Stories and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.
Thursday, 7 July 2022 EDITORIAL l E: editor@torres.news
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Climate change minister commits to Torres Strait BY christine howeS Australia’s new Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen has committed his Government to not forget about Torres Strait Islanders “who are living with the impacts of climate change right now”. Minister Bowen visited Waiben and Poruma last week to reiterate his promise, and to sit at a ‘round table’ with local leaders. “We can’t forget it and under this Government, we won’t forget it,” he told the National Press Club last Wednesday. “When I leave the National Press Club this afternoon, I’m heading straight to the Torres Strait to talk with elders and owners about the impacts of climate change on them. “I’ll be joined by my colleagues, Senator Jana Stewart and Senator Nita Green, and by the Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Jenny McAllister, whom I have asked to take carriage of climate adaptation.” He said it was important to hear first hand, and early in his time as Minister, from people in the Torres Strait. “We talk a lot about the Pacific Islands being impacted by climate change but we also have Australian citizens facing
this every day,” he said after the meetings. “I met with community leaders, with elders, with council leaders, and heard about how they’re dealing with it. “I went and saw the seawall that’s being built on one of the islands, to try and hold back the rising sea levels, and talk to them about both dealing with climate change and adapting.” He said those he met included several TSRA members, Mayors Loban and Mosby, GBK Chair Ned David and Torres Strait 8 claimant Yessi Mosby. After the round table, the delegation and Torres Strait leaders went to the GTCC for lunch and a performance by Island Stars before the Ministerial delegation flew to Poruma for a quick visit. All leaders said they were thankful the Minister had visited them so early in his term to better appreciate the Torres Strait region and the impact climate change was having. Acting Deputy Chairperson and Member for St Pauls John Paiwan said climate change was one of our greatest threats. “The Torres Strait region holds both national and international significance for its biological diversity including, extensive seagrass meadows,
dugong and turtle populations and pristine coral reefs,” he said. “Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our traditional culture values, lifestyle and food sources, and the region is highly vulnerable to multiple climate change impacts. “Torres Strait Islanders are extremely concerned about the effects of a rapidly changing climate on their homelands, culture, communities, livelihoods and wellbeing.” Member for Masig and Portfolio Member for Environment Management Hilda Mosby said several Torres Strait communities were vulnerable to rising sea levels. “We anticipate sea level rise of 6-8mm per year and air and sea temperature rises, as well as increasing weather variability, will pose increasing risks to communities’ health and wellbeing, culture and economies,” she said. “The TSRA looks forward to working with all the Torres Strait regional leaders and you to ensure the Torres Strait is a national and international leader in climate change mitigation and adaptation, elevating and drawing strength from our past and resilience for our culture.” More on P5
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ABOVE – PORUMA: Minister Chris Bowen inspects part of the sea wall. BELOW – WAIBEN: Senator Jana Stewart and Minister Chris Bowen meets with Betty Tekahika (nee Mabo). Pics supplied.