The Torres Strait Regional Authority has committed $1.25 million to the Wongai Multi-Purpose Courts upgrade project on Thursday Island through its Economic Development Program.

The project will be managed by My Pathway for the Torres Strait Youth Recreational and Sporting Association (TSYRSA), which has identified the Wongai Courts upgrade to the TSRA as a priority project for recreational infrastructure in the Torres Strait.

It will provide improved sports facilities for local residents while providing a training venue for eight Community Development Project job seekers on Thursday Island.

TSRA Chairperson, Mr Pedro Stephen AM, said upgrading the courts has been identified as a priority for the Torres Strait community as the courts are currently unsuitable for competition use.

“The project will provide a number of benefits to the local community, through infrastructure improvements as well as training and employment opportunities.” Mr Stephen said.

There is a need for more skilled construction workers on Thursday Island because of several upcoming projects, including the demolition and reconstruction of the TSRA’s Environmental Management Programme building and the refurbishment of the Thursday Island Hospital.

“There are currently 176 Community Development Project job seekers on Thursday Island and the TSRA is determined to utilise the redevelopment project as an opportunity to provide industry specific training for the emerging labour market demand on Thursday Island,” he said.

“The Wongai Courts project will align training initiatives with regional employment opportunities,and it will provide an opportunity for eight Community Development Project job seekers to complete a Certificate II in Construction Pathway.”

The Wongai Courts upgrade will repair the two non-standard size tennis courts while improving the site’s drainage to prevent the facility retaining water during the wet season.