Media Release No. 2, 6 February 2009
“Torres Shire Approaches PM on its Airport Funding Dilemma”
Mayor Pedro Stephen stated today, “Torres Shire Council is urgently seeking the assistance of PM Kevin Rudd and Premier Anna Bligh to expedite the funding of theHorn Island Airport’s runways strengthening and extension. This project would enable the larger Qantas Q400 Aircraft to safely fly again to the Torres Strait.
Estimated cost is $12.0 million; estimated funding shortfall is $9.4 million.
Council has developed a comprehensive action strategy for a partnership funding approach to the relevant Federal and State Government departments and other agencies to achieve this significant amount of funding for this project. Currently we anxiously await the outcome of the second round of the RLCIP funding which should be announced by the end of February.
With a population of only 4,500; the Shire urgently needs the Federal Government to assist with this airport funding to enable us to overcome this region’s major transport problem. This project is essential due to the airport’s contribution to regional & international aircraft transport, regional economic development, defence strategy & availability, border protection, health, tourism, government staffing & services and many other regional & community purposes.
Mayor Stephen congratulates the Federal Government’s “extraordinary measures for extraordinary times” strategy; particularly with the recent announcement of the major economic stimulus package. The inclusion of roads and housing are of major interest to this Shire & region; and we seek to form a positive partnership with the govt’s programs.
With our small length of roads and the main mode of local transport primarily being undertaken by regional and local aircraft; airports with runways maintained to the necessary safety regulations is absolutely paramount. Unlike mainland Australia; it must be emphasized that local residents and visitors of the region rely heavily on an efficient air service for all aspects of their livelihood.
The only mode of real transport is by regional and local aircraft. There are no other existing passenger transport systems, such as road, rail or sea, between our nearest metropolitan city (Cairns) and the Torres Strait.
The airways are our highways; our only feasible access to the outside world. It must be emphasized that the small Torres Strait islands are separated by large distances of ocean. To continue to function as a developing and international border region, a regional airport is vital to enable the Torres Strait and NPA region to be serviced by essential government and commercial services that are required for proper functioning of the region. All community services are dependent on frequent and reliable air services to Cairns and other major Queensland cities.
Students heavily rely on air travel to access mainstream schools (as there is only one high school in the region) with many travelling further a field to Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane to ensure their educational needs are met.
Thursday Island is also the government administrative hub for the region and has over 36 different federal and state offices located on it with further 40-45 offices within the Torres Strait. These include essential services such as Police (Federal & State), Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Dept of Defence, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Dept of Immigration, Queensland Health and Queensland Fire Service. The transportation of government officers to maintain these services account for more than 65% of passengers.
Already services are being affected by the aircraft restriction. Delayed freight and mail of government, business and personal items has been caused due to the implementation of slower arrangements through sea and air transport via Bamaga, Cape York.
Council is investigating the additional possibilities of increased loan borrowing and increased passenger head tax, as part contributions towards our airport project. But if loan borrowing and head tax are increased, Council is still faced with a funding shortfall well beyond its means.
Torres Strait’s low socio-economic base must be taken into account when Council and the community’s ability to fund such an expensive project are analyzed. The region’s high unemployment rate and low average income does not enable funds to be generated internally. A higher Head Passenger Tax would exacerbate the Torres Strait cost of living which has been a significant burden on Torres Strait residents for many years.
Council strongly believes that the funding of this essential airport project would be a perfect example of the Federal Govt. demonstrating how the “Close the Gap” aspiration for indigenous people could be achieved in the Torres Strait region.
Lobbying action has been hectic with Council contacting many authorities, councils, associations, departments, Federal & State MPs, etc. to assist us in our endeavours to get our foot in Canberra and Brisbane government office doors. In the near future, myself and other TSC representatives will go down south to knock loudly on the money doors. We are starting at the top by seeking a personal meeting with the PM to fully discuss the Region’s airport dilemma.”
Mayor Pedro Stephen
Please contact Mayor Pedro Stephen or Bernie McCarthy, CEO, on phone 07 4069 1336, ceo@torres.qld.gov.au if clarification is required on any matters in this news release.
