Key initiative under the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Strategy underway

A key initiative under the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Strategy is moving ahead with preparation of the Dunwich (Goompi) Master Plan.

Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the master plan will help re-position Dunwich as a tourism destination, accompanied by other economic and job-creating opportunities.

“This key initiative under the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Strategy will identify future economic development opportunities in Dunwich, including One Mile,” he said.

“Works and projects will be identified to further enhance the town’s role as a link between the island and the mainland.

“The plan will investigate areas for new residential, community and environmental land use, and plan for infrastructure to support these opportunities and the community.

“This is a crucial time forStradbroke Island as we work together to embrace the diversity of ideas within the community to inform decisions on future land use planning and infrastructure options.

“It’s also an exciting time as we re-imagine Dunwich as a tourism destination, driving the economy and creating job opportunities.

“Most of us think of Dunwich as the gateway to Straddie and we want to ensure that it has a bright future in the wake of the phasing-out of sand mining.”

The Master Plan is being prepared by the Queensland Government, in partnership with Redland City Council and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).

QYAC Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Costello, said QYAC are looking forward to the recently appointed consortium and the Qld Government commencing work to develop the Dunwich Master Plan.

“We are keen for the project to now move to the next stage in which residents and stakeholders can share their vision and aspirations,” Mr Costello said.

Redland City Deputy Mayor Lance Hewlett said engaging with the community on the plan was another important step in the right direction for Stradbroke Island’s future.

“It is vital that this State Government plan considers feedback from the community in order to deliver affordable and accessible transport options for island residents and potential visitors,” Cr Hewlett said.

Minister Dick said the master plan will be informed by cultural, social, and community heritage and values, and be backed by an implementation plan of priority projects and infrastructure.

“The master plan will be shaped through detailed engagement with the local community and a range of stakeholders,” he said.

“Their views will be informed and supplemented by technical input provided by relevant experts for infrastructure, transport, urban design, and economic development led by Urbis and Cox Architects.

“The community will play a key role in the preparation of the master plan through consultation sessions to be held later this year and in early 2019.”

Community engagement will commence on 6 October 2018 with Quandamooka community meeting at the Dunwich Hall, followed by community drop-in sessions from 11-13 October 2018. 

The Master Plan is one of the 23 Queensland Government initiatives under the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Strategy which aim to diversify and expand North Stradbroke Island’s economy.

The North Stradbroke Economic Transition Strategy has recently been realigned with portfolio responsibilities of the leading Ministers involved in managing the future of Minjerribah, including Minister Kate Jones, Minister Shannon Fentiman, Minister Anthony Lynham in addition to Minister Dick.

The draft master plan is expected to be released towards the end of 2018 with a final plan expected in mid-late 2019.

Visit https://haveyoursay.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/dunwich-goompi for more details.

ENDS

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039