QUANDAMOOKA Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) says it is “disappointed” the Queensland Government has abandoned planning mechanisms it says were designed to deliver on Native Title commitments.
It warns that the decision risks delaying housing, cultural and economic opportunities for the Quandamooka People on Minjerribah.
The statement came after Redland City Council formally noted that State Government directions requiring amendments to the city’s planning scheme for a series of Minjerribah land parcels had ended, drawing a line under a process that attracted overwhelming community opposition.
In a statement, QYAC said the Ministerial Designation “was not simply a planning mechanism” but formed part of a broader commitment following the 2011 Native Title determination and Indigenous Land Use Agreements negotiated with the State and Redland City Council.
QYAC said the planning arrangements had already enabled projects including the award-winning QUAMPI Arts and Cultural Centre and supported initiatives such as the proposed Quandamooka Cemetery.
It warned the decision could further delay housing for Aboriginal families wanting to live on or return to Country, while creating additional barriers to cultural, community and economic development.
QYAC said the timing was particularly disappointing given the opportunities Brisbane 2032 presents for First Nations housing, tourism and economic participation.
“At a time when governments are speaking about Closing the Gap, economic participation and lasting First Nations legacy outcomes, decisions which make it harder for Traditional Owners to realise long-standing aspirations on their own Country send a concerning signal,” the statement said.
QYAC said it remained committed to working with the Queensland Government and Redland City Council to find a way forward.
The Council decision followed advice from Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie confirming a 2021 Ministerial Direction had ceased to have effect following the expiry of the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) that underpinned it.
As a result, Council no longer has the authority to continue Major Amendment 03/21 – Minjerribah (Site-Specific Land Uses), which sought to align the Redland City Plan with temporary planning controls applying to 25 properties on North Stradbroke Island.
Council will now formally conclude the amendment, notify the community through its website and write to everyone who lodged a properly made submission.
Cr Rowanne McKenzie described the decision as “another step in the administrative process” to close out a ministerial direction that was no longer in effect.
She reminded councillors the original proposal generated an extraordinary community response.
“During public consultation on that TLPI, Council received 528 submissions, which was a phenomenal response,” she said.
“Only four submissions fully supported the proposed amendment.”
The planning changes stemmed from a Ministerial Direction issued in July 2021 by then Deputy Premier Steven Miles, requiring Council to amend the Redland City Plan to reflect a Temporary Local Planning Instrument introduced to facilitate land use aspirations for the Quandamooka People across 25 sites.
Council progressed the amendment under State direction and undertook public consultation between May and July 2022, receiving 528 submissions, the overwhelming majority opposing the proposal.
Council officers said many concerns could not be addressed because the State had not provided sufficient background studies to justify the proposed zoning changes, and the Ministerial Direction prevented Council from making significant amendments.
The matter was effectively settled on May 2 when Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie wrote to Council confirming the original Ministerial Direction no longer had effect because the Temporary Local Planning Instrument had lapsed.
