TSIRC Report Outlines Vision for Island-Owned Economic Futures
The Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), working closely with their 15 outer island communities, has completed a landmark Economic Development Community Engagement Report.
Funded by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and developed in partnership with specialist Northern Australian Consulting firm, Emver Partners, the report clearly sets out the region’s aspirations, priorities, opportunities and challenges.
Its strength lies in a place-based approach that unpacks each island individually, shaped through direct collaboration with community leaders, Prescribe Body Corporation (PBC) Chairs, Councillors and small businesses.
Believed to be the most comprehensive economic engagement process ever undertaken across the Outer Islands, the report captures more than 300 surveys (almost 10% of the population), 50 stakeholder interviews and over 200 hours of on-island engagement.
Communities expressed a consistent desire for greater local control, sustainable growth and culturally aligned enterprise. “We want to own our resources, not give our resources,” one community member said, capturing a broader feeling that the region is resource-rich but lacks a sense of economic empowerment and destiny. Community also identified priority industries including fisheries, construction, land and sea management and transport.
The report marks a major shift towards community-led, place-based planning and provides the foundation for Phase 2 – a 10-year Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan that will be culturally anchored and shaped island-by-island.
Mayor Phillemon Mosby said the report represents “an important first step towards a long-term strategy for job creation, business growth and sustainability across the TSIRC region.” He noted that Council’s mission is to “improve the liveability of our people” and described the report as “a path towards autonomy, community-led governance, cultural authority and place-based priorities.”
TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the TSRA-funded report would provide council with a strong foundation of local feedback and perspectives.
“Communities are best placed to know the hopes, needs and dreams of our people across the outer islands,” Mr Nona said.
“It is important that local voices are heard and shape the steps to drive the economic potential of our remote and unique region.”
Councillor Rocky Stephen, Chair of TSIRC’s Economic Growth Advisory Committee, said the committee “looks forward to building on the success of the Economic Development Community Engagement Report.” He added that TSIRC spearheaded by the Economic Development Team will “continue to partner with communities, government, businesses and not-for-profits to turn local visions into actionable, community-owned economic futures.”
TSIRC remains committed to improving community liveability and strengthening the local economy by supporting pathways to employment, enterprise, and long-term prosperity.
The report can be found here: https://tsirc.qld.gov.au/documents/economic-development-community-engagement-phase-1-report/
