Sand mining operations opposed
By Bill Mason
BRISBANE — Conservationists rallied on North Stradbroke Island on August 18 to call for an end to sand mining operations, in the face of allegations that the company involved, Consolidated Rutile Ltd, had breached export control conditions calling for a comprehensive environmental assessment.
On August 16 Australian Conservation Foundation executive director Jim Downey called on the federal government to order that work be stopped at the site immediately.
CRL is clearing a site in the Ibis-Alpha area on the central west coast of the Moreton Bay island. The site takes in the last undisturbed high dune area on the island, a place which was interim-listed on the Register of the National Estate. The Australian Heritage Commission is investigating the alleged breaches of export conditions.