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The Queensland Government is to phase out all mining and convert up to 80% of North Stradbroke Island to national park under a bold new plan released today.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said by phasing out sand mining on the island, North Stradbroke would evolve from an industrial site to a showcase for eco-tourism.

Premier Bligh said within the next 18 months over half of North Straddie would be declared national park and added that the Mines and Energy and Climate Change and Sustainability Ministers are working together to deliver on the Government's vision for a sustainable North Stradbroke Island with mining ending in 2027.

The Queensland Premier explained "North Straddie is a Queensland icon and a favourite getaway for thousands of families - I want more of this wonderful place protected so the island has a more sustainable future for generations to come.

"Mining has occurred on the island for more than 50 years and it's generated jobs, but we cannot overlook Straddie's rich indigenous history and outstanding beauty.

"More of the island deserves the best protection possible and our government will deliver that through joint management with Traditional Owners, with national park area increasing to 44 times its current size.

"After 20 years, this is also a milestone moment for indigenous land justice as we have agreed a clear path forward with the Quandamooka people to achieve formal native title recognition over much of the island in 2011.

"We have a plan that will increase the national park area on North Stradbroke from just 500 hectares or 1.7 per cent to about 22,000 hectares or 80 per cent by 2027."

The Government's plan is to legislate to ensure a gradual phase out of mining by 2027.

"About half the mining jobs have been linked to Yarraman mine which is scheduled to close by 2015 - so it makes sense to start planning now to secure the island's long-term future," the Premier said.

"While we would like to protect more of the island more quickly, it's important to give the mining industry and the people it employs a transitional period.

"The phase out gives the companies certainty for the near future, but puts them on notice that their time is now limited and also allows time to rehabilitate former mining areas to a standard worthy of national park status.

"Mineral and silica sand extraction has been part of North Stradbroke Island's landscape for more than 50 years and the industry believes there are enough resources to continue for another 200 years - but the time is right to start planning for a transition towards a more economical and environmentally sustainable use of the land and resource."

Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said over half of the island - about 13,000 hectares - would be declared as national park within 18 months.

Minister Jones stated "this will increase to around 80 per cent with a further 9,000 hectares progressively protected over the next 17 years as mining leases expire and the land is rehabilitated.

"The only areas outside the national park will be the existing townships, some areas of land set aside specifically for the Quandamooka people and a proposed recreation precinct around the Pines.

"We'll be adding to our national park area, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and opening up opportunities for more nature-based tourism, alternative employment and business opportunities, with at least 400 ecotourism jobs expected to be created.

"This will also contribute to our government's Towards Q2 Tomorrow's Queensland green target to increase the total national park area by 50% by 2020."

Premier Bligh said legislation would be introduced into Parliament to create a clear timetable for the end of sand mining on the island by 2027, concluding "critical to our Government's vision for North Stradbroke is the negotiation of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Quandamooka People."

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