Stradbroke Escarpment
Photo © FOSI

Wildlife Queensland is bitterly disappointed that the Government has allowed mining company Sibelco (formally known as Unimin Australia Ltd) to expand the destructive mine path on Stradbroke’s largest mine. This will allow dry sand mining on the fragile escarpment area which supports 18 Mile Swamp part of an internationally significant wetland and area earmarked to become a national park.

Background

During March 2011 the Premier Hon Anna Bligh announced her plan to phase out sand mining on North Stradbroke Island. Major elements of the plan included the closure of the Enterprise mine the largest and most destructive mine on the island by 2019 and the declaration of 80% of the island as national park by 2021. In the interim, 50% of the island will be declared national park by the end of this year. Although Wildlife Queensland certainly would have preferred a more rapid end of mining on North Stradbroke Island, the Government at least shortened the process. Wildlife Queensland was disappointed that mining was to continue on mining leases that make up the Enterprise mine however, it was our understanding that areas of high ecological value were to be protected.

Recently Wildlife Queensland was informed that the mine path for Enterprise is to be expanded. The amended mine path will allow mining on the escarpment above 18 Mile Swam an environmentally sensitive area. The destruction of this part of the escarpment poses a potential risk to the long-term viability of this fragile ecosystem earmarked for national park declaration. 18 Mile Swamp is part of the Moreton Bay Ramsar listed wetland and home to a number of endangered plans and animals. Mining this section of the escarpment may have the potential to impact the hydrology of the area and may lead to environmental harm.

Wildlife Queensland is also of the understanding that there are a number of middens scattered along the escarpment which could be lost to mining impacts. These culturally significant locations must be protected now and into the future.

Wildlife Queensland understands the need to phase out mining therefore giving the mining industry and the people it employs a transitional period. However there is a need for balance and areas of high environmental and cultural value must be protected and not mined!

Take Action Now

Email or write to the Premier Hon Anna Bligh MP and Minister for Environment Hon Vicky Darling MP.

• Express your extreme concern that mining still continues to threaten environmentally sensitive areas of North Stradbroke Island
• Ask them to ensure that areas of high conservation and cultural value on North Stradbroke Island are protected and not mined
• Ask them to protect the escarpment of 18 Mile Swamp by creating an appropriate buffer from mining
• Ask them to declare more than the promised 50% of the island as national park this year – areas such as the Blue Lake catchment, Surveyors Swamp, Swallow Lagoon (Australia's highest perched lake) and Brown Lake

More information

• Government Decision on North Stradbroke Island - March 2011
• New vision for Straddie – some positives BUT some negatives - July 2010
• Illegal Mining Charges land Island Miner in Court - January 2010
• Halt Sand Mining on North Stradbroke Island - October 2009
• Save Straddie Consortium

For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, call us on +61 7 3221 0194 or send us an email.