August Council Meeting Update

TSIRC Council Meeting Highlights – August 2025

The Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) held its August Council meeting on Wednesday, 20 August 2025.

 

Tourism Update

During the deputations, Councillors heard from James Muir, Senior Business Development Officer from the State Our Country Advisor Service, who outlined work underway to develop tourism opportunities in the Torres Strait.

The update covered the development of a cultural tourism strategy and branding, market assessments, and early consideration of which islands may be open to visitors. A workshop on Badu Island, supported by TSRA and other partners, will be held in October to further discuss the region’s ambitions.

Discussions emphasised the need to strengthen the region’s profile as a unique destination while keeping cultural values and community aspirations central to any developments.

Mayor Phillemon Mosby stressed the importance of a collaborative approach. “Any tourism strategy must be co-designed with our communities. We need to listen to peoples’ concerns, protect our culture and landscape, and create policies that attract investment while supporting sustainable economic growth.”

 

Contractual Matter – Expression of Interest to Establish Approved Contractor List

To work more efficiently with local businesses, TSIRC will create an Approved Contractor List for services that are often needed.

TSIRC will be inviting interested parties to become pre-approved contractors for Council. Expressions of Interest (EOI) will open soon for suitably qualified contractors, with notices published for at least 21 days on Council’s website, the VendorPanel platform, and on notice boards at all TSIRC administration offices across the islands.

Mayor Mosby noted that “pre-approving contractors helps us deliver projects more efficiently, while providing opportunities for our region’s skilled workforce. This step reflects TSIRC’s commitment to supporting local enterprise.”

 

Infrastructure Delivery – Boigu Island Roads

Council noted progress on infrastructure works, including $4.7 million in Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) funding from Federal and State Governments to restore roads on Boigu Island damaged during Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.

Mayor Phillemon Mosby highlighted that “investing in resilient infrastructure is investing in the future of our islands. These works will ensure our communities remain connected and safe, even in the face of severe weather events.”

 

Information Reports

Council also received a series of Information Reports covering important updates on policy, service delivery, infrastructure works and advocacy efforts.

“These updates show how Council is delivering across many areas: from housing and community wellbeing to essential services and infrastructure. It demonstrates our commitment to meeting both the immediate and long-term needs of the Torres Strait,” Mayor Mosby said.