It is the most northerly mainland community in Queensland and has a harbour used by supply vessels and ferry services for passengers and vehicles.

Yadhaigana, Wuthathi, Unduyamo and Gudang people from the north and east had established themselves as a single group at Red Island Point.

[9] The two communities approached the government for land to establish gardens, leading to the creation of an Aboriginal reserve at Cowal Creek in 1915.

[11] In 1942 during World War II, US Army engineers established a military airstrip inland from Red Island Point.

A radar station was also established at Muttee Heads in 1943 with local Aboriginal people assisting in its construction and operation.

Around 1945, the Director of Native Affairs, Cornelius O’Leary, inspected the North Peninsula Area with a local stockman, Dick Holland, to identify suitable locations for a new settlement.

In his opening address to the 1947 Island Councillors’ Conference held at Badu, O’Leary spoke of the government's "wish for the expansion of the Torres Strait Race as a healthy industrial unit in North Queensland".

He held strong concerns regarding the inadequate supplies of freshwater and firewood on Saibai and the damaging effects of poor drainage, disease and king tides.

In 1947, a series of king tides during the wet season caused "serious and in some cases irreparable damage to properties and gardens" on Saibai.

[18] In 1948, Mugai Elu and Tumena Sagaukaz left Saibai with their families and moved to Red Island Point.

Representatives from the small community approached the Department of Native Affairs to build new housing at Red Island Point in 1955.

The Act conferred local government type powers and responsibilities upon Torres Strait Islander councils for the first time.

The majority of tourist services in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) are provided under lease arrangements with the Seisia Island Council.