There is no dispute that North Stradbroke Island is a place of outstanding natural beauty enjoyed by generations of Queenslanders, interstate and overseas visitors.
However, there seems to be some hypocrisy in a Government that shuts down sand mining in an area adjacent a large Metropolitan city but allows Clive Palmer to apply for a coal mine lease in the Brimblebox nature Reserve.
The Qld Government is proudly spruiking that the future of Straddie has now been protected for generations to come.
The Qld Government has announced that the end of mining will be fast-tracked, with the largest mine closing in 2019 and all mining ceasing in 2025. To develop a strong sustainable economy for the island, the government is working with a range of stakeholders, including the Quandamooka People, the Straddie Chamber of Commerce, education leaders and tourism industry experts.
For the other side of the story, it is worth checking out Sibelco Australia's website. One could be excused for cynicism.
By the end of this year, 50 per cent of the island will be national park. By 2021, this will increase to 75 per cent and by 2026, 80 per cent of the island will be protected.
The first stage of Naree Budjong Djara National Park covers one-fifth of the island, or over 5000 hectares. Naree Budjong Djara means My Mother Earth to the island’s Traditional Owners—the Quandamooka People.
The national park will be jointly managed by the Quandamooka People and the Department of Environment and Resource Management.
Get involved
The Qld Government says that North Stradbroke Island is in transition towards a strong sustainable economy. Community input is essential in shaping this transition. If you have feedback, suggestions—including how the community should be informed as the strategy develops—or would like to receive updates on the key issues facing the island, have your say:
- phone 1800 194 064 (free call)
- email straddiestrategy@derm.qld.gov.au
- in person at the North Stradbroke Island Information Centre, 7 Stradbroke Place, Dunwich.
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