That's right...the Vx made it to the Australian shores long before they reached us here. Isuzu sent the '97's and '98's over downunder and Europe before we even saw the first ones in '99. All of those were JP specs and if I remember right they are rated higher for towing capacity then the U.S. versions.(exact weight however escapes me right now...it's tough getting older).
Aren't the Rover snorkels made of a flexible plastic material? They could possibly be adapted for the VX?
Good luck with the project and keep us posted on the progress. Welcome on board.
John