Torres Strait Mayor Elsie Seriat welcomed much-needed funding for communities where “everything is more complex and more expensive to deliver”. Photo: Lewis James Media.
The Queensland Government has announced more than $13 million for much-needed infrastructure upgrades in the Torres Strait and at Hope Vale on the Cape.
Water security and critical transport infrastructure, waste management, and early childhood education services are being prioritised as part of the Closing the Gap Priorities funding.
Horn Island Airport is in line for critical runway upgrades to improve safety and ensure flights can continue.
Meanwhile, the local tip at Horn Island is due to be expanded to ensure compliance and increase environmental safeguards for Loggy Creek Dam.
Elsewhere in the Torres Strait, the government is set to deliver water infrastructure upgrades on Erub Island to improve the reliability of the local supply, reduce wastage and support desalination processes.
Authorities have also flagged the refurbishment of the former after school hours care facility at Hope Vale, about 45 kilometres northwest of Cooktown, to turn it into a modern kindergarten. The kindy would also support visiting child health service providers.
Hope Vale can also expect water and sewerage system upgrades to improve living standards and health outcomes as part of the funding totalling $13.64m.
Cook MP David Kempton welcomed the funding for the remote communities in his electorate.
“The works on Horn Island are timely as it continues to grow in importance as a service centre to the Torres Strait,” he said.
“A reliable water supply for Erub Island will help to improve quality of life in the community and deliver better health outcomes.
The former after school hours care facility at Hope Vale is due to be refurbished. Photo: Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council.
“Hope Vale similarly will benefit from water and sewerage upgrades and will be very welcoming of the refurbishment of the after school care facility.
“The Crisafulli Government continues to work with the remote communities in Cook to improve the living standards and improve health options.”
Torres Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat OAM said the funding recognised the practical needs of island communities, and the Horn Island tip upgrade was particularly important.
“This is very welcome news for Torres Shire and for our region,” she said.
“When these everyday services are strengthened, our people feel the benefit.
“The investment in Horn Island Landfill is especially important because this facility supports our broader island communities. It is critical for public health, environmental protection, biosecurity and the long-term liveability of our region.
“In the Torres Strait, everything is more complex and more expensive to deliver. We do not have the same access to nearby facilities that mainland communities can rely on, so investment in our own essential infrastructure is vital.”
Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Bruce Gibson said the kindergarten would benefit families for years to come and he was pleased to see investment in his community.
Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Bruce Gibson. Photo: Supplied.
“This funding will deliver critical water and sewerage infrastructure upgrades for the Hope Vale community,” he said.
“The conversion of the after school care centre and associated improvements will also ensure the continued operation of the George Bowen Memorial Community Kindergarten.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Fiona Simpson said projects were chosen after consultation with elected Indigenous councils.
“By investing in public health and essential infrastructure in Indigenous communities, we are backing locally prioritised projects that help deliver real tangible outcomes, better services and stronger foundations for the future,” she said.
“Importantly, these projects have been identified by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils themselves during our direct consultation, ensuring funding is directed to local priorities and delivers practical outcomes for communities.
“The Crisafulli Government’s commitment to these 21 projects clearly demonstrates our ongoing efforts to drive real progress in Closing the Gap outcomes for our First Peoples and I look forward to announcing more of these projects soon.”
The government states the 2026-27 Budget includes more than $73 million for 21 new public health and essential infrastructure projects in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland.
