31 July

TSRA News Column
31 July – 07 August 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.

Australian Government Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads Tours the Torres Strait

From 23 to 25 July, the Australian Government Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, the Honourable Jim Lloyd, visited the Torres Strait.

I had the pleasure of accompanying Minister Lloyd during his tour, which saw us visit Hammond and Boigu Islands, as well as Bamaga Community on the Northern Peninsula Area.

Our visit to these communities was an important occasion for the Minister to see first-hand the positive social, cultural and economic development initiatives currently in operation in the Torres Strait.

Over the last thirteen years, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has worked in partnership with our communities to improve quality of life outcomes for the Indigenous people of the region.

Together, we have delivered programs and services which have helped to improve infrastructure, living standards, access to essential services, built community capacity and strengthened opportunities for individual and community economic independence.

As well as showcasing the Torres Strait to the Minister, the visit also provided an opportunity to discuss key regional issues. Amongst the various issues raised, I brought to his attention:

• the potential cultural and practical ramifications of the Queensland Government’s decision to introduce local government reforms;
• the need to increase and extend the Australian Government’s support for the Major Infrastructure Program to continue the installation and upgrade of the region’s environmental health infrastructure beyond 2009;
• the high costs of living experienced by residents of the region; and
• the threat of erosion and flooding to our islands and the need for all levels of government to collaborate to assist our communities to mitigate this natural process.

As an advocate for the Torres Strait, I endeavoured to ensure that the Minister was well informed and lobbied for Government support on these matters.

I would like to thank Minister Lloyd for touring our unique region and I also wish to thank all the Councils and community members who welcomed and hosted the Minister during his visit.  

Boigu Island Community to Enjoy New Fuel Bowser and Rural Transaction Centre

On 25 July, the community of Boigu Island celebrated the opening of a new fuel bowser facility and Rural Transaction Centre.

The fuel facility was funded by the TSRA and provides a service that is essential to the community’s way of life and is a safer alternative than siphoning fuel from drums. Community members can now access both unleaded petrol and diesel fuel through the use of prepaid and rechargeable swipe-cards.

This new facility was delivered through the TSRA’s Community Economic Initiatives Scheme (CEIS). The CEIS aims to contribute directly to the economic growth of our region by assisting communities to develop income generating projects that result in social, cultural and economic benefits.

By delivering programs like the CEIS, the TSRA is working with other government agencies and our communities to improve quality of life outcomes for the people of this region.

The Rural Transaction Centre was funded by the Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services, Island Watch and the Scully Foundation, with in-kind support from Boigu Island Council.

The Centre contains a library, internet and video conferencing facilities, Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme (BRACS) Unit, post and Centrelink offices.

These two new facilities will not only provide the residents of Boigu with much needed services, but also provide opportunities for employment and training to further enhance community capacity.

I would like to acknowledge the support of all agencies and organisations involved in delivering these projects and I congratulate Boigu Island Council for sharing TSRA’s vision to improve the quality of life for our people. 

Farewell Robin Maxwell

At the end of June, the TSRA farewelled Gab Titui Cultural Centre Manager and Tourism Economic Innovations Coordinator, Ms Robin Maxwell.

Robin arrived in the Torres Strait five years ago and during her time at the TSRA, she played an active role in strengthening economic development opportunities for the region.

Robin worked tirelessly with the TSRA’s economic development section, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre and our communities, to deliver projects that have enhanced regional employment and the local economy.

I would like to extend a big esso to Robin for her dedication and service whilst at the TSRA and I wish her well in her future endeavours.

Any feedback for 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.

John T. Kris
TSRA Chairperson