Community, business leaders attend inaugural NSI Economic Transition Group meeting
The inaugural meeting of the North Stradbroke Island (NSI) Economic Transition Group, established to chart the island’s transition from sand mining to an alternative economy, was held yesterday, the same day that Sibelco announced it would close one of its mines next year.
The group comprises elected representatives, community and business leaders, and academics who will work towards the common goal of a sustainable future for the island and its people as mining is wound back.
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The NSI Economic Transition Group comprises:
- State Member for Cleveland Mark Robinson (co-chair)
- Mayor, Redland City Karen Williams (co-chair)
- Federal Member for Bowman Andrew Laming
- Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation CEO Cameron Costello
- Straddie Chamber of Commerce President Dave Thomson
- Executive Dean, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, University of Queensland Professor Iain Watson
- Sibelco Australia External Relations Manager Paul Smith
- Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Deputy Director-General Kathy Schaefer
- Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Regional Director Gary Krishna (Secretariat)
Co-Chair Mark Robinson said the first meeting saw the establishment of a Terms of Reference for the Group, which includes at least quarterly meetings and membership until 1 December 2015, when a review will be undertaken.
“The group also started work on a consultation plan, including establishment of a website which will be completed this month,” he said.
The Transition Straddie website will provide up-to-date information about the transition, as well as publish minutes from the meetings, membership of the group and the Terms of Reference. The website will be available at www.transitionstraddie.org.au. There will also be links to the new website from Council’s website www.redland.qld.gov.au and Mark Robinson’s website www.markrobinsonmp.com
Co-chair Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the group had also started the process of reviewing the work of the 2011 Economic Transition Taskforce.
“Analysis of that work will be valuable. We will also use it to consider what new data is required to ensure jobs for the island’s residents into the future.”
Sibelco announced yesterday it would close its Yarraman Mine on North Stradbroke Island in August 2015, bringing forward the scheduled closure date of December 2015. The company’s Enterprise Mine on the island is scheduled to stay open until 2035, while its Vance silica mine on the island will continue operating until 2025.
The next NSI Economic Transition Group meeting will be held in February 2015.
Media information: Office of Mark Robinson on 3286 2726 and Office of the Mayor of Redland City on 3829 8624.
