Sea Swift and council end legal battle to push for government funding
Years of bitter court fights over $66.5 million in maritime fees have ended with former legal enemies now joining forces to tackle urgent infrastructure problems.
A Far North council and Sea Swift have settled their multimillion-dollar legal battle and pledged to work together on critical infrastructure for remote Torres Strait communities.
In a joint statement, both organisations confirmed the “long and protracted process” had been resolved and said they’ll work together to push for safer landings and ramps.
Many ramps and landings are at end‑of‑life and hazardous to operations, and both parties now want government attention and funding to fix them.
The deal follows years of legal wrangling over Sea Swift’s use of council‑owned jetties and moorings between 2014 and 2018.
In 2022, Council issued 253 invoices totalling $66.5 million for alleged default maritime fees. Court proceedings in Brisbane in 2023 dealt with document disclosure and claims of legal privilege.
Whether council had the power to impose the fees was left to be decided by a trial judge, but both parties have now put the dispute behind them.
Sea Swift executive chairman Chris Pearce said the two organisations would now work as “joint advocates for the communities”.
“There are some key issues that need to be addressed immediately, such as the remote
infrastructure, that needs government attention,” he said.
“We are also working to promote local jobs for local people and navigating how we can provide tangible career pathways for people in these locations as well as supporting local industries.”
The existing public infrastructure will be reviewed and upgraded where needed, with both parties pledging a cooperative, constructive approach.
The Torres Strait Island Regional Council is the country’s most northern municipality, representing 15 unique island communities, spread across 42,000km2 of sea, and an international border with Papua New Guinea.
Sea Swift has provided essential sea freight services to the remote and regional communities of northern Australia since 1987 and is the region’s largest shipping company.
The council’s chief executive James William said the agreement ensured they worked together to tackle the most pressing issues in the region.
“This has been a long and protracted process and both parties are commended for their
perseverance and patience in working towards a fair and just outcome that will see positive
benefits for our Torres Strait Island communities,” he said.
“Most significantly, throughout this process, through positive leadership demonstrated by all
parties we have worked through complex issues and challenges.
“Our islands face unique challenges, but through cooperative partnerships like this one, we can
drive meaningful change that protects our environment, supports local jobs, and improves
everyday life for Torres Strait Islanders now and into the future.”
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Originally published as Sea Swift and council end legal battle to push for government funding
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