WITH a Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry conceding that ending sand mining on North Stradbroke Island by 2019 would be premature, AREEA is calling on the Palaszczuk Government to undertake a proper regulatory impact assessment before winding-up the Island’s major economic contributor.

“The resource industry welcomes the committee report finding that a highly truncated and premature closure date, such as 2019, would cripple the economy and harm the community of North Stradbroke Island, potentially beyond repair,” says AREEA executive director Scott Barklamb.

“It will be shambolic and irresponsible if the Queensland Government does not undertake a full regulatory impact statement to properly assess when and how the North Stradbroke Island community can transition away from one overwhelmingly reliant on sand mining.

“To date this has not occurred, despite sand mining being the Island’s major economic contributor and highest paying employer for six decades.  The people of North Stradbroke Island deserve better than for the state government to guestimate that a measly $20 million is sufficient to offset the sudden termination of sand mining.

“Highly skilled sand mining employees earning six figure salaries deserve better than their state government assuming they can or should become baristas, waiters or take up other tourism-based occupations with no guarantee of full time, continuous employment.

“If the Queensland Government is all about jobs, it is surprising that it would jeopardise hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, and detract from an industry sector that proudly employs a considerable number of Indigenous people.”

AREEA participated in public hearings on this matter earlier this year. It was clear from those hearings that any legislated end to sand mining prior to 2027 would fail to allow for an effective transition, and would risk serious damage to the Island community.

“North Stradbroke Island is very large. There is nothing stopping proposed development of new tourism facilities concurrently with the gradual winding-down of sand mining over a sensible timeframe – preferably 2035 but certainly no earlier than 2027,” Mr Barklamb continues.

“All parties to this matter agree that sand mining should eventually cease on North Stradbroke Island, the contention is about when and how. The Queensland Government does not have satisfactory answers to these questions.

“If the state intends to set a timetable for ceasing sand mining, it must back this up with a thorough, responsible and realistic economic transition plan, a proper impact assessment, and with proper support for North Stradbroke Island and its residents.”

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