2008 TSRA Press Release

Milestone Reached in Integrated Regional Planning

For Immediate Release 12/11/2008

Torres Strait leaders reached a milestone in shaping a regional partnership last week by developing a unified vision to guide whole of government planning and program delivery in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.

This historic outcome was achieved on Thursday Island following a forum held on 6 and 7 November, involving the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Board, and Councillors and Mayors of the Torres Shire Council (TSC), the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC), and the Torres Strait Islands Regional Council (TSIRC). The Queensland Government Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (ATSIP) helped to co-ordinate the event.

The region’s leaders have unanimously committed their respective agencies towards a unified vision, “Empowering our people, in our decision, in our culture, for our future” that would shape the destiny for this strategically important part of Australia.

The Chairperson of the TSRA, Mr Toshie Kris, said that agreeing on a vision and goals statement was a huge leap towards establishing a regional partnership and making sure that all levels of government work together to build a strong future for our region.

“It was agreed that the next step towards effective self-government is to prepare an integrated regional plan for Torres Strait and NPA that specified how different levels of government would contribute towards the goal,” said Mr Kris.

“We will then negotiate a regional service delivery agreement, based on our regional plan, with all government agencies servicing our communities.” Mr Kris said.

Councillor Stephen, Mayor of the TSC, stated “We are setting a unified positive direction for our region, particularly in light of current political and global economic challenges.”

Councillor Fred Gela, Mayor of TSIRC, emphasised that goals developed are based on the outcome of extensive community consultation.

“Our highest priority goal is to enhance the region’s wealth by creating sustainable industries and increasing employment opportunities for our people, equivalent to wider Australian communities,” Councillor Gela said.

Councillor Joseph Elu, Mayor of the NPARC, added “Integrated planning will maximise benefits to the region - we need to do this right so that our children and grandchildren will have a better future.”

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TSRA Media Contact: Susan Reilly Ph: 07 4069 0700