Torres Strait Island Regional Council wraps up 2024 with key milestones

Home > News > Media releases > Torres Strait Island Regional Council wraps up 2024 with key milestones

The Torres Strait Island Regional Council held its final meeting for 2024 in mid-December, highlighting advancements across several critical areas of governance, housing and strategic planning.

Social Housing Strategy

Council endorsed its 10-Year Social Housing Strategy, providing a roadmap to address housing challenges across the region. The strategy emphasises housing supply, accessibility, quality, and sustainability, with annual reviews ensuring adaptability to evolving needs. It will now be submitted to the Department of Housing and Public Works.

Mayor Phillemon Mosby said access to housing is a fundamental human right Council is committed to providing suitable housing communities across the region.

“As the current housing service provider, we continue to deliver both tenancy and property management services,” he said.

“Ensuring safe, affordable and secure housing for our people across the region is a challenging endeavour, however it can also be a real opportunity, with the right policy setting, investment from Government and strong partnerships with our communities.

“Our ten-year strategic plan for social housing offers a clear road map for Council to engage in dialogue, and advocate to all levels of Government to work in collaboration and partnership with our Council as we move toward achieving our aims outlined in The Masig Statement,” Mayor Mosby said.

Advocacy Framework

Council endorsed its Advocacy Framework, which outlines strategies for advocating its Top 11 strategic priorities and operational needs. This framework provides a structured approach to improve accountability, funding outcomes, and financial sustainability.

Mayor Phillemon Mosby said the new Advocacy Framework demonstrates Council’s commitment to progressing Torres Strait Island region.

“The Framework ensures we are strategic, focused, and united in our efforts to champion the priorities of our communities,” he said.

“It’s about delivering real outcomes that improve lives and create a stronger future for the Torres Strait.”

“These initiatives not only address immediate needs but also lay a sustainable foundation for the future” he said.

Additionally, Council progressed its Advocacy Capability Plan, including the development of Community Advocacy Statements for all 15 communities. Final drafts for Boigu, Dauan, Erub, Poruma, and Masig have been accepted, with endorsement of all statements planned for February 2025.

Zenadth Kes Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy

Council adopted the Zenadth Kes Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS), a forward-looking plan to safeguard the region’s communities from the growing impacts of coastal hazards and climate change.

Funded by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) under the QCoast2100 program, the Zenadth Kes CHAS provides a comprehensive approach to managing coastal erosion, tidal inundation, storm tides, and other coastal hazards driven by climate change and natural processes. It outlines strategic actions to address these challenges from the present day through to 2100.

The strategy is the culmination of years of consultation and collaboration with community leaders, technical experts, and stakeholders. Beginning in 2017, the process included extensive community engagement between 2022 and 2024, ensuring the plan reflects the unique needs and aspirations of the Torres Strait communities.

TSIRC Mayor Mayor Phillemon Mosby highlighted the significance of the strategy.

“The adoption of the Zenadth Kes CHAS represents a landmark moment for our Council and communities. It reflects our commitment to tackling the impacts of climate change while preserving our cultural heritage, environment, and livelihoods for future generations.”

The CHAS was most recently presented to the Environment & Climate Adaptation Advisory Committee in December 2024 and subsequently endorsed by the Strategic Action Reference Group (SARG) Standing Committee before being formally adopted by Council.

“Council recognises the critical importance of protecting its coastal areas, which are central to the cultural, environmental, and economic wellbeing of the region. By adopting this strategy, TSIRC ensures a proactive and sustainable response to the escalating risks posed by climate change,” Mayor Phillemon Mosby said.

Policy update

Council adopted several updated and new policies, including:

Community Grants Policy
Investigations Policy
Artificial Intelligence Use Policy
Risk Management Policy and Enterprise Risk Management Guidelines
Procurement and Ethical Sourcing Policy
Debt Policy

These policies aim to enhance efficiencies, decision-making, and service delivery while maintaining ethical standards, legal compliance, and public trust.

Mayor Phillemon Mosby said strong progress has been made in the governance space, with the adoption of several critical policies that strengthen Council’s governance and enhance service delivery.

Audit and financial governance

The Auditor-General’s Observation Report on the 2023/2024 financial statements was presented, noting an unqualified audit opinion from the Queensland Audit Office.

The report highlights a number of internal control deficiencies across the organisation including record keeping, financial management, information technology, procurement and local government regulations, and employee matters including travel .

Council will address these areas through formal responses and ongoing improvements.