Troubled Waters

The Queensland Government's decision to forcibly reduce the state's number of shire councils has met with widespread opposition but its repercussions may be most keenly felt in the Torres Strait Islands. Under the proposals, one regional authority would replace the 17 Island Councils but there would be community boards on each of the islands. Locals fear amalgamation would lead to a loss of employment, services autonomy and cultural identity. From the Message Stick series.