Kirriri to serve Torres Strait communities
Maritime Safety
Torres Strait communities have a new patrol vessel, Kirriri, to deliver a boost to marine safety for remote island communities, Member for Cook David Kempton, together with Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg making the announcement last week.
For locals, boats are more than transport, they are a lifeline. Every day, islanders rely on the sea to reach essential goods and services such as healthcare, education and employment, and to stay connected with family and friends across the region’s vast network of 270 islands and reefs.
Navigating these waters is fraught with danger, as the Torres Strait’s shallow passages, narrow channels, treacherous reefs, powerful tides and sudden shifts in weather make it one of the most perilous maritime environments in Australia.
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.
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. 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.
Member for Cook David Kempton understands the importance of safe travel for everyone in Torres Strait.
“Sea transport is a vital part of living in Torres Strait when air travel is not accessible or affordable. As the number of Island people using boats increases so does the risk,” Mr Kempton said.
“This new vessel, the Kirriri and the other programs that follow will save lives, safeguard vital services, and strengthen the bonds between the islands.
“It represents a clear and practical commitment by the Crisafulli Government to improving safety, ensuring access, and respecting the unique challenges faced in the Torres Strait.”
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