Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) says a record spend on green machinery for its fleet is a reflection of its commitment to improve the local government area’s general liveability for years to come.
The council, along with representatives from machinery supplier Kubota, unveiled the new fleet at an event in Cairns on 28 November, which is set to be put into use across the Torres Strait’s outer islands over the coming months.
The purchase of the new fleet is TSIRC’s highest single spend on such assets, with chief executive officer James William saying the machinery would be used to maintain vital infrastructure under the council’s control.
“TSIRC has made this record investment as part of the asset management plan to replace the majority of assets, as 15 of the current divisions are nearing the end of their lifecycle,” he said.
“The green fleet is considered essential for maintaining critical infrastructure, including airstrips, water supply systems, and other key facilities that are vital for supporting the community’s wellbeing and operational readiness onsite.
“As part of the green fleet, the primary focus will be to support the maintenance of airstrips, waterways, water plantations, and to manage vegetation to mitigate fire risk by controlling general greenery levels.
“A total of 21 assets have been ordered, with the first asset already delivered to site on [30 September]; several additional units are currently being constructed and established in Cairns, with plans to ship them north in the coming weeks.”