5 June

TSRA News Column
05 – 12 June 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.

 Condolences to our Bereaved Families

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

 40^th Anniversary of 1967 Referendum

A historic piece of our nation’s democratic history was marked on 27 May, with the 40^th anniversary of the momentous 1967 Referendum.

The Referendum called for eligible voting Australians to decide if the country’s constitution should be altered to include Indigenous people as part of the national census and whether to allow the Australian Government to formulate legislation on matters that affect the Indigenous population.  

An overwhelming 90% of voters chose ‘yes’ for their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counterparts to be counted in the census and to grant the Australian Government authority to create laws to address Indigenous needs.

The decision was formal acknowledgement, recognising Indigenous people as citizens of Australia who were entitled to the same rights enjoyed by other Australians.

The historic outcome of the Referendum would not have been possible without the support and commitment of many non-Indigenous as well as Indigenous activists, including Torres Strait Islanders, who campaigned for constitutional change.

In particular, I would like to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI), who despite facing numerous challenges from their era, worked very hard and petitioned for the recognition of Indigenous rights. Their commitment was instrumental in initiating the Referendum.

After 40 years, Indigenous constitutional rights have progressed. However, government and communities need to continue a strong working relationship that focuses on improving and developing opportunities that enhance Indigenous quality of life outcomes.

Many communities still live in sub-standard conditions. In addition, our rates of illnesses, life expectancy, as well as literacy and numeracy levels fall below than that of other Australians. As today’s generation, we all need to continue the momentum created in 1967 and work together with all levels of government to develop lasting and positive results for our people.

Pilot Project on Warraber Island

The Torres Strait’s Major Infrastructure Program (MIP) will soon commence a new innovative Waste Management Project together with Warraber Island Council.

MIP is delivered by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) in partnership with the Queensland Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation (DLGPSR), representing the Australian and Queensland Government’s commitment towards improving environmental health infrastructure and outcomes in the region.

This particular Project, is being supported by the Australian Department of Environment and Water Resources (DEW) and the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and aims to study and improve integrated waste management on Warraber.

Through the Project, new infrastructure will be installed on the Island, including a garbage compactor, recyclable bailer and oil/fuel storage facility.

Research activities will also be undertaken to examine waste management techniques, including a waste composition study, an economic analysis of waste removal, a review of purchasing practices and construction designs, and examination of the operation of the waste facility.

The outcomes from this Pilot Project will assist MIP to develop a Regional Waste Management Strategy to enhance community awareness in the Torres Strait of effective waste management and serve as a guide for Island Councils to consider and adopt.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of the DEW, EPA and DLGPS&R, and I also wish to commend Warraber Island Council for their commitment to protect their Island’s environmental health.

Land and Sea Community Workshops

Recently, the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA) Land and Sea Management Unit (LSMU) in conjunction with the Local Government Association of Queensland, conducted a series of environmental workshops on Hammond, Warraber, Saibai, Mabuiag and Erub Islands.

The workshops provided a forum for Councils and community members to discuss land and sea matters as well as to look at how they can incorporate the management of these natural assets into their individual Community Development Plans.

A diverse range of topics were examined and raised by participants including water conservation, erosion, waste and pest management, preservation of traditional bush and sea knowledge and changes observed in animal behaviour and plant species.

Participants recognised the importance of our environment and it was good to hear that they were keen to develop and implement community based and approved plans to sustainably manage their land and sea.

A report on the outcomes of the workshop has been compiled and forwarded to participating Councils for consideration.

The TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit is here to help our communities care for their land and sea. They can help you to:

-         access environmental information

-         identify funding opportunities

-         assist with grant applications and proposals

-         provide technical support

-         locate training opportunities

-         assist in the creation of  land and sea management plans for your community

Should you wish to find out more about the role of the LSMU, you can contact the Unit by telephone (07) 4069 2957, fax (07) 4069 2967, email info@tsra.gov.au or write to PO Box 261, Thursday Island, Queensland 4875. If you are on Thursday Island, you can also visit their office, located on the corner of Victoria Parade and Blackall Street, adjacent to the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.

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