Supporting local jobs and services

NSI is a positive example of how tourism and mining can co-exist to deliver improved services for residents and visitors.

An independent study by Synergies Economic Consulting found current sand mining operations on NSI make critical contributions to the local and state economies. Sand mining creates almost half of NSI’s total economic activity.

The study also found more than 650 jobs rely on sand mining on NSI and related industries including ferry and trucking services, industrial supplies, energy and community services.

The demand for services created by mining operations keeps costs on the island relatively low, and this has a positive flow-on effect for local residents and tourists. The demand created through mining operations supports regular and frequent ferry services, along with subsidised electricity and fuel costs.