· Z·4 MAR 2016 - Queensland Parliament · Chair of Finance and Administration Committee Parliament House ... compensation from the ... The Bill returns the North Stradbroke Island

Ref CTS 06019/1 6

· Z·4 MAR 2016

Mr Peter Russo MP Chair of Finance and Administration Committee Parliament House George Street BRISBANE QLD 4000

Dear Mr Russo

Queensland Government

Department of

Environment and Heritage Protection

Thank you for your letter dated 14 March 2016 concerning the Finance and Administration Committee's inquiry into the North Stradbroke Island Sustainability and Protection and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2015.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the submissions received on the Bill. I appreciate the extension to our due date that was approved on the 18 March 2016.

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection has synthesised and summarised the issues raised in individual submissions by topic as identified in the Committee's table, and provided a response to each topic. I understand the Department of State Development will be responding to the committee directly on issues raised in relation to the draft Economic Transition Strategy and Workers Assistance Scheme.

Should you have any further enquiries, please contact Mr Geoff Robson, Executive Director, Strategic Environment and Waste Policy on telephone 3330 5040.

Yours sincerely

J m Ree s

~ t:neral

1. Departmental Response to FAC 2. 2011 (draft) Situational Analysis

Page 1 of 1

Level 13 400 George Street Brisbane GPO Box 2454 Brisbane Queensland 4001 Australia Telephone+ 61 7 3330 6297 Website www.ehp.gld.gov.au ABN 46 640 29'4 485

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE PROTECTION RESPONSE TO COMMITTEE SUBMISSIONS

1

Topic/summary Submission number/s Departmental response

Timeframes

These submissions refer to the

proposed 2019 end date to

sandmining in the Bill.

Responses are more or less

evenly split between supporting

an end to sandmining in 2019 (as

per the government’s Bill), an

end to sandmining in 2024 (as

per the Private Member’s Bill),

and an immediate end to

sandmining in 2016.

Many consider a longer

transition time (later mining end

date) is required/would be

beneficial, and a number of these

suggest mining should continue

to 2027 or 2035.

Some oppose closure of the mine

altogether.

Some submissions note concerns

with mining impacts on

economic transition and

ecological values.

1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17,

18, 19, 20, 24, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39,

40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54,

55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 62, 63, 64, 65, 69, 70, 71,

73, 74, 76, 80, 81, 83, 84, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90,

91, 92, 93, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102, 101,

103, 104, 105, 108, 110, 111, 112, 115, 116,

117, 118, 120, 121, 122, 123, 125, 127, 128,

131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 138, 139, 140,

141, 143, 144, 145, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152,

153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 162,

163, 164, 165, 167,168, 169, 170, 171, 172,

173, 174, 175, 176, 178, 180, 181, 182, 183,

184, 185, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193,

194, 196, 197, 198, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204,

205, 206, 207, 208, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214,

215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 223, 224,

225, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235,

237, 238, 239, 242, 243, 245, 248, 249, 251,

254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 263,

The government has committed to

substantially end mining activities

in the North Stradbroke Island

region by 2019.

The government committed to

repealing the 2013 amendments in

order to return to the original

intent of the North Stradbroke

Island Protection and Sustainability

Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

The 2011 Act did not allow renewal

of leases beyond 2019.

The North Stradbroke Island

Protection and Sustainability and

Other Acts Amendment Bill 2015

(the Bill) provides for a restricted

mine path map which will ensure

environmental and cultural

heritage impacts are minimised.

The government has committed

over $28 million to support the

economic transition of North

Stradbroke Island.

Topic/summary Submission

number/s

Departmental response

General - Bill provisions

One submission asserts that

the government’s Bill gives

rise to ‘significant legal,

environmental and policy

issues’ (specifically in relation

to the restricted mine path

and new Rehabilitation

Authority) and believes that

these measures are at odds

with two of the Bill’s primary

policy objectives; to reduce

environmental impact, and to

provide certainty of access to

the sites for rehabilitation

and environmental

management after the mining

117, 121 The Bill achieves its policy objective to repeal the 2013 amendments.

In regards to the restricted mine path, the Bill allows for a different

mine path to be proposed, if it can be demonstrated that impacts on

environmental and cultural heritage will not be increased.

The four month timeframe is adequate to facilitate a timely decision

and enhance certainty with respect to the operations at Enterprise

Mine. It is an extension on the two month timeframe provided for in

the 2011 Act.

The Bill was introduced in December 2015, giving affected parties

time to begin investigations and commence discussions in order to

meet the timelines. The four months specified is four months after the

commencement of the amending Act.

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (the

department) understands that a significant amount of work has

already been completed by Sibelco to determine an alternative

restricted mine path, including environmental investigations and


2

leases have been terminated.

The other submission asserts

that the four months to

propose mine path

alterations is “unusable”, that

requirements for an ILUA to

be in place “extraordinary”

and transfer of responsibility

for native title holder

compensation from the

government to Sibelco are

“untenable” and “unjust in

the extreme”.

initial cultural heritage considerations.

Compensation requirements

The drafting of the Bill reflects a principle that the entity that receives

the rehabilitation authority should be required to pay any necessary

compensation to a land owner or native title holder. This approach is

consistent with how compensation is payable to native title holders

and land owners when mining leases are renewed or granted (i.e. in

these cases the State does not pay the compensation, but the miner

does).

The Bill inserts provisions providing for compensation to be paid to an

owner of land in relation to the grant of an authority under section

344A(3). Under proposed section 345, an environmental authority

holder who is authorised to enter land under section 344A(3) must

pay compensation to each owner of land in compliance with a

compensation agreement between the holder and each owner, or as

decided by a court. The grounds for payment of compensation are the

same as those for the renewal or grant of a mining lease to a

landholder.

In situations where there is a native title holder (such as on North

Stradbroke Island) there is no liability to compensate native title

holders under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 as they are not land

owners under the Act. Any compensation for native title holders will

be payable under the Native Title Act (Cth), not the Mineral Resources

Act 1989.


number/s


General –

Consultation

These submissions

suggest that

consultation on the Bill

was not adequate,

with some making

specific reference to a

lack of consultation

with certain groups.

A submission asserts

that the Bill cannot be

viewed in isolation

from the economic

transition plan and

worker assistance

scheme.

Some submissions

question why the ILUA

2, 5, 12, 63,

86, 116, 117,

121, 145,

173, 203,

216

There was extensive consultation leading up to the development of the 2011

Act. The Bill returns the North Stradbroke Island legislation to the original

intent of this Act.

With regards to the 2015 Bill, the department consulted with a range of

stakeholders.

The department has provided the committee with a record of the

consultation undertaken by Minister Miles and departmental officials:

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/committees/FAC/2015/B12-

NthStradbrokeIsl/B12-bp-24Feb2016.pdf

The Premier and Deputy Premier had multiple meetings with union members

from Sibelco and Stradbroke Ferries.

The government committed to substantially end mining activities in the

North Stradbroke region by 2019. All consultation was undertaken on this

basis.

The department notes that on 17 March 2016, the Legislative Assembly

resolved to extend the Committee’s inquiry to include consideration of the

Department of State Development’s draft Economic Transition Strategy and


3

for North Stradbroke

Island is confidential

and request that the

ILUA be made public.

worker transition plans.

The ILUA

The ILUA document is a commercial in confidence document agreed between

the State and representatives from the recognised native title body and the

Quandamooka People.

The department notes that ILUAs must be registered on the National Native

Title Tribunal’s website and there is some publically available information on

this website including an extract from the ILUA, the “Agreed Acts” under the

ILUA and maps.


number/s


General – explanatory

notes

This submission refers

to economic

implications of the Bill

that are reflected in

the explanatory notes.

This submission

alleges that a section

of the explanatory

notes is misleading in

its stated effect.

173 The department acknowledges that the Bill is likely to have impacts on the

economy on North Stradbroke Island. In this regard, the explanatory notes

specifically reference the government commitment to provide $20 million to

transition the economy of North Stradbroke Island away from mining.

The draft Economic Transition Strategy contains information on the current

economic and employment profile of North Stradbroke Island.


number/s


General – FLPs

These submissions

query justification of

FLPs.

117, 173 The term of the Yarraman mining lease 1109 is reduced by the Bill so that it

expires 12 months from commencement of the Act.

In considering whether sufficient regard is had to fundamental legislative

principles, it is also necessary to consider other values that are to be

furthered by the law.

As outlined in the explanatory notes to the Bill, North Stradbroke Island has

very high conservation, biodiversity and cultural values that the government

is seeking to protect.

The explanatory notes to the Bill further describe the issue of consistency

with fundamental legislative principles:

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Bills/55PDF/2015/NStradIsProtSustOAAB1

5E.pdf


4


number/s


General - Policy

rationale

These submissions

query end date of

2019 in delivering the

objectives of the Bill.

63, 121, 124,

131,

The government has committed to substantially end mining activities in the

North Stradbroke Island region by 2019.

The government committed to reinstating the intent of the 2011 Act.


number/s


General - Regulatory

impact assessment

These submissions

raise concern that a

RIS was not prepared.

117, 121,

203, 216,

No regulatory impact statement was completed for the 2011, 2013 or 2015

Bills related to North Stradbroke Island.

The Bill was considered under the government’s Regulatory Impact Statement

(RIS) System, using the guidelines approved by the Treasurer, and adopted by

the Government in July 2013.

The Office of Best Practice Regulation assessed information provided by the

department and determined that the Bill met the guidelines for exclusion

from the RIS System.

The Office of Best Practice Regulation concluded that as the impacts of the

proposal should already be well understood by both decision makers and

stakeholders, the proposal was unlikely to benefit from further assessment

under the Treasurer's RIS guidelines.

Further explanation is provided at:


NthStradbrokeIsl/B12-que-02Mar2016 DEHP.pdf


number/s


General – Mining

approval processes

This submission

suggests the 2011 and

2013 Acts meant

mining lease renewals

did not go through the

typical process.

Committee requested

clarification of the

process for lease

renewal under the Act.

239 It is correct that the mining leases on North Stradbroke Island have not

necessarily gone through the typical process of renewal provided for in the

Mineral Resources Act 1989.

At the time of developing the 2011 Act the mining leases on North Stradbroke

Island were in various states of currency, expiration, renewal and application

for renewal.

The 2011 Act affected 42 of the 44 mining leases on North Stradbroke Island

by either:

• Removing the ability to renew (for those already expiring before

2019)

• Deeming their renewals ‘withdrawn’ (therefore expiring them on 14

April 2011)

• Renewing them, for a limited term (to 2019) with added conditions

• Aligning the dates for the term of the leases for a mine (Vance, to


5

This submission also

noted concern that

there was no referral

of Enterprise Mine

under the EPBC Act.

Committee requested

comment on this

claim.

This submission also

2025)

• Varying the term of their renewal, or

• Deeming their renewal applications ‘abandoned’ on 14 April 2011.

This information was part of the department’s initial briefing to Committee

(pg 5) which also included a table that sets out how the 2011 Act affected

each individual lease – please see pages 3-4:


NthStradbrokeIsl/B12-bp-24Feb2016.pdf

The explanatory notes accompanying the Bill in 2011 provide information on

the policy rationale behind this.

The 2011 Act provided a balanced resolution of the interconnected issues of

mining, Aboriginal land rights, and the environment on North Stradbroke

Island. At the time many mining leases on North Stradbroke Island had

expired or were approaching expiry.

The 2011 Act achieved its policy objective of substantially ending mining

activities (including all heavy mineral sand mining) in the North Stradbroke

Island region by the end of 2019, and ending all mining in the region by 2025,

by ensuring mining interests for:

• Yarraman Mine ended at the end of 2015;

• Enterprise Mine ended at the end of 2019; and

• Vance Mine ended on 31 October 2025.

This was achieved by renewing or extending certain leases needed for mining

until those dates. The Act did not terminate before its expiry any mining lease

on which there would be an active mine at the time of termination, but

provided that no interests could be renewed beyond those dates. The Act

terminated leases not needed for mining at the end of 2019, if they had not

expired beforehand.

The possibility of using existing administration powers under the Mineral

Resources Act 1989 and the Environmental Protection Act 1994 was explored.

This option was not suitable because administrative action to renew or

terminate mining leases depends on exercises of discretion years into the

future, and therefore offered no certainty to stakeholders and did not provide

the optimal environment for the development and growth of businesses and

employment opportunities in ecologically sustainable tourism and other like

activities.

Under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

(Cth) it is the responsibility of the person undertaking the action to determine

whether they are likely to have an impact on a matter of national

environmental significance, and, if so, to refer their action to the Federal

Department of Environment for assessment.

The submission notes that the Federal Environment Department’s

investigation is ongoing; further information should be requested directly

from the Federal Environment Department.

The department directly responded to the submitter to clarify the outcome of

this matter in August 2015. It is the department’s expectation that the mining

company would conduct themselves in accord with the decision made by the


6

points to the alleged

breach of leases

through sale of sand

and notes that this

issue has been drawn

to the attention of the

Attorney-General.

Court of Appeal.

The department would refer the Committee to the Attorney General for

further information.


number/s


Restricted mine path –

alternative path

proposal

This submission

queries the basis of

proposed restricted

mine path, particularly

with regard to

environmental and

cultural impacts.

The committee have

asked whether the

Department has

reviewed Sibelco’s

proposed/alternative

mine path; and advise

if there are any

issues/concerns arising

from Sibelco’s

proposed RMP

compared to the one

included in the

government’s tabled

Bill.

121 Re-establishing the restricted mine path in the Bill ensures that the intent of

the 2011 Act is reinstated. In practice, to re-establish the restricted mine path

requires using the restricted mine path that existed under the previous

legislation while also taking account of the lawful and more recent operations

of the mine. The restricted mine path introduced in 2011 was the path

provided by Sibelco as part of its Plan of Operations at that time.

The government’s proposed restricted mine path is the same as that which

applied under the 2011 legislation subject to some changes to reflect changes

to the operator’s footprint since then. This restricted mine path avoids any

areas of endangered or ‘of concern’ biodiversity status vegetation.

The Bill enables Sibelco to apply to amend the proposed restricted mine path.

The Minister is able to approve a different proposed path if it fulfils the

requirements in the Bill and it can be demonstrated not to result in adverse

environmental and cultural heritage outcomes.

There are some differences between the restricted mine path proposed by

Sibelco and the government’s proposed mine path. The mine path proposed

by Sibelco includes areas of ML 1120 and does not restrict the mining type

and activities that may be carried out (whereas the government’s proposed

mine path map ‘NSI 3’ specifies where dredge and dry mining may occur, as

well as identifying a limit of disturbance).

A full assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of the alternative mine

path proposed by Sibelco will need to be undertaken once information about

cultural heritage and environmental impacts is provided as required under the

Bill. Any amendments to the current proposed mine path should proceed

through the assessment process provided for in the Bill to enable the

department to give full and proper consideration to whether the amendment

is appropriate.


number/s



general

Submissions support

the reinstatement of

the restricted mine

110, 111,

123, 134,

135

The ability to apply to amend the restricted mine path is consistent with the

2011 Act. It allows the operator to apply for an amendment to ensure that the

mine path is workable.

The ability to amend the restricted mine path is subject to limitations, which

prevent any amendments that would result in greater adverse effects on


7

path; do not support

ability to amend RMP.

cultural heritage or threatened ecosystems or an increase in the area of

disturbance.


number/s



technical issues

This submission

asserts that Sibelco

put forward a “better

path with better

environmental and

cultural heritage

outcomes which was

completely ignored in

the final bill”.

Raises issues with the

“disturbance of land”

terminology.

Raises potential

technical/legal issues

with the RMP and lack

of proper consultation.

Disagrees with the

inclusion of RMP in

legislation.

117 The government has committed to restoring the intent of the 2011 Act. The

2011 Act included a restricted mine path map. The restricted mine path is

designed to allow mining until the end of 2019, whilst avoiding areas of high

conservation value, such as endangered regional ecosystems. Additionally,

the restriction will prevent the acceleration of mining operations, which could

result in Enterprise Mine having the same environmental impacts as if mining

had continued for longer.

In regards to the suggestion of a ‘better path’ - as was the case in 2011, the

Bill incorporates some flexibility to enable Sibelco to apply for an alternative

mine path to ensure that mining operations are not inadvertently restricted

beyond what was intended.

A full assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of the alternative mine

path proposed by Sibelco will need to be undertaken once information about

cultural heritage and environmental impacts is provided as required under the

Bill. Any amendments to the current proposed mine path should proceed

through the assessment process provided for in the Bill to enable the

department to give full and proper consideration to whether the amendment

is appropriate having regard to cultural heritage and environmental impacts.

The definition of ‘disturbance of land’ is not considered to restrict

rehabilitation activities. The definition of ‘contaminant’ from the

Environmental Protection Act 1994 does not apply to the interpretation of the

relevant provisions of the Bill. The relevant provisions amend the North

Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Act 2011.

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines, as well as other relevant

departments, were consulted extensively on the Bill, in particular on technical

aspects of the new rehabilitation authority and associated consequential

amendments, including health and safety.


number/s



amendment provisions

These submissions either support

or oppose providing the mining

company with the opportunity to

amend the RMP.

Submissions raise additional

concerns including:

- Only one amendment allowed

99, 105, 117,

213, 260,

The ability to amend the mine path reflects the 2011 Act.

As per the 2011 Act, the Bill allows for one amendment

application for the mine path. This must be within four months of

commencement of the Act.

This provides for an appropriate balance between business and

community interests. It ensures that the Bill does not

inadvertently restrict mining more than is intended, whilst still

providing timely certainty to stakeholders by requiring the

application within four months of commencement.


8

and must be within four

months (prevents Minister

dealing with any unforeseen

circumstances)

- Criteria regarding the ILUA in

clause 13 is ambiguous and

concerns that timeframes do

not allow for reality of ILUA

negotiation processes

- More clarity regarding ILUA

requirement in clause 13 is

required, otherwise it should

be removed as a criteria for

approval

- Concern whether sufficient

information about, for

example, species, hydrology,

vegetation, will be available

for Minister to make decision.

There are provisions in the Bill aimed at ensuring that the

Minister will have the necessary information to make an informed

decision. The amendment application must be accompanied by a

cultural heritage study and a map of threatened ecosystems.

Furthermore, it must be “supported by enough information to

allow the Minister to decide the application”.

The department is currently in discussions with Sibelco directly

regarding the application and approval requirements in the Bill,

including the requirement for an ILUA.


number/s



technical issues

Concern that there will

be no ability to make

modifications to the

path to take into

account unforeseen

geological or health and

safety risks, climate

events, access issues or

the practicalities of

progressive

rehabilitation.

Concern that four

month time limit is

unrealistic considering

requirements for

making an application.

121 A four month time period (from commencement of the Bill) is considered to

be sufficient to lodge an application to amend the restricted mine path.

Discussions have been underway between the department and the mining

company since the Bill’s introduction in December 2015.

The provisions regarding the amendment of the restricted mine path

provide for an appropriate balance between business and community

interests. The provisions ensure that the Bill does not inadvertently restrict

mining more than is intended, whilst still providing timely certainty to

stakeholders by requiring the application within four months of

commencement.

The department is working with Sibelco directly in regards to their concerns

about technical issues of the Bill.

Sibelco have a long history of sand mining on North Stradbroke Island and

have experienced many events including bushfires. Like any mining operator

in Queensland, Sibelco would factor such risks into its business plans. The

restricted mine path only restricts the area on which ‘winning’ of minerals

can be carried out; it does not affect Sibelco’s ability to carry out its Health

and Safety obligations.

Health and safety is paramount and the department would support Sibelco

to undertake necessary activities if there was an emergency that

endangered human safety.

The Department also answered questions on these issues at the 16 March

public hearing and the transcript may provide further information:

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/committees/FAC/2015/B12-


9

NthStradbrokeIsl/B12-trns-16Mar2016.pdf


number/s


Specific mine leases

These submissions comment

on the effect of the Bill upon

specific mining leases.

Submitters:

- Do not support renewal

of ML1109 beyond 2015

- Do not support mining in

any part of ML1120

99, 108, 137,

260, 149, 123,

110, 111, 244

Yarraman mine lease (ML 1109) is proposed to be extended for 12

months following the commencement of the Act. Sibelco have

indicated that mining extraction on ML 1109 has finished and that

the site is now in rehabilitation phase.

This 12 month extension gives Sibelco certainty of access to allow

continued uninterrupted rehabilitation at ML 1109. In response to

concerns expressed by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal

Corporation regarding native title, the Bill shortens the time to expiry

considerably. This interim period will also give the relevant

government department’s time to develop a process and guideline

for the new authorisation under chapter 13, part 4 of the Mineral

Resources Act 1989, ensuring a seamless transition when the mining

lease expires, should this authorisation be required for further

rehabilitation.

In relation to ML 1120, the amendments introduced by this Bill

restore the restricted mining path for the Enterprise Mine, which

means that mineral extraction will not be permitted on ML 1120 as it

is outside of the restricted mine path on the restricted mine path

map (approved by the chief executive of the Department of

Environment and Heritage Protection and current on

commencement).

There are strict conditions that must be met before an amended

mine path can be approved. For example, any land to be added to

the mine path cannot include a threatened ecosystem and the

change must not result in any significant adverse increase in impact

on Aboriginal cultural heritage or a threatened ecosystem.

These conditions would need to be met with respect to any area of

ML 1120 that was proposed to be part of the mine path.


number/s


Rehabilitation authority

– general

These submissions make

general comments about

rehabilitation including:

- support for provisions

in the Bill that ensure

rehabilitation obligations

continue and met to the

highest standard

117, 138, 99,

104, 144, 147,

123

The department notes that rehabilitation is a high priority for the

company.

Rehabilitation conditions are set under the environmental authority,

administered by the department. Sibelco is required to meet those

conditions before surrendering the environmental authority.

The rehabilitation authorisation provides a mechanism for a company to

access land in order to undertake rehabilitation and environmental

management activities under their environmental authority, in limited

circumstances.


10

- Noting that

rehabilitation is a

high priority for the

company

- Opposition to the

creation of the new

rehabilitation

authority on

account of concerns

in relation to rights

of entry.


number/s


Rehabilitation Authority –

technical issues

(proposed section 344A

authority)

This submission suggests

there is a lack of detail of how

the rehabilitation authority

will function.

The submission raises

technical issues with the new

rehabilitation authority with

regard to:

- Process for grant of

section 344A

authorisation (‘does not

contain any of the

process steps that apply

to normal mine

surrenders’)

- Requisite obligations and

rights required to ensure

safe conduct

- Access for

decommissioning and

rehabilitation (‘mining

activities’)

- Lack of ability of the State

to supervise and approve

rehabilitation work

- Risk that the requirement

to undertake

rehabilitation in respect

of a geographical area

will cease upon the

121 Submission no. 121 queries whether the State has the ability to

supervise and approve the rehabilitation work under a section 344A

rehabilitation authorisation.

It is correct that the normal mine surrender process does not apply to

the rehabilitation authorisation. This is because the relevant holder still

needs to follow the usual environmental authority surrender process.

It is intended that the environmental authority will still be in force

while the rehabilitation authorisation applies.

Once the rehabilitation authorisation is no longer required for

rehabilitation, the company still has to apply to surrender the

environmental authority, at which time the department will assess

whether rehabilitation is satisfactory.

There will be no legal provisions that compel a lease holder to make an

application for a rehabilitation authorisation. There is no application

for the authorisation; the authorisation will be granted directly to the

company. There is no risk to the state or the environment that a

previous mining lease holder will abdicate their obligations to

complete rehabilitation because these obligations are imposed under

the environmental authority, which should still apply after the mining

lease ends.

It should also be noted that the rehabilitation authorisation has been

designed so that there are no application processes. This will minimise

administrative delays and ensures that there are no application fees.

The department is currently consulting with Sibelco directly regarding

its concerns that the rehabilitation authorisation does not include the

necessary authorisations and that the authorisation will not work if the

relevant mining leases have been terminated.

The department is confident that there will be no cessation in access

rights. The rehabilitation authorisation can be issued immediately

upon the expiry of the mining lease. In the case of North Stradbroke

Island, the department will continue to work closely with Sibelco to

ensure that this happens.


11

termination of the

relevant lease.

- No provisions dealing

with amendment to the

EA to relate to the

Section 344A

Authorisation.

- Concern that transition to

S344A authority will not

be seamless and will

allow an unacceptable

‘gap’ in authority.

The committee have

requested comment on any

issues with the current

framework (rehabilitation

completed under mining

leases) and how the

rehabilitation authorisation

will fit into or replace parts of

this framework.

In regards to the rationale for introducing a new instrument to enable

rehabilitation, an important part of substantially ending mining in 2019

is to ensure that former mine sites are rehabilitated.

While the main policy objective of the Bill was to ensure that mineral

extraction substantially ends in 2019, it was also a policy objective of

the Bill to ensure that there is certainty of access to the sites for

rehabilitation and environmental management after the mining leases

have ended.

This certainty is required so that environmental authority holders can

effectively plan and carry out necessary works to comply with their

rehabilitation obligations in a timely way.

The government sought an option for access for rehabilitation which

would meet the following policy objectives:

meeting the government’s election commitments to return

the phase out of mining to 2019 and to repeal the 2013

amendments to the North Stradbroke Island Protection and

Sustainability Act 2011

consideration of the concerns of stakeholders (including

native title holders)

the environmental authority holder has certainty of access to

the land

the holder can complete the rehabilitation in a timely manner

(i.e. not be delayed by lengthy native title negotiations prior

to accessing the site or other delays in access)

liability to the State for compensation is minimised.

The preferred option, as presented by the Bill, was amendments to the

abandoned mines chapter of the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (chapter

13, part 4) to create an authorisation that ensures land access for

rehabilitation purposes.

Consequential amendments ensured that the health and safety

arrangements that would normally apply on a mining lease will

continue to apply to work under the authorisation.

Rehabilitation on North Stradbroke Island cannot occur under the

current framework due to the removal of the ability to renew leases.

Without the renewal process, an alternative way to access mined land

is required to ensure that Sibelco can complete remaining

rehabilitation works.

The rehabilitation authorisation may be used state-wide however the

policy objective of this new authorisation is that it should not replace

existing mechanisms, rather it should only be used in limited

circumstances, to enable access where the mining lease (or other

tenement) is not able to be renewed for some reason.

A benefit of the rehabilitation authorisation is that it can be granted for just the area that needs rehabilitation, while a mining lease restricts access over a broad area. This is particularly beneficial in the case of North Stradbroke Island.


12

A rehabilitation authorisation responds to the desire of North

Stradbroke Island’s native title holders to regain the greatest possible

use and enjoyment of their traditional lands, while providing the

authority needed for an ex-leaseholder to access land to fulfil its

rehabilitation obligations.


number/s


Rehabilitation Authority –

Health and Safety,

Compensation, other technical

issues

Submission no. 117 raises

concerns about:

- Health and safety

implications

- the perception of sovereign

risk

- high number of possible of

entry notices required to

be provided by the

company (admin burden)

- potential impacts of the

new access for tourism and

traditional owners/Native

Title holders

- query will lower

rehabilitation standards be

accepted by EHP

- query will EA amendments

be treated as minor

- right to refuse access to

sensitive rehabilitation

areas

- requirement for Sibelco to

pay compensation to

native title holders.

117 Ensuring continuity of health and safety arrangements was a key

consideration in developing the rehabilitation authorisation and

considering any required consequential amendments.

The Bill amends both the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 and

Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 to ensure these

Acts continues to apply to a mine which does not have current

tenure but has an authorisation to enter land under section 344(A).

Notably the Bill amends the definition of ‘mine’ in these Acts to

include any area that has a rehabilitation authorisation granted over

it. This means that all references to a ‘mine’ in these Acts also apply

to an area under a rehabilitation authorisation.

In the areas subject to a rehabilitation authorisation, the holder will

have the ability to, and responsibility for, restricting access in order

to meet their obligations under the health and safety acts.

The rehabilitation authorisation is restricted in design. As per the

explanatory notes on page 4: “The policy objective of this new

authorisation is that it should not replace existing mechanisms,

rather it should only be used to enable access where the mining lease

(or other tenement) is not able to be renewed for some reason.” In

this way, the Bill finds the right balance between resolving issues that

have existed for a significant period of time and not unduly impacting

on investor confidence.

The department has no intention of accepting lower rehabilitation

standards. The Bill does not amend the rehabilitation obligations

imposed on Sibelco.

The department is considering the entry notice requirements for the

rehabilitation authority in response to submissions.

Compensation

The Bill reflects a principle that the entity that receives the

rehabilitation authority should be required to pay any necessary

compensation to a land owner or native title holder. It is considered

that this approach is consistent with how compensation is payable to

native title holders and land owners when mining leases are renewed

or granted (i.e. in these cases the State does not pay the

compensation, but the miner does).

The Bill inserts provisions providing for compensation to be paid to

an owner of land in relation to the grant of an authority under


13

section 344A(3). Under proposed section 345, an environmental

authority holder who is authorised to enter land under section

344A(3) must pay compensation to each owner of land in compliance

with a compensation agreement between the holder and each

owner, or as decided by the Land Court. The grounds for payment of

compensation are the same as those for the renewal or grant of a

mining lease to a landholder.

In situations where there is a native title holder (such as on North

Stradbroke Island) there is no liability to compensate native title

holders under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 as they are not land

owners under the Act. Any compensation for native title holders will

be payable under the Native Title Act (Cth), not the Mineral

Resources Act 1989.


number/s


Environmental

The submissions noted

that:

- Rehabilitation should

be to the highest

standard

- Whole island should

become national park

post mining

- Concerns about

damage to the

environment from

mining e.g. oil spill at

Amity Point

- Concerns about air

pollution from two

largest mines

- Concerns about

irrevocable damage

to aquifer

- Concern about water

quality and quantity

- Fraser Island inquiry

concluded sand

mining causes major,

permanent

environmental harm

to sensitive sand

islands

- Concerns about

breach of

100 ,135,

139, 61, 136,

148, 140,

134, 135,

142, 123, 83,

34, 30, 76,

149, 94, 74,

48, 135

The department recognises the rich cultural heritage and outstanding

conservation values of North Stradbroke Island.

Naree Budjong Djara National Park, which covers 50% of the island,

features places of significant conservation value and a variety of special

habitats, including mangroves, wetlands, endangered heathlands, old

growth forests freshwater lakes and woodlands. These habitats are home

to threatened animal and plant species including orchids, as well as a

genetically distinct population of the koala.

North Stradbroke Island wetlands are significant because they provide

some of the best and largest representatives of southern sandy island

wetlands, they include a diversity of wildlife in natural conditions, and

provide refuge habitat to wildlife including migratory species.

The department acknowledges that urban development and sand mining

on North Stradbroke Island have, to various extents, activated sediment

movement, impeded, disrupted and withdrawn from natural flows, and

impacted water quality.

Rehabilitation standards and environmental harm

In terms of rehabilitation standards, the Bill does not affect the

requirements of Sibelco in regards to meeting the conditions of its

environmental authority or its obligations in regards to environmental

harm.

Sibelco is required to complete rehabilitation as conditioned by their

environmental authority.

Compliance concerns

On 29 October 2014 and 30 March 2015 inspection of mine sites on North

Stradbroke Island was undertaken by departmental officers. No non-

compliance with the conditions of the EA or requirements of the


14

environmental

obligations with

regards to controlling

feral animals and fire

management

Environmental Protection Act 1994 was identified. Further, no recent non-

compliance with EA conditions are on the department’s records.

For further information, see page 3 of the following document:

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/committees/FAC/2015/B1

2-NthStradbrokeIsl/B12-que-24Feb2016.pdf

Submission no. 81 cites data from the Department of Environment and

Heritage Protection which is alleged to show that Enterprise Mine on

North Stradbroke Island scored second and third highest air pollution

scores respectively as point sources of PM10 and PM2.5 emissions in

South-East Queensland and that the combined emissions from the two

mines on North Stradbroke Island are approximately double the combined

emissions from the BP and Caltex refineries at the mouth of the Brisbane

River.

In response, officers from the Department of Science, Information

Technology and Innovation (DSITI) note that the PM10 and PM2.5

emissions data reported for Enterprise Mine (and the other facilities listed

on the Clean Air website) for 2013-2014 appear to have come from the

National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) website at www.npi.gov.au where data

can be downloaded, and ‘ranked’, by the general public. The data did not

come from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. DSITI

is unaware of any report published by the Department of Environment

and Heritage Protection or NPI specifically ranking sites in South-East

Queensland for 2013-2014.

The data for the facilities on North Stradbroke Island has been calculated

using emission factors and are generally estimates of emissions based on a

number of activity parameters. No monitoring data has been provided by

the site to the NPI.

In regards to alleged impacts on water bodies, DSITI have provided the

following response:

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/committees/FAC/2015/B1

2-NthStradbrokeIsl/B12-que-17Feb2016 DSITI.pdf

Restricted mine path

Submission no. 123 claims Sibelco has cleared areas outside the limit of

disturbance after introduction of the Bill on 3 December 2015.

The government’s proposed restricted mine path map containing the ‘limit

of disturbance’ does not come into effect until assent of the Bill.

The department advises that Sibelco’s current activities are governed by

the current environmental authority which does not contain a ‘limit of

disturbance’.

Future National Park

Currently, mining leases cover about 40% of the island and mining leases

confer exclusive use to their holder.

The Bill does not provide for any additional land to be transferred to

national park. The final land use of the areas of unallocated state land


15

currently under mining lease (such as Enterprise and Yarraman) will be

determined considering a range of factors including the environmental

and cultural values of the land and their context in the transition of the

island as a whole post-mining.

The draft Economic Transition Strategy includes a provision to “develop a

strategy for expanding national parks and other protected areas and

transfer expired mining leases in stages, with funded joint management

arrangements”.

Expansion of the protected area estate will require comprehensive

consideration of a range of factors by the government and traditional

owners, as well as other stakeholders.

Pest management

Sibelco’s EA conditions relating to pest and weed eradication were

amended to remove overlapping jurisdiction with the Land Protection

(Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 which is administered by

the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.


number/s


Impacts – community

These submissions noted

that the mines closures will

be as detrimental to the

provision of essential

services and community

facilities on the Island

43, 127 Noted.

The Government has committed to substantially end mining activities

in the North Stradbroke Island region by 2019.

Topic/summary Submission number/s Departmental Response

Impacts – Economic

These submissions concerns economic

impacts of mining ending.

Many referred to the economic contribution

Sibelco makes to the island in particular in

terms of employment, and impacts of ceasing

mining such as to the ferry service, schools

and community services that are supported

fully or in part by Sibelco. Submissions also

note flow on effects to businesses and

suppliers in the broader Redlands and SEQ

region.

Many comments suggest the 2019 timeframe

1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15,

16, 17, 18, 24, 31, 32,

40, 41, 48, 52, 54, 56,

63, 64, 82, 86, 87, 89,

91, 97, 98, 109, 114,

115, 116, 117, 119,

121, 125, 128, 131,

142, 145, 151, 173,

201, 203, 216, 236,

238, 239, 244,

Noted.

Please refer to the response from the

Department of State Development.


16

is too short

Many comment that tourism can not replace

mining jobs and incomes

Some note that people with mining jobs may

not be able to easily transition to tourism

jobs, and that tourism jobs tend to be

seasonal, casual and part time

Submissions note the potential for significant

direct and indirect job losses

Some consider that the job losses have been

exaggerated and suggest an integration of NSI

and SEQ economies.

Some note the closure of two mines since the

2011 census means the direct job figures may

be overstated.

Submissions contend that there is no

economic argument to justify the ongoing

suppression of native title rights and interests

Submissions suggests that there will be

impact to house/real estate values

The committee have requested a copy of the

Situational Analysis – please find attached.


number/s


Impacts – personal

These submissions noted personal

impacts of the future mine closure

particularly job losses to individuals

and contractors, many island

residents.

Concerns also included a drop in

property values, the ability to find

work on the island, to retrain, to find

work at all and the flow on effects of

mining job losses to other businesses.

2, 10, 11, 12, 20, 24,

44, 53, 58, 61, 72, 74,

91, 112, 113, 114,

119, 126, 129, 131,

138, 139, 145, 150,

154, 163, 179, 204,

207, 221, 225, 232,

233

Noted.

The government has committed $5 million for a

Workers Assistance Scheme to help sand mining

workers transition to other employment.

Please refer to the response from the Department

of State Development.


17

Topic/summary Submission number/s Departmental response

Indigenous

Many submissions noted concerns

for loss of cultural heritage

Submissions noted support for the

native title rights of the

Quandamooka

Many said the ILUA signed in 2011

needed to be upheld

Some submitters consider that any

lease extensions would be invalid as

to Native Title, and notes

suppression of NT rights

A number of submissions noted that

ending mining in 2019 could mean

the High Court Case could be

dropped

Some submitters suggested the end

of mining will have detrimental

effects to Indigenous peoples

A few submitters questioned

representation of the traditional

owners.

Committee have requested

information on how Sibelco are

affected by the ILUA.

60, 64, 81, 85, 103,

106, 110, 111, 117,

123, 134, 135, 142,

143, 144, 147, 148,

150, 161, 186, 196,

199, 202, 208, 227, 253

Noted.

The Bill returns the end of sand mining at Enterprise

mine to 2019, as was agreed with the

Quandamooka People in 2011.

The Bill contains provisions requiring any

application to amend the restricted mine path to

include a cultural heritage study, and an ILUA

agreed for the areas of proposed change. This will

ensure that impacts on cultural heritage will be

considered by the Minister before any amendments

are able to be made to the restricted mine path.

In developing the Bill, the department consulted

with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal

Corporation (QYAC) as the agent for the

Quandamooka People’s native title rights and

interests.

The government has committed $5 million for a

Workers Assistance Scheme to help all sand mining

workers transition to other employment.

The Bill does not introduce amendments which

would breach the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth) or

the ILUA between the State and the Quandamooka

People.

The ILUA is an agreement between the

Quandamooka People, QYAC and the State. The

ILUA binds all parties and all native title holders to

the terms of the agreement. Sibelco is not a party

to this agreement and therefore it is not considered

that Sibelco has consented to, or is bound by, its

terms.

However, the parties to the ILUA have agreed to

undertake certain activities and processes under

the ILUA. This means that Sibelco’s activities may

have been impacted by the ILUA.


number/s


Sovereign risk

These submissions consider the

uncertainty created by the changes to

Sibelco’s mining tenures create

sovereign risk and impact investment

117, 216 Noted.

The government has committed to substantially end

mining activities in the North Stradbroke Island region

by 2019.

The Bill will see a phased end to mining and an assisted


18

in Qld. transition towards more ecologically sustainable land

uses in the North Stradbroke Island region. The Bill

does not amend other mining leases in other parts of

the State outside of the North Stradbroke Island

region.


number/s


Economic Transition

Many of these submissions suggest that 2019 is

not enough time to transition

Some suggest the lack of an economic argument to

transition

Suggest specific activities or infrastructure

requirements to support the transition

Note the seasonality of tourism; inability to make

up the ‘shortfall’ in jobs and income

Concern about impacts of increased tourism

development

Note closures of certain areas to the public by the

government

Submissions discuss the impacts to associated

businesses, such as the ferries

Some suggest projects in the Economic Transition

Strategy could occur without the closure of mining,

some suggest mining is limiting opportunities

Suggest the level of funding is inadequate

Some comment on the consultation of the Bill and

the Economic Transition Strategy and the lack of

alignment

6, 16, 35, 50,

63, 74, 82,

98, 117, 120,

121, 130,

131, 139,

142, 143,

145, 148,

163, 203,

209, 216

Noted.

The government has committed to substantially

end mining activities in the North Stradbroke

lsland region by 2019.

The department notes that the on the 17 March

2016, the Legislative Assembly resolved to

extend the Committee’s inquiry to include

consideration of the Department of State

Development’s draft Economic Transition

Strategy and worker transition plans.

Please refer to the response from the

Department of State Development for further

detail.

North Stradbroke \s\and

..

Draft Situational Analysis A sustainable economic future for North Stradbroke lsland/Minjerribah

Prepared by: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Resource Management

© The State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) 2011

Copyright inquiries should be addressed to <[email protected]> or the Department of Environment and Resource Management, 41 George Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

If you need to access this document in a language other than English, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to telephone Library Services on +61 7 3224 8412.

This publication can be made available in an alternative format (e.g. large print or audiotape) on request for people with vision impairment; phone +61 7 3224 8412 or email <[email protected]>.

December 2011

Message from the Chair of the Economic Transition Taskforce Following the Queensland Government’s announcement of its vision for North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, an Economic Transition Taskforce (the taskforce) was established to lead and coordinate the development of a long-term strategy for a sustainable economic future on the island. The taskforce is overseeing the development of three documents that provide a framework for economic transition on the island.

Targeted community and industry consultation has been undertaken in developing key strategies and actions.

• The Economic Transition Strategy seeks to establish a framework that encourages sustainable economic activity, with a focus on the importance of people, infrastructure and land.

• The Planning for Action draft plan identifies priority actions with the potential to contribute to sustainable economic growth for the island and its community.

• The supporting Situational Analysis provides detail about the current economic state, history, natural environment and geography of the island, and sets the policy framework for the strategy.

The taskforce recognises that a healthy business environment, able to support small business, will be critical to the island’s economic future. The newly formed local Chamber of Commerce is represented on the taskforce and enthusiastically endorses this approach. The Chamber has also highlighted the need for immediate and meaningful action to support struggling businesses, which underpins the Planning for Action document.

The Quandamooka People have played a critical role in the work program of the taskforce. The Queensland Government is committed to engaging the Quandamooka People in all industry action areas, now and into the future.

These documents aim to inspire community discussion about actions and opportunities for positive and sustainable economic change. The documents are not Queensland Government policy. Rather, they have been developed to encourage an economic transition for the island that includes short, medium and long-term actions. Once these priorities have been identified by the community, government (local, state and federal) and private investors will be able to make informed decisions about future funding options.

There are a number of actions better suited to a longer timeframe because of the need for in-depth scoping studies or information that will only be available once land use planning processes are wrapped up. In some instances, the current market is not considered adequate to support these initiatives, but they have been noted for consideration. Land use planning, infrastructure development and social policy outcomes are other themes the taskforce has identified as critical to the island’s future.

In its deliberations, the taskforce has emphasised the importance of a financial commitment from the Queensland Government that will enable the prioritisation of actions that provide the highest economic and social value to the community.

We recognise that community input and support is essential to achieving our goals and as such, feedback from all interested stakeholders is welcomed.

To provide your feedback or obtain a copy of the documents please contact DERM via:

• NSI Strategy phone freecall 1800 194 064

• NSI Strategy email <[email protected]>

• NSI Strategy website <www.derm.qld.gov.au/stradbroke/>

• NSI Information Centre, 7 Stradbroke Place, Dunwich

Ian Fletcher Chair, Economic Transition Taskforce Director-General, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

iii

Draft Situational Analysis—not government policy

ist of acronyms ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics

AMS Associated Minerals Consolidated

ATSI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

CRL Consolidated Rutile Limited

DEEDI Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

DERM Department of Environment and Resource Management

DLGP Department of Local Government and Planning

ETS Economic Transition Strategy

ILUA Indigenous Land Use Agreement

MBRS Moreton Bay Research Station

NSI North Stradbroke Island

QP&ATSI Quandamooka People & Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander

QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

QYAC Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation

RCC Redland City Council

SEIFA Socio-Economic Indices for Areas

SEQ South East Queensland

SPA Sustainable Planning Act 2009

SWMQ Saltwater Murris – Quandamooka

TAZI Titanium and Zirconium Industries

VET Vocational Education and Training

L

iv


1

1 H 1

2

3

5

N 5

N 6

M 8

4 T transition process 8

9

M 9

Council (RCC) 9

hallenges, opportunities 11

11

.2 P 11

In 19

23

5 Industry and employment profile 27

5.1 Employment by industry 27

5.2 Business and industry 28

5.3 Future industry development and employment 38

Appendix 1 Draft Schedule of Infrastructure projects for future consideration 39

Contents 1 Setting the scene

1. istory

1.2 Natural environment

1.3 Geography

2 The Queensland Government vision

2 ative Title determination .1

2.2 ational Park creation

2.3 ining

2. he need for an economic

3 The regional context

3.1 oreton Bay and islands

3.2 The role of Redland City

4 Socio-economic profile—issues, c

4.1 Economic foundations

4 eople

4. frastructure 3

4.4 Land

v


vi

es 12

Table 2. Gross individual incomes by sector, 2006 15

Tab S s collection districts and post code area 16

Table 4. Audit of community services 21

2

Table 6. Estimated value of tourism on current expenditure) 30

Table 7. Regional target markets 31

Tab E of mining activity 35

b t losses from cessation of sand mining by sector—% 36

Lis f

Figure 2. S nd 2 national park showing areas not available to public at this time. 7

Figu N ke Island Age Distribution, 2001 and 2006

Figure 4. Age distribution, 2006

nd over), 2006

Figu N s (percentage over 15 years), 2006

Figure 7. No rs), by town, 2006 18

Figure 9. Island employment by industry, 2001 and 2006 27

Figure 10. Audit of island businesses by industry, 2011 28

Figure 11. 2011 Redlands Visitors 2002–2009 29

Figure 12. Tourism Queensland market segmentation 30

Figure 13. Redlands rooms and occupancy rate 2006–2009 32

Figure 14. Ferry seat capacity 32

List of tablTable 1. Population (place of usual residence), 2001 and 2006

le 3. EIFA Deciles by censu

Table 5. NSI jobs and employment, 2006 7

to NSI (based

le 8: conomic and employment impacts of cessation

Ta le 9: Distribution of indirec

t of igures Figure 1. Context map—North Stradbroke Island 3

tages 1 a

re 3. orth Stradbro 14

15

Figure 5. Highest level of schooling (15 years a 17

re 6. on-schooling qualification 18

n-schooling qualifications (percentage over 15 yea

Figure 8. Council land use zoning map 25


Preface The Economic Transition Strategy (the strategy) recognises that North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah’s history, natural environment and Indigenous culture will play a significant role in shaping its future. Moreover, any decisions about the future of North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah (the island) need to be informed by an understanding of information including demographics, social indicators, existing infrastructure as well as critical

1economic and industry data.

Section three considers the island within its regional context and sets out Redland City Council (RCC) priorities as

ection four considers the current status of key enablers within the economy, along the lines of people, her than treating these enablers as simply inputs into economic activity, this chapter

ues that are identified in the strategy, particularly with regard to the unifying theme of

opportunities and challenges for the future growth of existing business and the emergence of new industry sectors

This situational analysis is designed to underpin the approach set out in the strategy.

Section one focuses on the history, natural environment and geography of the island. While often viewed as background material, each of these areas has had a profound affect on what the island is today and why it is valued by residents and visitors.

Section two sets out the policy context within which current consideration of the island’s economic future is located. This chapter identifies the key themes of the Queensland Government’s vision, explains why the strategy is being developed, and presents the broad parameters within which economic change will take place.

they apply to the island.

Sinfrastructure and land. Ratseeks to highlight valsustainability.

Section five provides the current industry and employment profile of the island to allow for an identification of key

and employment options for the local community.

1

The following sections outline basic information and data about the island drawn from the Census (2001 and/or 2006), unless otherwise noted.

vii


1 Setting the scene

, sea and culture are

tal land and streams between the Brisbane to Logan rivers, gave life to us in a

re of

from

l story that the island of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Morrgumpin (Moreton Island) were once linked or joined. This is consistent with European historical accounts of the island as Captain Cook (in 1770) did not make reference to the South Passage Bar. It is generally accepted that over many years the two islands have separated due to the (current or tidal?) erosion that continues today.

European settlement took place from 1825 when the island was briefly used as a penal settlement. The island was named Stradbroke in 1827 by Captain Henry John Rous, after his father, the Earl of Stradbroke and originally included both North and South Stradbroke.

A pilot station was established at Amity Point in 1825 and a depot for unloading stores was set up at Dunwich in 1827. This was the beginning of permanent contact between Europeans and the Quandamooka People. While the Quandamooka People assisted in the building of the pilot station, conflicts emerged as a result of different laws and culture, and consistent with the history of other Indigenous Australians, massacres took place in the area at Aranarawai (Big Creek) and on the Southern Bay islands.

From 1850, fishing became a major industry in the region and the island was opened up to free settlers. In the same year Dunwich was proclaimed to be Moreton Bay’s quarantine site and only a few weeks later a ship pulled in that was found to be carrying typhus. All the passengers were placed in quarantine and 56 people died. The quarantine station discouraged European settlers and thus placed less pressure on the traditional ways of the Quandamooka People.

The quarantine station was moved to Peel Island in 1864. Dunwich was then nominated to host a benevolent asylum, which opened up employment opportunities for women, while men took to fishing and farming and as such the population of the island grew. Oyster farming was also established which employed many European and Indigenous people.

1.1 History* The island’s history has been shaped by a diverse range of factors reflecting both its Indigenous heritage and European settlement.

For the Quandamooka People—the traditional owners of Moreton Bay—history, landinextricably linked:

‘Our traditional estate—Quandamooka, the waters and islands of central and southern Moreton Bay and the coastime beyond memory. We sing its songs, tell its stories and dance to its rhythms to give honour and thanks and to keep our place in its heart. We are the people of the sand and the water.’ (p.5 Quandamooka Aboriginal Community Profile and Action Plan)

Ngugi, Nunukul and Goenpul are the three clan groups of the Quandamooka People whose country has included Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island for more than 21 000 years.

The Indigenous culture of the Quandamooka People is bound by tradition and developed within a structubeliefs and social relationships. Kabool (or Kabul, Borlung, Ngalyod) is the symbol of the Rainbow Serpent, thegiver and taker of life and at the heart of this structure. Kabool is the spirit of creation and of all living things and is symbolic of belonging to, and being interconnected with, the law of the land. This law has been handed downgeneration to generation. To use the words of Aunty Joan Hendriks, Aboriginal Elder of the Quandamooka People, ‘[i]t recognises that the spirit of our ancestors lives on with us and in the Earth our Mother; the dwelling place of the Creator Spirit.’

The Quandamooka People tell an age old traditiona

* Prior to the arrival of Europeans, Australian Aboriginal languages had been purely spoken languages, and had no writing system. The Latin

alphabet of the colonisers was inevitably used for the transcription of Australian Aboriginal languages, but the details of how the sounds were represented has varied over time and from writer to writer, sometimes resulting in a great many variant spellings of the same word or name. (http://en.wikipedia.org/w ki/Transcription_of_Australian_Aboriginal_languages).

1


Many of the Quandamooka lived at Goompi (Dunwduring this period. With the introduction of the Abor1898 (Qld), the Quandamooka, like other Indigenoutheir ability to practice their traditions, speak their la

ich) and at the Government run Myora Mission from 1893 iginal Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act s Australians, were stripped of their basic human rights and nguage and honour their ancestors and their country. (p.6

inal Community Profile and Action Plan)

e State moved from a policy of isolation to assimilation. Neither approach succeeded in

land in the 1930s with the opening of the first guesthouse at Point Lookout and the first bus ning to

During W rection finder and torpedoed

The benev rveyed for the town o

s to the island, established a regular service to

s (TAZI), using dredge operations and a trans-island ropeway to transport the mineral back to

e-ine (started in 1978 by AMC and bought in 1987) was closed and

raman

tance

s, th forest and woodlands.

The island’s wetlands, foreshore swamps and interconnecting land are all listed Ramsar Sites and habitats for near threatened, vulnerable and endangered species of flora and fauna. Threatened species found on the island include the Cooloola sedgefrog and black-neck stork, while endangered species include the little tern. All seven mangrove

S

Quandamooka Aborig

From the late 1930s, thdestroying the Quandamooka People’s connection to culture and country.

Tourism came to the isservice to Point Lookout was established by Bert Clayton with a trend towards opening up the island begintake place.

orld War II armed servicemen were stationed on the island, radio tents were set up and a radio di radar was erected at Point Lookout. On 14 May 1943, the Australian hospital ship 'Centaur' was off the island and 268 passengers were killed, leaving only 68 survivors.

olent asylum closed in 1946 causing significant unemployment on the island and land was suf Dunwich.

In 1947, a vehicular ferry service was established. This year also marked surf life savers patrolling the beaches at Point Lookout. Stradbroke Ferries, one of the major transport ferrieDunwich in 1964.

Sand mining was established when Zinc Corp began mining mineral sand in 1949 on main beach, with the first shipment from the island in 1950. This solved the unemployment problem that had begun to form. On Main Beach seams of mineral concentrated by wave action were shovelled by hand at low tide into old ex-army Blitz trucks and other four-wheel-drive vehicles which transported mineral across the island to Dunwich. Subsequent mining along the beaches and dunes was also carried out by Associated Minerals Consolidated (AMC) and Titanium and Zirconium IndustrieDunwich.

In 1966, Consolidated Rutile Limited (CRL) commenced operations using dry mining methods at the Yarraman deposit, taking advantage of the high mineral concentrations in the dune caps in the central part of the island.

In 1978, CRL commissioned its first dredge and concentrator to mine the Bayside ore body. This plant was subsequently moved to the Ibis ore body in 1996–97 and into the Enterprise ore body in 2004. In 1985, another operation was commenced at the southern end of the island on the Gordon ore body. In 1999, it was moved to rmine the Yarraman ore body. CRL's Amity mfinal revegetation commenced in 1992.

Sibelco Australia purchased CRL in 2009. Currently, mineral sands mining operations are taking place at Enterprise and Yarraman mines. In July 2011, the Queensland Government finalised arrangements that allow the mining company to continue mining at the Enterprise mine site until 2019 but on a restricted mine path. Yaris due to close in 2015.

Silica mining also occurs on North Stradbroke Island. Sibelco also owns and operates a Silica mine at a location known as Vance. Vance will be the last mine to close in 2025.

1.2 Natural environment The island is the second largest sand island in the world after Fraser Island. The cultural and ecological imporof the island’s environment has been recognised regionally, nationally and internationally. It features very high conservation values and a diversity of habitats including wetlands and endangered heathlands, freshwater lakerainforests, old grow

species found in Moreton Bay are also found on the island providing a nursery habitat for fish and invertebrates. eagrass beds associated with the island support dugong and green turtle feeding.

2


The value of the environment is intrinsic and profound to the culture of the Quandamooka People. As stated in tQuandamooka Aboriginal Community Profile and Action Plan, 'We are the people of the sand and water…carinfor country is our business. It always has been and always will be' [p.5].

Much of the discussion around the environmental values of the island has focussed on those areas that will becopart of the future national park as this initiative will significantly enhance levels

he g

me of environmental protection across

hey he island, a common theme is a deeply

in the peak of the tourist season when concerns around environmental impact, sewerage capacity, and

uncil Local Government Area. The island is 12 kilometres across at its widest point, and 38

shows the location of North Stradbroke Island in relation to Brisbane.

the island. A large majority of island residents place significant value on the natural environment within which tlive. While there is a broad range of views about the appropriate future for theld commitment to protect the environment, whether it is on or off national park.

This is linked to a broad recognition of the need for environmental sustainability on the island—an issue that is highlighted social disruption come to the fore.

1.3 Geography The island is located off the coast of South East Queensland, approximately 40 kilometres from Brisbane. It is part of the Redland City Cokilometres from north to south. Directly north is Moreton Island, another sand island which is predominantly national park and an attraction for recreational tourists.

The following map Figure 1. Context map—North Stradbroke Island

Source: SGS Economics and Planning North Stradbroke Island Economic Development Strategy/Scoping Paper Department of Environment and Resource

Management P. 4 2.2 Settlement Pattern

There are three main townships on the island—Dunwich, Amity and Point Lookout. They are all located on the northern half of the island, and on the coastline. There is also a small settlement at Flinders Beach. Each township has a unique character.

3


Dunwich is the largest township on the island and hosts 40 per cent of the resident population. The majority of services and facilities are located at Dunwich, and it is the access point for the passenger and vehicular ferries which provide the only public access to the island (apart from access via the airstrip southeast of Dunwich). The

here is no harbour facility. The

s of unoccupied dwellings indicate that approximately into this category.

a tourist destination. It is home to about one-fifth of the

island’s schools and preschool are also located at Dunwich and it has a sports club and field.

The second largest township on the island is Point Lookout which is located on the north east tip of the island and is home to approximately one third of the resident population. Point Lookout is the major tourist destination on the island, and is the location of some of the best surf beaches including Cylinder, Frenchman’s, Main, and Deadman’s Beaches. The township is located approximately 20 kilometres from Dunwich and tpopulation of Point Lookout tends to fluctuate dramatically between holiday periods, and contains a high proportion of tourist accommodation. There is also a substantial number of houses which are privately owned and are used only occasionally during holidays or weekends (i.e. not for general rental). The proportion of holiday homes has been estimated at 30 per cent while census count50 per cent of dwellings fall

The third township, Amity, has a village feel and is less of population and is essentially a small fishing village. While the beaches at Amity are erosion prone, Flinders Beach is a popular destination approximately three kilometres to the east of Amity. The remaining resident population (approximately six per cent) of the island is located at either Flinders Beach or in other housing between the townships.

4


2 The Queensland Government vision This strategy has been prepared to support the Queensland Government’s June 2010 announcement of its vision for

umber of initiatives to facilitate its vision. In particular, the

ka People’s rights and interests over land and water on and surrounding the island. As part of the determination process, ILUAs have been negotiated between the Quandamooka People and the State, as well as with other parties with an interest in the land.

The Queensland Government’s vision for the island recognises that in order to protect the island’s natural heritage, mining must be phased out and that the island economy, as it is currently structured, has been demonstrating signs of strain and decline over the past decade or so. In February 2011, the Queensland Government established the Economic Transition Taskforce (the taskforce), representing a broad range of economic interests on the island, to support the economic transition.

The taskforce is chaired by the Director-General of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) with Secretariat support from the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). The work program of the taskforce has been supported by the work of consultants with particular expertise in a variety of areas associated with the island’s economic transition. The work of the consultants is being overseen by the ETT and officers within DERM and DEEDI.

2.1 Native Title determination On 4 July 2011, the Federal Court of Australia handed down a determination recognising the Quandamooka People as the native title holders of North Stradbroke, Peel and Goat Islands and surrounding waters. The Federal Court’s determinations recognise the Quandamooka People’s rights and interests in their traditional country. This is the first successful native title determination in South East Queensland.

This determination sets out the legal rights and interests that the Quandamooka People have as recognised native title holders of the claim areas. It acknowledges their rights to camp, hunt, fish and gather in accordance with their traditional laws and customs as well as the right to exclusive possession of some areas.

In addition to the determinations, the Quandamooka People have agreed on separate ILUAs with the Queensland Government and Redland City Council. These ILUAs recognise the Quandamooka People's rights as Traditional Owners, custodians and managers of their traditional country, protecting the outstanding environmental and cultural values of the island. The interests of the native title claimants are represented through a Prescribed Body Corporate called the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).

The confidential ILUA with the Queensland Government is likely to have direct implications for future industry opportunities on the island in recognition of the Quandamooka People’s native title rights and interests. The ILUA is scheduled to be registered in December 2011. Until this time, the Quandamooka People’s specific aspirations and industry plans remain confidential and the Quandamooka People reserve the right to enter into any industry planning on a voluntary basis.

the island, which includes the following outcomes:

• the resolution of native title through an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the island’s Traditional Owners, the Quandamooka People

• the creation of national park across 80 per cent of the island by 2027—including 50 per cent by the end of 2011

• the cessation of sand mining

• the transition towards a sustainable economic future for the island.

The Queensland Government has undertaken a npassage of the North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Act 2011 in April 2011 secured the phase-out of sand mining and facilitates declaration of 80 per cent of the island as national park by 2026 to be jointly managed with the Quandamooka People.

Furthermore, two native title consent determinations by the Federal Court of Australia have recognised the Quandamoo

5


A key outcome of the native title process, which has also been given effect by the North StradbProtection and Sustainability Act 2011 is a joint management role that the Quandamooka PeoplDERM's Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) with regard to the newly created Nare

roke Island e will assume with e Budjong Djara

ent and economic development opportunities for the

and proposed national park areas.

ational Park creation g Djara National Park, which will be jointly managed by QPWS and the

rk currently covers approximately 20 per

e island will be national park

value and a diversity of habitats including wetlands and endangered

ion

se areas for future generations and is expected to raise the profile of the island,

onomic flow on benefits will progressively increase ap shows stage two of the

11) overlaid by current mining leases.

National Park on the island, under the terms of an Indigenous Management Agreement.

In addition, the strategy presents a range of employmQuandamooka People through grants of tenure over unallocated State land, revenue sharing arrangements with the State and the management of the existing

2.2 NThe first stage of the Naree BudjonQuandamooka People, was declared in March 2011. The new national pacent of the total island. The park's name means 'my Mother Earth' to the Quandamooka People.

The timeframes for national park creation are:

• by early 2011—20 per cent of the island became national park

• by the end of 2011—50 per cent of th

• by the end of 2021—75 per cent of the island will be national park

• by the end of 2026—80 per cent of the island will be national park.

The island features places of high conservationheathlands, freshwater lakes, rainforests, old growth forest and woodland that are home to threatened animal species, including the Cooloola sedgefrog and black-neck stork and little tern. The ancient topography preserves evidence of climatic changes over thousands of years along with remnants of some of the earliest human habitatin Queensland.

The national park will protect theespecially outside South East Queensland, by offering new nature-based business development opportunities and more recreational opportunities.

Access by the public to the national park is an important factor in increasing economic opportunities throughimproved visitation and a diversity of experience. Whilst parts of the national park are covered by non-winning leases for which access is restricted at this stage, access and ecas leases expire or are surrendered through the transition period. The following mnational park (50 per cent of the island by end 20

6


Figure 2.

7


2.3 Mining 49. As well as

ding

2026 and

in the

ble and reinvent the

and

plications

y allowing

ic transition

Sand mining has played a significant role in the island’s economy since it was first established in 19providing jobs for island residents, sand mining companies have contributed to the community by provifinancial and other forms of support to community groups and specific community projects.

In order to protect the island’s high conservation values the Queensland Government recently legislated to fast track the end of mining. The legislation enables 80 per cent of the island to be made national park byprovides timeframes for the phase-out of mining, specifically:

• Yarraman mine to close in 2015 as already indicated by the mining company

• Enterprise mine—the largest sand mine—to close in 2019

• all mining to cease with the closure of Vance—a small silica mine—in 2025.

On 8 July 2011, the Queensland Government finalised the restricted mine path for Enterprise mine, 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 the island short to medium term and allow for the transition to a sustainable economic future for the island.

2.4 The need for an economic transition process The Queensland Government recognises a need to facilitate the island’s transition towards a strong, sustainagreen economy given its decision to phase out mining on the island. This provides an opportunity toisland’s economic future to fit with the community’s aspirations and contribute to the environmental, socialcultural sustainability of the island.

There has been significant debate about the importance of mining to the island’s economy and the imaround its cessation. Views range between:

• concern that the phasing out of mining will significantly increase economic hardship; and

• mining is locking up half of the island and ending it immediately would benefit the community bvisitors to enjoy much more of the natural and diverse beauty that the island has to offer.

Regardless of the position taken in relation to this debate, there is substantial evidence to suggest that even with mining, the economy is currently under stress and demonstrates a lack of resilience. This economprocess—supported by the ETT—aims to identify key opportunities and strategies to develop a sustainable economic base for the island into the future. The strategy represents work completed to date.

8


3 The regional context

l), City.

1973. In the 1960s and early ents. Since then, Redland City Council has

ental and cultural values of om Weinam Creek Marina,

The RCC, like any local government authority, has a charter to serve its local community. This includes providing identify and

e.

by the Redland community through Redlands 2030 Community Plan and y

strategy for North Stradbroke Island:

• strong and connected communities

• inclusive and ethical governance.

'Embracing the bay' describes a strong future for the islands where island communities thrive, and strategic plans and visions developed with the community guide successful regeneration, healing and wellbeing. Aboriginal stewardship and the role of Traditional Owners and members of the Aboriginal community in managing natural and cultural resources are acknowledged through various Quandamooka Country goals. The vision for a supportive and vibrant economy includes environmentally responsible businesses, technology-based industries, a marine research centre, Indigenous knowledge centre and flourishing educational ecotourism.

Redland City Council has various strategies in place to deliver on the Redlands 2030 visions. The tourism strategy contains objectives to ensure the region’s economy grows through a diverse nature-based tourism industry with investment in tourism infrastructure and partner industries and increasing the value of tourism through improving the environmental and cultural values of the region. The cultural strategy embraces a wide view of culture and affirms its role in protecting and developing the strengths of Redlands’ places and communities. Maintaining the viability of ecosystems by retaining remnant and non-remnant vegetation on the island and increasing the koala population are key outcomes of council’s Biodiversity Strategy.

3.1 Moreton Bay and islands Moreton Bay encompasses many islands which are collectively historically known as Quandamooka. North Stradbroke Island and the island communities of southern Moreton Bay (Lamb, Karragarra, Macleay and RusselPeel and Coochiemudlo are now all incorporated into Redland

The southern Moreton Bay islands were incorporated into the Redlands on 12 May 1970s, much of the island land was subdivided into small allotmrestricted further subdivisions and rationalised planning so that the significant environmthe islands and surrounding Moreton Bay are preserved. The islands are serviced frRedland Bay, on the mainland by passenger ferry and vehicle barge.

3.2 The role of Redland City Council (RCC)

governance and support to help its businesses and residents adjust to economic change and to capitalise on opportunities for economic growth and development as they aris

3.2.1 Redlands community plan The vision and aspirations of the Redlands community, covering the many distinct communities on the mainland and the islands have been articulatedsubsequently through council’s corporate plan. Eight vision outcome areas contained in these plans speak directlto the development of an economic transition

• healthy natural environment

• green living

• embracing the bay

• Quandamooka Country

• wise planning and design

• supportive vibrant economy

9


The economic future and contribution of the Aboriginal coCouncil’s Indigenous Community Policy and Action Plan and Dedicated commitment by all levels of government to relationship

mmunity is outlined in the Quandamooka ILUA, the Quandamooka Aboriginal Community Plan.

s and partnerships with the Quandamooka People nal managed enterprises including the Stradbroke Holiday Parks, door and outdoor sporting facilities, employment and training

g

d sustainable water transport system between

tional park as both an opportunity and a

s are y' also contains opportunities and

Island—to make the island a better place for families and and young people, as well as the frequent family visitation sector.

e (e.g. Toondah Harbour and Dunwich)

structure (e.g. tracks, trails and pathways, whale watch facilities, welcome and information)

re (e.g. Minjerribah Indigenous knowledge centre, North Stradbroke Island Museum)

sport, recreation and community facilities, youth and family facilities, employment

nd pedestrian pathways, foreshore management)

s, isolation and cost (e.g. affordable transport subsidies, internet

re requirements identified by the Redland City Council for consideration

ment,

nd Government necessitates a higher

s

it e

will see the delivery of priorities such as Aborigian aboriginal cultural and interpretative centre, inopportunities, educational tourism and educational product development, Indigenous business support and development, tourism activities and services, and employment programs that maintain the positive contribution of Quandamooka People to the community and reduce their level of disadvantage.

The Redland Planning Scheme local level strategy for North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah commits to precludinareas of high conservation value from development. The island will rely on the mainland and Cleveland as the principal regional activity centre for higher order services and facilities with island centres providing community services and facilities. Local area planning will guide the development of these centres with a range of complementary activities to service the island as a whole as well as projects listed in the Redlands Social Infrastructure Strategy to build the island community. An efficient anthe island and the mainland is essential.

The 'Seven C's Connection' strategy identifies the declaration of the nachallenge to connect people, plants and animals across private, council and public land—with the opportunity to create a set of major green corridors and pathways across the island and the challenge to ensure that bicyclepermitted in the national park. Council’s policy for a 'child and youth friendly citchallenges for a child and youth friendly Stradbroke children and for the future of local children

3.2.2 Priority initiatives for North Stradbroke Island The council has provided further information to the Economic Transition Taskforce by identifying a number of breakthrough and priority projects which are infrastructure enablers, such as:

• marine transport infrastructur

• tourism infra

• cultural infrastructu

• social infrastructure (e.g.and training programs)

• civil infrastructure (e.g. town centre, roads a

• infrastructure to address island accescommunication).

A more detailed schedule of infrastructuby the taskforce is included (Appendix 1).

Redland City Council endorses coordinated planning, investment and partnerships with other levels of governthe community and private enterprise to achieve its community plan and policy commitments for the economic transition of North Stradbroke Island to a strong and thriving island future.

Council already commits capital and operational resources to strive to achieve the goals espoused in the Redlands 2030 Community Plan, but the vision of sustainability created by the Queenslalevel of investment.

Given the type and quantum of investment associated with both social and physical infrastructure and the processeused by local, state and commonwealth governments to determine the best allocation of resources, the Economic Transition Strategy does not make specific recommendations about what infrastructure should be funded. Rather, supports the ongoing role of the taskforce in identifying physical infrastructure priorities from an island perspectivand the potential oversight by the Ministerial Reference Group of a community needs analysis to identify future social infrastructure needs.

10


4 Socio-economic profile—issues, challenges,opportunities

4.1 Economic foundations

that

. The approach adopted in this

enefit the whole community through

naged given a commitment to environmental sustainability

scent and the island

ortunities within any community and

cations for the island’s economic future.

ciated with this growth, particularly in relation to environmental sustainability. It is widely accepted that a decline in population will be problematic in terms of economic sustainability—as the small size of the island’s population is considered a limiting factor.

Governments do not drive economic development, but they do influence the pre-conditions for a competitive and prosperous regional economy.

The pre-conditions for any viable economy are:

• people—the reason why society seeks a prosperous economy is to benefit the people who live withinsociety. There is also the need to provide workers with appropriate skills so they are available to meet the needs of local industry.

• infrastructure (physical and social)—physical infrastructure such as transport, sewerage and water, internet services, phone services, and community facilities are critical for economic activity to take place. Social infrastructure is necessary for the wellbeing of the community as well as creating conditions that will sustainthe workforce.

• land—all economic activity is subject to the availability of land and in particular, land which is physically suitable and appropriately designated for the proposed purpose.

4.2 People Within an economic context, people are important. Traditionally, economics focuses on people as labour. In thissense people play a key role because of their contribution to economic activitystrategy is to place an emphasis on the need for the economic transition to bimprovements associated with the quality of life as well as economic prosperity.

Within the context of the island, there are some key issues that emerge around its population and the relationship between the community and economic activity. These can be summarised as:

• the predicted level of population growth and how the relationship between population growth and economic prosperity should be ma

• the significant proportion of the population that are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deassociated issues of social and economic disadvantage which are critical to the future wellbeing of thecommunity

• the significant disparities in the levels of wealth between different townships which raise broader issues around social equity

• the island’s comparatively large aging population which has significant implications for both the need for social infrastructure and the availability of labour

• levels of education and training are closely linked to the economic oppare therefore critical to the island’s future.

The following section seeks to draw out data that can provide the basis for an informed discussion about these issues and their impli

4.2.1 Population One issue that has generated much speculation is around future expectations of population growth on the island, and the potential for either population growth or decline. Debate tends to focus on the tension between the benefits of population growth, in terms of outcomes such as increased capacity for service provision and greater stimulus for the local economy, and the costs asso

11

Draft Situational Analysis- not government policy

Snapshot

In the 2006 Census, the resident population of the island was recorded as 2016 (usual residence data). Most of the population lives in the three main townships, Dunwich (804 people), Point Lookout (669 people) and Amity Point (408 people). The number of people on the island at any time varies considerably due to the non-resident population (e.g. visitors, temporaiy workers, tourists). During peak tollli st pe1iods of Chiistmas/New Yeai· and Easter there have been estimates of up to 30 OOO people on the island, although a more conse1vative estimate of numbers at these times suggests a number upward of 10 OOO.

A snapshot of cunent data available regarding levels of population on the island indicates a small decline between 2001 and 2006, which is in contrast to both Redlands and Queensland which experienced a significant increase (see Table 1 ). This decline of around 1.3 per cent per year confinns the previous trend between 1996 and 2001.

Table 1. Population (place of usual r esidence), 2001 and 2006

NSI Redlands Qld

2001 2145 114 486 3 522 044

2006 2016 127 629 3 904 532

% growih -6.4 % 11.5 % 10.9 %

Source: ABS Census 2001 and 2006

The likelihood of significant population growth in the foreseeable future is not great. There ai·e a number of local and state government planning documents that include estimated population growth. It should be noted that these figures ai·e estimates only- as such, they should not be treated as either tai·gets or caps. The most detailed analysis is included in the draft Redland City Council's Local Growth Management Strategy 2008, which identified the ClllTent number ofresidents on the island to be 2275 and anticipated population growth of 895 in the pe1iod to 2026 with the majority of the growth located in Dunwich (an increase of 625 people).

These Redland City Council estimates were made dllling a pe1iod in which South East Queensland was experiencing extremely high levels of population growth and that trend has now slowed significantly. Therefore, it would be reasonable to consider the estimates ai·e at the upper level of population growth in absence of any other significant changes occuning on the island.

Challenges and opportunities

The key challenge is to get an approp1iate balance between retaining sufficient population levels to allow for economic sustainability while at the same time ensuring any population increase does not occur at the expense of environmental sustainability. For example, there is a broad view within the community that population levels during peak periods could not be sustained all year round due to increased levels of social and environmental impact.

There ai·e a number of mechanisms available to governments to manage population growth, including regulating land availability thI·ough local and state government planning instmments. A land use planning study will be unde1taken to investigate whether an increase in population could be accommodated within the cunent township expansion areas and other areas being assessed as being suitable for residential development. This study will also review the ClllTent planning controls which have limited land development on the island in recent years.

The chai·acter of the economic activity that is encouraged on the island will also influence whether any population increase is more broadly sustainable. For example, a lai·ge tolllism reso1t encouraging a large number of tolllists in peak periods is likely to be unsustainable, while low impact camping opportunities targeted at attracting smaller numbers of visitors tm·oughout the yeai· is more likely to be consistent with an environmentally susta.inable future.

12


4.2.2 Quandamooka and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is unique in that it has a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) residents close

is therefore likely that the Quandamooka Community Plan’s approximation of ATSI population at around 500 is 04 persons or 84 per cent) live in Dunwich where they

represent 38 per cent of the total local population.

The ATSI community the island has a higher level of socio-economic disadvantage than other island co Indigeno ination C , only 50.5 per cent of the ATSI people on the is re in work, urth lowest tion rate on and unemployment is high at 13.6 per cent. A third of the community orks 25 hours

T ensus sh e average of an ATSI person on the island is between $200 and $300 a week; tween $150 to $249 a week compared to the Australian average wage of $466. There are

relatively fewer middle and higher income Indigenous people on the island with 19 per cent earning more than

in a high degree of self-

uly 2011, it is anticipated that the Quandamooka People’s aspirations d environment initiatives, and other opportunities in line with the Quandamooka terests, can now be progressed.

lation

rojected to decrease significantly to approximately 21 per cent by 2026.

The island to Brisbane. This reflects the fact that the Quandamooka People have never relinquished sovereignty over their landand sea country, have had continuous occupation of the island, and have therefore been able to retain their distinctive culture.

Snapshot

The 2006 Census identified 363 ATSI residents on the island which is over 18 per cent of the total population. While the island’s non-Indigenous population decreased between 2001 and 2006, the ATSI population increased (by 26 persons). It should be noted that this data may be influenced by general inaccuracies in the Census count as post-censual surveys indicate there is typically a net undercount for ATSI people in the order of five to 10 per cent across Australia.

Ita more accurate figure. Most of the Indigenous population (3

onmmunities. According to us Coord entre data

land a the fo w

participa a week or less.

in the regi

he 2006 C ows th incomewith 28 per cent earning be

$400 a week compared with 42 per cent for the non-Indigenous population.


The Quandamooka People provide a wealth of cultural, social and environmental management expertise, which is considered a significant economic asset for the island community.

The Quandamooka People and ATSI community on the island continue to engagemanagement in areas such as health, cultural heritage management, land and sea management, housing, employment and community development. This is evidenced in a contemporary way through the number of Aboriginal community organisations, many of which provide service to the wider community.

Following the Native Title determination in Jfor social, cultural, economic anPeople’s native title rights and in

4.2.3 Age profile The age profile of a population has significant economic and social implications. In particular, an ageing popumeans fewer workers are available and there increasing demands for social services, particularly in relation to health services and aged care. It is also associated with a higher demand for low maintenance accessible dwellings.

Snapshot

The age profile of the island indicates that the local population has aged since 2001. The resident population over 55 years of age increased as a proportion of the total population and the proportion of residents aged 65 years and over grew from 10.7 per cent in 2001 to 14.9 per cent by 2006.

The median age on the island was 43 in 2006 compared to the Queensland average of 36. Geographically there is a very wide spread in median age with it being 59 years in Amity, 44 years in Point Lookout and 38 years in Dunwich.

While the working age population (32.8 per cent) is not very different to the rest of Queensland (33.5 per cent), it isp

13


Over the coming 20 years the larger geographical area of Redland City Council is projected to age with the median

dbroke Island Age Distribution, 2001 and 2006

age increasing from 38 to 46 (compared with 36 to 40 in Queensland). This ageing will be particularly prominent in the 50 to 64 age group where a doubling of the population is expected. Already over the past four years to 2009 the population has aged quickly with a 33 per cent increase in the number of people claiming a Centrelink age pension in the Redland region.

orth StraFigure 3. N

Source: ABS Census 2001 and 2006


The age profile on the island andshortage of people of working ag

the increasing trend towards an aging population indicates that there is a potential

One of the key contributors to these statistics is the

median individual income of island residents ($397) is 17 per cent lower than the Queensland average

higher portion of middle and higher earning individuals (41 per cent earning $400 a week or more) compared with 34 per cent for both Amity and Dunwich.

e and an increased strain on, and future demand for, social services, particularly in relation to health care. The older age structure may provide growth opportunities for aged care based industries andoccupations such as nursing staff and carers.

These future older residents will need transport to and from services such as hospitals, which may provide opportunities for transport services.

4.2.4 Workforce participation The level of workforce participation in any community is critical to generating economic activity. As the island is isolated, with significant population growth considered unlikely (and undesirable) and an aging population, levelsof workforce participation will be critical in the future.

Snapshot

The level of workforce participation amongst island residents is slightly lower than the Australian average. In 2006, 55 per cent of the population aged over 15 years was in the labour force compared to the Queensland average of 62 per cent. Dunwich has a higher labour force participation rate (59.3 per cent) which is likely to be due to the fact there is a high proportion of mining workers residing in the township.

While unemployment levels are actually quite low (3.3 per cent compared with the Queensland average of 4.7 per cent), so too are levels of full time work (28.6 per cent compared to the Queensland average of 38.1 per cent) reflecting generally high levels of part-time workers on the island (21.3 per cent compared to the Queensland average of 17.1 per cent) and associated lower levels of income. level of underemployment within the ATSI community which is reinforcing economic disadvantage (see section 4.2.2). The majority of the current island workforce is male (55 per cent).

The weekly($476), with significantly lower averages in the Amity Point ($376) and Dunwich communities ($384). Point Lookout has a higher median weekly income ($459) which is reflected by the relatively

14


Based on income data from taxation returns in 2008-09, the island had an average annual taxable income of $47 735 which is 12 per cent lower than the Queensland average. Growth in taxable income is also lower with 38 per cent growth since 2000-01 compared with 55 per cent growth in Queensland. Island residents paid marginally less tax (19 per cent of average taxable income) compared with Queensland (21 per cent).

The relatively lower median individual income level may be due to the larger proport ion of older people on the island. It is likely that retirees are living off superannuation rather than employment income.

Census statistics from 2006 also highlight the disparity between the average incomes of workers in the mining and accommodation and food service sectors (see Table 2). The average gross weekly income of a mine worker is over double that of an employee in the accommodation and food services sector. Table 2. Gross individual iucomes by sector , 2006

Gross individual incomes ($ per week)

Mining Accommodation and food services

Average 2006 1308 564

Source: ABS Census 2006

Compared to Redlands and Queensland, the age profile of the island shows there are less people of working age, part icularly in the 15-44 year old range (see Figure 4). The island has a relatively higher proportion of residents aged over 50 year·s and lower levels of people aged between 0 and 14 years. The low proportion of young people on the island may reflect a number of factors, including limited work opportunities and a high cost of living. This may impact on the availability of local workers in the future.

Figure 4. Age disti·ibution, 2006

15%

• NSI • Red lands • Qld 12%

9%

6%

3%


15


Challenges and opportunities Island residents have identified the lack of full-time and varied employment opportunities on the island as leading to residents moving off the island, either on a daily basis for work, or on a pe1manent basis. With the phase out of mining, and without approp1iate economic growth over the next eight years, there is likely to be a reduction of the gross income from employment on the island as well as a fmther increase in competition for available jobs. Expansion of existing sectors or emergence of new industiies, coupled with appropriate education and training opportunities can assist in increasing the supply of local workers and the availability of relevant jobs.

By growing full-time, well paid jobs and atti·acting diverse employment oppo1tunities, the community can reap the benefits of an improved economy and quality of life. Encouraging young people to stay on the island and providing approp1iate education and employment oppo1tunities will also be critical.

4.2.5 Indices of social and economic disadvantage The relative 'disadvantage' of a particular community provides a sense of how the population compares to the rest of Austi·alia. This section uses Socio-Economic Indices for Areas (SEIF A) as a way to compare the social and economic well-being of the island community compared to other communities in Australia.

• Socio-Economic Advantage and Disadvantag~provides an overall impression of levels of advantage and disadvantage in the community derived from information such as income levels and educational background.

• Index of Economic Resources- focuses on economic info1mation like the income, housing expenditure and assets of households.

• Index of Education and Occupation-focuses on educational and occupational characte1istics of communities, like the propo1t ion of people with a higher qualification or those employed in a skilled occupation.

The info1mation is recorded to identify where a community sits relative to the rest of Austi·alia. The lowest 10 per cent of areas are given number of one, the lowest 20 per cent given number two and so on up to the highest 10 per cent of areas which are given number of 10.

Snapshot

As Table 3 clearly indicates, overall the island is associated with a ve1y high level of disadvantage as it is in the lowest 30 per cent of areas in Austi·alia. Significantly, this disadvantage is even higher in Dunwich, with Point Lookout sitting in the midway range compared to the rest of Austi·alia. Economic resources are part icularly poor in both Dunwich and Amity.

Table 3. SEIFA Deciles by census collection disti·icts and post code area

Locality Census Advantage Economic Education and collection and resources occupations districts disadvantage

Point Lookout 3202902 6 6 7

3202907 4 3 6

3202908 6 4 6

Amity 3202903 3 2 2

Dnnwich 3202904 2 2 4

3202906 2 2 2

NSI (Post Code 4183) 3 2 4

Source: Census of Population and Housing: Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA}, Australia, 2006

16



The Economic Transition Strategy recognises the disadvantage that currently exists within the island community. As economic resources are generally low, the focus must be on increasing labour force participation (managing employment and underemployment) and identifying job opportunities that are relatively well paid. Given the island’s status with regard to education and occupation, further work is clearly required to support educationopportunities (as discussed below).

al

on the island are below the average in

72 per cent in 1997 to 55 per cent in 2008).

rages, this

he island may be reflective of the relatively high proportion of ATSI people who

ighest level of schooling (15 years and over), 2006

4.2.6 Educational level It is broadly recognised that a strong and resilient local economy requires complementary educational opportunities. Statistics indicate that, generally speaking, education levels the Redlands district and Queensland.

Snapshot

Education levels on the island are generally low. This is particularly evident in the number of island residents who have completed year 12 when compared with the Redlands district and the Queensland average (see Figure 5).

ereTh is both a state primary school and a high school located in Dunwich. In 2011, 132 students were enrolled in the primary school and 20 enrolled in the high school (which only caters to students until year 10). Year 11 and 12 students receive a transport subsidy to attend schools on the mainland. Approximately 45 per cent of the student body on the island is of ATSI decent and there has been a major decline in the proportion of non-Indigenous enrolments since 1997 (from

While tertiary education levels for the island are slightly above the Queensland and Redlands district aveis mainly at a certificate level (see Figure 6).

The lower level of education on ttraditionally have a lower level of education. Fewer Indigenous people (10 per cent) on the island have completed year 12 than non-Indigenous people (32 per cent).

Figure 5. H

Source: ABS Census 2006 *E stated’

xcludes ‘not

17


Figure 6. Non-schooling qualifications (percentage over 15 years), 2006


Figure 7. Non-schooling qualifications (percentage over 15 years), by town, 2006

Island residents have identified key barriers to education and training participation. These include the costs and time associated with transport and accommodation for courses on the mainland, as well as the lack of access to facilities including computers on the island.


18


The island is the site for some existing, though small-scale, businesses involved in education and training services. Research

gh

c

obs in mmodation

of existing

y. nt outcomes will

ol should y education.

he education and training sector has emerged as one of the industries with potential for expansion on the island Education can help tourism to

limit

y exists.

me and

sical’

region.

pacting on market

the island ommunity has also had the support of private industry, and in particular, the mining industry, in the development

The two most substantial are the hosting of field trips for Year 11 and 12 students at the Moreton BayStation and school science camps for primary and up to Year 10 students, many of which are organised throuStradbroke Holidays. These have specific ‘island’ activities in the curricula for the camps and field trips.

A range of other activities occur, including group visits by overseas students from private colleges and publiuniversities. It is difficult to quantify these and they do not seem to have any specific island content.

While jobs in education are not as highly paid as mining jobs, they are more secure and better paid than jtourism. Furthermore, the ratio of female to male earnings is higher for education compared with accoand food services and mining. Expanding the education industry on the island has the potential to lift the prevailing standards in the local labour market, including reducing gender inequalities and advancing Indigenous employment.

Further information on the availability and suitability of training on the island, including an inventory educational facilities and services, is available at <www.educationisland.net>.


The availability of a skilled and adaptable workforce is a critical factor in the development of a viable economThe provision of increased access to education and training programs with meaningful employmebe essential in encouraging participation in post-schooling education.

Identifying ways of encouraging students to stay on the island to support both the primary and high schos a priority and to support the schools in their endeavours to provide a high qualitalso be recognised a

Tbecause it can contribute economically as a source of income and employment.increase the range and quality of its products, especially those that involve visitors learning about the island.

The small size of the island population and the limited range of industries and employment opportunities maythe scope of education and training for residents.

Construction trades and computer skills are two areas where training could be implemented in the short term. The objective in construction may be to provide opportunities in a more diverse range of trades than currentlParticular emphasis could be placed on meeting learning needs of Indigenous youth.

There is also potential to expand the number of school camps and field studies which would increase incoemployment from the education and training sector.

One short-term need is to recognise and support the re-training needs of any mine workers that are seeking opportunities to transition to other employment should they choose to remain living on the island.

4.3 Infrastructure Infrastructure underpins all economic activity and is fundamental to a sustainable economy. There is ‘phyinfrastructure such as roads, water and sewerage, energy, transport and telecommunications, and ‘social’ infrastructure such as education, health and community services.

4.3.1 Physical infrastructure Adequate physical infrastructure is critical to the level of economic prosperity enjoyed within any particular It is considered a key enabler for industry growth and attracting business investment. A lack of appropriate infrastructure is recognised as a constraint to business investment through increasing costs and imviability.

ponsibility for the provision of basic infrastructure lies with government, historicallyWhile the prime rescof physical and social infrastructure.

19


Snapshot

The basic physical infrastructure needs of the island are similar to most isolated communities, with the main concerns being focused on connectivity in terms of transport and telecommunications. Other areas of concern thahave been raised by residents are the sewerage capacity, internet service provision and mobile phone cove

t rage.

ncern that two barge operations and the end of mining will result in a significant price increase, as

s

ub at One Mile in Dunwich has a floating pontoon with a ramp

edlands – to 2030 and beyond, August 2011).

s t site, the need

to become a mixed use development site and the particular sensitivities around the ea of state significance’ under the South East Queensland Coastal Management

and reservoir at Dunwich on the island. rage facilities are inadequate, particularly with regard to sewer capacity.

of households on the island had no internet connection, compared with 29 per

cent for Redland City as a whole. Only 20 per cent of island residents had broadband connection, compared with 45 per cent for Redlands. Consultation with local residents indicates that the quality of internet connections for the island is also poor. Details of the planned National Broadband Network service for the island are currently being clarified.

Transport and connectivity Affordable transport has been identified as a key barrier to addressing the island’s relative isolation and accessibility.

The most common form of access to the island is via vehicular barge (vehicles and passengers) or water taxi (passengers only). Services are currently at hourly intervals between 5.30 am and 7.00 pm. There is a coplans to merge the existing well as a potential reduction in services. The current seat capacity for transport to the island (over two million seatper year) is well in excess of the capacity to other island destinations including Moreton, Fraser and Hamilton

million seats. which all cater for less than one

On the mainland the ferry services have connections with regular public transport and on the island there is a bus service that connects with all ferries.

There is also a small airport on the island located six kilometres outside of Dunwich. The strip is 900 metres long and made of gravel and grass. On average, the airport has between 20 and 40 aircraft movements per month—however this can fluctuate, particularly when large wedding parties are flown in. Landing permission is required from the Straddie Aero Club and costs between $10 and $20 depending on the type of aircraft. Membership fees ($120 per year) include landing fees and hangar sites can be sub-leased from Stradbroke Air P/L for an annual feeof $3400 and an initial upfront fee of $3595. The hangar site leases are with the Queensland Government and anumber of sites are still available for lease.

The island is a hub for boating and fishing and many people access the island via private vessels. There is a public boat ramp and jetty at Amity and the Little Ship Claccess up to the club. There are no boat ramps or jetties at Point Lookout with only beach landing on suitable beaches.

Harbour facilities The upgrade of facilities at Toondah Harbour has been identified by Redland City Council as its highest strategic priority project (Priority projects for the Redlands: R

This status reflects the importance of the Toondah Harbour precinct in terms of marine transport facilities, itcritical role in providing water based transport, the opportunity it provides as a major redevelopmenfor master planning to enable itsite based on its status as an ‘arPlan.

Sewerage capacity Redland City Council maintains a sewage treatment plant, pipeline Evidence suggests that the current sewe

Mobile phone service Residents have raised concerns about poor mobile phone coverage on the island. Mobile phone coverage varies from company to company. Coverage is best around villages on the island and is patchy outside of townships.

Internet access Census data indicates that the island has significantly lower levels of access to internet at home than for householdson the mainland. In 2006, 47 per cent

20


Island roads Road infrastrncture on the island includes a 38-kilometre network of sealed roads. Any future extension to the road system will be shaped by the evolving economy.

4.3.2 Social infrastructure The provision of social infrastrncture is essential for the health, social wellbeing and economic prosperity of all communities. It plays an impo1tant role in b1inging people together, helping fo1m friendships and social suppo1t networks, and in helping communities to develop life skills and resilience. A strong and resilient economy requires the provision of a good range of community infrastrncture and se1vices to suppo1t the community and to attract employees and investment through the development of business networks, providing info1mation and suppo1t, assisting in education and training and providing an environment or lifestyle that attracts and retains employees and their families.

Snapshot In a similar fashion to physical infrastrncture, most of the islands' social infrastiucture needs are influenced by it being an isolated community. The relative isolation of the population means there is a demand for a wider range of se1vices than those that would be typically be required for a similarly sized community on the mainland in South East Queensland.

Community facilities and services Based on a comparison against desired standards of se1vices for South East Queensland, the island appears to have a high level of community facilities and se1vices (see Table 4).

Table 4. Audit of community services

Type of facility Number of Current Desired standards of service facilities rate of benchmarks

provision SEQsocial Adjusted infrastructure benchmark guidelines

Community halls/centres/ 4 503 6000-10 OOO 2000 meeting space

School 2 2013 10 000-20 OOO 10 OOO

Museums 1 2013 30 000-120 OOO 30 OOO

Att gallery 1 2013 30 000-120 OOO 30 OOO

Cultural centre 0 0 20 000-50 OOO 20 OOO

Libraries 3 671 10 000-20 OOO 10 OOO

Atubulance 1 2013 25 000-30 OOO 10 OOO

Police 1 2013 25 000-30 OOO 10 OOO

Fire service 1 2013 25 000-30 OOO 10 OOO

Healthcare 3 671 50 OOO-100 OOO 50 OOO

Aged care/respite 3 671 20 OOO-100 OOO 10 OOO

Youth 1 2013 10 000-20 OOO 10 OOO

Childcare 1 2013 4000-8000 3000

21


While the above benchmarking suggests a comparatively high level of service provision, access to services remains

ther assessment in terms of adequacy includes:

rt

care

lishing an Indigenous knowledge centre on the island h Knowledge Centre) to facilitate the preservation and development of Quandamooka history, language,

mitted to working with the Quandamooka People, state and federal governments on aspects of components:

ledge centre to support the cultural preservation needs of the Indigenous

at the entrance to Dunwich designed to support the as presenting Indigenous culture and knowledge to visitors and tourists.

• -based cata ect and organise Ind arious fo ats according to the needs and specifications wners of

The establishment of the knowledge centre wo antly l infrastructure on the island.


Because infrastructure is typically associated with a 'public goo omic and social), governments ( nd loc generally tak ponsibility f ts suppl mand for new infrastructure is widespread across most communities, and governments’ capacity to meet the demand is limited due to its substantial cost and the current fiscal environment tha in at a (globally, na , statewide and locally).

P vernment (at any level) making a decision about sup ucture ment on the island there will be a need to be an assessment of its value and consideration given to the expen f public monethe context of competing proposals.

The scope of the Economic Transition Strateg oes not allow for a detailed infrastructure assessment to be undertaken as part of this body f work. However, the strategy the following infrastructure needs, which should be investigated within the broader context of local, state and commonwealth government priorities:

•

• werage capacity

• phone service

• et access

•

• youth care and support

• icular mental health

• care

educational facilities with a technical focus

• safe and affordable housing.

an issue, particularly in terms of an equitable distribution of health and community care services across the island.

Key social infrastructure identified as needing fur

• youth facilities, care and suppo

• health, mental health and aged

• education facilities with a technical focus

• library services

• safe and affordable housing.

Minjerribah Knowledge Centre The Quandamooka People are in the process of estab(Minjerribaculture and tradition. A feasibility study was endorsed by the Redland City Council in February 2011 which included a number of recommendations to progress the development of the initiative in partnership with the Quandamooka community.

The council is comthe proposal which proposes three key

• a self-managed community knowcommunity

• a public cultural centre or precinct in a prominent position whole island community as well

an online web logue to prot igenous knowledge material in v material.

rm of the o

uld signific enhance socia

d' (both econcommonwealth, state a al) e res or ensuring i y. The de

t is under stra ll levels tionally

rior to go porting infrastr investditure o y within

y d o has identified

harbour facilities at Dunwich and Cleveland

se

mobile

intern

roads

health, in part

aged

•

22


Businesses on the island and the community in general, need to be realistic about the likely level of government infrastructure investment and should therefore prioritise needs by identifying what is critical and what is desirable. Furthermore, there needs to be investigation of innovative and cost effective models of infrastruct

joi oss-subsidy innovations and private investment. ure delivery such

base creates particular challenges in terms of justifying community service sidered in isolation from other factors. The case for increased social

within the context of the isolated nature of the community, the rs and tourists, and specific issues of disadvantage, particularly in relation to the ATSI typically heighten infrastructure needs. The Minjerribah Knowledge Centre project clearly

ial to enhance social infrastructure on the island through innovative initiatives.

s strategy does not allow for a detailed community needs analysis, it is clear that

town centre beautification, traffic and pedestrian management, foreshore access

ecome particularly significant in the lead up to the closure of Enterprise mine in 2019, at

e

and the way in which it is used can have a profound affect on a local economy. All to the availability of land and in particular, land which is physically suitable and the proposed purpose.

s approximately 26 000 hectares, most of which is currently designated as State land. The three y and Point Lookout have been established on small pockets of freehold land which

land.

conservation tenure. National park currently covers 5240 cent) of the island, with 50 per cent to be national park by the end of 2011, and 80 per cent by end

as nt ventures, private–public partnerships, cr

The small size of the island population and social infrastructure investment if coninfrastructure investment needs to be articulatedhigh number of visitopopulation, which all demonstrates the significant potent

While the scope and timing of thisuch an analysis should be undertaken and could potentially be overseen by the reference group.

The relationship between infrastructure needs and the Planning for Action document (draft action plan) is complex. The draft action plan is premised on a recognition that enhanced infrastructure for the island will promote individual industry action areas. However, the emphasis on sustainability, and improving the island’s self-sufficiency, means the draft action plan has minimised its reliance on major investment in infrastructure as a pre-requisite for its success.

There are a number of key physical infrastructure issues that Redland City Council has already identified as quire ring further consideration. These include:

• marine transport infrastructure—(e.g. Toondah Harbour and Dunwich)

• tourism infrastructure—(e.g. Point Lookout Headland–Terrangee paths trails, and associated facilities including world class whale watching facilities, National Park access and associated facilities, Tourist Welcome and Information Facilities)

• cultural infrastructure—(e.g. Minjerribah Knowledge Centre, North Stradbroke Island Museum)

• social infrastructure—(e.g. recreation facilities, community facilities, youth and family facilities, entertainment facilities)

• civil infrastructure—(e.g.and stabilisation).

A more detailed schedule of infrastructure requirements identified by the RCC is attached (Appendix 1).

Understanding the nexus between the end to mining and the feasibility of ferry services is also identified as a priority. This issue will bwhich time the number of trucks relying on the ferry service will dramatically reduce. The viability of a regular and affordable ferry service remains critical to future industries on the island and residents alike. Should the viability of the ferry service become a risk, a potential subsidy should be considered by future governments.

A preliminary analysis of the implications of the economic transition for these issues will be undertaken by thEconomic Transition Taskforce and its findings will be provided to local, state and commonwealth governments.

.44 Land Land is a fixed resource economic activity is subjectappropriately designated for

Snapshot

The island itownships of Dunwich, Amitequate to less than one per cent of the is

oportion of the State land is dedicated to A significant prhectares (20 per

23


of 2026. The remaining 20 per cent of the island, which is mainly unallocated State land, will be the subject of a

y mined (Amity,

ber e

interests in their

Land Use Planning Study which will be used to determine the most appropriate use for each area.

Mining leases have historically covered a significant area of State land (approximately half the island has been subject to mining leases) with the actual location of mining activity moving over time. The active mining leases are currently Enterprise, Yarraman and Vance mines. In addition, four other sites have been previouslBayside, Gordon and Ibis).

There is a golf course east of Dunwich and an area of pine plantation in the same vicinity. The island has a numof freshwater lakes and wetlands. Redland City Council began extracting freshwater from the southern half of thisland in 1990 to supply water to its mainland urban areas.

The Quandamooka People lodged two native title claims under the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 in 1995 and 1999. These included the island and surrounding waters, but excluded all freehold land. On the 4th July 2011, the Federal Court of Australia determined the Quandamooka People as the native title holders, recognising their long and enduring connection with the land and seas of the island and recognising their rights andtraditional country.

Figure 8 shows the townships settlements and other land use planning.

24


Figure 8. Council land use zoning map


One of the key considerations in developing a more diverse economic base for the island, and encouraging future investment, is to ensure land is available for development opportunities for sustainable industries.

A land use planning process, primarily focussed on the part of the island that will not be covered by national park, will be undertaken. The planning committee has representatives from DERM, the Department of Local Government and Planning (DLGP), Redland City Council and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC). The process will be informed by environmental and cultural considerations as well as economic outcomes and it will ultimately give guidance to whether specific areas of land are suitable for purposes such as residential, commercial, cultural and/or recreational or open space.

25


There is clearly a close link between economic development opportunities and the land use planning process. While ic development on the

Land allow enough appropriately

l provide an early meframes for the

not dependent on

has been completed

it the availability of new nature-based

illion visits to rks to the

billion

as traditional owners, ental and cultural values

mber of tenure related network.

he island in eduled to be registered

try plans remain on a voluntary basis.

this process will be a fundamental determinant of the nature and scale of sustainable economisland it will, at the same time, be informed by the specific initiatives identified in the draft action plan. The Use Planning Study will be mindful of all proposed actions and will endeavour to designated land to implement the action plan initiatives.

The first stage of the Land Use Planning Study will be an initial constraints analysis. This wilwarning if particular sites are not considered suitable for development. Also, given the longer tiplanning process, the actions included in the draft action plan have been designed so they are specific outcomes in the land use planning study.

There may be new development opportunities that become apparent once the land use studyand planning schemes are amended.

While the establishment of the new national park (Naree Budjong Djara National Park) will limland for future development it will also provide many opportunities for the economy including business opportunities, and increased recreational opportunities. Each year, there are over 16.2 mQueensland parks and forests. The most recent research into the economic value of national paQueensland economy found that direct spending by tourists visiting Queensland national parks is $4.43 annually which is 28 per cent of total tourist spending in Queensland.

The Quandamooka People’s ILUA with the Queensland Government recognises their rights custodians and managers of their traditional country, protecting the outstanding environmof the island. Under the ILUA, the Quandamooka People have provided their consent for a nuactions to allow for future development of the island, to regularise government infrastructure and the road

The confidential ILUA will likely have direct implications for future industry opportunities on trecognition of the Quandamooka People’s native title rights and interests. The ILUA is schin December 2011. Until this time, the Quandamooka People’s specific aspirations and indusconfidential and the Quandamooka People reserve the right to enter into any industry planning

26


5 Industry and employment profile In planning for an economic transition, there is a need to understand the CUITent industry and employment profile in order to identify key opportunities and challenges for the future growth of existing business and the emergence of new industry sectors and employment options for the local community. The cunent industry and employment profile of the island is described in the sections below.

5. 1 Employment by industry Snapshot

The 2006 ABS employment data highlights the importance of both the mining and toUiism industry sectors for employment on the island. With mining providing 14 per cent of all jobs located on the island and accommodation and food services providing 16 per cent, these two sectors represent the largest contribution to the economy in employment terms (Table 5). These industry sectors are significant employers when compared to the Queensland average. Other industry sectors such as agriculture, forestry and fishing; manufacturing; retail tr·ade and arts and recreation services CUITently make up only small percentages of employment on the island.

Table 5. NSI jobs and employment, 2006

Employment by sector NSI% QLD %

Accommodation and food services 16 7

Mining 14 1.7

Constiuction 10 9

Wholesale trade 10 4

Health and social services 10 10

Education and tl'aining 8 8

Other 32 60.3

TOTAL 100% 100%

Source. ABS Journey to Work, 2006

Figure 9. I sland employment by industry, 2001 and 2006

180

160

140 • 2001 • 2006

... 1 20 c:

~ 100 <U

Q.. 8 0 60

4 0

20

0

Source: ABS Census, 2001 and 2006

27


Figure 9 highlights the changing employment profile between 2001 and 2006 on the issignificance is the change in balance between the mining and accommodation and foonumber of jobs in mining decreasing, and the number of jobs in accommodation and f

land. Of particular d services sectors with the ood services increasing, over

island lacks diversity. The island's current economic base is not sufficient to allow for a sustainable future for the island given the phasing out of mining and the clear limits to

and comparatively lower paid jobs.

lity of economies that have a strong reliance on tourism. The n of the global financial crisis and last summers weather events in Queensland, have placed businesses

ill

l continue to decline.

ustry sectors to emerge and grow and for the further development of e at have po

5 in stry Snapshot

A desktop audit of existing businesses on the island in 2011 highlights the importance of the tourism industry with o t of the 208 island inesses ther directly or indirectly related to the tourism sector—including acco , tours and attractions (Figure 10). General services and trade also make up a large proportion of the island businesse any of which are likely to support the mining sector. The spread by township shows that Point Lookout accounts for just over 50 per cent of all island businesses with the majority of t esses in Poin ookout d Amity Point, and a concentration of other service-related businesses in Point Lookout and Dunwich.

Figure 10. Audit of island business dus 1

time.


While not a mono-economy, the industry profile of the

the contribution of tourism given its seasonality

Recent events have demonstrated the vulnerabicombinatiothat rely on tourism under extreme stress—a situation that is by no means limited to the island. While tourism wplay an important role in the island’s future, especially within the context of the creation of a new national park, it will not be sufficient to solely support the economy as mining is phased out. The development of a diverse and resilient island economy will require new business initiatives and the growth of new and existing sectors across allthree island townships.

With the phase out of mining over the next eight years, employment in the mining sector wil

This provides an opportunity for new indxisting industry sectors th growth tential.

.2 Business and du

ver 50 per cenmmodation, retail, food and beverage

bus ei

s, m

ourism related busin t L an

es by in try, 201

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Point Lookout

Dunwich

Amity Point

Source: EC3 Global Desktop Audit, 2011

Accom

modat

ion

Genera

l Ser

vices

Trad

e

Retail

Food &

Beve

rage

Tour O

perat

ors

Other

Attrac

tion

Comm

unity

/ Gov

ernm

ent Ser

vices

Educa

tion

28


5.2.1 Tourism The island’s combination of iconic wildlife, large marine life and traditional and contemporary landscapes and lifestyle, together with easy and affordable access, make it stand alone as a destination. While each factor alone can be found in other regions, it is the com

The success of North Stradbroke

bination of all that makes the island a truly special place.

ement Plan (Tourism Queensland)

0 000 visitors per year, spending 550 000 nights per year (including y-trippers (22 per cent) and international overnight (35 per cent)

ne of Brisbane's most popular family attractions. Visitors stay an average of 2.2 nights (domestic) and

in m decline. Based on anecdotal evidence, domestic visitation to the

other regions in Queensland by around eight per cent per year.

Island as a tourist destination will depend on the success (or otherwise) of the broader 'Moreton Bay and Islands' located within the Brisbane tourism region. The regional and local context will have a significant impact on the viability of tourism (and other industries) on the island.

A considerable amount of work has already been completed in the region that provides the context for island tourism planning and development. Over the past five years the Queensland Government and the Redland City Council have developed:

• Tourism Strategy for the Redlands (2010–14) (Redland City Council)

• Moreton Bay and Islands Regional Tourism Investment and Infrastructure Plan (Tourism Queensland and Brisbane Marketing)

• Destination Manag

• North Stradbroke Island Tourism Job Transition Stage 1 Scoping (Department of Environment and Resource Management).

Visitation and economic contribution The island currently attracts an estimated 35domestic overnight visitors (75 per cent), damaking it o4.0 nights (international).

Based on research from island tourism operators, 70 per cent of visitors are making a return visit to the island and 30 per cent are first time visitors. This level of repeat visitation is consistent with other popular destinations close toa large city.

Although official visitation data is not available for the island, anecdotal and local data suggests that the island is experiencing similar trends to Redlands, including growth in international visitation and long-term growth domestic visitation despite a recent short-terisland from Brisbane is decreasing yet increasing from

Figure 11. 2011 Redlands Visitors 2002–2009

29


In the year ending March 2010, the Brisbane Region attracted 5.05 million visitors. Of these, it is estimated only three per cent visited the Redlands and North St:radbroke Island.

No1th Stradbroke Island is better known to Brisbane residents than the Great Banier Reef and most residents hold positive perceptions of the island. However, visitors are commonly hindered in visiting due to perceived cost, distance and time restrictions.

Interstate visitors make up only a small percentage to the island, highlighting a lack of awareness by interstate markets and an opportunity for broadened marketing effo1ts (Tourism Sti·ategy for the Redlands 2010-14).

Visitation seasonality has a large influence on tomism business viability and places increased pressure on community infrasti11cture and se1vices in peak periods. Anecdotal and local data suggests that the island gets peaks of 80-90 per cent occupancy in tourist accommodation dming peak season, but drops as low as 10-15 per cent during the off-peak season.

The economic contribution of tourism to the island can be estimated based on national estimates of the economic multiplier of tomism expenditure (see Table 6).

Table 6. Estimated value of tourism to NSI (based on current expenditure)

Type Visitors Spend/day Direct value Approx jobs (FTEs)

Day trip (22 % ) 77 OOO $67 $5.2M 42

Domestic (75 %) 262 500 $76 $20M 163

Intem ational (3 % ) 10 500 $95 $1 M 8

TOTAL 350 OOO $26.2M 213 Source: EC3 Global based on Local Estimates and Tourism Satellite Account Model (Qld) for Jobs

Understanding the tourism market No1th Stradbroke Island has a reputation for being a relaxing and beautiful weekend getaway. Its unspoilt beaches and flora and fauna add to the island's attractiveness, and as increased numbers of people move into cities and regional areas, quick weekend getaways like No1th Stradbroke Island have the potential to become deeply ingrained in people's short-break calendars.

According to segmentation unde1taken by Tourism Queensland, there are six key target visitor markets in Queensland. These six are Social Fun-seekers, Connectors, Unwinders, Active Explorers, Stylish Travellers and Self-Discoverers. No1th Sti·adbroke Island, as pa1t of Brisbane's Moreton Bay and Islands has adopted this approach to identifying the different target markets for the island, including their different needs, wants, motivations and characteristics.

Figure 12. Tourism Queensland market segmentation

Social Fun-seekers 2:1%

Co!Vl&etou

32%

Un winders 1:1%

Self Discoverers 12%

30

Stylish Travellers

5%


The table below highlights the identified market positioning and target markets from the range of recently completed tomism plans and strategies that include North Stradbroke Island.

Table 7. Regional target markets

Strategy Positioning Targets

Brisbane Destination ' New world city' with easy access to coastal, Social Fun-seekers (Interstate) Management Plan island and natural experiences. Connectors (Intrastate)

Brisbane Marketing - Locals Inspiring and educating residents (hosts) of Connectors (VFR) Campaign vast range of products and experiences Social Fun-seekers (Interstate)

Connectors (Intrastate)

Moreton Bay and Islands Demonstrating the tmique aspects of the area - Social Ftm-seekers & Campaign raw, spirited and refreshing Active Explorers (Prima1y)

Connectors (Secondary)

Redlands Tourism Plan 2010 Position Redlands as a shoit-break destination Connectors - Families (Children 1-15 years) & forSEQ Couples (without children)

Active Explorers - Backpackers

The Economic Transition Strategy has identified the target markets for the island as p1imarily domestic, including the Connectors and Unwinders, with seconda1y markets being Active Explorers and Social Fun Seekers. International Experience Seekers are an emerging market along with those outlined below.

Along with their key target markets, the island's tomism operators have also identified a number of emerging markets that could be targeted for tomism growth in the region. These include international travellers seeking Voluntomism and education expe1iences (including both schools and universities), along with domestic Connectors travelling for events, weddings, and cultmal or environmental expe1iences (also identified in the Tomism Strategy for the Redlands 2010- 14). The business market (not a Tomism Queensland market segment), pa1ticularly those travelling for small meetings, is another emerging market.

Tourism infrastructure and services The island is home to over 2000 residents which grows to over 10 OOO per week dming peak holiday seasons.

The island boasts around 6400 beds in 2000 rooms with a majority of visitors staying in holiday homes (30 per cent) or campgrounds (30 per cent) in and around the major population centres of Point Lookout, Amity and Dunwich.

Occupancy rates on the island differ greatly from those on the mainland (Redlands mainland data shown below). Where the mainland averages between 50-60 per cent, the island gets peaks of 80-90 per cent occupancy dming peak season but gets as low as 10-15 per cent dming the off-peak season.

31


Figure 13. Redlands rooms and occupancy rate 2006–2009

The provision of appropriate infrastructure and services is essential in su th and development he co ths r

population centres of South East Queensland. Access to the island is by v taxi between Cleveland and Dunwich, which is then connected to a 38 km network of sealed roads on the island. The island is

well serviced with more seat capacity than other islands in Queensland.

pporting tourism growas well as providing for t mmunity’s needs. One of the key streng of the island is its proximity to the majo

ehicular ferry or water

currently

Figure 14. Ferry seat capacity

Future visitor infrastructure in the national park With the planned expansion of the national park, there will be increasing opportunities to see areas of the island

at were previously inaccessible, once appropriate visitor management arrangements are in place.

ERM and the Quandamooka People will be joint managers of the protected areas on the island, and together are anagement of these areas. Further initiatives for the proposed protected areas to be

planned cooperatively include:

• investigating the development of day-use areas, both to improve servicing of current visitor nodes and to support the development of new walking and camping opportunities

• planning for interpretation that helps visitors to learn about and respect Quandamooka culture and country, and to enjoy the significant natural values of the island

th

Dplanning for the future m

32


• planning for a permanent park base—in the interest of realising joint management, there are aspirations for an RM as joint managers of the protected areas

hensive information on the island and its

ss the island will be identified through the land use

sand mining. The tourism ployment and economic growth on

tunities for nature-based tourism and in place. In addition, the determination of native

ooka People and potential business

y, but rapid growth represents guiding principles were

Be true to the island style and don’t try to be something else.

ttract volume.

Make Straddie special, and help visitors appreciate what they have found.

ustainable use of the island's natural and actions included in the draft action plan aim

integrated park base that would bring together the QYAC and DEof the island, as well as providing a place for visitors to get compreparks.

Off-park opportunities for recreation infrastructure acroplanning process.


The island will continue to attract visitors throughout the economic transition fromindustry offers viable opportunities to contribute to maintaining or growing emthe island. The expansion of the national park will provide increasing opporrecreation once appropriate visitor management arrangements are title provides the opportunity to recognise the aspirations of the Quandamventures within nature-based and cultural tourism.

To increase the contribution made by tourism to the island presents a real opportunitan even greater risk. Through consultation with a range of industry experts the following articulated for appropriate development of tourism on the island:

• The success of any product relies on the awareness of the island and destination.

• Build from the Base: don’t look for external investment solutions.

• Leverage the current assets = beachfront and villages and relaxed environment.

•

• Create value, don’t just a

•

• Create memorable moments (for all the right reasons).

The vision for the tourism industry on the island is to focus on the scultural resources ensuring the viability of the industry. The tourismto:

• respect culture

• increase spend per day

• broaden the visitor base (not necessarily increase numbers)

• convert those aware of the island to visit

• reduce seasonality

• become a showcase for environmental sustainability.

33


5.2.2 The contribution of mining to the economy The following economic analysis was prepared by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation at the request of the taskforce:

There are potential local business opportunities which could lead to a positive economic impact in the coming years and may negate the impact of a cessation of sand mining on the Island.

The major analytical reseawas conducted by Synerg

rch into the overall economic impact of ceasing sand mining activity ies consultancy for Unimin Pty Ltd2 in June 2010, which is a sand

assessed using an input–output (I–O) analysis. Both

e has averaged around $125 million.

sent the North rice effects when production of

is analysis.

uble the average linkage to other y and supplying to other industries in the North Stradbroke

linkage index to id to have an above

ing itself. The economic significance of the

The model estimates sales5 of mining industry goods and services will fall by $125 million by lt of this fall the industry will purchase $43.9

d services from other industries6. Another result of the fall in mining to households from the mining industry. With less income households will

y7. When adding these three impacts dbroke Island, Synergies estimates the total impact will be

f the cessation of the mining industry on North Stradbroke Island will be $77.5 produced (see Table 8). This fall will mean

the mining industry and other industries purchase $17.3 million less in the form of local value added production on the island. It will also mean households with lower incomes purchase $34.9 million less in goods and services in the form of local North Stradbroke Island added value. The addition of these three impacts on the local value added to the island's goods and services in $129.7 million.

mining company and is now called Sibelco Australia and New Zealand. The research’s objective was to assess the economic and employment impacts of ceasing mining operations in North Stradbroke Island, on the local economy and community.

Synergies economic consulting report titled Impact on North Stradbroke Island from Ceasing Sand Mining (June 2010), examined the impacts on production, incomes, employment and revenues received by governments have beenthe direct and indirect effects are included. In the model, strong linkages are claimed between mining and other NSI industries. Mining occurs for heavy metals rutile, zircon, ilemnite and silica from sand. Over the past five years to 2010, minerals revenu

The input–output table used in the analysis was specifically constructed to repreStradbroke Island economy using small area data3. To allow for pgoods and services either expand or contract a non-linear input–output model developed by the Centre of Policy Modelling at the University of Queensland has been used in th

In the input–output model, the mineral sands industry has doindustries in terms of being supplied bIsland economy. In conventional input–output theory, any industry with aindustries as a whole in an economy which is much greater than one, is saaverage economic influence on other industries includmineral sands industry is further borne out by the forward linkage for output, and the backward and forward linkage indexes for value added, income and employment being close to two4.

mining activity ceasing (see Table 8). As a resumillion fewer goods anactivity is less incomeconsume $57.2 million less in the North Stradbroke economof the cessation of mining on North Stra

oduction of good and services. a $226 million loss in pr

A second impact omillion less in the local value8 of goods and services

2 Unimin currently produces up to 600 000 tonnes of sand annually for glass production in Brisbane, for white mortars, and for glass and mineral production in export markets such as New Zealand and Japan. 3 At the Census collection district 4 With the exception of the backward output linkage (index = 1.5)

5 Gross output in Table 11

6 Giving a Type 1 output multiplier of 1.35

7 Giving a Type 2A multiplier of 1.81

8 Value added is different from output because it shows how much of the revenue is due to North Stradbroke Island input (in the form of wages and salaries, profits, dividends and depreciation).

34


With the cessation of mining activity on the island there will be a $62.8 million decrease in incomes9 from selling mineral sands. With the mining indust.Iy purchasing less from other fnms on the island they will experience a $17 .3 million fall in their incomes. It will also mean less income for households in North St.I·adbroke Island who will reduce their consumption by $22.4 million. When adding these three impacts together the total impact of ceasing mining activity will be $97.6 million less factor income.

Employment on North St.I·adbroke Island will also be affected by the cessation of mining activity on No1th St.I·adbroke Island with a fall of 289 jobs being proposed by Synergies. Of these 289 lost jobs, Synergies believes 145 will be in the fnms being shut down. In addition to this there will be 53 fewer jobs in indust.I·ies which supplied goods and se1vices to the closed mining fnms. With less household income from these closed mining fnms and their consequently lower consumption of goods and se1vices, the No1th St.I·adbroke Island fnms supplying these goods and se1vices will employ 91 fewer people.

This impact on employment will also be felt in the rest of South East Queensland where the shut down mining fnms reduce their staff by 130 people. As a result of this fall in employment the rest of South East Queensland fnms they buy goods and se1vices from will reduce their employment by 36 people. The lower consequent ceasing of mining activity on household income and consumption will mean 66 fewer jobs in the rest of South East Queensland. These employment impacts on the rest of South East Queensland mean 232 fewer jobs in the region as a result of stopping sand mining on No1th St.I·adbroke Island.

Table 8: Economic and employment impacts of cessation of mining activity

Direct impact Flow-on Flow-on Total industry Consumption Effects Effects

Gross output ($ M) 125 43.9 57.2 226.1

Value added ($ M) 77.5 17.3 34.9 129.7

Factor income($ M) 62.8 12.4 22.4 97.6

Employment (Stradbroke) (no.) 145 53 91 289

Employment (South East 130 36 66 232 Queensland) (no.)

Source: Synergies Consulting, Impact on North stradbroKe Island from ceasing sand mining, June 2010.

The apparent high falls in indirectly affected industries from the cessation of sand mining activity just desc1ibed are due to st.I·ong linkages between the mining indust.Iy and other indust.I·ies. The st.I·ongest linkage is with the manufactming industiy which is estimated to lose 17 per cent of the jobs outside of the mining indust.Iy.

9 Factor incomes are diVidends, interest. the retained profits of companies.

35


Table 9: Distribution of indirect losses from cessation of sand mining by sector-%

Employment Value Added

Manufacturing 17 15 Trade 15 13.5 Transport and 15 13.5 Communication Construction 13 14.5 Utilities 11 10 Finance and 8 7.5 Business Services Education and 5 6 Tourism Health and Social 4 5 Services Other 4 3.5 Agriculture 2 1.5 Tourism 2 3 Arts and 2 3.5 Recreation Services Personnel 2 3.5 Services Total 100 100

Source: Synergies Economic Consulting, Impact on North Stra<lbroke Island from ceasing sand mining

To offset the loss of these jobs, the tourism indust:Iy is often touted as a growth indust:Iy. The repo1t argued the tourism industry will grow slowly and not create sufficient new jobs to offset mining indust:Iy jobs. This argument relies on declining growth rates of visitor tr·ips and nights per person for Austr·alia and Queensland, and factors underlying weakness in tourism, from 1999 to 2009. In addition to the slow growth in tourism job numbers, Synergies argues incomes in the tomism industry tend to be lower than in the mining industry .

Beyond tomism, the repo1t states the impact of the cessation of mining on No1th Str·adbroke Island will be higher water transport costs, reduced transpo1t se1vices, and higher re-fuelling costs; however, it also points out these negative impacts could be offset by reductions in house p1ices making holiday accommodation cheaper. In addition to this a greater number of tomists could be attracted to No1th Str·adbroke Island by greater environmental amenities from the cessation of mining activity.

Given these large economic impacts suggested in the Synergies repo1t, DEED! has prepared comments on the methodology. The comments have been limited due to the lack of detail on data and methodology provided in the repo1t .

Such limitations nonetheless do not restr·ict commentary on the scope, str11cture and plausibility of the findings from the model used in the Synergies repo1t . A key comment on the plausibility of the findings is that it is questionable whether $125 million in output flowing from sand mining activity has been completely contained within the No1th Str·adbroke Island. With revenue flowing to the head offices of the sand mining companies it is unlikely much of the $125 million of the sales revenue would stay within No1th Sn·adbroke Island. This concern over the plausibility of the output impact of the cessation of mining activity on No1th Stradbroke Island feeds into concerns over the size of the impact on gross value added and incomes. It is also unlikely much of the $77.5 million profit component of value added would stay in No1th Str·adbroke Island. While there are losses to the region, the repo1t also highlights the projected increase in fuel, elecn·icity and transpo1t costs on the island for remaining residents resulting from no mining, along with possible

36


reduced school services, and the regional income decline and social dislocation of miners leaving the area.

Another broad comment is the absence of a discussion of which i potentially offset the loss of activity in ndustry. d the and personal services industries as having relatively strong demands for goo nd services from other industries but did no n loring the impact of expanding these industries. The report did highlight t ry’s er demand for g nd services from the rest of the North Stradbroke Island’s economy c ared with the tou dustry; however, did not acknowledge that to d serv demand was still significant enough to support growth in the local e

The Synergies repor ts a worse case economic impact. This is because no offsetting benefits ap lled there is no structure change in the North Stradbroke Island accounted for ation of mining.

These economic losses do appear to be significant in the context of North Stradbroke Island however for the South East Queensland region as a whole they elatively small. A more thorough assessmen its and c s of closing the sand mining industry would provide better estimates of expected economic losses, as it would include aspects such as values of native biodiversity and natural amenity.

SGS Economics pro ing paper into the North Stradbroke Island Economic Development Strate epartmen f Environment and Resource Management in June 2011. In their review ic consulting report are confident the economic impacts appear accu wever, the rep ates the Synerg port does not adequately consider possible mitigation for some of the economic impacts from the cessation of mining

h analysis may exa ine the impact if some households remained on the island and consumed goods and services

s:

island

years

ers remain, depending on the value they place be

is

ng the economic cost from cessation of mining activity which Synergies

tors

ndustries couldtrade, education the mining i The report listeds a

t take the next step ihe mining indust

exp high oods aomp rism in

urism goods an ices conomy.

t potentially represenpear to be mode

other thanand

the cess

are rt of the benef ost

vided a scopgy for the D of the Synergies econom

t othey

rate; ho ort st ies re

activity, for example, the report lacks analysis of the impacts on households. Sucm

there too. According to SGS Economics they may choose to stay on a number of factors such a

age—long time workers who reside on the island may be able to and chose to retire on the

housing commitments—it is understood many mine workers purchased mine housing someago and may have mortgages

lifestyle attractions—this may influence whether workon this; however given their considerable connection to the island in terms of time it could assumed that the lifestyle attractions rate highly; and

other employment opportunities either on the island or accessible form the island, whichdependant on finding employment with similar skills or retraining.

As a consequence households would continue to consume goods and services and support localindustries, reducieconomic consulting reported on.

Conclusion The review of the report by Synergies Economic Consultancy highlights that the impact analysis is potentially a ‘high side’ outcome. This is because Synergies acknowledges a range of offsetting factors was not modelled. Furthermore, SGS Economics considered that other mitigating facwere not taken into account. Setting aside these qualifications the method as described by Synergies appears appropriate.

There are several potential industry development opportunities on North Stradbroke Island. Some of these have already been identified in previous studies and analyses.

There are additional industry development opportunities in tourism and education and training for offsetting the impact of the phasing out of mining activity on North Stradbroke Island.

37


38

ut sand mining activity according to a study by Synergies Economic Consulting. This

e

5.3 While ism sectors, there w y change the ind lopment emergassess cceptable to the community, viable for private sector economy. Not all ind is not likely to be sus

See th ion on future ortunities.

Note:

This st t and the Economic Transition Taskforce with assistance from the following consultants—SGS Economics and Planning, Education Island, EC3 Global and the Quandamooka Land Council.

These tourism industry development opportunities were not strong enough to offset the impact of phasing ostudy found the impact of the phase out of mining would be a large fall in production, employment and incomes in North Stradbroke Island. Synergies acknowledges environmental and social benefits were not factored into their model, regarding the economic loss identified by thmodel potentially overstating the impact of mineral sand mine closures.

Future industry development and employment the current industry and employment profile of the island is dominated by the mining and tour

ill be a period of transition over the next eight years. The move away from mining will significantlustry and employment profile of the island, with new opportunities for economic growth and deve

ing. It is recognised that future industry development on the island will need to be based on a clear ment of the types and styles of industry that will be both ainvestment and can provide an appropriate level of employment and contribution to the islandustry sectors will be appropriate for the island and introducing a new industry to the economytained in the long term.

e Economic Transition Strategy and associated Planning for Action documents for further informatdevelopment and employment opp

rategy has been prepared by the Department of Environment and Resource Managemen

Appendix 1

Planning for Sustainability of North Stradbroke Island Draft schedule of infrastructure projects for future consideration by the taskforce

The projects in this infrastructure schedule have been proposed by Redland City Council (RCC) on the basis of research and ongoing consultation as at October 2011 and require further cross-sector consideration. For further information, please see the RCC North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Taskforce Progress Report, endorsed by Council at the General Meeting on 26 October 2011 .

1. Marine transport infrastructure

1.1 Toondah Harbour

Short term Medium term

Master planning for major redevelopment to address marine- Major commercial redevelopment with private sector related activities, mixed-use development, commercial, involvement tourism, community recreation, bus transit and feny tenninal, dredging and reclamation

Relocation of recreational boat ramp to Williams St

Welcome/Interpretative signage

1.2 Dunw ich Harbour


Improved bus pick-up/set down facilities (Jmlller St) Ticketing office facility for the shared barge ramp (Jmlller St)

Safer accommodation of pedestrian movement through car- Lounge/waiting facilities with food/refreshment sales (J=er park (Jmlller St) St)

Landscaping, lighting, sectu1ty and signage improvements Major redevelopment (JtUlller St and Cllllllingham St including (J=er St) Sibelco areas) with p11vate sector involvement

Consolidate land holdings and tmstee an-angements (JtUlller St and CtUlllingham St including Sibelco areas)

Master planning for major redevelopment (JtUlller St and Cllllllingham St including Sibelco areas) to address marine-related activities, mixed-use development, commercial, tom-ism, community recreation, bus transit and feny tenninal, dredging and reclamation

Welcome/Interpretative signage

2. Tourism infrastructure

2.1 Point Lookout Headland (Terrangee)


Complete Point Lookout Gorge boardwalk and Point Lookout Oval Park interpretative feattu·es Upgrade and Cylinder Beach Park Upgrade

Headland Park Upgrade with trail head amenities World Class whale watching and inte1pretation facility including building & car park constmction high quality nattu·al musemu (with audio/visual inte1pretation

facilities)

39


Provide access to existing linkages in a Great NSI Complete Great NSI Trail and network to fine grain elements Recreation Trail (Resolve national park and Nature including landscape feattU'es, stories of place, camping and other Conservation Act ban-iers) facilities

2.2 National parks access


Establish infrastmctme development plan to prioritise Implement infrastmcture development plan access and amenity infrastmcttu·e (including potential road reconstmction, constmction of link between Fishenuans and Tazi roads)

2.3 Tourist welcome/information facilities


Establish Dm1wich Tom-ist Welcome and Info=tion Centre

Establish Point Lookout Info=tion kiosk

3. Cultural infrastructure

3.1 Minjerribah Knowledge Centre


In partnership with Quandamooka people, govemment and business investors, create a culttu·al centre managed by traditional owners for keeping records, iniages and a1t efacts, a space for presenting intangible knowledge including traditional songs and dances, and a site for sto1ytelling, exhibitions, a library and research

3.2 North Stradbroke Island Museum


Assist with the ongoing development of the Musetuu

4. Social infrastructure


Point Lookout Hall Precinct - event infrastmcttu·e Improved Island libra1y facilities (possibly in conjm1ction with other (boardwalk, pe1fon11ance platform, play space, infrastmcttu·e) shade)

Land use planning, land identification and land Youth facility/Indoor spo1ts centre acquisition for social infrastmcttU'e

Community services centre for use by govemment agencies and NGO's for the delive1y of hmuan services

Refurbish Amity Point Hall for ETS futtu·e

New Dm1wich Cemete1y

40


Outdoor entertairunent arena/amphitheatre for significant events with ancilla1y infrastmctme

Shark-netting for swimmers at Cylinder Beach

5. Civil infrastructure


Streetscape enhancement for Dunwich, Amity and Entrance Statements for Dunwich, Amity and Point Lookout Point Lookout town centres and main tourist routes

Expand wastewater reticulation networks Amity foreshore stabilisation program

Upgrade car-park at Cylinder Beach Dunwich to Pt Lookout Cycleway

Amity to Pt Lookout Cycle Track

Dunwich to Amity Cycle Track

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· Z·4 MAR 2016 - Queensland Parliament · Chair of Finance and Administration Committee Parliament House ... compensation from the ... The Bill returns the North Stradbroke Island

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