Gina Rinehart has proposed that the Queensland government gift an uninhabited island to Elon Musk at no cost to support SpaceX rocket launch and satellite construction operations. The suggestion follows Hancock Prospecting’s $1.4bn stake in SpaceX and has highlighted several off-grid island properties currently for sale in the state.
Why is Gina Rinehart proposing an island for SpaceX?
Speaking at the Future Townsville event, Ms. Rinehart suggested that providing a sparsely populated island would offer Musk a crucial alternate weather site in an allied country. She noted that the move could also generate massive tourism and local graduate opportunities.
“Over at the sparsely or non-populated islands … where there aren’t high-end tourist facilities, offer to Elon … at no cost for his SpaceX satellite construction and launches,” Ms. Rinehart said. “He needs land to expand.”
The proposal arrives as several of Queensland’s northern coastal areas, including Brampton Island and South Molle, languish as abandoned ghost resorts. A shift toward aerospace infrastructure could potentially provide new economic activity for these regions.
What Queensland islands are currently on the market?
Several isolated properties in Queensland currently meet the criteria for off-grid, high-infrastructure sites. These include:
- Clairview Island (Capricorn Coast): A 267ha property listed at $6.9m. It spans five freehold titles, features seven kilometres of beachfront, and includes two private runways and a Cessna 206 aircraft.
- Toogoom Island (Hervey Bay): A 28ha freehold estate hitting the market for the first time in 17 years. It includes a 900m aircraft runway, a concrete helicopter landing pad, and a 30KW solar system.
- Stone Island (Whitsundays): A 92ha landholding near Bowen that features a new multimillion-dollar ocean wharf and pontoon. While it lacks a current runway, listings indicate “possible airstrip potential.”
- Wedge Island (Capricorn Coast): A 9.3ha island listed for $2.4m. It includes a 40kva solar system, an all-weather mooring, and accommodation for 10 people.
How has the Queensland government responded?
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has not ruled out the proposal. In a statement to the Courier Mail, the Premier indicated that the government is open to all potential space exploration opportunities.
“I haven’t thought about what role we can play with Elon Musk … we’re certainly happy to play our part in energising anyone who wants to invest in this great state,” Mr. Crisafulli said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gina Rinehart’s specific request to the Queensland government?
Ms. Rinehart urged the state to gift an uninhabited island to Elon Musk at no cost to allow SpaceX to expand its satellite construction and launch operations.
Which island property includes an aircraft in its sale?
Clairview Island, which is listed for $6.9m, comes with a Cessna 206 aircraft included in the sale.
What benefits does Ms. Rinehart claim this would bring to the region?
Ms. Rinehart stated the move would provide an alternate weather site for SpaceX, create tourism, and provide opportunities for local graduates.
Do you believe the use of uninhabited islands for aerospace infrastructure is a viable economic strategy for Queensland?
