THE state government has released details of how $5 million of its $28 million transition-from-mining plan will be spent on North Stradbroke Island.
Visiting the island, Employment Minister Grace Grace said the workers assistance scheme would help Sibelco sand mining staff transition to other jobs and training opportunities.
“We promised North Stradbroke workers that no one would be left behind as the local economy transitions from sand mining to ecotourism,” she said.
“Our $5 million assistance scheme will help workers move on to new employment and training opportunities in sustainable tourism, local business and education and training.
“It’s a well-rounded package which has been developed with input from workers, unions, Sibelco and the community.’’
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls attacked Ms Grace’s visit, saying no workers turned up to hear her talk.
“Labor confirmed workers’ worst fears by short-changing them with an inadequate compensation package, months after many of them had already lost their jobs,’’ Mr Nicholls said.
“...How ironic that Labor’s so-called Employment Minister Grace Grace today addressed an empty room in Dunwich to offer a paltry assistance package, three months’ after workers have already lost their jobs?
“...Most workers will receive less than $4000 under Labor’s inadequate compensation scheme, which won’t replace a job, pay the mortgage or put food on the table.
“...Local businesses, workers and their families will pay the price for Labor’s grab for green votes.”
Cleveland MP Mark Robinson said most workers would be forced to leave, which would have a devastating impact on the local economy.
“The LNP Opposition knew that a 2035 closure date (rather than 2019) for sand mining on North Stradbroke Island would have provided enough time for the island’s economy to transition away from mining but Labor threw common sense out the window,’’ he said.
“You only have to speak to Straddie locals to know that there’s no way tourism can step up to replace the income generated by mining.”
The North Stradbroke Island Workers Assistance Scheme includes up to $2000 in job search support per worker, up to $2000 per worker for training and support skills as well as compensation for up to four weeks leave to undertake training while employed by Sibelco.
It allows up to $5000 per worker for mortgage/rent assistance for those who continue to live on the island and a commuting subsidy of up to $5000.
The plan will provide up to $4000 per worker to eligible employers who engage a worker in permanent employment continuously for six months or more as well as income supplementation and dislocation assistance for permanent workers who did not receive a redundancy and continue to reside on the island.
Assistance under the workers assistance scheme would be available for five-years.
