MEDIA RELEASE - United to Advance our Region

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TS&NPAROC

MEDIA RELEASE – UNITED TO ADVANCE OUR REGION

On this truly historic occasion, Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Torres Shire Council and the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council have today come together to formally launch the establishment of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Organisation of Councils (TS&NPAROC). Collectively the TS&NPAROC represents the interests of residents of all 24 communities across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. Leading up to the launch, each local government resolved to endorse the charter for the TS&NPAROC and to allocate initial resources for incorporation and set strategic direction. The TS&NPAROC will undertake research and advocacy on key regional issues to State and Federal governments; will bring about regional tendering and purchase agreements to achieve economies of scale and better synergies in service delivery through better management of projects across the region and to facilitate cooperative projects between the constituent local governments through shared services and joint Local Government activities.
 
Torres Strait Island Regional Council’s Mayor Phillemon Mosby said today, ‘I’m excited that following years of discussions, we supported the development of the Masig Statement, Malungu Yangu Wakay, signed on the 23rd August 2022 commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the First Torres Strait Island Councillors Conference and now have our own ROC with the opportunities that provides for our region.’
 
Torres Shire Council Mayor Yen Loban observed, ‘This is exactly what the region needs, recognition of our geographically and demographically unique location being the most remote region of Australia and the only to share an International Border. Our region faces challenges delivering services to 24 discrete communities.’
 
Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council Mayor Patricia Yusia noted, ‘We know that this will provide an opportunity and an avenue for us to be more effective in serving our communities and in advancing the aspirations of all people in the Torres Strait and NPA region, in controlling our own affairs and in growing the wealth of our economies and strengthening Ailan Kastom and Aboriginal Traditions of the region.’
 
In officially signing the Charter of the TS&NPAROC, the respective Mayors expressed absolute enthusiasm for this strong collaboration. Shared resources, enhanced service delivery, regional deployment of staff on projects, effective management of projects with other levels of government, all the things that the Mayors and Councillors have been calling for over many years on behalf of our people to support our communities.
 

End Release.

 

James William

james.william@tsirc.qld.gov.au

0438 082 570

Dalassa Yorkston

ceo@torres.qld.gov.au

0438 082 570

Kate Gallaway

ceo@nparc.qld.gov.au

0437 030 980

 

Photo: Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Torres Shire Council and the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council officially launch the establishment of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Organisation of Councils (TS&NPAROC), signing the Charter of the TS&NPAROC by the respective Mayors.

TS&NPAROC SigningL to R: Mayor Yen Loban Torres Shire Council, Mayor Patricia Yusia Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council,

Mayor Phillemon Mosby Torres Strait Island Regional Council.