Palaszczuk Government welcomes end to High Court dispute over North Stradbroke Island

The Palaszczuk Government welcomes the end to the High Court case brought by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) in response to the previous government’s amendments to the North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Act 2011.

QYAC’s case argued that the Newman Government’s amendments allowing mining leases to be extended were inconsistent with the Indigenous Land Use Agreement which QYAC signed with the State in 2011, and therefore was inconsistent with the Commonwealth’s Native Title Act 1993.

QYAC gave notice to the High Court that it wished to discontinue the action and the consent Order made by the High Court on 21 July 2016.

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks Dr Steven Miles said the previous government did not consult with the Quandamooka People before making changes to the legislation in 2013.

“It’s been a different story with the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Dr Miles said. "Unlike the abrasive former LNP Government, we have been working with QYAC to ensure relationships are rebuilt and their interests are heard.”

QYAC CEO, Cameron Costello, said withdrawing the High Court action allowed the “Quandamooka people to get on with the business of laying the foundations for a positive future with certainty”.

“While the previous LNP Newman Government failed on consult with us, this decision will allow us to walk side-by-side with the Palaszczuk Government to better deliver outcomes for the Quandamooka people, and our children’s children,” Mr Costello said.

“We will now be able to focus our time and energy on a successful economic transition’.

Dr Miles said he had visited North Stradbroke several times and met with Mr Costello.

“Officers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection also worked with QYAC as well as Sibelco Australia, the mining company on the island, to develop legislation which removes the offending amendments while ensuring Sibelco can finalise the rehabilitation of the mine sites,” he said.

“I’ve overseen the development and passage of the North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability and Other Acts Amendment Act 2016, which receivedRoyal Assent on 14 June 2016.

“Ensuring the passage of this legislation was an election commitment, and keeping this promise meant that the High Court Case could be discontinued.

“The Government has committed over $28 million to build on the island’s current capacity and economy over the next five years.

“The Government is committed to working with the Quandamooka People and all people of North Stradbroke Island to continue the island’s transition to a sustainable, desirable island community. The future of North Stradbroke Island is bright,” Dr Miles said.

ENDS

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