25 September

TSRA News Column
25 September - 02 October 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.

Condolence Message

On behalf of the Board Members of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), I would like to extend our sympathies to families who are currently mourning the loss of a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Sustainable Land Use Planning Project

I would like to inform you that the Torres Strait Regional Authority's (TSRA) Land and Sea Management Unit has recently obtained $1.1 million from the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust (NHT), to begin a Sustainable Land Use Planning Project in the region.

The pilot project's aim is to produce adequate and relevant information that will assist communities to plan for the future.

Boigu, Saibai, Dauan, Iama, Erub and Masig Islands will participate in the project, which will be delivered in two components. The first part will involve the Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and the second will see participating communities develop Land Use Plans for their individual islands.

With increasing populations and a changing environment, it is important that there is information available, that is supported by sound research, which is relevant to our unique communities.

The sort of information anticipated to be available to participating communities at the completion of the project includes:

- the availability of water to support growing populations
- waste management issues
- erosion/inundation or landslide prone areas
- cultural heritage impacts
- fragile habitat impacts

With such information, Councils and their communities will be better placed to make informed decisions about their island's future.

Next month, the TSRA's Land and Sea Management Unit (LSMU) and a team of consultants will be consulting the respective Councils to commence the rollout of the project.

I would like to commend all six Councils of Boigu, Saibai, Dauan, Iama, Erub and Masig Islands who have agreed to participate in this important pilot project.

If you would like to find out more about this new project, you can contact the TSRA's LSMU Community Liaison Officer Mr Vic McGrath, by telephone (07) 4069 2957, fax (07) 4069 2967, or alternatively you can email info@tsra.gov.au.

Congratulations Ms Yoshiko Hirakawa

As reported in this column in June, TSRA's Executive Services Manager, Ms Yoshiko Hirakawa, was included in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list. She was recognised for her outstanding public service, particularly in the development of policy, project management and the coordination of secretariat services at the TSRA.

On Friday 14 September, Ms Hirakawa was invited to attend the official presentation ceremony at Government House in Brisbane, where she was presented with the Public Service Medal by Queensland Governor, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce.

On Behalf of the TSRA Board and Administration, I would like to congratulate Ms Hirakawa on this exceptional achievement. I also would like to thank Yoshi for her hard work and twelve years of service to the TSRA.

Farewell Greg Churchward

The TSRA recently farewelled its Field Operations Manager, Mr Greg Churchward.

Greg was employed at the TSRA for six years and was a valuable member of TSRA's Management team. During his time at the TSRA, he worked tirelessly with both the TSRA Board and the Administration to create opportunities for economic, social and cultural development in our communities.

On behalf of the TSRA Board, I wish to thank Greg for his service to the TSRA and wish him the best in his future endeavours.


Any feedback on this column can be sent to:

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

Alternatively, feedback can also be sent through the TSRA website via the media contact in the 'contact us' segment of the site. Until the next column, may God bless you all and keep you safe.