New planning scheme a first for Torres Strait Islands

Published Tuesday, 23 August, 2016 at 09:54 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Treasurer, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

Deputy Premier, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Jackie Trad

The Torres Strait Island Regional Council has implemented its first ever planning scheme, standardising regulations across all the islands to provide modern frameworks designed to meet the current and future needs of each community.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Jackie Trad said it was the first comprehensive planning scheme for the area.

“Adoption of this new planning scheme will ensure each community within the Torres Strait Island Regional Council area has a clear, concise and easy to use plan for their community,” Ms Trad said.

“This is an important project as without proper planning schemes there is potential for poor development outcomes, putting people and property at risk from natural hazards.

“One of the key features of the scheme is that it proactively considers the impacts of sea level rise associated with climate change on potential developments, a very real threat in island communities.”

Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt commended the Council’s work on the scheme, known as the Zenadth Kes Planning Scheme.

“The Zenadth Kes Planning Scheme has been designed to protect cultural heritage values and the natural environment of this stunning region while moving to simplify and help facilitate the future development of the inhabited islands within the Torres Strait Island Regional Council’s local government area,” Mr Pitt said.

“The planning scheme brings together information and data generated by previous studies, especially with regard to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, to provide safe areas for future development over the next 10-20 years.

“It will empower the council to make planning decisions about future development and the scheme includes maps showing the preferred location for future housing, industry, government facilities and commercial ventures.

“The Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership worked in partnership with Council to manage the project, fund its preparation and assist with community consultations.”

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Cr Fred Gela said the planning scheme establishes a planning framework for council’s decision making and in conjunction with the requirements of native title, Ailan Kastom (island custom) and cultural heritage will enable good decisions to be made in regard to future land use of the island communities.

“The Islands and culture are unique to Australia and the planning scheme has been prepared to accommodate the needs of islanders and the special significance Gogobithiay (land, sea and sky) and Ailan Kastom have for Islanders,” Cr Gela said.

Media Contacts:

Deputy Premier’s office - 0429 890 942

Treasurer’s office - 0419 945 546