Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor, Kerry Hayes, has welcomed the Department of Resources’ announcement that the mining moratorium placed on small-scale hand mining claims will be lifted from 24 November.
Mayor Hayes said he appreciated the consultative approach the Department was taking.
“We know the angst the communities of the Gemfields have been feeling this last year due to the moratorium,” the Mayor said.
“As Australia’s last remaining Miner’s Common, the council, together with the community, has been advocating to see small-scale mining continue in the Gemfields.
“It’s great to see that the feedback of council’s Gemfields Planning Study project reference group (PRG), as well as the community more broadly, has informed today’s decision to continue support for mining claims.”
Mayor Hayes said he welcomed the Department’s commitment to an improved framework to regulate mining claims.
“It is clear that improvements can and should be made to support and promote the continuation of small-scale mining in our region and across the state,” he said.
“We strongly encourage the community to review the discussion paper as will we, as a council. Let’s continue the conversation and actively shape what the improved framework should look like.
“This discussion paper and its outcomes will also provide important guidance for the Gemfields Planning Study into the future.”
On Sunday 6 November, the council co-facilitated and co-delivered with the PRG the ‘Gemfields Planning Study Open Day’ (pictured, above). The study is a joint initiative between the Council and the Department of Resources to shape a blueprint for the future.
“There was fantastic attendance from the community, and council are now better informed on what the study should focus on and how the community wants to be consulted on the study going forward,” said Mayor Hayes.
