Housing & Environmental Health

Program Overview: Housing and Environmental Health

The output of Housing and Environmental Health Infrastructure aims to increase the number of Indigenous people in the Torres Strait area who have access to adequate housing, infrastructure facilities, and essential municipal services that are consistent with, and appropriate to, their needs. This output also aims to improve environmental health standards by providing appropriate and sustainable infrastructure and ensuring that adequate environmental health programs are implemented.
This output has one program (Housing and Environmental Health) and is comprised of two sub-programs:
1. Environmental Health
2. Community Housing.

SUB-PROGRAM: MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM
Objective
Through the Major Infrastructure Program (MIP), which delivers environmental health infrastructure in Torres Strait communities, the TSRA aims to improve the health and general wellbeing of Indigenous people living in the region. MIP delivers such infrastructure as clean drinking water supplies, reticulated sewerage systems, and serviced sub-divisions. TSRA also contributes towards improved safety of the people of the region through the upgrade of community airstrips and marine infrastructure. This is achieved through TSRA funding contributions to the Department of Main Roads (DMR) and Queensland Transport’s Transport and Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).

Description
The Major Infrastructure Program (MIP) works to deliver essential, appropriate and sustainable environmental health infrastructure to the fifteen Torres Strait communities and the two Northern Peninsula Area communities of Bamaga and Seisia. MIP is of vital importance to the health and wellbeing of the Indigenous people of the region.

The MIP is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and is administered by an MIP Management Committee comprising representatives from the TSRA, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation (DLGSR), the Torres Strait Islands Regional Council (TSIRC), the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) and the MIP Program Manager (Cairns-based consultant engineers Black and More).

The first ten years of MIP (1998 to 2008) has delivered over 60 major infrastructure projects. A further 18 projects are currently in construction or design phases. These key projects include:
• 19 sewerage and wastewater projects completed
• 7 reticulated sewerage schemes in construction phase
• 1 reticulated sewerage scheme in design phase
• 19 water supply upgrades/augmentation completed
• 1 water supply upgrade in construction phase
• 9 internal road and stormwater drainage upgrades completed
• 5 internal road and stormwater drainage projects in design phase
• 10 sub-division projects completed
• 1 sub-division in progress
• 2 solid waste projects completed
• 2 regional solid waste projects in progress
• Several infrastructure sustainability projects in planning and design phase.

These initiatives have had substantial and tangible impacts on the health, quality of life, and overall community sustainability in the Torres Strait region and reflect the success of the whole-of-government partnership that guides MIP.

Over the ten year MIP period, the Australian and Queensland Governments have jointly provided a total in excess of $120 million.

MIP Stage 4 Funding
In September 2006, parallel submissions were put to the Australian and Queensland Governments by TSRA and DLGSR seeking to extend MIP for a further four years. $14 million per year from each government for the four-year period 2007 to 2011 was requested (a total of $56 million each). In response, the Commonwealth approved $14 million per year for the first two years ($28 million total) and the Queensland Government approved $14 million per year for the full four years ($56 million total). Commonwealth funding for the second two years of the above four year period is subject to review and submission of a fresh New Policy Proposal (NPP).

Achievements 2007-2008
MIP 4
• A Project Manager was appointed to manage the construction of the Mabuiag Sewerage Project and the Mabuiag Water Project in December 2007
• A contract was awarded to connect power to the Seisia Sub-division in February 2008
• A Project Manager was appointed to manage the construction of the Warraber Sewerage Project in February 2008
• Working arrangements were confirmed in January 2008 for collaboration between MIP and the Department of Main Roads (DMR) for the construction of five MIP4 Roads and Drainage projects in Hammond, Saibai, Mabuiag, St Pauls and Kubin communities.
A project manager has been appointed for the Saibai Island Access Road Project and the Hammond Island Roads and Drainage Project construction is underway (a joint MIP/ DMR/ HEMTP project managed by DMR)
• The Hammond Island Reticulated Sewerage Project planning and design stage is well underway (as at 30 June 2008)
• The Masig Sewerage Project Tender was awarded in June 2007 and construction was 65% complete (as at 30 June 2008).
MIP 3
• Construction of the Bamaga Sub-Division (Stage 2) was completed in January 2008
• The Ugar Roads Upgrade was completed in February 2008
• The Workscope was confirmed in December 2007 for the Warraber Waste Pilot Project incorporating Regional Waste issues.
MIP 1 and MIP 2
Approximately 73% of the 22 MIP1/MIP2 projects have been finalised with the remaining 27% (8) in final stages.

Note: Detailed summary lists of MIP projects can be found in the TSRA 2007-2008 Annual Report

MIP outlook for 2008-2009
MIP projects in progress will continue and it is anticipated that the following projects will be completed
by 30 June 2009:
• Horn Island Reticulated Sewerage Project
• Hammond Island Roads and Drainage Upgrade Project
• Mabuiag Island Reticulated Sewerage Project
• Masig Island Reticulated Sewerage
• Regional Waste Management Pilot Project
• Saibai Access Road Project
• Seisia Serviced Land (Power) Project
• St Pauls and Kubin Reticulated Sewerage Projects
• Warraber Island Reticulated Sewerage Project.

SUB-PROGRAM: WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE INFRASTRUCTURE

Objective
In order to achieve improved health, economic and social outcomes for communities, assist communities in the operation and maintenance of water supply and sewerage services and strengthen community capacity to operate and maintain water supply and sewerage services.
This objective is achieved through TSRA funding and participation in the Major Infrastructure Program (see MIP above), and through funding of the TSIRC’s Engineering Services (TSIRCES - previously known as the Island Coordinating Council Infrastructure Support Unit or ICCISU).

Description
The ISU was originally established within the ICC (now into the Torres Strait Island Regional Council - TSIRC) in 2003 to provide management of water services and operations and maintenance of related infrastructure in 17 Torres Strait outer island communities.
Through MIP the Australian and Queensland Governments have committed substantial capital works funds for major infrastructure upgrades of water services and reticulated sewerage systems in the region. The current program of water services operations and maintenance manages this extensive investment in infrastructure.

Achievements
The role of the Unit has been crucial in maintaining essential and high standard water services to outer island communities over recent years. This has been particularly important during periods of drought when a continuous supply of emergency drinking water was needed by several island communities. TSRA financial support for the TSIRCES in 2007-2008 was $1.7 million.

Outlook for 2008-2009
It is anticipated that for 2008-2009, the TSRA will continue to assist TSIRCES at the current annual level of $1.7 million as a contribution towards operation and maintenance of water supplies and sewerage services in island communities.

SUB-PROGRAM: TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Objective
To achieve improved health, economic and social outcomes for communities, assist communities in the upgrade of community roads, airstrips and marine facilities, and strengthen community capacity to manage and participate in such upgrade projects.
This objective is promoted through TSRA contribution to funding of the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).

Description
Upgrade of roads, airstrips and marine facilities on remote island communities in order to improve access and transport safety.

Achievements
This year the TSRA funding contribution to TIDS was $1.07 million. This program has provided vital infrastructure to the Torres Strait Island Communities which in turn has contributed substantially toward improving the quality of life for the people of the region. The local economy has benefited from year-round access to communities, with visitor movements enhancing business opportunities. Residents also benefit by being able to safely and efficiently commute between islands to attend family and cultural events.

Now that all island airstrips in the Torres Strait have been sealed, the program is focusing on marine infrastructure and roads/drainage projects. During the year airstrip and marine upgrades proceeded with the planning of the Poruma Island Barge Replacement and site investigations and design for selected dredging works. Roads and drainage projects were also completed at Hammond and Mabuiag Islands.

By working with other programs such as the Heavy Equipment Management Training Program (HEMTP) and MIP, TIDS continues to have a substantial and beneficial impact on local employment and capacity building.

Horn Island Airport Runway Extension
In order for larger and more efficient aircraft with increased capacity to be able to operate in and out of Horn Island (the central airport for the Torres Strait region), the main runway needs to be extended and its surface strengthened. The estimated cost for this work is approximately $1.7 million. The airport owner and operator, the Torres Shire Council (TSC), is responsible for this project. The Department of Transport has undertaken to fund half of the eventual cost of the project. TSRA has agreed to contribute $400,000 and the remainder will be raised by TSC.

Before TSC can commence this project, special tests must be carried out to ascertain the strength of the existing runway. This is necessary to determine what work needs to be done to bring the runway up to the standard required by the larger and more efficient aircraft (mainly the Dash 8 Q400). As these tests were not completed by 30 June 2008 this project will now commence in 2008-2009.

Outlook for 2008-2009
It is anticipated that TSRA will continue TIDS contributions at approximately the current level ($1.07 million) next year.
The following TIDS projects are due for completion during 2008-2009:
• St Pauls, Moa Island: Dolphin Facility
• Badu Island: Dolphin Facility
• Poruma Island: Barge Ramp Replacement
• St Pauls, Moa Island: Roads and Drainage
• Hammond Island: Town Roads and Drainage.

SUB-PROGRAM: COMMUNITY HOUSING

Objective
To maximise the provision of adequate and appropriate housing for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the Torres Strait region by monitoring agencies responsible for Indigenous housing, and coordinating planning and delivery of housing services through the Joint Torres Strait Housing and Infrastructure (JTSHI) Agreement and Committee.

Description
Notwithstanding its expiration in late 2005, the Joint Torres Strait Housing and Infrastructure Agreement continues to provide the framework for the planning, coordination and delivery of housing and infrastructure programs in the Torres Strait. The original parties to the Agreement were the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, the Island Coordinating Council (ICC) and the TSRA. The ICC became the Torres Strait Islands Regional Council (TSIRC) on 15 March 2008. Clause 9 of the Agreement provides for a Joint Torres Strait Housing and Infrastructure Committee (JTSHIC) with a membership of one Australian Government representative, two Queensland Government representatives, one TSRA representative, and one ICC (now TSIRC) representative.

The TSRA provides Secretariat support for JTSHIC, and the incumbent TSRA Chairperson sits as JTSHIC Chairperson. A more strategic coordination of housing and infrastructure delivery that is consistent with recent Indigenous Affairs and Local Government reforms is currently being developed by JTSHIC. In addition, the TSRA is holding direct talks with the TSIRC with a view to developing a new regional housing strategy.

Achievements
Four JTSHIC meetings were held during 2007-2008, and JTSHIC continued its valuable work in Housing and Infrastructure coordination and planning. The continued smooth and coordinated delivery of infrastructure in the region is largely due to the value added by the JTSHIC and MIP/HEMPT/O&M committees.

The TSRA, together with other JTSHI partners, is awaiting the release of the Queensland Department of Housing sponsored review of housing and town planning carried out by SGS Economics and Planning in May 2007. It is expected that this report will identify issues affecting housing and make recommendations to address the shortage of housing in the region. It is hoped that the report will enable all stakeholders to move ahead with coordinated and effective measures to address regional Indigenous housing issues.

The TSIRC participated in the March and June JTSHIC meetings after its establishment on 15 March 2008. This has allowed JTSHIC to progress review plans and discussions. Also, the TSRA and the TSIRC have agreed to commence joint talks with a view to developing and promoting strategies to address current Indigenous housing issues.

Indigenous Home Ownership
Another area of focus is the critical issue of Indigenous home ownership on communal title lands (mainly Deeds of Grant in Trust or DOGIT areas in the Torres Strait). One of the greatest impediments is the high cost of housing and housing finance issues which are influenced among other things by land availability, type of land tenure and land prices. Legislation passed by the Queensland Government in May 2008 introduced new land tenure provisions, including 99-year leases for housing and commercial purposes. The TSRA is currently negotiating with the Torres Shire Council (TSC) to initiate a joint Indigenous home-ownership project on Horn Island. The TSC has an Indigenous Land Use Agreement on 30 hectares of land on the island which it wishes to use for community housing purposes. The subject was first raised at the TSC/TSRA Memorandum of Understanding meeting on 30 October 2007, and since then the TSRA and TSC have visited possible development sites on Horn Island and discussed options for progressing the initiative.

The TSRA is also working with the Queensland Department of Housing (DoH) in assisting Indigenous home buyers to purchase homes. This initiative improves coordination of the home-ownership programs of both agencies and uses TSRA housing loan assistance to help home buyers take advantage of DoH’s shared housing equity program.

SUB PROGRAM: ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT

Objective
This project is aimed at controlling the Asian Tiger Mosquito population in the region thereby decreasing the incidence of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Description
In February 2007, TSRA and the Department of Family, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) executed a Memorandum of Understanding to fund the Asian Tiger Mosquito Control Project. This $1.08 million project is being delivered by the TSIRC, who is working with Queensland Health to take measures to control the Asian Tiger Mosquito population in the region. FaHCSIA contributed $880,000 (2006-2007) and the TSRA contributed $200,000 (over 2006-2007 and 2007-2008). The project commenced in April 2007 and is expected to run until March 2009. The TSRA is also assisting through its MIP and the JTSHIC.

The TSIRC operates as the Project Manager and the sub-program is being administered in accordance with a strategy document that addresses control of the Asian Tiger Mosquito in the Torres Strait. The strategy was developed and is overseen by a Steering Committee involving the Government agencies of the TSRA; the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service; QBuild; the Department of Local Government, Sports and Recreation; the Department of Communities (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships); and the Department of Housing.

One of many health initiatives being delivered by Queensland Government agencies, this project has contributed to an increased awareness of the Asian Tiger Mosquito threat and improved preventative measures to control outbreaks of dengue fever.

Achievements in 2007-2008
Activities carried out to date include training for community council Environmental Health Workers to help them identify and treat mosquito breeding areas, develop community mosquito management plans, repair rainwater tanks to prevent breeding, remove irreparable rainwater tanks, and develop a promotional DVD educating homeowners and tenants on mosquito control around the home. There have been no dengue outbreaks in the Torres Strait since this project was initiated.

Outlook for 2008-2009
Sub-Program resources will be channelled into the completion of activities that commenced in 2007-2008, as well as funding future activities such as mosquito collection and analysis and the development of a standardised training and information resources for use by Outer Island Environmental Health Workers. It is anticipated that with the benefit of increased community awareness, these measures will continue to maintain the low incidence of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases in the region.