A sustainable future
- North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Taskforce
- North Stradbroke Island Reference Group
- Straddie Chamber of Commerce
- Mining phase-out
- Mine path for Enterprise
- Community feedback
Cafe on Stradbroke
Store on Stradbroke
A sustainable future for North Stradbroke Island needs to look beyond mining as a key economic driver.
Boasting pristine beaches, rich old growth forests and precious woodlands and wetlands, North Stradbroke Island has obvious advantages in the field of nature-based tourism and educational camps.
The Queensland Government is working with stakeholders, including the Quandamooka People, the Straddie Chamber of Commerce, education leaders and tourism industry experts, to develop a strong sustainable economy for the island.
In December 2010, a forum was held on the island to workshop ideas for encouraging the tourism industry.
To help build on the ideas raised, and develop a long-term economic strategy for the island, the Queensland Government has established a North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Taskforce.
To engage the community in all aspects of the government’s strategy for Straddie, a North Stradbroke Island Reference Group has been established.
In addition, more than 60 North Stradbroke Island businesses have formed the Straddie Chamber of Commerce to build sustainable business within the framework for the natural environment and native title determination.
North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Taskforce
The North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Taskforce is playing a critical role in developing a long-term regional economic transition strategy.
The taskforce has a number of key objectives including undertaking an economic analysis of the island, investigating future economic development options and identifying current and future employment opportunities that will help generate economic activity on the island.
The taskforce will assist in consulting with the local community, Redland City Council, local businesses and Tourism Queensland to define the agreed parameters for the island’s economic future.
The Economic Transition Taskforce comprises:
- Ian Fletcher (Chair) – Director-General, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
- Aunty Joan Hendriks – Quandamooka Combined Aboriginal Organisations Forum
- Darren Burns – Quandamooka Combined Aboriginal Organisations Forum
- Paul Smith – SIBELCO
- David Thomson – Stradbroke Ferries
- Col Battersby – Fishes at the Point
- Gary Stevenson – Redland City Council
- Sharon Raguse – Tourism Queensland
- Geoff Moore – NSI Social and Economic Development Association
- Mariae Crawshaw – Regional Development Australia
- Geoff Clare – Department of Environment and Resource Management
- Malcolm Letts – Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.
North Stradbroke Island Reference Group
The North Stradbroke Island Reference Group has been established to provide a forum for communication between stakeholders and the Queensland Government. The Reference Group is chaired by the Minister for Environment, the Honourable Vicky Darling MP and provides a forum for high level, coordinated and effective communication between stakeholders and the Queensland Government.
Key issues identified at the first meeting (held on 30 June 2011) included:
- planning and infrastructure
- social development and economic justice
- community needs analysis
- environmental protection and national park management
- youth engagement.
Although the members have been selected as representatives of the island’s community, the reference group will collectively identify the most effective way to engage with the community to ensure that all views are heard on particular issues.
Members of the North Stradbroke Island Reference Group are:
- Vicky Darling (Chair) – Minister for Environment
- Cr Melva Hobson – Mayor of Redland City
- Cr Craig Ogilvie – Redland City Council Councillor
- Aunty Joan Hendriks – Quandamooka Combined Aboriginal Organisations Forum
- Darren Burns – Quandamooka Combined Aboriginal Organisations Forum
- Dr Brett Roe – Nominated community representative
- Jennie Truman – Nominated community representative
- Dale Ruska – NSI Social and Economic Development Association
- Paul Smith – SIBELCO
- Jan Aldenhoven – Local resident and environmental sector representative
- Paul Donatiu – National Parks Association of Queensland
- David Thomson – NSI Chamber of Commerce
- David Morgans – Tourism Queensland representative
Four youth representatives will also attend meetings on a rotating basis:
- Ashton Smith
- Caszuo Conlon
- Kiri Middleton
- Harlem Arthur-Sherwin
Straddie Chamber of Commerce
The Straddie Chamber of Commerce will represent every kind of business on the island, including trades, services, resources, transport, accommodation, attractions and tours. It aims to:
- actively assist its members to grow sustainable businesses
- speak as a unified voice to government and stakeholders at all levels and represent the interests of members
- protect the natural attributes of North Stradbroke Island, respect cultural values and retain the island’s lifestyle
- promote North Stradbroke Island and local businesses to visitors and create jobs for the local community
- enable members to work together on issues and projects to assist and support one another
- seek opportunities through funding sources, and facilitate business mentoring, advice, training and development for members and their staff
- organise business networking opportunities across all forms, sizes and structures of business on North Stradbroke Island
- provide a central point of communication for members conveying information on news and events.
Mining phase-out
In April 2011, the Queensland Government legislated to fast track the end of mining on North Stradbroke Island, enabling 80 per cent of the island to be made national park by 2026.
The government aims to achieve a balanced, practical end to mining on the island, while allowing time for a planned and effective economic transition.
The mining phase-out includes:
- the mine path on the Enterprise lease controlled and regulated to prevent any expansion of production and minimise environmental impact
- 2015: Yarraman mine to close, as already committed by the mining company
- 2019: Enterprise mine, the largest sand mine, to close
- 2021: 75 per cent of the island to be national park
- 2025: all mining to cease with the closure of Vance, a small silica mine
- 2026: 80 per cent of the island to be national park.
For more information about the mining phase-out, please refer to the fact sheet (PDF, 326K)*.
Mine path for Enterprise
On 8 July 2011, the Queensland Government finalised administrative arrangements for the Enterprise lease restricted mine path, allowing it to operate until the legislated deadline of 2019.
The decision will enable the mine to continue to operate while minimising environmental harm and ensuring mine safety. It will guarantee a stable economy for North Stradbroke Island in the short to medium term, and allow for the transition to a sustainable economic future for the Island.
For more information about the restricted mine path, refer to:
- map of mine path
- media statement
- frequently asked questions
- independent mine path assessment report (PDF, 883K)*
- images of vegetation and threatened ecosystems that have been excluded from the mine path.
All areas that are mined must be rehabilitated under the conditions of the mining company’s environmental authority.
Community feedback
The Queensland Government welcomes your feedback on the progress of the North Stradbroke Island Strategy, including the development of the draft Economic Transition Strategy.
Have your say on the Economic Transition Strategy.
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 15 December 2011