THE commercial viability of North Stradbroke Island is doomed unless the state government starts a major upgrade of Dunwich Harbour as part of the transition from sand mining, says Cleveland MP Mark Robinson.
Dr Robinson said the $20 million the government had proposed under its draft Economic Transition Strategy was a paltry sum that would go nowhere.
He said $50 million should be spent on the harbour and surrounding precinct.
Dr Robinson said the government rationale behind the $20 million it proposed to spend on the island also needed examination.
"It is my strong view, shared by many island residents, that a major upgrade of Dunwich Harbour is required and needs to be fast-tracked if the government closes the (Sibelco sand mine) mine prematurely,'' Dr Robinson said.
"The government's ETS will not propel any economic transition to a tourism-centred economy without a major upgrade of Dunwich Harbour.
"Without a redevelopment, this gateway to the island's future economy will instead become a bottle-neck that will suffocate the life out of the island."
A State Development Department spokesman said the draft ETS included a proposal to create a Dunwich master plan.
It would consider appropriate transport and amenities and complementary tourism services and accommodation.
"The draft strategy has been referred to the Parliamentary Finance and Administration Committee as part of its inquiry into the proposed end of sand mining and is due to report back to government on 3 May,'' he said.
"The committee’s recommendations will be considered in finalising the draft strategy for Cabinet approval, along with feedback from island residents and stakeholders.''
In a boost to the area, the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron proposes to set up a Centre for Sailing on Straddie at vacant Sibelco mining company dormitories at Deanbilla Bay on Dunwich’s southside.
Dr Robinson said that for tourism to grow, better passenger facilities, pontoons and parking were needed with a mixed commercial area that had a tourism centre, cafes and restaurants.
"I am calling on the Government to consider a $50 million development of Dunwich Harbour into a world-class tourism and ferry hub and to provide to the parliamentary committee all information and costs so (it) can make an informed recommendation to the Parliament.
"The bottom line is that without the development of Dunwich Harbour, the Government's ETS will achieve very little."