New accommodation opens door to jobs and opportunities in Bamaga

As travellers return to Queensland, tourists, visitors and families can now book into the Northern Peninsula Area’s newest accommodation – the Bamaga Motel – to enjoy their ‘trip to the tip’ and support local jobs. The new Bamaga Motel – opened by Indigenous, community-owned and not-for-profit public corporation Bamaga Enterprise Ltd (BEL) – was supported by a Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Tourism Business Growth Package. 

TSRA representatives including Acting Chairperson Horace Baira and Member for Bamaga and Portfolio Member for Economic Development Tailisa Yusia attended the official opening in May.

TSRA Acting Chairperson Horace Baira said the Bamaga Motel was a strong example of TSRA supporting local aspirations around business, tourism and hospitality ventures. 

“The project has engaged local businesses and workers since the start of works in late 2019,” Mr Baira said. “The TSRA is proud to support projects connecting local people with opportunities for work, training and career options during construction to completion."

TSRA Board Member for Bamaga and Portfolio Member for Economic Development Tailisa Yusia said the accommodation would support ongoing economic opportunities.

“It is perfect timing for a new, affordable accommodation option to open in Bamaga for tourists, visitors and local families ahead of the Northern Peninsula Area Cultural Festival in June,” Ms Yusia said. “The Bamaga Motel will continue to generate important jobs and training opportunities for community members as part of everyday business operations."

“It is important we work together in strong partnerships with stakeholders, Traditional Owners and historical owners to continue to develop and enable our region to thrive,” she said.

Bamaga Enterprises Limited (BEL) General Manager Chris Foord said, “It requires a lot of cooperation between Prescribed Bodies Corporate, Council and the land trust and TSRA to bring this to fruition and for future projects the key issues of land issues and leases and native title needs to be a united approach.”