FERRIES from Brisbane’s CBD to Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island will be one of the plans hoped to bolster the island’s economy after sand mining ends in 2019.
Last week, the state government pushed through legislation to end mining in three years and claimed a Draft Economic Transition Strategy held the key to a smooth future for the island. The legislation passed with one vote, 42 to 41, early Thursday when the Opposition was a member down and after the Katter Party tried to get the end date extended to 2024. The government later admitted it had no definitive plans for $28 million mentioned in the 37-page strategy.
The ferry idea was unveiled in the December transition strategy, which outlined 16 “actions” to drive tourism, expand training and foster business growth. The package includes $5 million for redundant workers to find new jobs - promised by the ALP at last year's February election. The island's indigenous group, Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, will also receive $20 million.
Cleveland MP Mark Robinson said there were no tangible plans in the economic strategy for the island’s economy and accused the state of bullying tactics on the island. He said the Bill was a payoff from the ALP to the Greens and asked Environment Minister Steven Miles to detail plans for the $28 million.
Mr Miles said the government wanted to wait for the legislation and admitted there was no plan and invited the Cleveland MP to help draft one. Indigenous group Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Cameron Costello said the city to Stradbroke ferry would bring an estimated 20,000 new tourists annually to the island. “QYAC has been having positive discussions with key industry figures and partners for the idea.”
Mine workers were in shock and mining company Sibelco said it was reviewing its options.
Some residents said they were concerned property prices would fall and ferry services scaled back in line with comments from Sealink chief executive David Thomson last year.
