BUSINESSES and leaders from North Stradbroke Island have been invited to form a committee to map out the island’s economic future after mining.
The Economic Transition Group will be formally established next week, nearly three years after the former Labor government Environment Minister Kate Jones announced a similar committee.
But Cleveland MP Mark Robinson, whose electorate includes the island, said there were differences with Ms Jones’ Economic Transitional Taskforce.
“This is different because now it is under Jeff Seeney’s state development infrastructure and planning department which gives it the economic muscle and teeth to really get some progress,” he said.
“Before the taskforce was under DERM which was a bit insipid and this is driven by economics and the community.”
The announcement comes a day before Redland City Council councillor Craig Ogilvie asks council to set up a committee.
"This is belated but good news," he said.
Cr Ogilvie said the new group had no representatives from National Parks, QYAC or the community and no terms of reference to outline how often it would meet.
"It all looks a bit hurriedly cobbled together to avoid the embarrassment of my motion," Cr Ogilvie said.
Mr Robinson and Redland City mayor Karen Williams will co-chair the group, expected to have up to nine members.
Mr Robinson said invitations to join the committee had been sent to Straddie Camping, Straddie Ferries, Straddie Chamber of Commerce, The University of Queensland, and Sibelco.
He said Stradbroke Flyer owners would not be on the committee but would be able to participate in all public consultations.
The group will not affect the operations of the well-established Quandamooka round table forum formed to address the implementation of the Indigenous Land Use Agreements.
“The intent is that both groups will work together on a vision and strategy for the island’s future,” Mr Robinson said.