The future of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) as a hub for eco-tourism, research and education moved closer today with the signing of two significant agreements between the State, Traditional Owners, Sibelco Australia and The University of Queensland (UQ).
Deputy Premier and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Jackie Trad today signed a Statement of Intent on behalf of the Queensland Government, alongside Sibelco Australia and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), affirming their shared commitment to maintaining employment and investment on the island following the end of sandmining.
“Sand mining on Minjerribah is ending but Sibelco’s role as a major employer and supporter of the island’s community and its economy will continue,” Ms Trad said.
“Over the next decade, Sibelco will work closely with QYAC to rehabilitate the environment harnessing the knowledge and skills of Traditional Owners.
“This agreement ensures the Quandamooka People take their rightful place caring for Quandamooka country while transitioning the island’s economy.
“The Statement of Intent also ensures all parties will work together to create ongoing job and training opportunities on Minjerribah, as well as safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Quandamooka People for future generations.
“The Queensland Government plays a leading role, providing re-training to help workers get the skills they need, as well as assisting the transition of the economy to eco and cultural tourism, education and research by delivering the 23 projects in the $33.62 million North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) Economic Transition Strategy.”
The Deputy Premier also witnessed the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between QYAC and UQ, opening new possibilities for research, education, training and employment opportunities.
“The MOU will pave the way for education and training opportunities for Quandamooka people, UQ students and researchers through the development of joint ventures,” she said.
“An example includes the ability to integrate Quandamooka Ranger initiatives and UQ research.”
QYAC Chief Executive Officer Cameron Costello said the two agreements represented a bright tomorrow for the Quandamooka People and Minjerribah.
“Both the Statement of Intent and the MOU will bring new opportunities for Quandamooka People, including jobs and education, as well as helping to ensure a culturally appropriate approach to sustainability and the protection of our beloved Quandamooka Country, of which we have been the custodians for more than 20 000 years,” he said.
Sibelco Australia Chief Executive Officer Tom Cutbush said the company would change its focus from mining to rehabilitation when it had phased out sand mining operations on Minjerribah by the end of 2019, creating new opportunities for its workforce.
“Sibelco has been an important part of the Minjerribah community for decades and we are looking forward to collaborating with the Queensland Government and QYAC to undertake rehabilitation for the areas that have been mined,” he said.
“Sibelco recognises Quandamooka peoples role in caring for Country and is committed to working with QYAC as the registered Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Body to undertake cultural heritage studies and protect cultural heritage during rehabilitation.
“Sibelco will continue to invest in the Minjerribah economy through our rehabilitation activities for years to come supporting the transition to a post-mining Minjerribah economy”.
UQ Provost Professor Aidan Byrne said building strong and respectful relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians was important to the university and its core business of research and education.
“The university recently launched its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan that builds on extensive work already undertaken to support and encourage the celebration of diverse cultures and knowledge. It recognises the enormous contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring to UQ,” he said.
“This partnership with QYAC is an example of how we can combine UQ’s research and teaching expertise with the unique knowledge and perspectives of the Quandamooka traditional owners to advance ideas and create new opportunities.
“It will give UQ students and researchers opportunities for study, work experience, internships, and job placements within QYAC programs.
“Importantly, the MOU will ensure UQ activities on Quandamooka Country acknowledge and respect customary ownership, cultural heritage and the traditional knowledge of the Quandamooka people.”
