On 12 December, Sibelco joined representatives from the Indigenous community and the Queensland State Government at a historic event for mining in Australia. Held on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), the event was attended by Queensland State Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier, Jackie Trad, as well as Indigenous Traditional Owners and Elders.
Over eight years since the 2011 native title determination, the Queensland Government returned 6483 hectares of land on Minjerribah – almost 24 per cent of the island – to Traditional Owners the Quandamooka people. An area mainly made up of current and expired mining leases.
At the event, Tom Cutbush, from Sibelco’s Executive Committee, signed an agreement, committing to working collaboratively with the Indigenous community to restore the environment post-mining on Minjerribah, which is legislated to end on 31 December 2019.
With over nine thousand hectares of rehabilitation and surrender to complete, the plan will be carried out progressively over several years; meaning Sibelco will continue to invest in the local economy and community for years to come.
Representing the Indigenous community at the event and signing the agreement with Tom Cutbush, was Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), CEO, Cameron Costello.
“We look forward to working closely with the Queensland Government and Sibelco over the next decade to restore the natural beauty of Minjerribah and to reinstate the Quandamooka peoples’ relationship to Country."
Cameron Costello
CEO of QYAC
Sibelco recognises the Quandamooka people’s leadership role in caring for Country and is committed to working with QYAC and the Queensland Government as we undertake rehabilitation for the areas that have been disturbed.
As part of the plan, QYAC and Sibelco have prepared a practical and achievable transition schedule that prioritises land that already meets required rehabilitation standards and is ready for transition. Positive progress has already been made, with over 2,200 hectares of mining lease surrendered and transitioned thanks to the collaboration between the parties.
For the official press release linked to the event click here:
