Sand mining to end on North Stradbroke by 2019

2 min read
PlantMiner   |   May 29, 2016

The Labour Government has passed controversial legislation to end sand mining by 2019 on North Stradbroke Island off the coast of Brisbane.

The LNP opposed the bill, but the Labour Government were able to get the one-up with the support of independents Billy Gordon and Rob Pyne. 

North Stradbroke Island is the second largest sand island in the world after Fraser Island, which is also off the coast of Brisbane. The Island has been mined for sand since 1949. 

The fate of the sand mine has been yo-yoing back and forth for years now:

  • former Labour Premier, Anna Bligh had previously legislated to end sand mining on North Stradbroke Island by 2019
  • former LNP Premier, Campbell Newman extended the term until 2035
  • current Labour Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk has brought the term back to 2019 and the LNP

804206-north-stradbroke-island.jpg

Sand mining on North Stradbroke Island. Source: The Courier-Mail

The LNP Government along with mining and business groups have slammed the early close of the sand mine for the resulting job loses and damage to the local economy. 

A Deloitte report commissioned by the State Government. found that the closure of the mine would cost the states economy around $1 billion a year. Sibelco currently holds the lease to the mine, employing around 140 staff with approximately 110 living on Stradbroke Island. 

However, the Labour Government has taken a long-term look at the operation of the mine and the effect on the community, environment and economy and have been campaigning to Save Straddie for years. 

Environmental Minister Dr Steven Miles said that the close the sand mine was supported by the community, the business sector, traditional owners and new investors and that it is time to find new, sustainable jobs to carry on into the future.

Stradbroke Island Management Organisation secretary Howard Guille said mining was a finite industry and was going to end at some point regardless.

The government are providing an Economic Transition package worth $28m to those affected in the transition and to prepare North Stradbroke Island to a sustainable future and tourist destination. 

The outcome is a win for the traditional owners of the land, the Quandamooka people who had been locked out of places of cultural significance because of the sand mine. Government Minister and Indigenous Labour MP, Leanne Enoch said that although many of her family members had benefited from the sand mine, it is now time for a new economy. 

Stay updated on developments and subscribe to Felix Project News.

Source: ABC, Courier Mail, SMH

 
PlantMiner
PlantMiner (now Felix Vendor Marketplace) is Australia's leading plant, equipment and subcontractor hire marketplace, connecting you with all your construction project hire needs in one place.

Related Articles

Projects
Moreton Resources lodges plans for new mine near Kingaroy

Moreton Resources has taken the next step in developing a new thermal coal mine 6km south of Kingaroy by lodging plans with the Federal Government.

Projects
Construction begins on $400m Kwinana lithium processing plant in WA

The first sod of soil has been turned for the $400 million Kwinana lithium processing plant and construction is ramping up. The Western Australian Government has welcomed the beginning of works on the processing facility after they have given the green light for construction back in September 2016.

Projects
Qld Government grants mining leases for Adani's $21.7b Carmichael coal mine

Thousands of new jobs in regional Queensland have come a major step closer with Queensland Government approval of the mining leases for the $21.7 billion Carmichael coal mine and rail project in the State’s Galilee Basin.

Get the latest project news

Formerly known as the PlantMiner blog, Felix Project News is Australia's top 10 Construction blog. Join thousands of construction and mining pros getting the best content right in their inbox.
  • updates on Australia's pipeline of state and federal projects
  • fresh contract awards from major contractors and builders

If you're looking to contact us about other matters, please contact us.

Select your preferred email frequency
Which best describes you?
Please Select*
  • Please Select*
  • I hire plant, equipment or subcontractors
  • I supply plant, equipment or subcontracting trades
  • Both
  • Other

By submitting this form you agree with the T&Cs and Privacy Policy and you consent to allow Felix to store and process the personal information submitted above to facilitate your request.