sector and within the communities we work with. Each activity will prioritise industry skills, training opportunities and the use of local materials. SIIP will balance these local content principles with delivering quality, resilient infrastructure. This local, inclusive approach means more jobs and economic opportunities to support national recovery from COVID-19.

Current activities

SIIP focuses on infrastructure that drives local jobs and economic growth: transport (land, sea and air), ICT, electricity, water and sanitation, and infrastructure that supports rural development. Current projects include:

Infrastructure planning: SIIP is supporting the Ministry of National Planning and Development Cooperation to better plan and prioritise major infrastructure projects across the country.

Provincial Markets Project: SIIP is redeveloping up to ten markets across Solomon Islands to grow local economies. Focusing on sub-stations to maximise local benefit, three locations are being assessed in Malaita, Isabel and Western Province. A further three locations will be identified in Guadalcanal and Honiara, with other provinces to follow.

Noro Port Redevelopment: SIIP is supporting the Solomon Islands Ports Authority to upgrade Noro Port wharves and facilities. The project will create opportunities for local businesses and increase fisheries exports. SIIP will undertake the feasibility and design studies needed for funding of overall project delivery.

Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant: SIIP is financing a major water and sanitation feasibility study for the tuna processing plant and Bina township, a critical step in progressing the Bina Harbour Project. This nation-building project is being led by the Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources with support from New Zealand and the International Finance Corporation.

Governance

All SIIP activities are decided by a high level Solomon Islands-Australia Steering Committee co-chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister and the Australian High Commissioner, and including the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of National Planning and Development Coordination, Finance and Treasury, and Infrastructure Development. Australia's Deputy High Commissioner is also a member.