Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg and Member for Cook David Kempton in the Torres Strait with the Kirriri behind them. Photo: Supplied.
A new Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) patrol vessel based on Thursday Island will deliver a significant boost to marine safety in the Torres Strait, according to the State Government.
The Queensland Police Service donated the former water police boat to MSQ, and Minister for Main Roads and Transport Brent Mickelberg and Cook MP David Kempton inspected the refurbished vessel during a Torres Strait visit earlier this month.
“For the people of the Torres Strait, the sea is a lifeline,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“This new patrol vessel will provide much needed support to the boating activities across the top end to ensure communities aren’t left behind.”
Dubbed Kirriri, the vessel will be used by MSQ to educate local seafarers about marine safety across the 17 inhabited islands of the Torres Strait, and the Northern Peninsula Area communities of Bamaga and Seisia, as well as inspect and maintain navigation aids used by boaties throughout the region.
Mr Kempton said ensuring safe sea travel in the Torres Strait was vital in the absence of other reliable transport methods.
“Sea transport is a vital part of living in Torres Strait when air travel is not accessible or affordable,” he said.
“As the number of Island people using boats increases so does the risk.
“This new vessel, the Kirriri, and the other programs that follow will save lives, safeguard vital services, and strengthen the bonds between the islands.”
