I've just got back from the most glorious week at Stradbroke Island (know to those that love the island as "Straddie"). On Sunday we stopped in at the markets to purchased some of the Bowman family honey. It is a wonderful honey that has the unique flavour of the island's flora. It's been difficult to get in past years due to the drought and it was wonderful to see it back in supply.
The family was collecting signatures for a petition to the state government as they have just been sent a letter from the State Government demanding they remove their hives within 6 weeks, due to re-classification of mining lease land as national park.
The Bowman family have maintained hives on mining lease land for over 25 years.
I personally think this is outrageous, heavy handed and entirely at odds with what Anna Bligh has been talking about regarding the Islands future.
Its made more insulting because the Bowmans are descendants of the Quandamooka people, the original owners of Straddie!
Stradbroke Island Honey is not a product we sell (I'd love to but there has never been enough) but Fino is helping collect signatures for a petition to the Department. If you would like to help out please drop in a sign the petition at Fino or email the environment minister at ashgrove@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Some recent media coverage on the issue,
