Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos and Member for Barwon Roy Butler this week met with opal miners and land holder representatives' groups from Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs.
The meetings are the next step in the NSW Government's consideration of the Independent Review into Small-Scale Titles.
The visit to Lightning Ridge included visits to mining and puddling sites, inspections of residentials, as well as unrehabilitated areas and preserved fields.
It was a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to discuss their priorities including the future of opal mining, rehabilitation requirements and compensation amounts.
Reviewer Terry Sheahan AO handed down 81 recommendations as part of his report, including recommendations which:
- balance stakeholder rights and responsibilities
- improve rehabilitation and environmental outcomes
- update cost and compensation structures
- improve understanding and usability of the legislative framework
- modernise the administration of mineral claims.
A working group was established, comprising opal mining industry, landholders, First Nations representatives and other key stakeholders, to consider the recommendations and provide advice to the NSW Government.
In December 2024 they requested additional time to continue their deliberations, which was granted by the Minister.
This week's meetings are an important step in the formulation of a government response to the Independent Review.
A copy of the Independent Review is available on the NSW Resources website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:
"Visiting Lightning Ridge and hearing directly from miners and landholders first-hand is an important next step as we consider our response to the Independent Review.
"We are committed to ensuring that any changes to the framework meet the needs of landholders, small-scale miners and the broader community.
"We are committed to hear concerns from the community as we respond to the report.
"I want to thank Roy Butler for joining me in these meetings and for his continued advocacy on issues in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs."
Quotes attributable to Member for Barwon Roy Butler:
"I want to thank Minister Houssos for granting the extension to stakeholders providing their response to the Independent Review and coming out to meet with miners and landholders to deal with a very complex issue.
"The aim of the Review and the meetings this week is to formulate a better framework than what we have now.
"I want this resolved quickly, but not at the expense of doing it properly."
