Sustainable Community

Supporting THE community


Mining families account for one in five of the 2000 people living on NSI
Around 40% of children in childcare and schools on the island are from mining families
Approximately 15% of mine workers are from the local Indigenous community
One third of the NSI Queensland Fire Service members are Sibelco Australia employees
Sibelco Australia has invested more than $1 million in community development projects for NSI in the past ten years.

The current social and economic structure of NSI depends on the support of the mining industry. Sibelco Australia is the largest company in the Redland City Council area, and employs more than 270 staff. More than 145 of these employees are long-term residents of NSI.

Mining is an important source of employment and training for the local community on NSI. Without mining, many young people and workers would be forced to move away for employment and training opportunities.

The island's tourism industry has grown in parallel with mining activity. Regular ferry services, roads and other infrastructure which supports seasonal tourism on NSI rely on year round demand created by mining.

Removing the industry which employs the parents of many of the island’s school children would have a detrimental effect on the future viability of education services on the island.