On 22 March 2011, the Queensland Premier at the time, Anna Bligh, announced she would be shutting down mineral sand mining on North Stradbroke Island (NSI) in 2019. This announcement created considerable uncertainty for Sibelco Australia's operations, as well as for the NSI community.

Sibelco Australia believes there is an economically sound, environmentally and socially responsible means of achieving a sustainable future for NSI with continued sand mining operations into the future.

Results from an independent opinion poll show 84% of Island residents want sand mining to continue as it has under the old policy.

Sibelco Australia's vision for a sustainable Stradbroke is balanced and addresses the needs of all stakeholders. It enables the gradual cessation of mining operations on NSI, and proposes innovative alternatives for future industry and economic activity, which will underpin our community.

Sibelco Australia continues to uphold the world’s best practice rehabilitation methods, which in 2008 were awarded the Queensland Premier's Environment Protection Agency Sustainability Award for Resources Industries for its rehabilitation processes. The award is given to companies that demonstrate leadership in environmental practices and commitment to progressive rehabilitation and long-term sustainability.

For more information, read all about Sibelco Australia's Sustainable Stradbroke vision.

You can also hear from NSI residents about what sand mining means to them and their community.