Torres Strait Regional Council will receive a federal grant to help fund coastal protection works against king tides.

The federal government will fund up to $12 million, with the Queensland Government also encouraged to provide its own share of matching funding for the $24 million Torres Strait Coastal Protection Works project.

It includes $5 million to the Torres Strait Regional Council from the second round of the Regional Development Australia Fund, with additional funding to include the remaining $7 million.

Torres Strait Island Regional Council and Torres Strait Regional Authority will work in partnership with the federal funds to implement the sea walls in six island communities.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin said the seawalls will help prevent damage caused by coastal erosion and inundation and protect existing community infrastructure.

Ms Macklin said there was concern in the local communities about impacts king tides, which is why the Australian Government is supporting the local council and the regional authority.

Minister for Regional Australia, Simon Crean said the most vulnerable islands, Boigu and Sabai, will be protected by the construction of new, or replacement of old sea walls and wave return walls.

“The sea wall will protect the community from annual tidal inundation and significant coastal erosion adjacent to key community assets and infrastructure,” Mr Crean said.

Senator for Queensland Jan McLucas said the Torres Strait Coastal Protection Works project was selected because the project’s proponents have leveraged funding and demonstrated clear long-term regional benefits.

Ms McLucas said these will mean jobs and opportunities for the broader region.

“This project will deliver a clear social and economic dividend for the region.

“It aims to prevent the significant economic impact caused through damage to community assets and infrastructure,” Ms McLucas said.

She said the project will also create local employment opportunities during the construction phase which will include training and skills development.