Conservation groups have applauded the Queensland parliament for repealing Newman government legislation that had extended sand mining on North Stradbroke Island to 2035.

In the early hours of this morning history was made when the Palaszczuk government and independents Billy Gordon and Rob Pyne voted to reinstate the 2019 end date for mining,“In the early hours of this morning history was made when the Palaszczuk government and independents Billy Gordon and Rob Pyne voted to reinstate the 2019 end date for mining,” said Des Boyland, Policies and Campaign Manager for Wildlife Queensland.

“This delivers one of Queensland Labor’s key election promises.”
“Passage of the Bill restores justice to the Quandamooka People, allowing them to withdraw their High Court challenge over the Newman government amendments,” said Dr Tim Seelig, Queensland Campaign Manager of the Wilderness Society.

“It’s a positive for reconciliation and respectful of the rights Eddie Mabo fought so hard for. It helps ease the disquiet so many Queenslanders felt when the Newman government trampled native title to extend mining for the benefit of a foreign company.”

“Today’s decision means finally, after more than 60 years, the destruction of the island’s irreplaceable natural and cultural landscape values will end in 2019, paving the way for a truly sustainable future,” said Jess Abrahams, Healthy Ecosystems Campaigner for the Australian Conservation Foundation.

“With the phase-out of mining leases, traditional owners and the public will no longer be shut out of most of the island.”

“Passage of the Bill has restored an important legacy shaped in 2011”, said Michelle Prior, President of the National Parks Association of Queensland.

“In that year, the Bligh government was instrumental in securing Quandamooka People’s rights to their country and protection for the island’s natural assets. Outcomes included recognition of native title, signing of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement, phase-out of mining and declaration of national park jointly managed between the state and traditional owners. The public debate about mining and the environment has lasted many years. It’s now time to finalise and stem the tide of irreversible damage”.

“Minjerribah’s beautiful landscape crafted by nature over millennia is priceless,” said Fiona Maxwell, of the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

“Turquoise waters teeming with life, white sandy beaches, wildflower-rich heathlands, ancient woodlands, freshwater lakes and incredible wildlife inspire and rejuvenate thousands of visitors each year. Caring for these natural treasures is the future for Straddie, not mining.”

“Increasingly, research reveals Stradbroke as a biological treasure trove that’s been a refuge for species for thousands of years,” said local resident and biologist Dr Aldenhoven.

“It’s the stronghold for many endangered and significant species like the magnificent swamp orchids and the island’s unique koalas”.

“Archaeological work on the island is revealing a fascinating indigenous history. All these special biological and cultural features will be a significant drawcard for visitors”.

The groups said the passage of the Bill brought much-needed certainty to the island community and allowed for initiatives in the government’s $20 million economic transition strategy to be implemented. They commended the government’s assistance package.

“We are well on the road to becoming a global eco-cultural tourism and learning destination,” said Dr Aldenhoven. “I am very optimistic about the island’s future.”

26 May 2016