Community partnerships
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Agreement
In November 2019 AMSA signed an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Agreement with the Kaurareg Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (KNTAC). This agreement covers the protection and management of all Aboriginal cultural heritage at 10 Aids to Navigation (AtoN) sites.
The agreement details the processes to be followed during works on site, with works being classified as either low or high impact activities. Depending on the classification of the works, local Cultural Monitors are present on site to observe the works in the event of Aboriginal cultural heritage being discovered.
The agreement also outlines requirements for engaging local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers when relevant.
The Kaurareg community are from the lower Western Islands of the Torres Strait.
Internal activities and initiatives
Torres Strait Marine Safety Program
The Torres Strait Marine Safety Program (TSMSP) began in 2006 and was a joint initiative of organisations including the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The Queensland Police Service (QPS) and National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) of PNG became program partners in later years. A number of successful projects have been implemented and the program is ongoing.
Torres Strait Indigenous Commercial Fishers Education Project
In May 2021 - AMSA commenced the Torres Strait Indigenous Commercial Fishers Education Project which aims to develop and deliver guidance and education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander commercial fishers throughout the Torres Strait region on regulatory requirements that relate to their commercial vessel operations.
Working with the Poruma Island community
AMSA is conducting an investigation into the impacts of ship wake on Poruma Island in the Torres Strait in response to community concerns about the impact of shipping on erosion.
Community liaison
AMSA’s Customer Service Officer in the Thursday Island office is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman who is integral in AMSA’s engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and supporting internal business units as AMSA carries out its work in the region.
Aids to Navigation
As part of the AtoN capital works programme, stakeholder consultations are held with identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups during the project planning stages.