Join one of our Cocos Island artisans to craft a unique piece of jewellery from a coconut shell.

Includes: Jewellery making materials + equipment, light lunch + chilled drinks

Operates: Wednesday 12 – 2pm

Price: $95

Bookings essential.

PROJECT PLAN — Community Egg Production for Food Security

Location: Lot 220 Mahoon Rd, Cocos Keeling Islands
Duration: Aug 2025 – Dec 2029
Funding: $800,000 (RJED Grant)
Staffing: 1 Full-Time Poultry Manager + 2 Part-Time Assistants

PHASE 1 — PREPARATION & APPROVALS (Aug 2025 – Dec 2025)

Goal: Secure all permits, finalise site setup plans, order materials/equipment.

1. Regulatory & Compliance

   • Submit and secure Development Application approval from Shire1. 2 DA Intro Letter – ….

   • Finalise biosecurity protocols with DPIRD WA.

   • Obtain annual Council Health Approval (egg grading, waste, animal welfare).

   • Liaise with DWER on water table & waste management setbacks20250326 Tony Lacy Coco….

2. Site Planning & Design

   • Internal fit-out design for 3-bay farm shed:

     • Climate-adapted free-range housing20250326 Tony Lacy Coco….

     • Concrete base & coconut husk litter.

     • Nesting frames, roosts, feeders & waterers.

   • Identify fencing requirements (may operate with undercover feed stations & limited fencing1. 2 DA Intro Letter – …).

   • Plan composting site for 30 tonnes/year manure output20250326 Tony Lacy Coco….

   • Design signage for agricultural site & visitor interpretation.

3. Procurement & Logistics

   • Engage electrical contractor for trenching, cabling & fit-out.

   • Order dehumidifying feed storage unit.

   • Secure supplier contracts for:

     • Commercial layer feed (bulk containers every 6 months).

     • Egg cartons (1-year supply per shipment).

     • Fertile eggs or day-old chicks (pending transport policy changes).

   • Establish transport schedule to avoid wet season delays.

PHASE 2 — INFRASTRUCTURE SETUP (Nov 2025 – Mar 2026)

Goal: Build and equip facility, ready for initial flock.

1. Farm Shed Conversion

   • Install nesting boxes & roosting areas.

   • Set up free-range paddocks (5,000 m² in sections for rotation20250326 Tony Lacy Coco…).

   • Build composting facility offsite under cover.

   • Install cyclone-rated structural elements & bird safety measures.

2. Feed & Water Systems

   • Set up dehumidifying storage for feed.

   • Install automatic waterers with backup tank supply.

   • Fit fans for heat stress mitigation; plan night feeding schedule.

3. Waste & Mortality Management

   • Develop manure removal and compost sales plan.

   • Finalise dead bird disposal process (incinerator for disease culls).

PHASE 3 — OPERATIONS LAUNCH (Apr 2026 – Dec 2026)

Goal: Begin trial flock operations, establish local egg supply chain.

1. Staff Recruitment & Training

   • Recruit 1 Trainee Poultry Manager (full-time).

   • Recruit 2 Part-Time Assistants.

   • Begin AHC30510 Certificate III & online poultry trainingApplication Information….

   • Training in biosecurity, welfare, and grading standards.

2. First Flock Introduction

   • Receive & quarantine chicks/fertile eggs.

   • Implement vaccination program (Mareks, Salmonella, IB, others as needed).

   • Brooding until point-of-lay (~18 weeks).

3. Production Start

   • Year 1 target: 100–200 hens, 50–65% laying capacity20250326 Tony Lacy Coco….

   • Collect, clean, quality check, and package eggs daily.

   • Weekly deliveries to Shamrocks & WI Supermarket.

PHASE 4 — SCALE-UP & OPTIMISATION (2027–2028)

Goal: Expand flock, refine operations, explore value-added products.

1. Flock Expansion

   • Year 2: 200–300 hens.

   • Year 3: 300–400 hens.

   • Maintain replacement flock for attrition (15% extra birds).

2. Production & Sales

   • Target 300+ eggs/day by Year 3.

   • Strengthen partnerships with hospitality sector.

   • Explore supply to Christmas Island supermarkets.

3. Value-Added Diversification

   • Test liquid egg products.

   • Develop compost fertiliser packaging & sales.

4. Operational Efficiency

   • Review feed storage performance (minimise spoilage).

   • Monitor water quality quarterly.

   • Adjust paddock rotation for ground cover health.

PHASE 5 — LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY (2029 onward)

Goal: Achieve financial self-sufficiency and potential regional expansion.

1. Financial Viability

   • Reduce dependence on grant funding by 2029.

   • Maintain profitability via egg, compost, and byproduct sales.

2. Community Development

   • Continue local employment and training.

   • Partner with schools for agricultural projects.

3. Expansion

   • Consider Christmas Island supply.

   • Explore mobile egg trailers for direct sales.

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Heat Stress: Fans, night feeding, shaded areas.

• Feed Spoilage: Dehumidified storage, shipping in dry months.

• Water Quality: Backup tanks, filtration if needed.

• Disease Outbreak: Quarantine, vaccination, incinerator access.

• Cyclones: Secure housing for birds & feed.

Craft your own coconut bowl with one of our local artisans.

Includes: Coconut making materials + equipment

Operates: Tuesdays 10 – 11am

Price: $35

Bookings essential.