Torres Strait Awarded $28 million for its Major Infrastrucutre Program

Written on the 14th of April 2009 by Torres Strait Regional Authority

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has welcomed the Australian Government Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), the Honourable Jenny Macklin's announcement today of $28 million to extend the region's Major Infrastructure Program (MIP) for a further two years.

TSRA Chairperson Mr Toshie Kris, said he was pleased with the announcement, which will contribute towards closing the gap in Torres Strait health.

"The highly successful MIP is a multi-million joint Commonwealth and State Government supported program delivered through the TSRA, that produces much needed environmental health infrastructure for Torres Strait's remote communities," said Mr Kris.

"We are very thankful for the Australian Government's support, now MIP can continue its work up to 2011, to raise the standard of essential infrastructure and at the same time, contribute to improved environmental health outcomes for residents"

"This funding will allow MIP to enter a second phase of Stage Four works, which will see the completion of reticulated sewerage to all 15 Outer Island Communities and also the extension of sewerage reticulation and pumping to un-serviced or new housing allotments, including the servicing of Badu Island's hospital.

"Further more, sealing and paving of roads as well as drainage upgrades, are proposed for most communities to bring existing roads to State standards, remove dust hazards, alleviate stormwater flooding threats and reduce mosquito breeding sites".

"We also hope to create a regional solid waste project to implement sustainable waste disposal practices to maintain Torres Strait's natural environment and ecosystems, and develop an asset replacement project to ensure the ongoing viability of health infrastructure".

"MIP is not just about infrastructure, over its 11 year life span it has helped to build the capacity of our communities by providing employment opportunities and skills and training development".

"Thus far, over 300 people have been employed and over 30,000 accredited training hours have been delivered along with a substantial number of infrastructure contracts being awarded through MIP to regional local government councils and businesses".

"It has also brought environmental health benefits to the Torres Strait, with the improved infrastructure playing an important role in halving the incidences of water and hygiene associated communicable diseases such as Shigellosis, Salmonella and Hepatitis A over the past 10 years".

"I would like to thank the Australian Government for their support, by working together, we are making progress towards closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage in the Torres Strait," Mr Kris said.

The funding provided by the Australian Government has been matched by the Queensland Government, providing a total of $56 million to MIP to deliver projects.

TSRA Media Contact: Susan Reilly. Ph: 0429 039 560.

www.tsra.gov.au