TSRA Chairperson's Column - 7 December 2009

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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.

We have had a very busy time in recent months and I would like to take this opportunity to share with you what’s been happening.

Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan

This historic document was signed on 15 July 2009 by myself as TSRA Chairperson and the Mayors of Torres Shire Council (TSC), the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC).

The Regional Plan was developed following a robust community consultation process and is based on the results of those consultations. This Plan outlines the vision we the Elected leaders of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) want for our region.

Further to the TSRA’s commitment to meeting the goals and objectives of the region, we are also working closely with our partners (TCS, NPARC, TSIRC, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services (ATSIS)) to negotiate a regional service delivery agreement with all government agencies servicing our communities.

Climate Change in the Torres Strait

In an attempt to raise awareness to government about the serious and devastating impact that Climate change is having on our region, the TSRA has written to the Prime Minister, submitted a number of reports to various House of Representatives Committees, and spoken to journalists.

This has resulted in recommendations from the Senate for Climate Change in recommending early and urgent intervention for affected Torres Strait communities as well as a visit from a senior correspondent with the ABC last week. I am hoping that the Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen this week will contribute to raising awareness of the impact of climate change on effected communities and that this in turn will result in real funding solutions for our region.

The TSRA was given the opportunity last week to assist ABC TV to visit Boigu and Warraber Islands to gain valuable film footage of the impact of tidal inundation from Climate Change. Jeff Waters, a senior correspondent for ABC TV, was able to speak to these affected communities first-hand about the impact this is having on our lives and from this valuable publicity I am anticipating it will result in our requests for funding to address this problem to be taken seriously by government. I was also interviewed by Jeff and look forward to seeing this aired this week on the ABC Foreign News Service, Lateline, ABC National and regional radio, and ABC TV News (National, state and regional).

Calling for grant applications

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) invites submissions for funding for the remainder of the 2009-2010 financial year from Local Councils, Incorporated Indigenous organisations and Indigenous persons residing in the Torres Strait region for the following activities listed under TSRA Program areas: Economic Development; Culture, Art and Heritage; and Safe and Healthy Communities.

For more information see the advertisement in this edition of Torres News or call the TSRA office (07) 4069 0700.

Mabuiag Economic Forum

On 10 – 11 November the TSRA Economic Development team hosted the Economic Forum on Mabuiag Island. This was well attended with community members from Mabuiag coming along to hear about the range of services the TSRA can offer. It was also an opportunity for the TSRA to gain valuable feedback from the communities on service delivery and new opportunities presented by the participants and from the program implemented by the TSRA. The TSRA team and members of industry presented information on new technologies for water solution, energy efficiency, affordable housing and fisheries management. One of the most enjoyable presentations was made by Micro-entrepreneur Ella Bowie on running a small business from home. Due to the success of the Forum the TSRA is planning to hold another forum in the New Year.

Proposed Preamble to the QLD Constitution

The Premier of Queensland Anna Bligh introduced a Bill to establish a Preamble to Queensland Constitution on 24 November 2009. Part of this preamble includes a Statement of Recognition developed by Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council which says:

The people of Queensland, free and equal citizens of Australia;
(will) honour the Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First
Australians, whose lands, winds and waters we all now share; and pay
tribute to their unique values, and their ancient and enduring cultures,
which deepen and enrich the life of our community;

Whilst this statement is a step forward to acknowledging our history and culture, this needs to be backed by funds and resources that will help us to close the “real” gap that exists in indigenous and disadvantaged communities. This Bill is yet to be passed and debate will take place early in 2010.

Joint-submission on Coastal Policy

As mentioned in Mayor Pedro’s column last week, the TSIRC, TSC and the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) have prepared a joint-submission which raises a number of concerns with the Draft Queensland Coastal Policy.

The Queensland Government hopes this will protect Queensland’s coast from the effects of climate change and rising tidal waters and while we all support this concept, in its current form we do not believe it sufficiently accommodates the unique circumstances of the Torres Strait.

Myself and Mayor Stephen and Mayor Gela will continue to follow-up on this issue to ensure our concerns are considered for the final draft.

In this edition of the Torres News you will see an invitation to communities to apply for funding under our program structures - this is a great opportunity to make a difference so have a look at this advertisement.

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