MAYORS COLUMN

AUGUST 2009

I wish to acknowledge the Traditional Owners – Kaurareg people and
thank the Torres News for the opportunity to submit this article from the
‘Mayors Desk’ on Council’s operations and activities.

Airport Upgrade
After two significant changes in respect of the Horn Island regional airport dilemma, Torres Shire Council advises that the cash shortfall for this upgrade project has now been reduced to approximately $2.5 million.

Recently after discussions with Queensland Transport, Council has resolved to lessen the scope of the previously proposed works by deleting the following items, viz.

• Runway 08/26 extension - $1,044,660
• Electrical/lighting works - $955,000.

Now the airport, owned and operated by Torres Shire Council, needsurgent funding to enable main runway, minor runway (part) and parking & transit area to be strengthened with asphalt overlay to cope with the larger and heavier aircraft such as Qantas Q400 Aircraft.

With the recent advice that Queensland Transport will provide an additional $1 million, Torres Shire can currently access $4.1million funds Council will continue to lobby the Federal Government to come on board in a three way partnership to bring the proposed project to urgent fruition.

Council is in a position that its recently resolved loan borrowing of $1.0 million cannot be increased any further; otherwise the Shire’s finances will be at an unacceptable risk.

Swine Flu Vigilance
I urge all residents to carefully take all appropriate precautions in respect of swine flu.The best way to protect yourself and others is to:

• stay home when you are sick
• wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel
• wash your hands prior to touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• when coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues which should be disposed of immediately
• don't share items such as cigarettes, glasses or cups, lipstick, toys or anything which could be contaminated with respiratory secretions
• maintain at least one metre distance from people who have flu-like symptoms such as coughing or sneezing
• consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed
• if attending a medical practice, alert the receptionist of your symptoms so you can be seated away from others and possibly be given a surgical mask.

Help and Assistance – For further information check the Queensland Swine Flu response website, contact your local doctor or ring 13HEALTH. (13 43 25 84)

On a personal note I wish to acknowledge Mayor Fred Gela's recent action regarding his home surveillance/quarantine in respect of Swine Flu - H1N1 Influenza 09. I am pleased to see him looking well and back on the job.

Sailor / Bowie Progress
It is most pleasing to see the progress of the Sailor and Bowie Crescents connection road. Major earth works are now in progress, including realignment, excavation subsoil drainage, stormwater drainage and provision of the kerb and gutter base. These works, including road sealing, are estimated to be completed by December this year. All drivers and pedestrians in the Rosehill area are requested to be aware of construction vehicles during these works. Residents are encouraged to control children from traffic on the hill side. Thanks to all residents for your patience with the dust from the machinery. Council will make every endeavour to keep dust to a minimum.

Queensland Music Festival
0n a balmy night on Friday 17 July, Thursday Island was rocked by many of the best indigenous artists in the land. This was the biggest music event ever seen in the beautiful Torres Strait islands. All present agreed that it was a great pleasure to have such excellent artists from The Black Arm Band and the Queensland Youth Symphony perform.

The conservative attendance estimate was in excess of 2,000. I wish to specially thank all performers who featured the undiminished music of indigenous Australia and through their songs celebrated identify and provided better understanding for all Queenslanders and Australians.

The efforts of the youth symphony orchestra were excellent and their great performance displayed a bright future for Australian music. Torres Strait performers opened the concert and of course all present were extremely proud of their performances. I urge local performers to pursue their dreams and take every opportunity to improve their talent.

I was proud to see so many residents, young and old, enjoy this spectacular concert. My invitation was sincerely extended to all visitors to ensure that they “ate the local Wongai fruit” so that they will return to our beautiful Torres Strait shores in the future.

Torres Shire extends its appreciation to all local persons and organizations who contributed to the great success of the QMF concert. This performance has certainly put Thursday Island and the Torres Strait, on the map and already QMF organizers have positively indicated that a similar concert will be held here in 2011.

Torres Strait & Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan
I am quite excited and proud to have been involved in the recent signing of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan.

The regional planning process began last year when Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), Torres Shire Council (TSC) and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) came together to work towards a unified regional vision that would shape the future for this strategically
important part of Australia.

The Regional Plan was developed following an extensive community consultation process. The Queensland Government Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (ATSIP) also provided assistance throughout the consultations.
With the Plan based on the results of community consultations, this document is owned by the communities of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area region. It is a living document that will be reviewed annually to ensure that its goals and objectives are being addressed.

I consider that the plan is a positive step towards shaping the direction of our region and sets a strong pathway towards “closing the gap” and addressing the unique needs of our communities. This plan is the spark to achieving integrated service delivery and will go a long way towards reducing duplication. Our communities must receive the maximum amount of support from all levels of government to address their needs.

I look forward to working with all other leaders of the TSRA, TSIRC and NPARC; particularly in our approach to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Federal Minister Jenny Macklin as well as Premier Anna Bligh and State Minister Desley Boyle for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to secure their commitment to this innovative and long overdue Regional Plan.

2010 Bank & Torres Strait Multicultural Show Holidays
For everyone’s 2010 diary, I wish to advise that Council has submitted an application to the Department of Justice and Attorney General for approval of the following three holidays to be recognized within the Torres Shire next year.
Thursday 3 June 2010........................Mabo Day
Thursday 1 July 2010 ........................Coming of the Light Day
Friday 17 September 2010 ...........Torres Strait Cultural Festival

Prince of Wales Island Email Network
An email network has now been created for the POW Island’s residents.
Matters of interest from Council will be communicated on a regular basis.
Please forward your email address to rates@torres.qld.gov.au if you wish to be added to this network.

Emailed Agendas & Laptops Usage at Council Meeting
The emailing of meeting agendas to Councilors and laptop usage at Council meetings has proved to be a great success over the past 3 months. Council has now unanimously voted to continue this new system. This move into the 21st century is welcome and demonstrates Council’s willingness to move with the times. The next review of this new system’s progress will be done in October.

Council Meeting – Horn Island
Next October, Council will hold its monthly Ordinary meeting at the Ngurupai Sports Complex, Horn Island, on Tuesday 20 October 2009.

This Council meeting is to ensure that all residents are given a chance to see their Council in action by attending as a member of the public gallery. All residents will be encouraged to attend and it will be a great chance to meet all Councilors and the Executive Management Team.
There will be an opportunity for any groups or residents to seek a deputation during a specified time on this meeting day. Registration is necessary for any deputation and you are requested to please contact Executive Secretary, Nola Ward Page, phone 4069 1336. The meeting will be well publicized leading up to this date.

Dog Registrations
Yes… it’s that time of the year to register your canine friend. Please call in to the Council Office to make payment. Over the next two months Council’s Animal Control Officer will be visiting residences on Thursday, Horn and POW Islands to check on the number of dogs being kept and if they are registered.

Condolences to families
At the August meeting, in our usual manner Council observed a minutes silence for the recent passing of a number of residents within the Torres Strait. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to all families during this sad time for them.

Until my next column, Torres Shire Council will continue to lead, provide and facilitate and ensure that its residents are provided with quality services in this unique islands environment. For further information on any of the subjects listed in my report for this month, please contact our friendly staff on Ph: 07 4069 1336, drop into the Torres Shire Council Office at 68 Douglas or email admin@torres.qld.gov.au.

Mayor Napau Pedro Stephen