TSRA News Column

April 2009
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.

Visit to Torres Strait by Minister Macklin
As you may be aware, the Australian Government Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Honorable Jenny Macklin, recently visited the Torres Strait.

Minister Macklin met with the TSRA Board on 9 April in which current regional issues were discussed. These included climate change and its potential impact on our communities, the high costs of living in our region, Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) Program reform and cross-border issues.

The TSRA Board and myself informed Minister Macklin on work underway by the TSRA to close the gap between Indigenous and non Indigenous life outcomes.

Over the last 15 years, TSRA has been working with all levels of government to deliver outcomes that improve both living standards and quality of life outcomes for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people of the region through cultural, social and economic development.

The Major Infrastructure Program is a leading example of how TSRA has helped to deliver essential and much needed infrastructure, such as water and sewerage treatment plants, mobile desalination units and sealed roads.

Through our Community Economic Initiatives and Business Funding Schemes we have facilitated the opportunity for both communities and individuals to become economically independent, and along with the TSRA Home Ownership Program, families have been able to acquire their own home.

TSRA is also assisting groups to build community capacity, for example supporting Rangers and Prescribed Bodies Corporates to be equipped with the ability to manage their land and sea.

There are positive initiatives underway in the region, though TSRA acknowledges that more still needs to be done until we close that gap, and together with the support of the Australian Government, we plan to continue this good work.

Minister Macklin Announces $28 Million for Torres Strait
At the conclusion of her visit to the Torres Strait, Minister Macklin announced that the Australian government will provide $28 million to extend the region's Major Infrastructure Program (MIP) for a further two years.

MIP is a multi-million joint Australian and State Government funded program delivered through the TSRA, that provides much needed environmental health infrastructure to our communities.

This funding will allow MIP to enter a second phase of Stage Four works, which will see the completion of reticulated sewerage to all 15 Outer Island Communities and also the extension of sewerage reticulation and pumping to un-serviced or new housing allotments, including the servicing of Badu Island's hospital.

Further sealing and paving of roads as well as drainage upgrades, are proposed for most of our communities to bring existing roads to State standards, remove dust hazards, alleviate stormwater flooding threats and reduce mosquito breeding sites.

In addition, a regional solid waste project is planned to implement sustainable waste disposal practices to maintain our region's natural environment and ecosystems, as well as establish an asset replacement project to ensure the ongoing viability of environmental health infrastructure.

TSRA thanks the Australian Government for its support. Now MIP can continue its work up to 2011, to raise the standard of essential infrastructure and at the same time, contribute to improved environmental health outcomes for our region.

Torres Strait Indigenous Ranger Program
The TSRA successfully secured funds from the Australian Government's Caring for Our Country Program to establish a Ranger Program in the Torres Strait. The program is currently being implemented in partnership with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC).

Staff from the TSRA's Land and Sea Management Unit are currently working with TSIRC to support Ranger recruitment, acquisition of tools and equipment, Ranger training and development, community involvement in work planning and technical support for on ground land, sea and cultural activities.

Rangers are now operating on Mabuiag Island. Rangers are soon to be recruited on Badu, with planning and negotiations underway in the Kaiwalagal/Kaurareg area.

I would like to personally thank Torres Strait Native Title Prescribed Bodies Corporates for their advice regarding the establishment of this program and for their partnership to deliver this important program.

Until the next column, may God bless you all and keep you safe.