Original story by James Kelly, ABC News
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman says the State Government will press ahead with plans to extend sand mining on North Stradbroke Island to 2035.
He was responding to the release of a report that argues sand mining on the island, off Brisbane, should be regulated by federal rather than state environmental laws.
North Stradbroke Island residents gather today to call for an end to sand mining on the island. Photo: Glen Carruthers
Quandamooka traditional owners, Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) representatives, and North Stradbroke residents gathered on the island to unveil a giant banner calling on political parties to “Stand up for Straddie”.
ACF chief executive officer Don Henry says the mine is affecting the adjacent 18 Mile Swamp wetlands because it interrupts the flow of water.
“It’s internationally recognised as very important for birdlife and other endangered species,” he said.
Mr Henry says a report commissioned by the Friends of Stradbroke Island suggests the activities of the Enterprise sand mine are of National Environmental Significance.
He says that means the mine should be regulated by federal environmental laws, not state laws.
Sue Ellen Carew from Friends of Stradbroke says it is an internationally significant wetland.
“The fact that those precious wetlands which overlay an enormous aquifer are being damaged is a great tragedy,” she said.
Newman says people voted for jobs
The former Bligh Labor government ruled sand mining on the island would be phased out by 2019.
But Mr Newman says his Government will not be following that lead.
“During the state election campaign people voted very, very strongly on Stradbroke Island for mining to continue,” he said.
“If Federal Labor or the Greens want to interfere and shut it down and stop jobs in Queensland well, let it be on their heads.
“We are delivering what we said we’d do – we’re supporting jobs on the island.”
Mine operator Sibelco says the operation adheres to environmental best-practice principles and there has been no negative impact on the wetlands.
Sandmining on Stradbroke Island. Some groups say the mine should be regulated by federal environmental laws, not state laws. Photo: Giulio Saggin/ABC News
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