30 January

With Torres Strait Regional Authority Chairperson, John Toshie Kris.

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.  

TSRA to Continue to Deliver Positive Outcomes in 2007 

As this is my first column for the year, I would like to begin by wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2007.

This year will again be another exciting and eventful year for the TSRA Board and Administration and I look forward to continue working in partnership with all stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes for the region.

Through constructive participation from our Elders, Island Councils, Traditional Owners, Prescribed Bodies Corporate, the Community Fisher Group, community members and partner organisations and agencies, together, we can improve the economic, social and cultural opportunities for our people. 

Protected Zone Joint Authority Decision 

After meeting and consulting with stakeholders including the Community Fisher Group (CFG) twice in 2006, the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA), which is represented by the Australian and Queensland Government Fisheries Ministers and myself as the TSRA Chairperson, made a significant announcement in December.

It was decided by the PZJA that the voluntary tender process will commence to reduce the non-Islander sector capacity in the Tropical Rock Lobster and Finfish fisheries. This is a positive outcome for our fishers as it is bringing traditional inhabitants a step closer to obtaining a greater share of the catch. 

I take this opportunity to commend the commitment and hard work of the TSRA and CFG who through their involvement in the PZJA consultative structure, ensured that the voice of our people was heard. 

I would also like to encourage the CFG to maintain this momentum in 2007 by working constructively and together with all stakeholders to continue our work towards securing greater economic and employment opportunities for our traditional fishermen. As a Member of the PZJA and Chairperson of the TSRA, I will also continue to represent the aspirations of our people in this important area. 

For more information on the PZJA announcements, you can visit www.pzja.gov.au or you can telephone TSRA’s Fisheries Coordinator, Mr Toshio Nakata, on (07) 4069 0700 or toll free 1800 079 093. Alternatively you can email info@tsra.gov.au or visit TSRA’s Office at level 1, Torres Haus, Victoria Parade, Thursday Island.

Dengue Fever Reminder 

As the wet season has begun on our island communities, I wish to remind our families to be on guard and to keep a watchful-eye for potential mosquito breeding sites.

Water tanks, old containers, tyres, pots and dinghies have the potential to become breeding sites so I encourage you to regularly check and empty water from any object that can hold water.

Please also remember to check your home and ensure that it is adequately screened and that when outdoors, to use mosquito repellent.

As a community, we must all work together and remain vigilant to protect our families from dengue. 

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