• Cameron Costello with Cr Mark Edwards at a possible camping ground site on Macleay Island.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Quandamooka native title body, Cameron Costello, is full of praise for the potential of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
The North Stradbroke Island-based CEO was introduced to the SMB Islands by Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards.
His visit came following a major article in the September edition of The Friendly Bay Islander and an invitation by us to visit the island group.
Cameron Costello is CEO of the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and he is about new directions, partnerships and new opportunities.
His visit and direction is about raising the profile of QYAC, and developing business opportunities right along the 'Quandamooka Coast'.
Quandamooka Country takes in tribal lands south of the Brisbane River and down the Coast strip to Redland Bay, including the Coastal Islands.
"We are definitely looking at all business opportunities on the islands, including cultural tourism and extending of camping ground management skills to the island group," he said.
It was with all this in mind that the QYAC CEO made his visit to the islands meeting with a number of groups and organisations and being shown possible potential camping ground sites that could be incorporated at a later time into the QYAC camping infrastructure.
Cameron Costello told The Friendly Bay Islander that our 'beautiful islands' form an 'integral part' of the Quandamooka Coast.
"There is so much potential and I am excited about the economic, social and cultural opportunities that lie ahead for the southern islands which are sacred to the Quandamooka.
"I am also conscious of the hard work it will take to get there.
"QYAC remains dedicated to working with our key stakeholders to progress a whole-of-Quandamooka vision to create a global eco cultural tourism destination for the Quandamooka region.
"It is in the areas of tourism programming and infrastructure where I believe QYAC can contribute. I would like to arrange a future trip with the QYAC Board and our investment committee Chair.
"I also am keen to look at how we can commence planning the inaugural Quandamooka Festival for July to September next year to incorporate all the southern islands," the CEO said.
Cameron Costello was particularly impressed with the SMB Islands transport system.
"I couldn't believe how easy it was to get on board your passenger ferries at Weinam Creek, and the free travel between the islands is just sensational.
"It presents enormous possibilities," he added.