Native title concerns raised over Stradbroke mining deal

Traditional owners of Stradbroke Island have called on the Queensland Government and mining company Sibelco to act in good faith in relation to sand mining on the island.

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Stradbroke Island

The Quandamooka, the traditional owners of Stradbroke Island off Brisbane, only started receiving royalties from mining in 2011 despite 50 years of mining on the island.

The Queensland LNP government promised during the 2012 election campaign that it would extend sand mining on North Stradbroke Island.

Apart from a small silica mine, major mining was due to end in 2019, the Government and Belgian mining company Sibelco now want to extend mining to as far as 2035.

Quandmooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation Chairman Cameron Costello says while the mining company and the government, the Quandamooka have only had one meeting on the mine.

"What would be right is that we would be involved heavily in any negotiations," he says.

"And it would be up to the mining company to convince the Quandamooka people to extend the sand mining. If they can't convince us then sand mining shouldn't go ahead."

During Queensland Budget Estimates last week, Labor MP Jo-Ann Miller described the level of access the mining company has to the government as extraordinary.

She says the deal is filthy, dirty and rotten.

Mining Minister Andrew Cripps denies any wrongdoing.

Despite several attempts by NITV News to speak to him today he was unavailable.

Cameron Costello says he believes the government is considering legal action to challenge native title to continue with mining.

He says if the government wins, it sets a precedent for every native title holder in the country.

"So for the state government to then turn around and amend the legislation we believe is a breach of our rights."

Mr Costello says, as with similar moves in north Queensland Aboriginal communities, tourism and mining is the best industry for economic development.

The Government, and not the Quandamooka, have seen Sibelco's plans for sand mining at this stage.


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Source: NITV News

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