Redland City Council is seeking a commitment from the State Government for comprehensive community consultation on its plan for North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and to detail how it will accommodate the land-use aspirations of traditional owners.
It follows a ministerial direction for Council to amend its planning scheme to rezone 25 lots of native title land on the island for residential, industrial, community and tourism development.
Mayor Karen Williams said that while Council recognised that the direction had been made to give the Quandamooka people important residential and commercial opportunities, a commitment from the State Government was required to undertake a comprehensive and coordinated community consultation exercise.
“It needs to clearly articulate its strategic plan for Minjerribah and reveal how it intends to accommodate the land-use aspirations of the Quandamooka people and deliver on its economic transition commitments,” Cr Williams said.
“Deputy Premier Steven Miles has directed Council to amend its planning scheme to reflect a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) that was made in September last year which overrides City Plan and rezones native title land at Dunwich (Gumpi), Amity (Pulan Pulan) and Point Lookout (Mulumba).
“While this is something the State is directing, Council will work closely with communities on the island and continue to advocate on their behalf to make sure the State considers and understands their expectations for real investment to support the island economy and local jobs.”
“Council also seeks a firm commitment from the State that it will provide adequate funding for all the infrastructure and associated costs for the development of these land parcels.
Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Peter Mitchell said that while it was understood that Council would have a role in assessing and deciding development applications for the 25 lots, some applications for the land might require approval by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning’s State Assessment and Referral Agency.
“On behalf of Council, I made a submission to the Minister noting Council’s support for the Quandamooka Peoples’ land aspirations and made a number of suggestions to help facilitate a transparent and collaborative process but we did not get a response,” Cr Mitchell said.
“As we now work to amend City Plan in line with the ministerial direction, it is vital that the clarity that Council has sought is forthcoming. We need to ensure all submissions made during this process can be considered on their merits, so it may be appropriate for the State to take an active role in the public consultation and consider taking responsibility for reviewing and commenting on all submissions received during this period.