QLD GOVT CONFUSED ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE IN TORRES STRAIT For Immediate Release 1 February 2010
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) yesterday was shocked and disappointed to hear via local radio that the Queensland Government still wants to address the urgent tidal inundation threat by using funding earmarked to close the gaps for indigenous disadvantage found in Torres Strait communities. “In one way it is positive that Member for Cook Jason O’Brien admits climate change is a real and threatening issue for vulnerable communities, but for him to suggest that Major Infrastructure (MIP) funding be used to address this demonstrates his lack of knowledge and understanding of the Torres Strait region and vital purpose of MIP,” TSRA Chairperson Toshie Kris said today. “Given this worrying statement, I call on Premier Bligh to reassure the people of the Torres Strait of her Government’s commitment to upholding the goals they signed off on in partnership with the Commonwealth Government to ” Closing the Gap in Indigenous disadvantage”. “We are very concerned about the contradictory messages we are receiving from Premier Bligh’s government, especially when they conflict with the support promised to the region through initiatives such as MIP. “The message from the Torres Strait is very simple - we need more real money to deal with the impact of climate change, not suggestions to reshuffle already allocated money – this simplistic approach smacks of ignorance and inability to grasp the real issues facing the Torres Strait,” Mr Kris said. MIP aims to raise the standard of environmental health in Torres Strait communities by improving water, sewerage, waste management facilities, roads, drainage and related infrastructure systems. “If we stop these works the life expectancy, health standards and future of the Torres Strait people will decrease to even lower levels as compared to other Australian communities,” Mr Kris said. Current research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) states that the life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders at birth is 15-20 years less than for other Australians. “I am more than happy to provide Mr O’Brien with a better understanding of MIP and its priorities as identified and approved by State, Commonwealth, TSRA and Local Government Councils. “In the spirit of working together I will be inviting Mr O’Brien to our region to explain in detail how MIP works, and together find alternate solutions to funding Climate Change effects for his constituents who live in the Torres Strait,” Mr Kris said. MIP directly links to the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) “Safe Communities”, “Healthy Homes” and “Economic Participation” Closing the Gap in Indigenous disadvantage” building blocks. MIP also links directly with the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan (the Regional Plan) goals under the “Communities“, “Public Health” and “Economic Development” headings. Ends Contact: TSRA 07 4069 0700