Last night the Albanese Government announced they will provide $15.9 million over four years from 2022-23 budget to design and deliver adaptation and mitigation action, including establishing the Torres Strait Climate Centre of Excellence.
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said that “This is a momentous point in time for the Torres Strait bringing together all the past and present advocacy and aspirations from the region’s leaders and traditional owners.”
The Centre of Excellence will create and implement a new model for an enduring dialogue on climate change in the Torres Strait. It will not only have a positive impact on our region but will also be a beacon of light for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders providing a First Nations led model that in time could be replicated across Australia.
Mr Stephen said, “we will continue to work in partnership with the leaders and traditional owners to co-design the Torres Strait Climate Centre of Excellence, and work collaboratively to address the very serious issues we are facing across our region.”
At the ministerial Torres Strait Round Table on Climate Change in June 2022, Minister Bowen and Assistant Minister McAllister heard from Traditional Owners that climate change is one of the greatest threats to our People, culture, economy, livelihoods, food, water, and energy security.
Torres Strait is dealing with acute impacts of climate change now. Communities are experiencing rising sea levels at approximately three times the rate of the global average, resulting in more frequent and severe inundation flooding events, and accelerated coastal erosion.
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence will be First Nations led with on-ground traditional knowledge embedded in the design and establishment of the Centre. It will be a national showcase of excellence in driving integrated climate resilience development regionally in Indigenous communities and a unique opportunity to generate shared knowledge and partnerships with Pacific Nations.
For more information about the TSRA visit www.tsra.gov.au or follow us on Facebook.