2008 Press Releases

Torres Strait Regional Authority Supports Indefinite Extension of the Torres Strait Mining Moratorium
For immediate release 25/02/2008

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) applauds a recent decision by the Australian and Papua New Guinean (PNG) Governments to extend indefinitely, a moratorium on mining and drilling in the Torres Strait.

The Moratorium, which was due to expire on 14 February 2008 was implemented for an initial period of 10 years under the 1984 Torres Strait Treaty (“the Treaty”) between Australia and PNG, prohibiting mining and drilling of the seabed in the Torres Strait Protected Zone (TSPZ).

TSRA Chairperson Mr Toshie Kris, said he was pleased with the outcome of discussions between Australia and PNG in relation to the extension of the Moratorium.

“Since the initial 10 year prohibition, the Moratorium has now been extended four times by an exchange of letters between the Australian and PNG Governments,” said Mr Kris.

“The TSPZ is comprised of 13 inhabited Australian islands in the Torres Strait including adjacent waters and was established by the Treaty to preserve the marine environment and indigenous fauna and flora, thereby protecting the traditional way of life and livelihood of the region’s traditional inhabitants.

“Since its inception in 1994, the TSRA has supported an indefinite (permanent until otherwise agreed) extension to the Moratorium on the basis that the risks of mining and drilling in the region outweigh the possible economic benefits from future harvesting of resources.

“The TSRA views the indefinite extension of the Moratorium, which has now been in existence for 23 years, as a positive and significant outcome in the battle to preserve the delicate marine environment in the Torres Strait and consequently, the way of life of its traditional seafaring people,” Mr Kris said.


ENDS
TSRA Media Contact: Susan Reilly Ph: 07 4069 0700.