Government funds Torres Strait seawalls

The Newman Government has approved $12 million for seawalls in the Torres Strait, after the community decided it was the infrastructure priority for the area.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said a committee comprising the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, the Torres Shire Council, the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council and the Torres Strait Regional Authority had confirmed the need for funding seawalls and roads and drainage under the State Government’s Major Infrastructure Program (MIP Stage 5).

“We’re a government that prefers regional communities tell us their priorities, rather than give orders from Brisbane,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“In the case of Torres Strait, we’ve signed off on $12 million towards seawalls, and $1.2 million for roads and drainage projects.

“It’s important to invest in the right infrastructure that is affordable for the communities into the future.

“The seawalls will help protect some of the essential public infrastructure built in low-lying areas in recent years.

“This will save money and reduce environmental harm for years to come.”

[ENDS] 14 January 2013

Media contact: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332