MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE TORRES SHIRE COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON TUESDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2009

PRESENT Mayor Cr. P. Stephen (Chair), Cr. N. Bin Tahal, Cr. B. Shibasaki, Cr. A. Ketchell, Mr. B. McCarthy (Chief Executive Officer), Mrs D. Yorkston (Director Corporate Services), Mr. R. Davies (Director Planning & Environmental Services), Mr. D. Wiseman (Director Engineering Services) Mr. D. Benjamin (IT Officer) and Mrs. N. Ward Page (Minute Secretary).

The meeting opened with a prayer by Deputy Mayor Bin Tahal at 9.19 am.

Acknowledgement: The Mayor acknowledged the traditional owners the People, upon whose land we hold our meeting.

APOLOGY: An apology had been received from Cr. John Abednego.

Min. 09/11/1 Moved Cr. Bin Tahal, Seconded Cr. Ketchell “That the apology be received from Cr. J Abednego.” Carried

CONDOLENCES As a mark of respect, Council observed a minute’s silence in memory of:

Rose Morrison, Gwen Uta, Mr Wailu, Mr Maigon Mareko, Abraham Mau & Rachel Pedro

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT: Nil

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Min. 09/11/2 Moved Cr. Ketchell, Seconded Cr. Shibasaki “That Council receive the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of 20 October 2009 and confirm as a true and correct record of the proceedings.” Carried

BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES

Cr. Shibasaki General Business - Property at Muralug

MAYOR'S REPORT

Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Advisory Council I will attend the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal and Advisory Council meeting at Brisbane during 30th November 2009 – 4th December 2009.

Prescribe Body Corporation Regional Workshop I have received an invitation to attend the PBC Regional Workshop at Mer 23rd – 27th November 2009. I will attend part of this workshop with Mayor Gela to present the Territory Governance Presentation and to provide feedback to native title representatives. Native Title concerns were a major issue raised during our community consultation.

COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 NOVEMBER 2009 1 MAYOR'S REPORT (cont’d)

Citizenship Ceremony The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, has recently announced the inclusion of the Deputy Mayor within the classes of persons who can preside at Australian Citizenship Ceremony. Citizenship Ceremony provides Council the opportunity to welcome new citizens as new members of the Australian community and particular as members of the local community. I will liaise with the Local Officer in charge of Immigration to clarify local arrangements to support hosting any Citizenship Ceremony.

Indigenous Employment Strategy At the last Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council Meeting and in the Torres Shire Council’s submission to the Queensland Integrity and Accountability Review, the Council highlighted Indigenous Employment as a key priority to be addressed. The Council tabled the concept to establish an Indigenous Ombudsman Office to address Indigenous Employment in the State.

There is also a greater need to monitor and create career pathways (laterally and vertically) for Indigenous peoples, especially in State Government organizations. I received a letter from Desley Boyle, Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership, encouraging local councils to follow the Regional Council’s lead in adopting its recent Indigenous Employment Strategy. The strategy incorporates progressive employment targets through to May 2012. The Minister is aware that many Local Governments throughout the State have actively promoted fair employment practices via employment policies and strategies which have opened doors for Indigenous Queenslanders. The Cairns Regional Council’s Employment Strategy specifically focus on recruitment processes which may have (unintentionally) diminished the likelihood of success for indigenous applicants and that will in turn ensure career paths in different areas of Council’s activities.

I am aware of local and regional Training and Employment initiatives explored in the past as well as discussions around recent policies and strategies. I recommend Council adopt an Indigenous Employment Strategy which will lead, provide and facilitate transparent career pathways for our Indigenous constituents within this region.

Min. 09/11/3 Moved Cr. Bin Tahal, Seconded Cr. Ketchell “That Council endorse the implementation of an Indigenous Employment Strategy through the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Staff and report back to the December meeting (15th )” Carried

Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has proposed that Partners agree to a Launch of the Regional Plan on 20th November 2009. A letter will be sent to Minister Desley Boyle, highlighting Minister Jenny Macklin’s support and seek the State Minister’s endorsement for the plan. Furthermore, Torres Strait Regional Authority and Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships will co-host a Regional Planning Forum as a first step to formalising the Regional Planning Framework. This forum will see the establishment of seven groups dealing with COAG building blocks and Regional Plan goals.

I am suggesting that Partners need to discuss, explore and implement LOCAL POLICIES to direct and guide Integrated Services Delivery in our region. In the absence of local policy, service delivery throughout our region will remain fragmented and justify the ‘silo mind set’ of those service providers responsible. The Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Regional Plan is an appropriate Instrument to set the policy and targets which will ensure resources are directed to the service at the community level rather than continue to support or justify exciting bureaucratic administration structures.

COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 NOVEMBER 2009 2 MAYOR'S REPORT (cont’d)

Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan (cont’d) Min. 09/11/4 Moved Cr. Ketchell, Seconded Cr. Shibasaki “That Council discuss, at a future caucus meeting, the need for local policies to strengthen the Torres Strait & Northern Peninsula Regional Plan.” Carried

IN COMMITTEE Min. 09/11/5 Moved Cr. Bin Tahal, Seconded Cr. Shibasaki “That Council go into Committee at 9.52am to discuss Territory Community Consultation.” Carried

OUT OF COMMITTEE Min. 09/11/6 Moved Cr. Bin Tahal, Seconded Cr. Shibasaki “That Council come out of Committee at 10.34a.m.” Carried

Torres Shire Council Territory Community Consultation The Mayor wishes to acknowledge the support of the Councillors, Executive and Staff for the promotion and documentation of community feedback from each of the four community consultation meetings at Port Kennedy, Prince of Wales Island, TRAWQ Community and Horn Island. The Mayor advised that Mayor Gela has provided a brief update regarding community responses from outer island communities.

Min. 09/11/7 Moved Cr. Shibasaki, Seconded Cr. Ketchell “That the Mayor’s Report be received.” Carried

Adjournment: The Meeting adjourned for Morning Tea at 10.35a.m. and resumed at 10.53a.m. with Snr Constable David Solonec & Sgt Alan Dewis of Queensland Police attending to discuss community issues.

COMMUNITY ISSUES - Queensland Police & TSC

Sgt. Alan Dewis addressed the meeting with the following issues:

• Increase of break & enter and assault offences over the last three months has seen target patrolling to decrease these offences. Police and Elders are working together to deal with youth roaming the streets and other alcohol related offences. • Majority of non locals on Horn Island are NOT reporting crimes. – strategies implemented by using the media to stress the importance of reporting. Suggested Torres Shire also highlight this fact as calls for service for the QPS dictate budget for the QPS and other Government and Non Government organisations. • Noise has been an issue and exacerbated by the lack of complainants. – strategies implemented to utilise the media for affected people to report disturbances to Police and also report matter to the Dept. of Housing to highlight issues. • Street lighting issues - in particular the alleyway between Nawie & Outie Streets as previous identified as a trouble spot. Residents on both sides of the alleyway are constantly subjected to noise and property damage by persons congregating in this area. Highlighted to Council the safety aspects as a Pilot was recently assaulted in the alleyway by three offenders whom he observed jumping the fence to unlawfully enter a yard.

CEO advised Ergon has promised to install street lighting by the end of December 2009.

COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 NOVEMBER 2009 3 COMMUNITY ISSUES - Queensland Police & TSC

Cr Bin Tahal Queried traffic enforcement in particular youth not wearing helmets and non-local workers riding around in the back of utes.

• Sgt Dewis advised that unfortunately due to other serious offences of assaults and break and entries, patrols had been prioritised from midnight to 8am in the morning. Also Police welcomed the community to report traffic offences as it also assists with determining the call for service and that they were happy to proceed with prosecuting offenders by tickets as long as people reporting offence were willing to go to Court if required as a witness, otherwise enforcement is mainly by Police detection.

• “Getting on Program - midnight basketball every second Friday at the Ngurupai Sports Complex organised by Sgt Dewis to assist Police in building a rapport with disengaged youth and deliver positive educational programs in partnership with the Lena Passi Women Shelter, HI Health Clinic, TS Youth Council, Torres Strait Blue Light, HI Elders & youth

• Blue Light Discos - two events scheduled in November to support the Prep & Yr 7 graduates - takings donated to HI School.

• White Ribbon Day - HI School in November by White Ribbon Ambassador Sgt Alan Dewis.

• Police regularly attend to HI interagency meeting and other community events such as the mini market to show there support the community of Horn Island.

Attendance: Snr Sgt Les Bulluss arrived at the meeting at 11.03am. He acknowledged the traditional owners and raised the following TI issues:

▪ Top end cemetery problem has decreased due to change in hours of patrolling that area and detections of offenders.

▪ Hotel Licensees meeting and an issue being resolved with one particular Hotel. He stated the QPS Mission Statement of making Queensland a safe place in which to live, work and do business.

▪ Public drinking being an on going issue.

▪ Outlined traffic accidents and the cost to the community which is why Police attend policing RBT’s, vehicles and standards on TI.

▪ Great improvement in vehicle standards, less drink drivers and more compliance with seatbelts and helmets.

▪ Sought Councils assistance in lobbying for a Q Gap or QT office on TI.

Mayor Stephen * advised removal of bus shelters at Tamwoy Town & Douglas Street and will be discussed further during this meeting’s business. * requested update information on dilapidated Queensland Police house at 56 John St.

CEO, Bernie McCarthy * stated big improvement on the state of Sadies Beach and its increased usage.

Departure: Snr Sgt Bullus, Sgt Dewis and Snr Const. Solonec left the meeting at 11.24a.m.

COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 NOVEMBER 2009 4 1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

Common Seal Use Min. 09/11/8 Moved Cr. Ketchell, Seconded Cr. Shibasaki “That Council approve the use of the Official Seal by the Mayor as itemised below:

Date attached Document Description 5/11/09 Mayoral T/S Islander ID Qld Police Justice Entry Programme - Olive Betty Mosby - Carried

Horn Island Airport Signage (File 6-1-10) Min. 09/11/9 Moved Mayor Stephen, Seconded Cr. Bin Tahal “That Council endorse the previous agreement with Kaurareg Aboriginal Nation for permission to erect three signs of dimensions no greater than the existing TSC airport signs.” Carried

Proposal for Old Travel Centre, Victoria Esplanade (File 1-35-8) Min. 09/11/10 Moved Cr. Shibasaki, Seconded Cr. Ketchell “That if IBIS provides a negative response by not reducing its previous offer, Council advise IBIS that it is not in a position to accept its offer for a possible leasing proposal of the Old Travel Centre, Victoria Esplanade, .” Carried

Annual Report 2007/2008 (File 1-13-1) Min. 09/11/11 Moved Cr. Shibasaki, Seconded Mayor Stephen “That Council adopt the 2008/2009 Annual Report in its entirety at the Special Meeting being held on 27 November 2009.” Carried

Qantas and Other Stakeholders Meeting – (File 6-1-10) Min. 09/11/12 Moved Cr. Bin Tahal, Seconded Cr. Shibasaki “That Council continue to pursue funding for the Airport project particularly from Federal Government sources, every effort be made to ensure that other project strategies are expedited and other works such as tree removals from pathway be undertaken as soon as possible.” Carried

TSC Christmas Party (File 1-625-7) Min. 09/11/13 Moved Cr. Shibasaki, Seconded Cr. Ketchell “That Council approve the Council’s Christmas Party at a date yet to be determined and that an invitation be extended to the Youth Council.” Carried

TSC Office & Services - Christmas/New Year Shutdown (File 1-53-7) Min. 09/11/14 Moved Cr. Shibasaki, Seconded Cr. Bin Tahal “That Council approve the closure of the Council Office, Library and Technical Services with the exceptions of the Airport, Garbage Services, Waste Transfer Stations, Sports Complexes and Emergency On Call services between 25 December 2009 with reopening on 4 January 2010 and these arrangements be appropriately advertised in the local media.” Carried

COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 NOVEMBER 2009 5 1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

2010 Bank & Torres Strait Multicultural Show Holidays (File 1-8-1) Advice has been received from the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations on the following appointments: • Thursday, 3 June 2010 a holiday for the for the purpose of Mabo Day • Thursday, 1 Ju1y 2010 a holiday for the Shire of Torres for the purpose of the Coming of Light Celebration • Friday, 17 September 2010 a holiday for the Shire of Torres for the purpose of the Torres Strait Cultural Festival

2. CORPORATE SERVICES

REPORT

Excess Water Charges – Benjimen & Althea McKeown (File 1-301-5) Min. 09/11/15 Moved Cr. Bin Tahal, Seconded Cr. Shibasaki “That Council resolve to write off a portion of the excess water charged to Benjimen & Althea McKeown of 9 Outie St, Wasaga based on the average water consumption over a three year period, being a total of $7,672.10 and that a quarterly reading of all water meters on Horn and Thursday Islands be implemented from January 2010.” Carried

Finance & Audit Committee Meeting (File 1-318-9) Min. 09/11/16 Moved Cr. Bin Tahal, Seconded Mayor Stephen “That Council accept the Minutes of the Finance & Audit Committee Meeting held on 27 October 2009.” Carried

3. ENGINEERING SERVICES

REPORT

Bus Shelter Douglas Street - Complaint (File 2-36-8) Min. 09/11/17 Moved Mayor Stephen, Seconded Cr. Bin Tahal “That Council, on account of no bus service, call expressions of interest for the removal of the bus shelters in Douglas Street and at Tamwoy Town.” Carried

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned for Lunch at 12.25pm and resumed at 12.55pm with the departure of the Director of Corporate Services from the meeting to take annual leave.

4. PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

REPORT

Tender for Shade Structure at Anzac Park, Thursday Island (File 2-71-12-09)

IN COMMITTEE That Council discuss the above matter in Committee under the provisions of S463(1)(e) and (h) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the matter relates to: (e) contracts proposed to be made by it, (h) other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 NOVEMBER 2009 6 4. PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

REPORT

Tender for Shade Structure at Anzac Park, Thursday Island (File 2-71-12-09) (cont’d)

Min. 09/11/18 Moved Mayor Stephen, Seconded Cr. Shibasaki “That Council go into committee.” Carried

Departure: Cr. Bin Tahal departed the meeting at 1.28pm

Min. 09/11/19 Moved Cr. Ketchell, Seconded Cr. Shibasaki “That Council come out of committee.” Carried

Tender for Shade Structure at Anzac Park, Thursday Island (File 2-71-12-09) Min. 09/11/20 Moved Mayor Stephen, Seconded Cr Shibasaki “That Council accept the tender from Richardson’s Building Service for the amount of $93,000 for the design and construction on site of the Anzac Park shade structure and Council staff be authorised to finalise the details of construction times and other contractual arrangements.” Carried

Attendance: Cr. Bin Tahal returned to the meeting at 1.32pm.

6 GENERAL BUSINESS

Mayor Pedro Stephen ¾ Requested that a letter be forwarded to the Principal of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Thursday Island enquiring what action has been taken regarding the incidents at the Catholic School & Anzac Park involving one student and her mother during school hours.

Cr. Isao Shibasaki ¾ Backhoe on side of Douglas Street in front of Mura Mudh Hostel needs to be removed due to the plant being a traffic hazard.

CEO ¾ Advised that Council should continue to lobby for a change of the MIP programme’s scope and the Torres Strait region’s area definition relative to this programme.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 15 December 2009

CLOSURE: The meeting closed with a prayer by the Mayor at 1.43pm

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COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 NOVEMBER 2009 7