Normalising Weipa a key priority: TCICA
NORMALISING Weipa as a standalone council is a major priority for one of Cape York’s most powerful organisations.
Ahead of the state election, the Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance put together a list of priorities for the region.
Normalising Weipa was voted as a major issue that needed to be supported by the candidates.
Keeping the Local Fare Scheme in place was also a major issue for the councils.
“Weipa is integral to the entire Cape, Torres and Gulf region and is a key economic driver for the whole of Far North Queensland, the state and the Australian economy,” TCICA said.
“The Queensland government must commit to a transition plan for Weipa to become a normal local government so that the Weipa community is no longer disadvantaged by its ineligibility for government-funded infrastructure programs and its reliance on Rio Tinto to provide infrastructure for a town that benefits many other industries.
“The community is also an important service and employment hub for the Western Cape communities of Mapoon, Napranum and Aurukun.
“Weipa Town Authority’s involvement in TCICA is a great demonstration of the integral part it plays in the region and the willingness of Weipa to help grow strong and resilient communities right across Cape York.
“However, it is clear that the historical governance arrangements of Weipa are no longer fit for purpose, particularly as Rio Tinto focuses its attention away from Weipa and south to Amrun.
“Whilst mining will remain a key economic driver for many years, industries like construction, fishing, agriculture, tourism, and health services are also drivers, reflecting the move away from mining towards a more diversified economy.”
TCICA PRIORITIES
- Continue to deliver on the $1.08 billion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Housing Action Plan and progress planning for the delivery of new housing in remote communities.
- Review the model of health service delivery to identify ways to improve health services across the Cape, Torres and Gulf region and close the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
- More support for local businesses in state government procurement to help drive jobs growth post COVID-19 and ensure the capabilities of local businesses are not overlooked.
- Embed local business support services in communities to help build strong local capacity and provide new training and employment opportunities.
- Transition Weipa to a normal local government so the community has the same rights as any other community in Queensland to determine its own future.
- Funding to implement the Queensland Indigenous Waste Strategy to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils can address the waste and recycling issues they face.
- Work towards transitioning the Cape, Torres and Gulf to clean energy by supporting the decarbonisation of more communities and committing to a long-term clean energy transition plan.
- Guarantee the continuation of the Local Fare Scheme to ensure a reasonable and affordable standard of access to Cairns continues to exist for remote communities.
- Continue to work with us in the co-design of programs and policies in recognition of the role elected local governments play in representing their communities.
- Increase state government financial aid to Indigenous local governments so we can continue to deliver essential services and meet the standard of service delivery expected.
TCICA is holding its annual general meeting on Wednesday.
The full priorities report can be found here https://tcica.com.au/wp-conten...
