- The Crisafulli Government has launched its newest maritime safety vessel, Kirriri, in the Torres Strait region.
- The vessel will help Maritime Safety Queensland service remote communities to deliver on-water safety education and assist other agencies along the region's vital 'blue highway'.
- After 10 years of decline under Labor, Queensland is now seeing the Crisafulli Government deliver real outcomes for regional communities.
The remote island communities across the Torres Strait are set to benefit from a major boost to marine safety, with the Crisafulli Government launching a new patrol vessel.
Boats are essential in the Torres Strait, as every day islanders rely on the sea to access goods and services like healthcare, education and employment, and to connect with family and culture across the vast network of 270 islands and reefs.
The shallow waters, narrow channels, reefs, strong tides and notoriously changeable weather of the Torres Strait combine to provide a challenging environment for boating safety.
The Queensland Police Service donated this former water police vessel to Maritime Safety Queensland, where it has been refurbished and repurposed to support marine safety in the Torres Strait.
After 10 years of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is delivering real outcomes for regional communities across the State, after 10 months.
Kirriri will be operated by Maritime Safety Queensland's marine officers based at Thursday Island and will enhance capacity to:
Educate local seafarers about marine safety across the 17 inhabited islands of the Torres Strait, and the communities of Bamaga and Seisia on mainland Australia's Northern Peninsula Area.
Inspect and maintain navigation aids used by boaties throughout the Straits and support the delivery of marine infrastructure projects.
The safety vessel is the latest addition in a raft of measures to improve safety and access across the Torres Strait, including repairing and upgrading critical marine infrastructure under the $40 million Torres Strait Islands Marine Infrastructure Program, major upgrades to Thursday Island's quarantine marine facility, and the removal of derelict vessels under the Keeping Our Waterways Safe Program.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was delivering for the remote communities that rely on the "blue highway" for connection, culture, and economic opportunity.
"For the people of the Torres Strait, the sea is a lifeline, and this new patrol vessel will provide much needed support to the boating activities across the top end to ensure communities aren't left behind," Mr Mickelberg said.
"We're investing where it matters and delivering for communities that have been neglected under 10 years of Labor decline.
"By supporting safer access to essential services, we're helping these communities stay connected and build a stronger future."
Member for Cook David Kempton said this was a great step forward for marine safety in the Torres Strait.
"The vessel and subsequent programs will help keep people safe, support vital services, and strengthen the connection between the islands," Mr Kempton said.
"It is a practical investment by the Crisafulli Government in safety, access, and respect for the unique challenges our region faces."
