PoliticsCampbell Newman (LNP)LNP leader supports Stradbroke Island sandmining yet Campbell Newman’s father stopped sand mining on Fraser Island 35 years ago. Kevin Newman’s was the Federal Environment Minister in 1976 and stopped sandmining on Fraser Island in just six weeks.
Ch 7 News: “..although Campbell Newman’s father ended mining of Fraser(Island), if he becomes premier, he wants Stradbroke island mining to continue longer.’ Premier Anna Bligh (ALP)In 2010 Premier Bligh said that sand mining should never have begun on Stradbroke but in April 2011 her government used special new legislation to renew expired mining leases to allow many more years of destruction.
In July 2011 the Bligh government went even further and approved a dramatic expansion of the Enterprise open cut sandmine path. Hypocrisy: Premier Anna Bligh in the Brisbane Times: “The truth is that sand mining should never have been allowed to begin on North Stradbroke Island. It was a mistake. The leases were issued during an era when it was easier to get a mining lease than it was to get a driving licence. It was the “rip it up and ship it out” era that saw the diggers begin to dig at our island’s heart”. |
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Endangered speciesSandmining threatens frogThe Wallum Sedge frog (litoria olongburensis) is one ‘vulnerable’ species, threatened by sandmining. Queensland State Government policy increases the risk of pollution from sandmining entering the wetland habitat of nationally recognised endangered species that live in the 18 Mile Swamp wetland. Sand-mining threats to the habitat of the endangered Wallum Sedge frog are acknowledged by both the Queensland government, and Federal government. Both governments have a joint Wallum Sedge frog recovery plan which lists sandmining as a threat.  Sand mining on Stradbroke Island destroys habitat of the vulnerable Wallum Sedge frog.
See more photos and information about the 18 Mile Swamp wetland.
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- Sand mining on Straddie = mining madness
Government’s Stradbroke policy a sham
Island environment groups totally oppose continued destructive sand mining
Despite the ‘spin’, the Bligh government policy does not stop sand mining, it allows continued destructive sand mining of essential habitat, including of three vulnerable frog species. It will further threaten the island’s ecosystems, fragile water bodies and the island’s economic future. The Premier is refusing to end sand mining on Straddie, preferring to continue to buckle to a giant overseas sand mining company and to her party’s power brokers.
The government’s policy would be a joke if it weren’t so serious. Side stepping the expired lease laws applying elsewhere in Queensland with special new laws is a Bjelke Petersen tactic. The government cynically legislated around the Mineral Resources Act which they should use to end mineral sand mining by 2013.
The sand mining company will complain but it is getting exactly what it wants – locking in further sand mining on Stradbroke to enable it to cash in on record high prices for mineral sands. This company cannot be trusted. The Court of Appeal found in 2010 that it unlawfully removed and sold large quantities of Straddie sand for landscaping and building purposes.It is before the courts on unresolved criminal charges for its unlawful activities. Yet before those charges are heard, this company is rewarded with special legislation extending expired mining leases !
The government is clearly desperate in the lead up to the state election. This is another hatched together deal between the government and the sand mining company. Any deal with a wealthy sand mining company will continue to be viewed with scepticism.
Premier Bligh knows she is politically vulnerable by backing destructive sand mining, given Straddie is the backyard of so many people of South East Queensland. The community opposes destructive sand mining tearing up the remaining ecosystems in this special place.
The government’s legislation extending mining is also inconsistent with Anna Bligh’s statements before the last election that Stradbroke Island ‘needed to be protected and preserved for future generations’.
Overview of sand mining on North Stradbroke Island
Why the mining on Straddie must stop
Volunteer to distribute fliers in your local area
We are looking for volunteers to distribute fliers in their local community: in their street, shopping centre, or local club. Even if you can distribute just 20 this will help to educate the community and show the politicians that this mining madness must be stopped. If you can help out, please fill out the form here. Many thanks!
Email Premier Bligh now!
The Bligh government has recently passed legislation to continue destructive sand mining on Straddie for many years. Email Premier Bligh and tell her you want her government to stop the mining madness by stopping mining on these expired leases. Click here for an email form.
