TSIRC Mayor Phillemon Mosby and CEO James William say the 2024-25 budget has not done enough to support the organisation increasing liveability in its local government area. Photo: Supplied.
The mayor and chief executive officer of Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) say the 2024-25 federal budget has failed to deliver critical funding for the 15 communities in its service footprint.
TSIRC was one of 77 Queensland councils to miss out on funding for community liveability and safety last month’s budget, with Mayor Phillemon Mosby saying it would be difficult for the council to improve the lives of community members without urgent financial support.
“There must be a real commitment for treaty and voice funding if we are to close the gap,” Mayor Mosby said.
“The federal budget allocates spending to regional connectivity, water, bridges and other Programs, and while we have made good gain in terms of funding to housing and jobs, the budget has missed the mark on remote and discrete First Nations communities like those in the Torres Strait.
“This is not just about First Nations people; this is about all Australians, and local government is about everybody.”
CEO James William said the council would continue to apply for funding to assist with local service delivery.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to improve our communities’ liveability,” he said.
“Our region is very unique and unlike any other council in Australia, and with that comes a set of unique challenges as we strive to deliver services to 15 communities who all have different needs.”
