Tidal Flows & Community Questions

[Joel TyrrellParticipant]

To whom it may concern,

I am representing Online Team 9 from CQU. We are focusing on design area 4.1: Clean, affordable energy for small coastal urban environments. Our team is in the early stages of investigating a tidal energy generation source utilising the wetland culverts flow. We have some questions for EWB and the Saibai Community.

1. Is there any cultural history or general use associated with the wetlands and the in & outflows to the ocean via the wetland culverts? Potentially fishing activities, understanding the interplay further between the people and the land will help us establish an appropriate design in this area.

2. Is it possible to get more detail surrounding the date and time when the imagery on the EWB interactive site were taken? Of high importance to us are:

– Saibai Island- Main Map
– The second from the top inlay image on the High & low tide comparison page(6Ajt0GDUml9_80.jpg)
– Culvert – Arial View Video
– Culvert – Ocean View
– Wetlands – Arial View

3. Is there community or technical knowledge surrounding the water flow through the culverts? Do they generally have flow with the changing tides through the year? Does the flow taper off before the low tide? Is the flow as significant as the video provided in the EWB interactives common?

4. Is any data available on the height of the culverts in relation to the sea level or any other datum point/mean sea level?

5. Could guidance be given on the general or specific technical training that local community members have and is there interest in the community to learn technical skills?

6. Does the community have a direct interest in reducing carbon emission levels? If so, what strategies are being used to inform the community on carbon emissions and strategies to reduce emissions?

7. Are there any materials that are considered not culturally acceptable?

8. Can guidance be given on how the community consumes their energy within households? For example, what appliances such as washing machines, lights, televisions and air conditioning are common?

We believe these questions will significantly influence our design, leading to a more appropriate solution to design area 4.1.

Kind Regards,

Joel Tyrrell
Online Team 9

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Joel,

Sorry, it took me a while to get back to you. I’ve outlined below my answers and recommended readings:

1. Check the section on Torres Strait cultural values and connections to land and sea in the Land and Sea Management Strategy for Torres Strait 2016-2036, which can be found on our Resources page.

2. According to our records, all the drone footage was taken on 16th Dec 2023, at 7:30AM for the low tide and 3:40PM for the high tide. You’ll see these details while you’re in the Interactives (navigate via Menu (left side menu)> 360-degree locations > High & low tide comparison).

3&4. The report on Inundation Management on Saibai, Boigu, and Iama Islands (2011) has detailed sections on tidal inundation (flooding) issues concerning seasonal changes and drainage design (culverts and bunds), which can be found in the Additional Information at the end of the Design Area 3 brief.

5) Check the TSIRC Deputation Pictogram for a snapshot of Apprentice & Trainee Programs.

6) Yes, the community is interested in reducing carbon emission levels. Check the TSIRC Community Plan (2009-2029) and Torres Strait—Options to Reduce Regional Carbon Footprint (2012), which can be found on our Resources page.

7) Can you provide us more context on this question, please?

8) Yes, These are common appliances that households have access to. TSIRC also directly manages assets like guest/staff accommodation within the island. A study on energy in remote Indigenous communities is a good read for understanding their energy use and management.

I hope this helps!

Regards,
Jean

[Author]

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