Funding committed for Torres Strait sea walls

The federal government has approved $5 million for protecting Torres Strait islands from annual flooding by king tides after funding by the previous Labor government fell through.

Saibai island's sea wall breached by a king tide. (Photo credit: Stefan Armbruster)

Local MP for Leichhardt Warren Entsch says he will secure another $7 million to fund half of the sea wall project, while the Queensland government has committed another $12 million.

For years, Torres Strait islanders have campaigned for their ageing sea walls to be rebuilt to stop sea water swamping their homes, wrecking infrastructure, killing crops and spoiling fresh water supplies.

Warren Entsch told Queensland correspondent Stefan Armbruster that the money is now available.

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