ALP announces Torres Strait climate and infrastructure projects — but there’s a catch

Federal Labor will commit $77.4m to boost climate resilience and upgrade essential services in remote communities across the Torres Strait, if elected next month, with a Queensland senator calling on the state government to jointly invest in the works.

Aerial photo of Yam Island, also known as Iama, in the Torres Strait. The island is one of five that would benefit from a $36.2m package from the Labor government to build more seawalls in the region. Picture: Chris Calcino

Federal Labor will commit $77.4m to boost climate resilience and upgrade essential services in remote communities across the Torres Strait, if elected next month, with a Queensland senator calling on the state government to jointly invest in the works.

The funding includes $36.2m over five years to help fund stage three of the Torres Strait Seawalls Program which will provide additional engineering and seawall structures on five islands: Poruma, Iama, Masig, Warraber and Badu.

ALP candidate for Leichhardt, Matt Smith says climate change is impacting Torres Strait communities now. Picture: Brendan Radke

Additionally, an investment of $41.2 million will go towards the construction and upgrading of infrastructure relating to wastewater, solid waste management and potable water supply in remote communities as part of the Torres Strait Major Infrastructure Program.

The funding is subject to the state government agreeing to jointly invest in the projects.

The seawalls and associated upgrades will increase protection for vulnerable Torres Strait communities and infrastructure exposed to climate-related flooding and erosion, ALP candidate for Leichhardt, Matt Smith said.

“We know that Torres Strait Island communities are facing the impact of climate change right now,” Mr Smith said.

“This investment is vital to not only protect infrastructure, but to protect the cultural and spiritual relationship Torres Strait Islanders have with their homeland.”

The works will support local jobs during the construction phase of the projects with the investment reflected in the 2025-26 budget.

“We know that remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are particularly vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather conditions,” Indigenous Australians Minister, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“This investment demonstrates the Albanese Labor Government takes climate change seriously and is committed to boosting climate resilience for First Nations communities and improving access to essential services.”

The funding will be administered by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) in partnership with Torres Strait local governments and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC).

“This funding is vital for our Torres Strait communities,” Senator for Queensland Nita Green said.

“I call on the state government to join us in this record investment and give these communities the security they need.”

The Torres Strait Major Infrastructure Program and Torres Strait Seawalls Program both contribute to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, including Outcome 8 - stronger economic participation and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities, and Outcome 15 – First Nations people to maintain a distinctive cultural, spiritual, physical and economic relationship with their land and waters.

Originally published as ALP announces Torres Strait climate and infrastructure projects — but there’s a catch