The NSW Government is committed to taking steps to protect the interests of both the opal mining industry and landholders and minimise land conflict.
As part of broader reforms to the opal mining industry, the Minns Labor Government commissioned former Land and Environment Court Judge and NSW Attorney General, Terry Sheahan AO to undertake an independent review of the industry.
The independent review’s 81 detailed recommendations are currently being considered by a working group, chaired by the NSW Government’s Special Envoy for Opal Mining Stephen Lawrence MLC.
The working group has held five sessions to date and includes representatives from the opal mining industry, landholders, First Nations representatives and other key stakeholders.
Following a request to provide additional time, Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos has agreed to extend the working group’s timeline. This will allow their discussions to continue and for them to provide advice on each of the report’s 81 recommendations.
The independent review is the first major report into the industry for more than a decade and follows the discovery that 3,343 minerals claims in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs were invalidly issued over eight years.
The NSW Government is committed to ensuring that any changes to the framework meet the needs of landholders, small-scale miners and the broader community, to allow the co-existence of both farming and small-scale opal mining in NSW.
A further update will be provided next year once the NSW Government has completed its response.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:
“I was pleased to meet the working group and hear directly from participants about their key priorities and potential challenges arising from recommendations made by the Independent Review.
“I have heard the feedback from stakeholders about the need to take more time to allow the working group to continue its deliberations as the government considers the recommendations.
“I understand that some stakeholders are eager for a quick resolution. The Government’s priority is to ensure that miners, landholders and community members on the ground are given a full opportunity to inform the government’s response.
“I look forward to visiting Lightning Ridge in the new year to hear more from the community.”
NSW Government’s Special Envoy for Opal Mining Stephen Lawrence MLC:
“The working group meetings have been productive as we work through the 81 recommendations in the Independent Review.
“It’s crucial we listen to the community in Lightning Ridge and give them the time they need to inform the government’s response to provide certainty for miners and landholders.”
Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP:
“The mining reforms are an opportunity to reduce conflict between landholders and miners and ensure that NSW Resources is adequately equipped to do its job.
“The review process should not be rushed, which is why I wrote to Minister Houssos to request an extension. This will ensure better engagement and greater understanding of the problems and solutions for all stakeholders.
“I thank the Minister for her quick response and commitment to improving outcomes for miners and landholders.”