14 February

TSRA News Column

14  – 21 February 2007
I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of Kaiwalagal, on whose land I am writing from and all other traditional owners and elders throughout our region. 

Major Infrastructure Program Reviewed Favourably

As you may be aware, the region’s Major Infrastructure Program (MIP), is jointly supported by the Australian and Queensland Governments and delivered through the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and the Queensland Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation (DLGPS&R).

MIP commenced in 1998 and has since become one of Torres Strait’s largest environmental health infrastructure programs, involving approximately $100 million and installing and upgrading much needed essential infrastructure on our island communities, like sewerage treatment plants, serviced housing lots, clean water supplies and sealed roads.

In August last year, private firm Stamfords Advisors and Consultants, conducted a full and independent assessment of stage three of MIP, which subsequently produced a positive report on the operations and outcomes of this important Program.

The Stamfords 2006 Review examined all aspects of MIP, including funding allocations, project identification and prioritisation, tendering processes, infrastructure development and construction, and stakeholder participation, reporting that stage three of MIP is operating efficiently and effectively.

It also found that MIP stage three and the Water Services Program are being delivered in a well planned and coordinated manner, producing substantial health outcomes for the region. In addition, the Review stated that the ability to progress Torres Strait’s economic development has been made possible by the good infrastructure that has been established by MIP.

MIP is great example of both the Australian and the Queensland Governments taking a whole of government approach and working in partnership to produce positive life-changing outcomes for the people of the Torres Strait.

The results and recommendations from this Review will assist the TSRA to improve service delivery, as well as become a valuable resource when lobbying for the continuation of this vital Program.

Congratulations Torres Strait Australia Day Award Recipients

The Torres Shire Council recently acknowledged a number of community members for their outstanding achievements and service to the region, during the Australia Day celebrations on 26 January.

Among the recipients were two members of the TSRA workforce – the TSRA’s General Manager, Mr Wayne See Kee, and Project Officer, Mr Francis Majid.

Mr See Kee received an Achievement Certificate in leadership, as he is the first Indigenous General Manager of the TSRA. He was also recognised as a role model for young Torres Strait Islanders, having completed his schooling in the region, studying at university in Brisbane and returning to the Torres Strait to share his skills and knowledge.

Mr Majid was presented with a Medallion in Achievement, for his dedication to the local Fire Brigade, and becoming a Lieutenant in the Fire Service at just 20 years of age. He was also recognised for his commitment to work towards positive outcomes for the region, having successfully completed a TSRA traineeship in 2005 and continuing on to be come a Field Operations Project Officer at the TSRA.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend both Mr See Kee and Mr Majid on their Awards, and congratulate all the recipients of this year’s Torres Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards.

New Corporate Services Manager for the TSRA

I wish to inform you that Mr Ray Abbott has recently commenced employment at the TSRA in the position of Corporate Services Manager.

Mr Abbott has an extensive background in accounting and management. He has previously worked for various Australian and State Government Departments, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services, and the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

On behalf of the TSRA Board, I would like to welcome Ray to the TSRA and the Torres Strait.

TSRA Annual Report Out Now

The TSRA’s Annual Report is now available. The Report contains information on the various Programs and Services provided by the TSRA during the 2005-2006 financial year.

If you would like a copy of the Report, you can obtain one by visiting the TSRA Office on level 1 Torres Strait Haus, 46 Victoria Parade, Thursday Island. Alternatively, you can telephone (07) 4069 0700, toll free 1800 093 079, email info@tsra.gov.au or write to PO Box 261, Thursday Island, Queensland 4875, and a copy can be mailed to you.

Any feedback for my column can be sent to:

Mr. John T. Kris
TSRA Chairperson
PO Box 261
Thursday Island QLD 4875

Alternatively, feedback can be sent to me through the TSRA website via the media contact in the ‘contact us’ segment of the site.  Until my next column, may God bless you all and keep you safe.
John T. Kris
TSRA Chairperson