Seawall complete to protect Boigu Island from the impacts of climate change

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Boigu Island community is now better protected from rising sea levels and severe weather events with the completion of a one kilometre long seawall and other works to mitigate coastal inundation.

The $15 million project, on Australia’s most northern point, was made possible through the collaboration of the Australian Government, Queensland Government and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. The project is part of a broader $40 million program of coastal protection works across five islands in the region. The completion of this project also contributes to Australia’s National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP said the Australian Government was committed to delivering infrastructure to meet critical needs for the nation’s most remote communities.

“The new Boigu Seawall is a practical response delivered by all levels of Government working together to address the effects of climate change and the threat of inundation for our Torres Strait communities,” Minister Wyatt said.

“I congratulate the Torres Strait Regional Authority and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council for prioritising local employment, businesses and training opportunities for Torres Strait Islanders in the delivery of this critical piece of infrastructure”.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles said the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders was the number one priority of the Queensland Government.

“We have seen how storm tide inundation and rising sea levels can lead to flooding in these vulnerable communities,” Mr Miles said.

“The works carried out here will protect lives as well as critical infrastructure including houses, the school, the health care centre, drinking water, transport infrastructure and telecommunications. It will also reduce erosion and give the residents a sense of security.”

The coastal inundation mitigation works include the construction of a 1,022 metre long wave return wall, raising the existing bund wall and extending it to 450 metres, and upgrading stormwater drainage infrastructure.

Torres Strait Regional Authority Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen said the works would not have been possible without the equal financial contributions from both the Australian and State Governments.

“By focusing on local needs and priorities, we have worked together to deliver the best possible outcome for the Boigu community,” Mr Stephen said.

“It’s a wonderful example of what can be achieved through the collaboration of all levels of government.”

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby said the seawall will make an enormous difference to the lives of Boigu residents.

“Our Boigu community members deserve to feel that their lives, their possessions and their heritage are protected, this is on the minds of all constituents in our region during this wet season,” Mayor Mosby said.

“I am very grateful to the Australian and Queensland Governments for their ongoing support of our seawalls program.”

National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy (Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment)