Water reserves established for Quandamooka People on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

• Water previously allocated to sand mining on Minjerribah is now being transitioned to the Quandamooka People
• 61,190 megalitres made available for the Quandamooka People; with half for economic use and half for environmental and cultural use
• No impact on existing water entitlements or on urban water supplies

The Queensland Government has established two water reserves on Minjerribah for the Quandamooka people, the Traditional Owners on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

With the end of sand mining on Minjerribah in 2019, water licences for mining operations have progressively expired and this created an opportunity to transition water to the Quandamooka People.

The Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), which represents the Quandamooka People, will permanently set aside half of the water previously held for sand mining to support the environment and for cultural values.

The other half of the reserve will be available for a range of purposes including ongoing land rehabilitation and economic opportunities.

The reserves are only possible because of the end of sand mining and Minjerribah’s 2011 Native Title determination.

There will be no impact on existing entitlements and water use on the island, including licenses for drinking water supplies locally on the island and those held by Seqwater, commercial operations, or temporary water permits.

The reserves will also not have any impact on the right to take water for stock and domestic purposes, for camping, for fighting fires, and the right for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to take water for traditional activities or cultural purposes.

Community feedback conducted in October 2023 supported the establishment of the proposed reserves.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:

“The unique opportunity to create these two water reserves for the Quandamooka People is possible due to the cessation of sand mining on Minjerribah.

“These reserves are important for the future environmental health of the island and its ongoing rehabilitation.

“They also provide future economic opportunities for the Quandamooka People and support ongoing cultural values.

“I am proud to set up these reserves and this announcement builds on the Palaszczuk Government’s record of delivery on Minjerribah and our ongoing partnership with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation.

“I was certainly pleased to see strong support for the establishment of these reserves through the consultation process.

“Importantly, there will be no impact on existing entitlements or existing rights for taking water.”

Quotes attributable to Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) CEO, Stephen Wright:

“Today is a great day for the heath of Quandamooka Country.

“I am pleased that the Queensland Government has recognised the Quandamooka People as the Traditional Custodians of Minjerribah’s land and waters.

“We believe the successful implementation of this proposal will enhance and safeguard the globally significant cultural landscapes of Minjerribah while fostering a management regime which can nurture the social and economic aspirations of the Quandamooka People, and the broader community.”

ENDS

Media contact: Minister Butcher office – 0474 811 004