UNCERTAINTY continues over the cessation of mining on North Stradbroke Island, with workers concerned that government funds will not stretch far enough.
Sibelco workers have questioned outcomes of the state government’s draft Economic Transition Strategy, raising concerns about vague terminology.
The former Newman Government introduced its controversial North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability and Another Act Amendment Act in 2013. That allowed for the expansion and extension of sand mining until 2035.
The government is repealing the Newman legislation and has promised $20 million for the island’s transition out of mining by 2019.
Parliament's Finance and Administration Committee has been investigating the government’s bill on the transition and a second put up by Katter Australia Party’s.
Sibelco operator Jason Karklis said he was not sure what some of the transition scheme meant.
“From a local standpoint, when it says expand education and training opportunities, who is that for? What about the locals? If you shut down mining we will lose the youth – me, my three kids, my partner,'' he said.
"I do not know how this $20 million will boost the number of children going to school, the infrastructure and equipment and the teacher to student ratios.
"I do not see how this is a positive for our kids’ education.”
Sibelco senior environmental coordinater Ben Savins said even if he got a redundancy it would not be much.
"Then am I not eligible to get anything under that scheme?'' he said "When I read it, I am not eligible. That is where the concern is.''
Quandamooka spokesman Cameron Costello said the committee’s parliamentary report cleared the way for Parliament to restore native title rights.
He said the report’s three-all split between government and non-government MPs on the government’s bill was expected.
Sibelco chief executive Tom Cutbush said his company agreed that mining was a temporary land use but finishing in 2019 was too soon for a successful move to other industries.
The government’s funding of $20 million in combination with Sibelco’s contribution of $21 million and an end to mining in 2027, would give a greater chance of a successful transition and support up to 116 displaced employees and their families.
“We welcome the observation from non-government members that an even handed approach to a compromise between 2019 and 2035 would be 2027, a date which, as evidenced in the report, is also supported by a significant number of stakeholders,'' he said.
Mr Costello said Quandamooka people had never expected LNP MPs to admit their mistake with their 2013 laws.
“(We) welcome the Labor members’ recommendation that the government bill be passed and now look forward to that happening as soon as possible,’’ he said.
“At some point soon we hope the LNP will make its peace with native title and the rights of Aboriginal people.’’
Mr Costello said the LNP supported miners’ rights yet was mute on the rights of native title holders.
Quandamooka people wanted to help build Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island as a global eco-cultural tourism destination.
