The Independent Review into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles for Opal Mining has issued its final report with 81 recommendations to enhance and support the opal mining industry's sustainability and efficacy.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos commissioned the Independent Review following a departmental review of administrative processes which uncovered 3,343 minerals claims in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs impacted by invalid decisions.
The review was undertaken by former Land and Environment Court Judge and NSW Attorney General, Terry Sheahan AO, with the support of law firm Norton Rose Fulbright Australia.
The NSW Government is today releasing the report and is available at www.nsw.gov.au/small-scale-titles-review
The Independent Review analysed the statutory framework of small-scale opals titles, issues such as land access and landholder compensation, and listened to stakeholder views to form its recommendations. In addition to stakeholder meetings, 369 written submissions were considered by Mr Sheahan.
The report covers a range of topics crucial to the industry's operation, including:
- Balancing stakeholder rights and responsibilities,
- Improving rehabilitation and environmental outcomes,
- Updating cost and compensation structures,
- Improving understanding and usability of the legislative framework, and
- Modernising the administration of titles.
The NSW Government will carefully consider the Independent Review's recommendations and will publish its response before the end of the year.
Minister Houssos will convene a small working group comprising key stakeholders to inform that response.
A staged approach to implementation will be required, with many of the recommendations requiring further consultation with stakeholders and legislative change.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:
"The NSW Government will consider the recommendations and develop a government response later this year.
"We understand how important opal mining is to the Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs communities. That's why we first announced the independent review into this legacy issue we inherited.
"The NSW Government is committed to consulting with miners, land holders, Aboriginal representatives and local communities as we develop a response to the Independent Review."
Quotes attributable to NSW Government's envoy for opal mining Stephen Lawrence:
"This working group will allow the NSW Government to address the report and its 81 recommendations in the best possible way.
"Working with the opal mining communities of Lightning Ridge and White cliffs, as well as other stakeholders, is vital to ensuring the NSW Government can implement meaningful change for the industry."
Quotes attributable to Independent Reviewer Terry Sheahan AO:
"The Review received 369 submissions on the issues paper into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles in New South Wales.
"These submissions, as well as to face engagement with key stakeholders, have greatly assisted the Independent Review in considering how to address rehabilitation, land use conflict, current administrative processes, and the need to modernise the current framework.
"The Independent Review has provided a range of recommendations that aim to establish a better regulatory framework that supports the future of the opal mining industry while addressing certain issues raised by stakeholders."
