Water reserves for North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

The State government has established two new water reserves on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah). Recommendations made and issues raised in public consultation were considered by the Minister before the finalisation of the Water Regulation.

Water no longer required for sand mining

Sand mining finished on the island in 2019. Water licenses for mining have expired, or are about to. The total annual volume previously available to mining since the 1970’s was 61,190 megalitres. This volume has been determined as sustainable.

Two new water reserves

That volume has now been split into two new water reserves.

One reserve, totalling up to 30,595 megalitres was established for the social and economic benefit of the Quandamooka people. This includes ongoing land rehabilitation and commercial activities.

The second reserve also up to 30,595 megalitres would be to preserve the unique water-related environmental and cultural values of the island.

These new reserves are consistent with the Water Act purpose for sustainable water management in Queensland. This includes the recognition of the interests of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders and their connection with water resources.

A new groundwater model

The department will be developing a new groundwater model that will include hydrological, climate, cultural and ecological information. This will give us a more complete understanding of how these reserves should be managed.

Existing water licenses and rights

This proposal will not affect any existing water licenses or rights to take water from the island. This includes stock and domestic use, drinking water supply, or commercial operations. It also includes the rights of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders to take water for cultural purposes.

Public consultation

Consultation closed on 20 October 2023. The 29 submissions received were broadly supportive of the proposals presented. There was strong support for investment in updated science to ensure water use into the future is sustainable and does not adversely impact the Minjerribah’s unique ecological and cultural values.
The submissions received and the considerations given to the issues raised and recommendations made to the Minister, are summarised in the Minjerribah water reserves submissions summary report (PDF, 344.2KB).