Pic Philemon Mosby, TSIRC.
Pic Philemon Mosby, TSIRC.
Saibai dancers. Pic TSIRC.
M From P3. Pic supplied.
04 COST OF LIVING SUMMIT NEWS
THURSDAY 23 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS
Freight funding to ease cost of living pressures The Queensland Government will invest $64 million in a freight funding package for the remote northern regions over the next five years. Funding will be directed toward targeted subsidies for multi-modal freight services, the appointment of freight coordinators to manage complex supply chains and the development of community infrastructure such as cold storage. The Government said they would work closely with community, all levels of government and industry leaders to design and deliver these measures. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the local community had made it clear during last year’s Torres Strait Community Cabinet that one of the biggest challenges for the region was freight. “We listened to the community, we’re delivering this funding package to tackle that challenge head on,” she said. “By subsiding some of the freight costs we can ease pressure on local suppliers, and reduce one
of the major factors making things like food, and clothing more expensive.” Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the costof-living continued to be a source of stress for people living across Queensland. “We know the impact that supply chain issues can have on prices. “People living in the very Far North – across the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula and Gulf – are at the very end of those supply chains. The price shocks tend to accumulate. Fuel, food and utility costs have all increased, and we understand the impact these rises have on households and businesses. “I’ve been advocating strongly for government and private enterprise to collaborate to bring down the cost of freight to these
regions. That’s exactly what this package delivers. “If we can reduce the cost of getting goods and services into these remote parts of Queensland, we will reduce financial pressures on local households and businesses.” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said his department conducted a review into remote community freight systems last year, which identified the need for a more targeted, sustainable approach to managing freight disadvantage across the state. “This funding will target the high price of freight that is fueling cost-of-living pressures, delivering on a package of work that addresses the unique challenges of transporting essential goods to these remote regions,” he said.
CEQ inputs to Cost of Living Summit Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has highlighted a range of measures it has undertaken to alleviate customer cost pressures in the wake of the Queensland Government Cost of Living Summit on Monday this week. CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said the Cost of Living Summit was a great opportunity to listen and actively contribute based on CEQ’s retail expertise, and knowledge of the region and its cost drivers. “Like everyone else, we are concerned about the current rate of inflation and the impact this is having on the communities we serve,” Mr Dykes said. “Average freight costs have increased 12 per cent in two years, and CEQ does not raise our prices to cover freight costs, we absorb them over the entire business. “We also have cost burdens not faced by other store operators, such as requirements for satellite IT back-up and back-up power generators, with the most recent generator costing $500,000 at our main Waiben store.” He said the summit allowed them to work with other key stakeholders to find solutions for the benefit of local communities across the Torres Strait and Cape York. For more information on CEQ, visit www.ceqld.org.au
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COMMUNITY VISIT
Office of Commissioner, Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Cultural Support Officers from the Office of the Commissioner, Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa are visiting to meet with community about the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act 2020. To arrange a confidential meeting with Cultural Support Officers, Elsie Seriat or Kaleb Mabo, please call 1800 571 102 (free call). The Act recognises Torres Strait Islander lore in Western law and establishes a process for the legal recognition of traditional child rearing practice. Elsie and Kaleb will be available to assist with Cultural Recognition Order applications and answer any questions you may have about the process. All community members are welcome. If you would like to arrange a confidential meeting, please call 1800 571 102 or email: office@ocmokk.qld.gov.au.
WALK IN INFORMATION SESSIONS Courthouse, Bamaga
Monday 27 March
12 noon – 5pm
Courthouse, Bamaga
Tuesday 28 March
9am – 5pm
Courthouse, Bamaga
Wednesday 29 March
9am – 5pm
Call 1800 571 102 (free call) to arrange a confidential appointment with a Cultural Support Officer in your home or at the Courthouse Subject to change due to unexpected events
For more information visit www.ocmokk.qld.gov.au Authorised by the Queensland Government, William St, Brisbane
