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New mine path for North Stradbroke Island 2 The Sand Times September 2011 Sibelco has welcomed a recent decision by the Queensland Government to amend the Enterprise mine path on North Stradbroke Island (NSI). Although the decision will do little to provide for the long-term viability of the NSI community it does ensure the Sibelco operation will continue on the Island to 2019. Sibelco’s Sustainability Manager – Development Paul Smith said the revised mine path was a better outcome for the environment, island residents and the Government. “The original mine path proposed by the Government was unsafe, unworkable and unviable,” Mr Smith said. “The decision to adjust the mine path will provide a safer path that will not pose a risk to the environment,” he said. The review of the mine path was undertaken by a highly respected and qualified third party assessor who reviewed technical and safety constraints. Mr Smith said that while the State Government’s decision provided some certainty for the coming years, the community was still reeling from the plan to shut down sand mining on the Island by 2019. “For generations, residents and families have been working with the mine to build a community and raise their family,” he said. “The Government still hasn’t provided the community with a viable economic plan and residents still hold grave concerns for the future of NSI,” he said. Advantages of Sibelco’s mine path: • Covers less than two per cent of the Island, life of mine (2019) • Reduces impact on ecosystems • Reduces dredge disturbance • Features world-class rehabilitation techniques • Provides a more sustainable final landform than the path provided for in the legislation by keeping the final dredge position south of a major high dune system and at a lower depth. Community helps chart course (continued) Participants brainstormed and came up with a number of ideas for future initiatives Sibelco could support including: • Integrated education facilities • Improved bikeways and footpaths • New or improved health care facilities • Youth or community facility A report providing a summary of the viewpoints gathered at the Forum is currently being developed and will be sent to residents. Sibelco looks forward to further discussions with the community about the future of NSI and will continue to build opportunities for ongoing community engagement. • Apprenticeships and training schemes for young residents • Affordable housing options.
Message from the Chief Executive Officer Thank you for picking up this latest edition of the Sand Times. We are delighted to announce in this edition of the Sand Times plans to establish a sand mining community benefit fund to formalise sponsorship support for significant projects on North Stradbroke Island (NSI). Sibelco Australia has the greatest respect for the bond between Straddie and Bayside residents and sand mining, built over the past 45 years. It has created a unique and wonderful community on the Island and we believe this Fund is a way to cement the legacy of this remarkable bond. Campbell Jones Chief Executive Officer Sibelco Australia Sibelco has always maintained its commitment to NSI residents and their community. On 30 July we held the Straddie Community Forum which gave residents an opportunity to discuss and talk together about their vision for Straddie in the future. More than 60 people attended the Forum and the event produced some great ideas. The Forum also asked participants to think about how the company could more effectively help the community to grow and develop to become sustainable in the coming years. The feedback gained will be an excellent source of advice for the community benefit fund’s advisory board. Also in this edition you will find coverage of the historic decision by the Federal Court to recognise the Quandamooka People’s claim to native title on NSI. Sibelco has supported this application and would like to congratulate the Quandamooka people on achieving the recognition they deserve. The local community has been working toward this for more than 20 years and it is wonderful to see it come to fruition. 3 The Sand The Times Sand September Times July 2011 We recognise that our employees are the heart and soul of both the community and our company. In this edition, we celebrate the hard work of a number of Sibelco employees marking many years of service at our Pinkenba and NSI operations. This year we recognise 26 employees who have served more than 25 years with the company – an outstanding effort by anyone’s measure. Sibelco Australia relies on the knowledge and experience of these fine workers and we want to say a heartfelt thank you to them. Thank you also to all those who have provided feedback and support to the company and our employees over recent months, I look forward to working with you to implement some of our shared visions for NSI. Stay safe and enjoy the school holidays.
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