Dunwich (Goompi) Masterplan for economic transition from sand mining to tourism

Articulous led community engagement for the Dunwich (Goompi) masterplanning process.

North Stradbroke Island (NSI) – also known as Minjerribah to the Traditional Owners the Quandamooka people – is a popular tourist destination and home to a growing number of people.  Dunwich (Goompi) is the gateway to the island by ferry and water taxi.

The Queensland Government committed to end sand mining on NSI by 2019.  The State Government prepared an economic transition strategy in preparation for this that aims to:

  • Diversify and expand the current tourism industry
  • Expand education and training opportunities
  • Stimulate local business development and growth
  • Enhance the island’s ecological and cultural values.

The Dunwich (Goompi) masterplan is one of 23 projects developed by the Queensland Government in consultation with the community.

269 people participated in this project, approximately 50% of whom identify as Aboriginal and/or Traditional Owners from September 2018 to February 2019.

NSI residents are passionate about their island and DSDMIP recognised this by emphasising the importance of community-driven processes that enable the local community to outline their vision for Dunwich.

In addition to recognising the cultural, social, community and heritage values held by residents, this masterplan must also contextualise other economic transition strategy initiatives including:

  • The Minjerribah Cultural Centre
  • Expansion of aged care facilities
  • New camping infrastructure
  • Refurbishment of the Dunwich (Goompi) secondary school campus
  • Minjerribah Passenger Transport Study

Articulous delivered:

  • Complex stakeholder mapping including the traditional owners working collaboratively with the Queensland Government.
  • A targeted workshop for Aboriginal and Traditional Owners
  • Online and hard copy surveys
  • Analysis of quantitative and qualitative feedback
  • Facilitated two rounds of community drop in sessions

Seven engagement activities and two surveys gained input from audiences not typically engaged in planning, specifically from those who identify as Aboriginal or Traditional Owners.

From September to December 2018 Dunwich residents participated in a series of targeted engagement activities including meetings with Traditional Owners, business groups, and presentations at an aged facility.  Residents were also invited to two rounds of community drop-in sessions where they participated in a number of facilitated deliberative activities.

Yalingbila Bibula