Highlights from February Council Meeting
Torres Strait Island Regional Council Secures $784,500 in Funding to Support Community Growth and Infrastructure
The Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of three major funding agreements, totaling $784,500, that will drive critical infrastructure improvements, biosecurity initiatives, and community economic development. This funding reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to securing external resources that enhance the wellbeing of the Torres Strait communities.
The successful grants include:
– $136,500 from the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) to facilitate Community Consultation for the Economic Development Strategy.
– $568,000 from the TSRA to support the Badu Dedicated Outlet Main Upgrade, improving essential services for Badu Island.
– $80,000 from the Department of Agriculture & Fisheries to fund Biosecurity Services – Exotic Fruit Fly Block Program, safeguarding local agriculture and ecosystems.
Mayor Phillemon Mobsy noted that these successful funded contracts are a testament to Council’s proactive approach in securing resources that directly benefit our communities.
“From critical infrastructure to economic growth and biosecurity, this funding will create lasting positive impacts for our region,” Mayor Mosby said.
Council reviews annual budget 2024-25
Council has undertaken a comprehensive review of its 2024-25 budget to ensure alignment with financial expectations and identify necessary adjustments. This review comes as Council navigates a period of significant challenges, including rising costs, reduced revenue, high inflation, critical staff vacancies, and increasing expectations from both the community and Council itself. At a budget workshop on November 2024, Council was informed of a $5.2 million improvement in the budgeted operating result excluding depreciation. This positive outcome was mainly attributed to increased profits from repairs and maintenance activities, an increase in the Indigenous Councils Financial Program (ICFP) grant, and a reduction in insurance costs. Following the workshop, some of these gains have been offset by higher consultant expenses, the temporary construction of a seawall on Mer Island and additional legal costs.
Today, Council has approved a $1 million increase to salaries and wages for the financial year to support the finalisation of certified agreement negotiations that have been ongoing since August 2024. These negotiations aim to provide improved conditions for staff while maintaining the long-term financial sustainability of Council. Furthermore, several capital projects have been adjusted to reflect delivery timelines and additional grant funding. As a result of these budget adjustments, the forecast operating deficit before depreciation now stands at $1.4 million—an improvement of $3.6 million compared to the original budget approved in July 2024. Council remains committed to responsible financial management while continuing to deliver essential services and projects for the community.
Housing Investment Plan: $14.4 Million to Address Housing Needs
TSIRC continues its staged delivery approach for the Housing Investment Plan, in partnership with QBuild, focusing on communities most in need. The initiative prioritises domestic violence support, disability services, and alleviating overcrowding.
Collaborations with Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs) are progressing through the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) process, with Warraber and Mabuiag already moving forward and plans underway for Iama and Erub.
Community Services: Health & Wellbeing Initiatives Continue to Thrive
TSIRC remains committed to fostering healthy communities through ongoing initiatives, including:
– Empowered Women Empower Women: Self-help tools and training delivered across multiple islands, with the final Peacekeeper workshop scheduled for March 2025 on Warraber.
– Badu Fit and Healthy Smiles Project: A collaborative effort with TCHHS Oral Health and Tagai State College to ensure six-monthly dental check-ups for Badu Island children, promoting lifelong oral health.
– Mabuiag Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC) Refurbishment: Recent upgrades include painting, furniture acquisition, and digital inclusion enhancements, with final improvements scheduled for early 2025.
– Community Centric Health Action Plan – Community Engagement in identifying community priorities and implementing community actions to improve food security in the Torres Strait (TSIRC) Region.
– Too Deadly for Diabetes Program in partnership with Mr Ray Kelly, supporting the delivery of a culturally appropriate nutrition and physical activity education around promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
– Digital Inclusion – Council agrees to use its best endeavours to support and achieve Growing IKCs Project objectives for the continued benefit of its community.
Corporate Services: New TSIRC Website is Now Live
TSIRC is proud to have launched its new website, www.tsirc.qld.gov.au, designed to provide an enhanced user experience and showcase the vital work being done across the region. Developed in partnership with Forte Marketing, the website reflects TSIRC’s commitment to transparency, engagement, and accessibility.
The new website features improved navigation, enhanced accessibility, and a more modern design to better serve the needs of the community, partners, and stakeholders. TSIRC invites the public to explore the new website and provide feedback to help continuously improve the site’s functionality and user experience.
Engineering Services: Maintaining and Improving Community Infrastructure
Council’s Engineering Services team continues to deliver essential maintenance and upgrades across the region, including leak repairs and vegetation management in Dauan, improved waste segregation and landfill management and ongoing ‘chlorine analyser maintenance’ to ensure safe drinking water.
Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) St Pauls: Lifesaving Efforts in Action
On January 12, 2025, St Pauls VMR successfully rescued two individuals after their vessel’s gearbox failed in an area known for swift currents. The quick response highlights the dedication and effectiveness of our local VMR teams in ensuring marine safety.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Progress and Community Growth
TSIRC remains steadfast in its commitment to securing funding, enhancing services, and advocating for community needs. Residents are encouraged to visit our new website for updates and opportunities to engage with Council initiatives.
