Council Welcomes $77 Million Funding Boost
Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby has welcomed the Commonwealth’s commitment of $77 million for major infrastructure projects, including seawalls, across the region. This funding is crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by Torres Strait communities.
Mayor Mosby highlighted the allocation of $42.1 million toward essential infrastructure, emphasising the need for water and sewerage services in remote areas. “This is wonderful news,” he stated. “I’m excited for Traditional Owners throughout Zenadth Kes and the Northern Peninsula Area to see essential infrastructure improvements that will enhance financial sustainability and support vital services in our remote communities.”
The Torres Strait communities face significant challenges, particularly in relation to climate change. Mayor Mosby stressed the importance of a united approach from federal and state governments to tackle these pressing issues. “Our islands are among the most vulnerable Indigenous communities in Australia, with immediate threats of inundation looming,” he said. He further noted, “In the Torres Strait, climate change is real. Building resilience and adaptation among First Nations people is crucial, as is finding a balance between traditional knowledge and science.”
The funding will also bolster efforts to safeguard the region against erosion and rising sea levels. An investment of $36.2 million over the next five years will support Stage 3 of the Torres Strait Seawalls Program, enhancing infrastructure on Masig, Warraber, and Badu. Mayor Mosby remarked that this funding is vital for preserving one of the oldest cultures in the world. He called for a bipartisan approach, urging all levels of government to recognise the strategic importance of the Torres Strait and its people. “Regardless of political affiliation, First Nations issues must remain a priority for Australia,” he concluded. “We will work with the Government of the day and continue to advocate for our people.”
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, reinforced the critical nature of the seawall funding, urging the Queensland government to collaborate on this essential project. “We need that completion and partnership with the Queensland government to move forward,” she said.
Reflecting on the climate change challenges faced by Pacific nations, Senator McCarthy expressed concern over rising sea levels and the urgent need for action. “When I spoke to people in Fiji and Vanuatu, their worries mirrored our own here in the Torres Strait.”
In summary, the $77 million funding boost represents a vital step toward addressing the infrastructure needs of the Torres Strait communities while also tackling the pressing issue of climate change.
