TSRA NEWS Our Vision: To empower our people to determine their own affairs based on our unique Ailan Kastom bilong from which we draw our unity and strength

No.82 February 2007 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Education, Training & Revised Plan for Employment Update - Mr Jesse Sagaukaz Torres Strait Fisheries

Page 2 A revised process for reallocating Torres Strait fisheries was announced on 20 December following the release of the latest agreements of the Protected Zone Commendation for Joint Authority (PZJA). Torres Strait's Major Infrastructure The Australian Minister for Fisheries and PZJA chair, Program Senator Eric Abetz, said the Authority has listened to the concerns of Islander and non-Islander Page 2-3 stakeholders. “As a first step, the Allocation Advisory Panel will consult further with licence holders on a preferred TSRA Staff Recognised allocation process for the non-Islander sector, and for Outstanding consider additional data from AFMA. The final report Achievements has been requested for March, 2007,” he said. “That will clear the way for a voluntary tender process Page 3 to reduce the number of non-Islander licences in the rock lobster and finfish fisheries, limiting it to the combined funds available from the Australian and Project Highlights governments, and the Torres Strait L-R, Australian Government Minister for Fisheries, the Hon. Eric Abetz, from CRC Torres Strait Regional Authority. The results should be known by and TSRA Chairperson, Mr Toshie Kris 2003-2006 Bath mid 2007.” Sponge Aquaculture Senator Abetz said management plans ensuring the forward for our community fishers,” said Mr Kris. Page 4 sustainability of fish stocks will be agreed to by the “This is very important to our people as the region's Authority following the tender process. The PZJA's fisheries are the only primary resource that we can use focus will be on achieving fair economic outcomes for to build a strong economy, as well as to maintain our all stakeholders. TSRA Annual Report strong cultural and traditional seafaring links. Out Now “After three years, operators need the issue of resource “I am pleased that all stakeholders are working allocation to be resolved so that they can plan their constructively together towards establishing a futures with certainty,” Senator Abetz said. “This is a sustainable and positive future for the Traditional pragmatic and practical solution and I encourage Page 4 Inhabitants of the Torres Strait,” said Mr Kris. everyone to get on board.” Full details of the outcomes of the 20th meeting of the Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries Minister Authority are available on the Authority's web site If you would like more Tim Mulherin said the PZJA had reaffirmed a www.pzja.gov.au. information on this publication commitment from all stakeholders to improve the or on any of the TSRA's fisheries involved. Programs and Services, please contact the TSRA by: “Together with the Australian Government, we have made decisions that will enable Telephone: (07) 4069 0700 to access a greater share of fisheries resources. This Fax: (07) 4069 1879 Toll Free Number: 1800 079 093 will significantly improve economic opportunities for Email: [email protected] the and their people,” he said. Torres Strait Regional Authority Chairman, and PZJA PO Box 261,Thursday member, Mr Toshie Kris, welcomed the commitment of Qld 4875 both Governments to move resource allocation as far TORRES STRAIT or visit: possible in favour of Indigenous fishers, and to work Queensland with Islander aspirations in future fisheries www.tsra.gov.au Government PZJA management. PROTECTED ZONE 1st Floor, Torres Strait Haus JOINT AUTHORITY 46 Victoria Parade “The reaffirmation by the PZJA that there needs to be an economic future for Torres Strait Islanders based on their fisheries resources is an encouraging step

TORRES STRAIT REGIONAL AUTHORITY News from TSRA Portfolio Member for Education, Employment and Training Mr Jesse Sagaukaz

As the Torres Strait Regional Authority's cadetships in 2007. This will be the first time Employment Program (CDEP). CDEP (TSRA) Portfolio Member for Education, that TSRA has offered cadetships. TSRA is continues to enable unemployed Indigenous Employment and Training, I would like to currently receiving applications for these residents to undertake work on activities inform you on some of the work being scholarships and cadetships, if you would chosen by the community as an alternative to progressed in this area. like to apply or would like more information, unemployment benefits. please contact the TSRA's Acting Policy TSRA Scholarships and Cadetships Despite major changes to CDEP on the Coordination Officer, Mr Charlie Kaddy, mainland, TSRA has retained responsibility As you may be aware, the TSRA administers for the administration of the Program in the Assistance with Tertiary Education Torres Strait, and has allocated $31.79 Scholarships (ATES). The scheme provides million to the Program this financial year six $6000 scholarships annually, to (2006-2007). These funds are being Indigenous people from the region to assist distributed between 19 CDEPs and involve with expenses associated with study at a approximately 2000 participants. mainland university. TSRA has also established its own CDEP Since its commencement in 2001, over 20 Guidelines and developed an internet- university students have accessed ATES and based program administration system called three Torres Strait Islanders have since CDEP Manager, for the monitoring and graduated with Bachelor Degrees in Law, processing of CDEP related data. The system Business Management, and Applied Science has direct links to Centrelink and connects (Marine Biology). participating communities to TSRA's CDEP This financial year, TSRA reviewed the database via the internet, giving all Scholarship Program and decided to stakeholders real time access to up-to-date complement ATES by also offering CDEP information. opportunities for cadetships through a TSRA Portfolio Member for Education, Training To further improve service delivery, TSRA is partnership with the National Indigenous & Employment, Mr Jesse Sagaukaz also currently reviewing the overall CDEP. Cadetship Project (NICP). The results and recommendations from this The NICP is administered through the review will help to produce the best possible Australian Government's Department of by telephone (07) 4069 0700, toll free outcomes in the region in terms of Employment and Workplace Relations 1800 079 093, or email [email protected]. employment, enterprise and training. (DEWR). The Program covers the full four Alternatively, you can also visit the TSRA If you would like to obtain more years of study at university and in addition, Office at Level 1, 46 Victoria Parade, information on CDEP, please contact students will also be appointed a mentor as Thursday Island. the TSRA's Field Operations Section, by well as 12 weeks work placement within the Community Development Employment telephone (07) 4069 0700, toll free TSRA for each year of study. Program 1800 079 093, or email [email protected]. Given the added benefits of the Cadetship Alternatively, you can also visit the TSRA TSRA has delivered some outstanding results Program, the TSRA Board has decided to Office at Level 1, 46 Victoria Parade, in respect to the Community Development offer 3 ATES scholarships and 2 NICP Thursday Island.

Independent Review Commends Torres Strait's Major Infrastructure Program

A full and independent assessment of stage Government and Planning Mr Andrew TSRA's Chairperson Mr Toshie Kris said the three of Torres Strait's Major Infrastructure Fraser said projects completed under MIP Stamfords 2006 Review examined all Program (MIP), has produced a positive have greatly improved the standard of aspects of the Program, including funding report on the operations and outcomes of community facilities and environmental allocations, project identification and this vital $100 million capital works initiative. health in remote communities. prioritisation, tendering processes, infrastructure development and MIP,which is jointly funded by the Australian “In nine years of operation, MIP has construction, and stakeholder participation. and Queensland Governments via the delivered over 33 major projects including Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and water services, reticulated sewerage “The Report revealed that MIP stage three is the Queensland Department of Local systems, subdivisions and essential operating efficiently and effectively, Government, Planning, Sport and services,” Mr Fraser said. continuing the good works of MIP stages one Recreation (DLGPS&R), was reviewed by and two,” said Mr Kris. “DLGPS&R is working closely with the TSRA private firm, Stamfords Advisors and to ensure MIP continues to deliver valuable “As part of this review, thorough stakeholder Consultants, towards the end of last year. community projects to Torres Strait,” said Mr consultations took place between MIP Minister for Local Fraser. funding bodies the TSRA and the DLGPS&R PAGE 2 TORRES STRAIT REG Continued From Page 2

plus other government departments, Island Councils, communities and project managers. “The Stamfords Review found that MIP stage three and the Water Services Program are being delivered in a well planned and coordinated manner, producing substantial health outcomes for the region. “It also stated that the ability to progress Torres Strait's economic development is made possible by the good infrastructure that has been established by MIP. “In addition, it identified that a major strength of the Program was that it was delivered through the TSRA, which provides direct linkages at Mor & Black Courtesy the community level and has a good understanding of the needs and issues of our island communities. “The results and recommendations from the Stamford Review will

assist the TSRA to improve service delivery, as well as become a e valuable resource when lobbying for the continuation of MIP. MIP's work is commended “MIP is a great example of both the Australian and the Queensland Governments taking a whole of government approach and working in partnership to produce positive life-changing outcomes for the people of the TorresStrait,” Mr Kris said.

TSRA Staff Recognised For Two Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) staff members were recently recognised for their outstanding service to the community at Outstanding Achievements the Torres Shire Council's Day Awards, on 26 January 2006. TSRA Chairperson Mr Toshie Kris said he was pleased that the TSRA's General Manager, Mr Wayne See Kee, and Project Officer, Mr Francis Majid, had been formally acknowledged for achievements in their respective fields. “Mr See Kee was presented with an Achievement Certificate for his contribution to the community as a leader and a role model,” said Mr Kris. “Wayne is the first Indigenous General Manager of the TSRA and under his leadership, the TSRA Administration has continued to deliver and develop economic, social and cultural opportunities for the region. “He has also become a role model for many young Torres Strait Islanders, having completed his schooling in the region, studying at university in and returning to the Torres Strait to share his skills and knowledge - proving that with dedication and hard work, it is possible to reach your goals. “Mr Francis Majid (jr) received an Achievement Medallion, for his exceptional service to the local Fire Brigade, attaining the level of Lieutenant at just 20 years of age, and for achieving his own personal goal, to gain employment at the TSRA. “Francis has demonstrated his commitment towards producing positive outcomes for his people, by volunteering his time and effort to safeguard our families from fire, and by completing the TSRA Traineeship Program in 2005, and continuing on at the TSRA to become a permanent and valued member of the TSRA workforce. From L to R, TSRA General Manager, Mr Wayne See Kee, & TSRA Project Officer, Mr Francis Majid “On behalf of the TSRA Board, I commend both Mr See Kee and Mr Majid on their achievements, and I would also like to congratulate all the other recipients of this year's Torres Shire Council's Australia Day Awards,” Mr Kris said.

GIONAL AUTHORITY PAGE 3 04. TSRA NEWS Project Highlights from CRC Torres Strait 2003-2006 Bath Sponge Aquaculture CRC TORRES There is a worldwide one sponge may grow while its neighbour (Thursday), Badu, Erub, and Masig Islands STRAIT shortage of natural shrinks. with research concentrating on Masig sea sponges to be Island. Researchers were in Torres Strait for Sponge farming in the Torres Strait appears used in households for 117 days. to be a viable proposition from the results of cleaning, by industry, and the cosmetics this research. Research is continuing and the For more information on this story or market. researchers hope it will culminate in the on any other project, you can contact CRC Natural bath sponges from the development of a trial farming operation at Torres Strait by telephone (07) 4729 8400, Mediterranean and Carribean are over- Masig in the future. fax (07) 4729 8499, alternatively you harvested and hit by diseases, and are can email [email protected] or visit Areas where research was conducted unable to keep up with global demand. The www.crctorres.com. included reefs and islands around Waiben best way to meet demand in a sustainable way is through aquaculture. Sponges are quite easy to grow and transport and could be a worthwhile aquaculture venture for areas such as Torres Strait. CRC Torres Strait researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) went to see if Torres Strait would be a good place to develop a sponge aquaculture venture. After searching for sponges over 10,000m2 of ocean floor in Torres Strait, over 30 different bath sponge species were identified. While distribution of these sponge species was quite unpredictable over the area surveyed, Masig Island seemed to have the necessary elements for a good location for sponge farming and this is where the research concentrated. AIMS, Yorke Island Council and local divers worked together to see if sponge farming was a viable proposition for the Masig Island community. AIMS Courtesy Some bath sponges at Masig Island were found to double their size in six months, indicating very fast growth rates. However, growth rates can be quite variable. In fact, A diver examines sea sponges

TSRA Annual Report Out Now

The TSRA's 2005-2006 Annual Report is now available. You can obtain a copy of the Report by visiting the TSRA Office on level 1 Torres Strait Haus, 46 Victoria Parade, Thursday Island. Alternatively, you can telephone (07) 4069 0700, toll free 1800 093 079, email [email protected] or write to PO Box 261, Thursday Island, Queensland 4875, and we can arrange for a copy to be mailed to you.

BUSINESS ADDRESS CONTACT DETAILS 1st Floor,Torres Strait Haus PO Box 261,Thursday Island Queensland 4875 Telephone: (07) 4069 0700 46Victoria Parade www.tsra.gov.au Fax: (07) 4069 1879 Thursday Island [email protected] Toll Free Number: 1800 079 093