Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that North Stradbroke Island residents overwhelmingly rejected the Bligh government's plan to cease mining operations by 2019. The early closure of the island's major employer, without the time frame needed to engage and grow a successful economic transition plan, would Shut Straddie Down with the loss of hundreds of jobs, including those of local indigenous workers; destroy the livelihoods of several small businesses and result in disastrous flow-on effects for the community.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to engage and consult with the local North Stradbroke Island community; to listen and act upon their concerns; and to commit to adhering to a 2035 end date for mining so as to ensure that a proper economic transition can be planned for, and delivered, to enable the island and its people to be sustainable post sand-mining and into the future.