DEPUTATIONS - tsirc.qld.gov.au

1 TSIRC DEPUTATIONS - 2020 QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT DEPUTATIONS - 2020 1

DEPUTATIONS

www.tsirc.qld.gov.au

2 TSIRC DEPUTATIONS - 2020 TSIRC DEPUTATIONS - 2020 3 3 TSIRC DEPUTATIONS - 2020

AcknowlegementThe Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) acknowledges our Native Title Holders, our Elders past and present, and all members of the Communities we serve within the 5 clusters of Zenadth Kes; the Gudaw Maluligal Nation of the Top Western Islands, the Maluligal Nation of the Western Islands, the Kemer Kemer Meriam Nation of the Eastern Islands, the Kulkalgal Nation of the Central Islands, and the Kaiwalagal Kaurareg Aboriginal Nation of the Inner Islands. We recognise their continuing connection to land and sea, and the strength of a cultural heritage and belief system that spans past, present and future generations.

DisclaimerTorres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples should be aware that this publication may contain images or names of people who have since passed away. TSIRC respects the right of families and communities to request the removal of any image from this document that causes distress.

ContentsContents

Message from the Mayor ................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Snapshot of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council ........................................................................................................... 6

Priority Area One - Regional Assembly Aspirations ................................................................................................................. 8

Priority Area Two - Homelessness, Overcrowding & Adequate Housing ......................................................................... 10

Priority Area Three - Climate Mitigation & Protection from Natural Disaster Impact ............................................... 12

Priority Area Four - Equitable Access to Marine & Community Infrastructure .............................................................. 14

Priority Area Five - Digital Transformation & Connected Islands ....................................................................................... 16

Priority Area Six - Community Health & Wellbeing ................................................................................................................. 18

Priority Area Seven - Torres Strait Islander Prosperity & Enterprise ................................................................................ 20

Priority Area Eight - International Border Protection & Infrastructure ........................................................................... 22

Priority Area Nine - Funding to Local Government ................................................................................................................. 24

Priority Area Ten - Regional Waste Management Solutions................................................................................................. 26

Regional map showing Nation Clusters & Traditional Language Groups ....................................................................... 28

Contact Information.............................................................................................................................................................................. 31

5 TSIRC DEPUTATIONS - 2020 4 QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT DEPUTATIONS - 2020

Message from the Mayor

I acknowledge our Traditional Owners, our Elders past and present, and all of our Community Members across the length and breadth of Zenedth Kes, from where the sun rises on Mer in our east, to where the sun sets on Boigu in our west. I also recognise all First Nations people throughout Australia, acknowledging our shared connection to the land, sea and cultural practise that has existed since time immemorial.The Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) is unlike any other local government organisation; Our geography, remoteness and unique characteristics of each of our five nation clusters, all ensure that our council responsibilities transcend well beyond the traditional core business operations of roads, rates and rubbish. We are also deeply invested in the social, economic and environmental sustainability of our region.Our first Councillors meeting on Masig Island in 1937, set forward a new blueprint for an open and engaging dialogue at all levels of Government, and the setting of our deputation priority areas each year, is a continuation of this process.Council’s ‘2020 Deputations’ articulates our 10 Priority Areas for discussion with elected representatives and candidates at both the State and Federal level. These areas are essential in the delivery of our mission, to improve the liveability of our communities in all we do, and to ultimately provide a sustainable platform for the future prosperity of our region.I look forward to meeting with you to discuss our 10 Priority Areas in more detail.

Koeyma Eso, Au Esoau,

Cr. Phillemon Mosby, MayorTorres Strait Island Regional Council

For the latest information about our 2020 Deputation Priority Areas, please visit: http://tsirc.qld.gov.au/deputations-2020

7 TSIRC DEPUTATIONS - 2020 6 QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT DEPUTATIONS - 2020 QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT DEPUTATIONS - 2020 7

Apprentice & Trainee Programs

356 Total Employees

Wastewater Facilities Waste Management Faciities Child Care CentresSocial Houses Water Treatment Plants

Airports & Heli-Pads Seaports Subsidised Fuel Outlets Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKC’s)

Cemeteries

15Regional Mail Delivery

23,000+Border Movements Annually

21,250+Provision of Power Cards

10+Home Support Services

24Accomodation Facilities

Total Sta�

56.7%

43.3%

Gender

47.4%

52.6%

IndigenousSta�

82.3%

17.7%

Roles Based in Local Communitites

81.2%

Indigenous/ Non-Indigenous

28

%

72%

86.2%

13.8%

Part Time/CasualFull Time

Years of Service by Category:Average Years of Service is 7.01yrs

30 y

rs+

26-2

9 yr

s

21-2

5 yr

s

16-2

0 yr

s

11-1

5 yr

s

6-10

yrs

0-5

yrs

0.3% 1.1% 7.3% 6.7% 11.2% 15.7% 57.6%

Age Range of Employees by Category:Average Age of Employees is 42.08yrs

65 y

rs+

58-6

4 yr

s

50-5

7 yr

s

42-4

9 y

rs

34-4

1 yr

s

26-3

3 yr

s

18-2

5 yr

s

2.2% 8.7% 16.9% 20.8% 23.9% 21.1% 6.5%

Our

Wor

kfor

ceOu

r Op

erat

ions

Our

Regi

on

Diploma of Early Childhood Education5Carpentry5Plumbing3 Painting &

Decorating1 10 Water & Waste Water Operations - Cert III

Our Islands are scattered throughout 42,000km2 of Sea, sitting between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, with the Narrowest Point being 150km and extending 200-300km from farthest east to farthest west. We Share an international border, which we manage via treaty with Papua New Guinea.

A Population Base of 5,000+Councillors

Mayor

(incl. Deputy Mayor)

• Gudaw Maluligal Nation of the Top Western Islands.• Maluligal Nation of the Western Islands.• Kemer Kemer Meriam Nation of the Eastern Islands.• Kulkalgal Nation of the Central Islands.• Kaiwalagal Kaurareg Aboriginal Nation of the Inner Islands.

Unique & Individual Island Communities, that sit within 5 Nation Clusters (represented by the 5 Points of the Star in our Logo & Flag):

• An Eastern Group of High Volcanic Islands• A Central Group of Low Sandy Islands• A Western Group of High Islands Composed of Volcanic & Granitic rocks• A Northern Group of Low Islands Composed of Mangrove Muds & Peats

We have types of Islands

Erub (Darnley Is.), Badu (Mulgrave Is.) & Arkai (Kubin Community on Mua Is.)

Our Region is Home to Art Centres

Our Managers

Environmental Health& Biosecurity Programs

15

Mer Dialect & Erub Dialect

Home of Traditional Languages

Meriam Mir

Kala Lagaw Ya

Dialectsand Kulkalgau Ya,

Kalaw Kawaw Ya, Kawrareg Dialect & Mabuyag Dialect

We serve as Trustee for Communities

*Data current as at June 2020

$1.6billion+In Gross Managed Assets

1 Diesel Fitting/Mechanical

Early Childhood Education - Cert III3Electrical1

18

.8%

TSIRC DEPUTATIONS - 2020 9 9 TSIRC DEPUTATIONS - 2020

Priority Area One

What is the issue?In a direct misalignment with Torres Strait Islander aspirations to re-govern their own affairs, the Torres Strait region today, has excessive and often duplicated levels of governance. The Westminster System in Australia over the past century has introduced intermittent legislative changes to the region, however as outlined in the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Regional Assembly Transition Plan (2018), there is still significant reform required to address these aspirations. A key pillar of this transition, being the acknowledgement of the traditional regional name; Zenadth Kes. Why is this important for our communities?Moving to a Regional Assembly model means a greater level of autonomy to discharge Local, State and Commonwealth powers in one governing entity, reducing unnecessary duplication and formally recognising the principles of Ailan Kastom, and traditional systems of governance.

What we are seeking:1. Formal acknowledgement of the Torres Strait

Island region’s traditional name, being Zenadth Kes, through;

• Endorsement of Council’s name change from the ‘Torres Strait Island Regional Council’ to the ‘Zenadth Kes Regional Council’.

• Endorsement of the Local Government Area name change from ‘Torres Strait Island Regional’ to ‘Zenadth Kes’.

• Support and facilitation of the place name change from ‘Torres Strait’ to ‘Zenadth Kes’ with the applicable State and Federal agencies.

• Adjustment of existing local government boundary in alignment with the intent and movement of traditional inhabitants under the Torres Strait Treaty, and to effectively facilitate marine infrastructure responsibility.

2. Formal support of the Torres Strait Regional Assembly entity, encapsulating Local, State and Commonwealth Government functions, through;

• Supporting the establishment of a secretariat function to coordinate the transition plan.

• Supporting the establishment of a Special Policy Zone, acknowledging the KOD system of governance.

Regional Assembly Aspirations

• The Regional Assembly Transition Plan, as authorised by the Torres Strait Regional Authority in June 2018 (and published in July 2018), provides a detailed regional history, articulation of a preferred model, and a roadmap for the successful delivery of the Regional Assembly body.

• The abovementioned plan, as previously endorsed by regional leaders, was formally endorsed by Council during a Special Meeting on 28 July 2020.

• Council formally endorsed both the local government name change (to Zenadth Kes Regional Council), and the place name change (to Zenadth Kes) during its Ordinary Meeting on 21 July 2020.

• The introduction of the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Child Rearing Practice) Bill 2020 by the Palaszczuk Government, carried an important significance as a new nexus between LORE and LAW. Unlike previous notions within Queensland legislation, this bill signifies a true acknowledgement of both traditional governance and language, and a continual progression from the Mabo Decision to the aspirations set forth in the Regional Assembly Transition Plan.

More information:

Visit: http://tsirc.qld.gov.au/deputations-2020/regional-assembly

What we knowWhat we know

8 TSIRC DEPUTATIONS - 2020


Priority Area TwoHomelessness,Overcrowding Issues &Adequate Housing • Home ownership was realised for the first time

in the Torres Strait Regional Local Government Area in 2019. Several other LHA leases have been signed off and registered since this milestone. Council, through the aid of grant funding, is continuing the work required to bring LHA properties up to a liveable standard and assisting with initial insurance costs in order for the private ownership process to begin.

• Council does not receive rateable income, rather utility income from a small number of business, mixed-use and home ownership properties within the region. These utility charges equate to ~$1.6m p.a., however, are heavily subsidised and therefore do not offset the cost of essential service provision.

• Multiple editions of The National Guide to a Preventive Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People published by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has outlined the health risks from overcrowded situations, such as Chronic ear infections, eye infections, skin conditions, and gastroenteritis. Specifically, for tropical areas like the Torres Strait, there is an additional higher risk of respiratory infections, rheumatic heart disease and conditions like melioidosis.



What is the issue?Access to safe and secure housing is a critical pillar to ending the disparity between Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities, and the non-Indigenous population. With a portfolio of 900+ social houses, Council is the largest housing provider within the North Queensland region, however inadequate funding has meant there is consistently a significant number of households on our waiting lists. Many wait-listed applicants are in desperate need due to an overcrowded situation, homelessness, safety or medical concerns.Why is this important for our communities?Homelessness and housing stress can profoundly affect the mental and physical health of individuals and families, as well as impact on their education and employment opportunities, and their ability to participate fully in the community. Overcrowding situations within Torres Strait communities has shown a downstream effect on the number of serious health conditions, like respiratory infections, rheumatic heart disease and conditions like melioidosis.

What we are seeking:• Realisation of previously committed funding,

being $2.5m, and $14.43m (Council’s agreed allocation of the $105m State total) respectively.

• Support the establishment of a Housing Authority and collaborate directly with Council to fund and innovatively address overcrowding, homelessness, housing conditions, and housing shortages within the Torres Strait region.

• Work with Council to develop a strategic roadmap towards increasing local engagement and use of local services and resources.

• Work with Council to develop innovative partnership models on housing, assisting in facilitation of the home ownership realisation process for our communities.

• Work with Council on an effective and agreed solution, such as a 10-year extension (as lobbied via the LGAQ ILF), for Section 24JAA of the Native Title Act (1993) which is currently due to cease 15th of December 2020.

• Approximately 10% of the Torres Strait Regional Local Government Area population attend boarding school facilities on the Australian mainland. In early 2020 and in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, federal biosecurity restrictions for remote Indigenous communities came into effect. These restrictions meant strict quarantine requirements for returning students and caregivers and due to overcrowding situations, and lack of available or suitable properties, returning residents were not able to quarantine within their communities, causing significant accommodation costs for facilities on Thursday Island and in Cairns.

• Council is the largest employer in the region, with 289 roles based within local communities, however an independent report commissioned in 2018, indicated that housing shortages have a significant impact on the ability to migrate or develop additional positions within local communities.

More information:

Visit: http://tsirc.qld.gov.au/deputations-2020/housing

Applicants (households) are currently on register of need

332Households are Category

T W O

Living in an Overcrowded Situation

332 166T W O

Households are Category

Homelessness, Child Safety Issues,

Disability or Medical N

eeds O N E

166 78


Priority Area Three

What is the issue?The reality of climate change does not get any more real than on the remote outer island communities of the Torres Strait. The geographical positioning and exposure of communities has also meant continual recovery efforts to remain resilient in increased severe weather events.Why is this important for our communities?Elders are literally witnessing the complete eradication of cultural places; tidal inundation and erosion is so severe in some locations that we have literally seen areas of significance, such as burial sites, be irreversibly affected. If proactive and sustainable solutions for both coastal defence and extreme weather protection aren’t reached within the next 5 years, urgent measures will need to take place for the complete displacement of communities from their traditional island homes.

What we are seeking:• Urgent and bipartisan collaboration with Council

on a climate change and natural disaster mitigation roadmap; ensuring milestones are sustainable, and supportive of local industry and employment outcomes.

• Assurance that a more proactive and sustainable approach is applied to natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements, acknowledging the unique challenges of the Torres Strait region.

• Collaboration with Council to develop and deliver an appropriate local Fire Service and Emergency Management model, resource and capability plan(s) for the Torres Strait Regional Local Government Area.

• Investment in pilot program(s) for renewable energy production and consumption offset solutions, such as electric vehicles and associated network charging infrastructure.

Climate Change Mitigation & Protection from Natural Disaster Impact • According to the Commonwealth-funded Reef

and Rainforest Research Centre, sea levels in the Torres Strait are expected to rise by up to a metre by the year 2100, and up to 15 centimetres over the next two decades.

• When partnered with the correct investment, local knowledge and labour has delivered in communities like Poruma (Coconut Is.), where Council utilised geotextile sandbagging techniques to deliver rectification works considerably below market value. This has been further evidenced in the Commonwealth commissioned Torres Strait Seawalls Evaluation Report, in 2018.

• The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) are vital in assisting councils and communities to recover from major natural disasters. It is critical that the costs of restoring government infrastructure are shared across all levels of government.

• Regionally we have witnessed significant increases in extreme weather events; rebuilding infrastructure to its original state and condition is no longer sufficient. It’s a very expensive band-aid application year after year, i.e. road

repair. Betterment funding is a more sustainable alternative, for example, following a severe weather event, dirt roads that are damaged are sealed instead.

• An appropriate Rural Fire Service solution is yet to be realised, whilst new infrastructure has been generously provided by the State, a ‘one size fits all model’ won’t work in the Torres Strait region. Within the last 2 years there has been several serious incidents which have caused a costly flow on effect to Council due to lack of infrastructure, and capability.

More information:

Visit: http://tsirc.qld.gov.au/deputations-2020/climate-change


MABUYAG

Daua Is.

0

1

2

3

4

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Adequate

1

332

4

1

2

2

3

33

1

1

1

3



What is the issue?Whilst there has been investment into community facilities, the majority of Council’s essential infrastructure, like marine assets, were built decades ago, requiring significant upgrades to ensure basic community usage needs are met, and compliance with accessibility requirements. The 15 communities within the Torres Strait Regional Local Government Area are located across 14 separate islands, rendering the waterways as the Torres Strait’s national highways; marine movement and transport is therefore in the lifeblood of Torres Strait Islanders, and communities have a complete reliance on it.Why is this important for our communities?Aside from the provision of materials needed for upgrading core on-ground facilities, such as community halls, Council offices and recreational/sporting facilities, the majority of Council’s most fundamental services have a reliance on marine infrastructure, for example the regional electricity generation and drinking water desalinisation equipment is currently operated using diesel fuel. This is a critical item that is restricted to sea

freight provision only. Council also provides and operationally manages airport infrastructure within each community for delivery of certain goods and passenger movement. The cost for air travel, within and out of the region, even with low fare schemes, can be largely unaffordable for lower socioeconomic communities.What we are seeking:• Support for a feasibility study and new

investment into the maintenance of marine infrastructure and vessel accessibility points (including channel dredging) to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and adequate provision for employment and industry (ie. tourism, art, fisheries, etc.) opportunities, thus facilitating the retainment and growth of key skills within our region.

• Support for urgent infrastructure upgrades needed to support inter-island ferry operations between Dauan (Mt. Cornwallis Is.) and Ugar (Stephen Is.), as travel is currently restricted to helicopter or small private vessel.

Priority Area FourEquitable Access to Marine & Community Infrastructure

A significant proportion of community infrastructure, particularly marine facilities are at risk of disrepair, or as shown in the infographic below, categorised as critical. The cost of maintaining infrastructure, including marine landings, in this remote region is astronomical compared to urban and regional centres. The snowball effect of chronic underfunding means that marine and other transport facilities are not being renewed and replaced in a timely manner to comply with asset maintenance and disability access upgrade requirements. Recent estimates put replacement costs for a typical jetty at approximately $6.3m, and additional investment would be required to meet full DDA compliance;• In addition to jetty structures; Poruma, Saibai,

Masig and Erub communities require marine access such as channel and pocket dredging to facilitate barge and essential freight provision. Cost estimates for this program of work is $3.7m per community.

• In addition to jetty structures; the barge ramps at Arkai and Boigu communities require urgent attention. Cost estimate $2.0m per community.

• Mabuiag and Mer communities, despite having significant commercial fishing activities, have no jetty structures at all.The infographic below articulates the following risks;


• Critical - Jetty structures are currently barricaded-off from use due to structural wear and immediate public safety concerns. All have less than 3 years useful life left if the structural wear issues can be immediately addressed.

• Severe - Less than 3 years useful life left, however are only kept open due to unsustainable maintenance works which do not address the primary structural elements (piles, bearers, etc).

• Moderate - Less than 5 years life remaining. Primary structure members (piles, bearers) showing signs of severe deterioration.

More information:

Visit: http://tsirc.qld.gov.au/deputations-2020/marine-infrastructure

MABUYAG

Daua Is.

0

1

2

3

4

Non Existant

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Adequate

0

1

0

1

1 1

2

2

2

3

3

3

2

4

4

2



What is the issue?Geographical positioning of Torres Strait Island communities and complex reef systems pose a significant challenge for conventional telecommunication solutions, quite literally requiring digital bridges between islands. Inadequate or band-aid style investment approaches in connectivity will drive an even greater digital divide for community members in economic participation, social inclusion and access to essential services like allied health and tertiary studies.Why is this important for our communities?All communities, whether they be in the major capitals or in regional towns, need to be future ready. Linked-up, smart communities will foster innovative approaches to environmental and societal issues and ensure equitable access to the benefits of the knowledge economy. It is not uncommon for several and at times all 15 council footprints (and satellite office on Thursday Is.) to experience communication blackouts, sometimes lasting several days, requiring workarounds for essential services like power card provision and grocery purchases. Business continuity and disaster management activities within the outer islands are currently restricted to satellite telephony which is costly to operate and often not completely effective.

What we are seeking:• Support for an expedient upgrade of basic

telephony and data access to all outer island communities, creating parity with mainland infrastructure.

• Bi-partisan State and Federal support for investment models such as the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, with a strategic focus on regional, remote and inter-island infrastructure development.

• Leverage return on infrastructure investment through new tech and pilot programs that foster renewable energy, digital adaption and automation opportunities for remote communities.

• Establish a Digital Local Government and Rural/Regional Telecommunications Program to increase the community benefits of improved technology, connectedness and innovation.

Priority Area FiveDigital Transformation& Connected Islands

• The Torres Strait is only at the precipice of its digital transformation journey with the Telstra Digital Expansion program, currently provisioning access to mobile and fixed line broadband services to some residents for the very first time. This consists of 12 separate projects on 10 of islands, providing radio link upgrades on multiple islands, which lays the foundation for future telecommunication improvements. The original program scope is currently not expected to reach its full potential and has suffered several delays, the most recent delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

• Whole-of-Government business transformation strategies that result in an interconnected government and collaborative citizen-centred approaches will underpin tomorrow’s smart cities.

• Rural and regional Australia and its telecommunications connectivity capabilities will also underpin business transformation and interconnectedness.

• Uptake of electric and autonomous vehicles in Australia will be limited by patchy telecommunications services in rural, regional and remote areas.

More information:

• Visit: http://tsirc.qld.gov.au/deputations-2020/connected-islands



What is the issue?As the cost of health care is increasing, greater priority needs to be given to preventative health to keep people well and to reduce the burden on the hospital and primary care system. Additional costs are also faced by regional and remote communities for clean drinking water provision and sewage infrastructure, causing further strain to Council’s operational expenditure, due to the mobilisation of emergency plant and equipment.Why is this important for our communities?Residents of regional and remote communities face numerous barriers to accessing certain health services and can also lack access to preventative information and programs, having further impact on health and wellbeing inequalities, and poorer quality of life outcomes. There are also a range of other concerns, ie. social isolation and affordability, for community members required to travel for health care away from the region.

What we are seeking:• Support the delivery of a Regional Health

Symposium to evolve policies and programs aimed at meeting the existing and preventative needs of outer island communities, including;

- Increased service reach, through the upgrading of associated facilities/infrastructure, connectivity and smart tech, to drive further access for communities. - Development of new and sustainable funding arrangements in Torres Strait communities to ensure that services, including preventative programs, are meeting the needs of communities and that there has not been a downstream effect of responsibilities and costs onto local government. - Advocate and support an outer island model and solutions for elderly and disabled resident respite care and safe housing for domestic violence or abuse.• Bi-partisan State and Federal commitment

to introduce a cross-border healthcare and essential services solution, reducing the strain on Torres Strait community infrastructure. Including the realisation of previously committed funding provision for emergency desalinisation equipment required to meet the cross-border reliance during Dec 2019 - Jan 2020 period.

Priority Area SixCommunity Health& Wellbeing

• Water and sewerage infrastructure provision has not kept to pace with population growth in Torres Strait communities. Analysis of the 12-month period from Feb 2018 to Feb 2019, revealed approximate costs directly attributed to the running of 11 mobile desalination units within Torres Strait communities was $2.1m. This figure also includes having to procure emergency desalination plant equipment which was $230k, with an additional $85k in freight and mobilisation costs.

• Family health and well-being is supported by local governments in Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities and is a major focus of municipal service and infrastructure delivery. To achieve the best outcomes for communities, appropriate and sustainable resources must be provided for these service delivery functions.

• It was estimated, prior to the recent global pandemic, that the proportion of Australia’s health expenditure to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 9.6%.



More information:

Visit: http://tsirc.qld.gov.au/deputations-2020/community-health


What is the issue?There is an urgent need to redress the social and economic disadvantage of Indigenous Australians, as articulated in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap; calling for strong economic participation and development of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people and communities. Real opportunities are required in local communities, that are collaborative in approach and allow for the ownership ability of outcomes.Why is this important for our communities?There are many existing industries that exist with the Torres Strait region, such as commercial fishing, arts and culture, however without proper sector investment, resources and development, the many commercial and social barriers encountered when operating within remote and regional areas can become overwhelming.

What we are seeking:• Commitment to consult and work with Council

on proactive economic, social and environmental solutions to meet the aspirations of local communities, groups and individuals.

• Support from all levels of government to stimulate and encourage private sector investment into the Torres Strait region by incentivising sector development in the following areas:

- Renewable energy and emission reduction solutions. - Digital development and smart tech pilot programs. - Key tourism industry (incl. arts, culture and education) development.• Support deregulation initiatives to foster

the introduction of aquaculture and farming opportunities.

• Support for Council’s Business Hub, located in Cairns, providing culturally safe space and support structures for Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs to access opportunities and conduct business on the mainland.

Priority Area SevenTorres Strait Islander Prosperity& Enterprise

• As the major contributor to employment within our region Council has 81.2% of all roles based within local island communities. We are actively working on the retention of vital trades and skill development within our region with a growing apprenticeship program, that leads to full time employment and ongoing mentoring.

• Council has implemented a clear return on investment model for funding partners in of infrastructure and operational program delivery aligning to supplier diversity best practice, with a majority (82.3%) Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal workforce and are well on track for gender parity with 43.4% employment and in 52.6% of our leadership roles.

• The Torres Strait Regional Local Government Area is already home to three thriving Art Centres, each unique and with an international presence in their own right, these centres are:

- Erub Arts on Erub (Darnley Is.): http://www.erubarts.com.au/

- Badu Art Centre on Badu (Mulgrave Is.): https://www.baduartcentre.com.au/

- Moa Arts at Arkai (Kubin) Community on Mua Island: https://www.moaart.com.au/• The concept of private sector investment

utilising methods such as tax concession has seen great success in the development of Indigenous entrepreneurs in other countries like Canada, and this concept has previously been raised to the Productivity Commission via a ‘Submission to the Inquiry into Remote Area Tax Concessions and Payment’s by the Indigenous Reference Group to the Ministerial Forum on Northern Development.

• The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade’s ‘Promoting the economic interests of Indigenous Australian Businesses Overseas: A Charter’ requires ‘Effective economic diplomacy requires a ‘Team Australia’ approach to international engagement. Access to international opportunities for Indigenous businesses are enhanced through


inclusive, coordinated and outcomes-focused initiatives.’; Torres Strait Islander businesses, specifically in the areas of Art, Fisheries and Tourism, can play a pivotal role in the realisation of the Charter’s aspirations.

More information:

Visit: http://tsirc.qld.gov.au/deputations-2020/prosperity



What is the issue?The Torres Strait region is arguably Australia’s most critical location for border protection; Geographical positioning, complex reef systems and international border proximity provide an ideal pathway for illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and biosecurity risk. The global pandemic has also highlighted the potential for introduced disease and cross-border transmission risk.Why is this important for our communities?Border breaches can have an irreversible effect on local island communities’ ecosystems, cultural places and people. Communities within close proximity to the border regularly face ‘overstaying’ incidents, which causes additional downstream cost implications on Council services and infrastructure. Communities can be readily accessed by unregistered or unsolicited community visits, and intruders. Inadequate public lighting and lack of marine surveillance makes night-time access and vessel landings easily achievable, raising concerns for public safety.

What we are seeking:• Formal bipartisan State and Federal commitment

to ensure the increased border presence established due to the pandemic will exist well into the new year (2021).

• Investment in operational hubs, increasing serviceable reach, response times and the ability to provision vessels within the region; ultimately resulting local employment opportunities.

• Investment into marine infrastructure and vessel accessibility points to allow for more appropriate vessel classes and increase employment and industry opportunities, thus facilitating the retainment and growth of key skills within our region.

• Support for additional essential infrastructure and other solutions in Top Western Islands to ensure increased border movement during crisis periods does not have a downstream cost impact on Council.

Priority Area EightInternational Border Protection & Infrastructure

• The two Fast Response vessels, specifically appointed to this region have operational reach concerns, primarily for incidents within the proximity of the international border due to refuelling activities being restricted to Thursday Island. The two vessels are housed on Horn Is., whilst the crew is based on Thursday Is. and there is a reliance on a third party to launch vessels into the water; constraining operation of the vessels to ‘business hours’.

• Bay Class vessels and helicopter services are typically provisioned as alternatives, however, also lack the operational reach to cover our 42,000km2 ocean footprint. The Bay Class vessels have had an incredibly poor track record of success in this region.

• Extensive vacancies of key Border Force positions in several island communities have been attributed to the reduction of employee entitlements such as rent assistance and remote area allowances.

• Concerns have been raised regarding the derelict state of several of the Border Force office facilities within the Torres Strait Regional Local Government Area.

More information:

Visit: http://tsirc.qld.gov.au/deputations-2020/border-protection




What is the issue?The current funding arrangements for local government are no longer fit for purpose. The decline in core federal funding to local government has reduced the capacity of councils to develop and maintain the key services and infrastructure within their communities, which fuels the risk of reducing standards of living in remote Indigenous communities and across the nation.Why is this important for our communities?The Financial Assistance Grant scheme (FAGs) is practically the life blood of small Indigenous Council’s that have no rate base or only minimal rateable land. The Torres Strait Island Regional Council is unique in comparison to other local government organisations; servicing a population base of 5,000 people, spread across 42,000 square kilometres of ocean and 15 individual island communities, each with their own unique characteristics and service requirements. All of which is managed by a total asset base of $1.6b (gross), with an annualised depreciation of $47.1m and a total operating revenue of $84m.

What we are seeking:• Repair funding assistance to local government

by restoring the quantum of Financial Assistance Grants to at least 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue.

• Establish a public enquiry into current funding streams and levels provided to Indigenous Councils, and the cost associated with local government service provision in regional and remote footprints, in comparison with their mainland counterparts.

• Urgent assistance and collaboration with Council following the impact of unsustainable and increased insurance costs, driven in part by a large asset portfolio post-amalgamation.

Priority Area NineFederal Funding toLocal Government

• The Commonwealth collects around 80% of taxation; however, responsibility for service and infrastructure delivery falls to states, territories and local governments.

• Nationally, local government spent $34b in 2016. The Commonwealth provides around $2.3b in FAGs to local government or just under 7% of annual expenditure.

• The Commonwealth Government’s funding to local government through FAGs is critically important. Untied in the hands of councils, the FAGs enable councils to provide a mix of services and infrastructure appropriate to their local circumstances and maintain the wellbeing of their communities. They help equalise the level of services across local governments nationally;

- particularly in rural, regional and remote areas - and they help fund the growth in demand for local government services in line with population growth.• FAGs were equal to around 1 per cent of

Commonwealth taxation revenue in 1996. However, despite an annual growth rate in Australia’s Gross Domestic Product of an average 3.47% from 1960 until 2017, FAGs have declined by around 43% in relative terms over the past 20 years, and now amount to approximately 0.55% (2018) of Commonwealth tax revenue.

• Additional investment through local government is essential to help maintain the living standards of all Australians by fostering the equitable provision of local government services and infrastructure and maintaining local economic growth.

More information:

Visit: http://tsirc.qld.gov.au/deputations-2020/lg-funding




What is the issue?The Torres Strait Regional Local Government Area consists of 15 remote communities, dispersed across 14 islands and 42,000 square kilometres of sea. This can make essential service provision, such as waste management extremely challenging, complex, and costly.Why is this important for our communities?Torres Strait communities share the same challenges in achieving sustainability and circular economy objectives as mainland Australian communities, however, are further constrained by location, lack of space, resources and capacity. Implementing effective and sustainable waste management in the Torres Strait is exceedingly expensive in terms of capital, operational and maintenance costs.

What we are seeking:Collaboration with Council and solution investment is urgently required to;• Address widespread legacy waste management

issues, including management of historical landfills, stockpiling and environmental concerns.

• Implement and operate complex, adaptable ongoing waste management solutions as identified in the Queensland Indigenous Waste Strategy and other planning exercises, including the identification of long term, cost-effective regional landfill solutions, treatment, logistics, recycling and disposal operations.

• Reduce waste generation and landfill inputs by pursuing innovative and imaginative sustainability and circular economy initiatives, including in packaging and freight, local transport options, energy generation and material reuse.

Priority Area TenRegional Waste Management Solutions

• Council is actively engaged in strategy development, both internally and through participation in the Queensland Indigenous Waste Strategy, aimed at identifying waste management solutions. Council is also committed to work towards the strategy’s 2050 targets to incorporate:

- Reduction in household waste. - Waste recovery and not going to landfill. - Increase recycling rates across all waste types. • Several communities have significant space

restrictions, and therefore limited capacity for continued landfill operations, and are further impeded by legacy stockpiling issues with bulky items such as car bodies and whitegoods.

• Introduced business and contractor operations have, over time, introduced additional waste to local community output.

More information:

Visit: http://tsirc.qld.gov.au/deputations-2020/waste-mgt



MABUYAG

WESTERN - Maluligal Nation

INN

ER -

Kaiw

alagal Kaurareg Aboriginal Nation

TOP WESTERN - Gudaw Maluligal Nation

CENTRAL - Kulkalgal Nation

EASTERN - Kemer Kemer Meriam

NationMiriam Mir/MerLanguage Group

Kala Lagaw YaLanguage Group

Daua Is.


Luke RangaCorporate Affairs Phone. 07 4034 5756Email. [email protected]

Ursula NaiOffice of the Mayor & CEO Phone. 07 4034 5775Email. [email protected]

Contact Information:

We welcome engagement from all levels of government to discuss our ten priority areas, livability within our communities and the ultimate sustainability of our region. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the following people:

www.tsirc.qld.gov.au/deptutations-2020

Documents

DEPUTATIONS - tsirc.qld.gov.au