The Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) has called for full, transparent and meaningful consultation with the Quandamooka people following the State Government’s announcement of an expression of interest for the sale of vacant land on North Stradbroke Island.
The freehold block at Dunwich, located next to QYAC’s QUAMPI arts and culture centre, has been flagged for sale for tourism development.
QYAC says any sale, land transfer or commercial development on the island must respect the rights, interests and responsibilities of the Quandamooka people, as the traditional owners of Minjerribah.
The corporation has stressed that decisions about land usage on the island must be undertaken with open and transparent engagement and consultation with the community, and is calling on the State Government and interested parties to engage directly with QYAC before any sale or development proceeds.
QYAC has also pointed to the failed attempt in 2016 to transfer land at Deanbilla Bay from mining company Sibelco to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, where QYAC says it was not consulted over the Quandamooka people’s native title rights.
That land transfer ultimately did not proceed.
While acknowledging tourism can bring positive economic opportunities, QYAC says this must occur through genuine partnership with Traditional Owners, ensuring cultural values, environmental protection of country and community benefit remain central to decision-making.
The organisation has highlighted the QUAMPI arts and culture centre as an example of what can be achieved when collaboration and open consultation takes place.
QYAC says it remains committed to working collaboratively with government and stakeholders to ensure future land use on Minjerribah aligns with the cultural, environmental and economic aspirations of the Quandamooka people.
