Strong future secured for North Stradbroke Island

The future of North Stradbroke Island has been secured with the North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Amendment Bill 2013 passed by the Queensland Parliament.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said locals and visitors could be assured “Straddie” would see continued sustainable growth and job security thanks to the extension of sand mining until 2035.

“The Bligh Government legislated to phase out sand mining by 2019, which would have seen one of the Island’s main economic activities grind to a halt in just six years,” Mr Cripps said.

“This approach would have thrown the island into economic and social turmoil, as there is currently no alternative economic activity which would be able to compensate for the loss of local jobs.

“This legislation delivers on the Newman Government’s election commitment to deliver a framework which would see the coordinated end to sand mining on the Island and would help develop a sustainable economic future for the local community.

“We will work with locals to coordinate a smooth transition from an economy largely dependent on mining, to one based on other sustainable industries.”

Mr Cripps said while there was an extension to mining activities, these activities would not occur within national parks or environmentally sensitive areas on North Stradbroke Island.

He further confirmed changes would not require any amendments to the current Indigenous Land Use Agreement between the State of Queensland and the Quandamooka People.

Member for Cleveland Mark Robinson said he welcomed the passing of the bill by the Queensland Parliament as it has secured the future for the Island and the local community he represented.

“Had Labor’s green-driven agenda continued, North Stradbroke Island would have faced a crumbling economy and painfully high unemployment,” Mr Robinson said.

“New industries cannot be established overnight, so by paving the way for sand mining to continue until 2035, we are allowing the private sector to plan and expand on the Island to fill the void.

“I also welcome the announcement made yesterday to invest more than $200,000 to encourage tourism on the Island, one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy.

“I am certain residents and visitors to the Island are relieved to see the commitment of balanced and common sense planning delivered from a sensible Government.”

[ENDS] 21 November 2013                                   
Media contact: Eleisha Rogers 0413 375 088