NORTH Stradbroke Island could soon be known as Minjerribah after the island’s traditional owners unveiled plans for the island’s future on Wednesday.
The name change was put forward by the island’s traditional owners, the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, in a document, Minjerribah: Building Australia’s most sustainable island community.
Another suggestion was to make the island a whale watching mecca and marine conservation centre after sand mining ceased in 2019.
QYAC chief executive Cameron Costello told Redland City Bulletin plans for the island’s transition were well under way despite three years of disruption.
He said QYAC had held intensive negotiations with the state government since March to plan for life after mining.
“Unfortunately, the behaviour of the previous State Government and the mining company, Sibelco, did derail the process for about three years,” he said.
“However, the economic transition process, which actually started in 2011, is now back on track and QYAC looks forward to a new and exciting future for Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
“It should also be pointed out that the Palaszczuk government’s election commitment to repeal that disgraceful legislation does not, as some claim, prematurely close down sand mining.
“It simply restores the original 2019 date negotiated with the Quandamooka People and others back in 2011. As part of that process Sibelco actually had its main Enterprise Mine lease, which had expired, extended to 2019.”
Mr Costello said QYAC was working to ensure training and new employment opportunities existed for people affected by the end of mining.
The Newman government introduced the North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability and Another Act Amendment Act in 2013.
The Act allowed for the extension of sand mining on North Stradbroke Island until 2035, instead of being phased out by 2019 as negotiated with the native title holders.
Mr Costello said the Act also expanded the area of the island available for mining without consent of the Quandamooka People.
The Palaszczuk government promised to repeal the Newman government legislation at the Queensland ALP conference on Sunday.
As part of its election commitments, the state also promised $20 million to start an economic transition process on the island.
Cleveland MP Mark Robinson said the ALP commitment to end mining in 2019 went against the wishes of the majority of Stradbroke Island residents.
He said results of his survey “Straddie’s Future” showed 87 per cent of households did not want to see the mine shut by 2019.
Mr Robinson sent the survey to every household on the island giving three options to close the mine in 2019 (Labor’s date); 2029 a compromise date; or 2035, the existing LNP date.
Of the 550 surveys sent out, 129 were returned with 13per cent in favour of 2019, 15per cent for 2029 and 72per cent for 2035.
“Eighty-seven per cent of the community against Labor’s 2019 date shows that the premier and government are simply not listening,” Mr Robinson said.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk claimed to be the listening premier, but what is now clear is that she is out of touch, has no plan and doesn’t care about jobs."
Mr Robinson said the premier had not replied to his invitation to hold a community meeting on the island to listen to locals.
Redland City Council recently joined the Australian Workers Union, the island Chamber of Commerce, businesses and community groups to raise questions about the 2019 end date.