QUANDAMOOKA people plan to use the state election to push an idea for North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to become a global eco-cultural tourism destination.
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Cameron Costello said it was a conversation that was needed about the region.
“QYAC’s vision is for Quandamooka country to ... sensitively showcase the island’s natural beauty and the Quandamooka people’s timeless cultural heritage,” he said.
“We will be engaging all the main parties on the region’s enormous potential, especially as an international eco-cultural tourism destination.
“The Minjerribah-North Stradbroke Island economic transition strategy is underway and planning for various new businesses and projects is well advanced.
“We are also working to finalise consent native title determinations for both the Quandamooka Coast and Mulgumpin-Moreton Island.
“World Heritage listing of sections of the region is also a priority.
“...It is an exciting time for Quandamooka country and the state election is an ideal time to highlight that fact and secure more investment for the region.
“As international marine conservationist, Pierre-Yves Cousteau, has said, Moreton Bay is one of the last beautiful places on the planet.
“And it is only a short distance from our capital city and places like the Gold Coast.
“The return on any investment in Quandamooka Country will be significant. I am sure our political leaders increasingly understand that fact.”
Mr Costello said this was the first state election for the old Cleveland electorate to be fought as Oodgeroo.
It was renamed at the electoral redistribution earlier this year after Quandamooka elder and lauded Australian poet and activist, the late Auntie Oodgeroo Noonuccal.
The renaming was opposed by the LNP but supported by Labor.
“Auntie Oodgeroo often wrote about ‘a glad tomorrow’ for our people and our beautiful Quandamooka Country,” Mr Costello said.
He said the Quandamooka people’s native title rights on Minjerribah had been restored by the last government.
Quandamooka is the ancestral homeland of the Nunukul, Ngugi and Goenpul peoples, sub-groups that make up the Quandamooka people.
