LITTLE SHIP CLUB July 2016 eNews

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-26/north-strad- broke-island-sand-mining-to-end-2019-early/7446860

Sibelco staff are concerned how they will access government benefits • Report date: 6th May 2016 • Reporters: Cheryl Goodenough and Brian Williams • Image: Redland City Bulletin Uncertainty continues over the cessation of mining on North Stradbroke Island, with workers concerned that government funds will not stretch far enough. Sibelco workers have questioned outcomes of the state government’s draft Economic Transition Strategy, raising concerns about vague terminology. The former Newman Government introduced its controversial North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability and Another Act Amendment Act in 2013. That allowed for the expansion and extension of sand mining until 2035. The government is repealing the Newman legislation and has promised $20 million for the island’s transition out of mining by 2019. Parliament’s Finance and Administration Committee has been investigating the government’s bill on the transition and a second put up by Katter Australia Party’s. Sibelco operator Jason Karklis said he was not sure what some of the transition scheme meant. “From a local standpoint, when it says expand education and training opportunities, who is that for? What about the locals? If you shut down mining we will lose the youth – me, my three kids, my partner,’’ he said. “I do not know how this $20 million will boost the number of children going to school, the infrastructure and equipment and the teacher to student ratios. I do not see how this is a positive for our kids’ education.” Sibelco senior environmental coordinater Ben Savins said even if he got a redundancy it would not be much. “Then am I not eligible to get anything under that scheme?’’ he said “When I read it, I am not eligible. That is where the concern is.’’ Quandamooka spokesman Cameron Costello said the committee’s parliamentary report cleared the way for Parliament to restore native title rights. He said the report’s three-all split between government and non-government MPs on the government’s bill was expected. Sibelco chief executive Tom Cutbush said his company agreed that mining was a temporary land use but finishing in 2019 was too soon for a successful move to other industries. The government’s funding of $20 million in combination with Sibelco’s contribution of $21 million and an end to mining in 2027, would give a greater chance of a successful transition and support up to 116 displaced employees and their families. “We welcome the observation from non-government members that an even handed approach to a compromise between 2019 and 2035 would be 2027, a date which, as evidenced in the report, is also supported by a significant number of stakeholders,’’ he said. Mr Costello said Quandamooka people had never expected LNP MPs to admit their mistake with their 2013 laws. “(We) welcome the Labor members’ recommendation that the government bill be passed and now look forward to that happening as soon as possible,’’ he said. “At some point soon we hope the LNP will make its peace with native title and the rights of Aboriginal people.’’ Mr Costello said the LNP supported miners’ rights yet was mute on the rights of native title holders. Quandamooka people wanted to help build Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island as a global eco-cultural tourism destination.

North Stradbroke Island sand mining to end by 2019

• Report updated: 26th May 2016 • Reporter: Gail Burke | ABC News • Images: as credited

Sand mining will come to an end on North Stradbroke Island by 2019, reversing a decision by the former Newman administra- tion to extend Sibelco’s lease to 2035.

The Labor Government passed the legislation early this morning with the help of two independents — Billy Gordon and Rob Pyne — in the hung parliament. Former Labor premier Anna Bligh had previously legislated to end the mining on the island, off Brisbane, by 2019, however the former Liberal National government extended the term until 2035. North Stradbroke Island is the second-largest sand island in the world after Fraser Island, and has been mined for sand since 1949. “Today marks the start of a new chapter,” Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said. “The debate is over. The community, the business sector, traditional own- ers and new investors supported by the Palaszczuk Government can now move forward to ... new exciting, sustainable jobs of the future.” A Deloitte Access Economics analysis that was commissioned by the State Government and released earlier this year found sand mining generated between $60 million and $80 million per year for the local economy and employed 95 island residents. The Liberal National Party opposed the bill, which ends mining by the end of 2019, arguing it was bereft of logic. “This bill will put workers out of work, it will undermine the economic stability of the local community,” Opposition environment spokesman Andrew Cripps said. “It will mortally wound the bottom line of small businesses ... and impact on property values.” Traditional owners locked out of places of cultural significance Government minister and Indigenous Labor MP Leanne Enoch absented herself from Cabinet discussions on the issue because she belongs to the Quandamooka people, who are traditional owners of the area. She spoke in the Quandamooka language in Parliament to acknowledge her ancestors and the strength of her people. She told parliament her own family had varying views on when sand mining should end, but said she felt the Newman government had caused division in the community on the issue. “My father worked in that sand mine as a young man,” she said. “He would say that it was the right kind of economy for that time. Many of my family members have benefitted.” She said much of the mining lease covered traditional places of great significance. “Places that traditional owners, my family, representing thousands of generation do not have access to, cannot teach children about, cannot pass on to the next generation,” she said. “That is why it is important to understand that it is time for a new economy.” Quandamooka elder Bob Anderson said it was a good outcome. “Tourism will be one of our main money spinners and people will learn more about the many facets that Minjerribah offers to tourists,” he said. The Katters Australian Party tried to put up a compromise of a 2024 close date, but independents Billy Gordon and Rob Pyne argued the earlier closure was better for the Quandamooka people and the environment. The sand mine on Stradbroke Island, off Brisbane, has been in operation since 1949. (ABC News: Giulio Saggin)

Mining families: Sibelco employee Chad Borey and children Ryan, 11, Jazmyn, 10, Cobra, 2, and mum Jayme with Myer Karklis, 3, mum Kiesha, Amarni, 1, dad Jason and Chace, 5.

http://www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au/story/3891769/workers-worry- about-end-of-mining/?cs=213

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July 2016 eNews SPECIAL

Supplement: Facing the future of Straddie