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The history of the progression of camps on claims to residential status and the offer of a Western Lands lease has been a protracted one.
Use of the word “instrumental” in the LRMA’s last newsletter was inappropriate.
My clear recollection, as secretary of the LRMA at that time, was that they were opposed to permanent residency on claims.
Calling of the first meeting to address this issue was done by myself on a personal level because of this opposition.
A committee was formed, headed by Bob Hewlett. The exact point that the LRMA worked with this committee to “contain the bushfire” is not known nor is it vital.
What is important is that they recognised the need for change!
Just as they saw the need to support the grant of leases to tourist orientated and other businesses on the fields approximately 12 years ago, today they seek the support of Council to waive increased bonds on puddling tanks 1, 2 and 3 and promote that area for tourism.
Appropriately, they argue that rehabilitation was not meant to be a factor on the Preserved Fields.
It would follow that they will also support individual Mining Purpose Leaseholders faced with increased bonds and Mr Terry Barclay’s present request for support to have the 3-Mile open cut also declared for tourism.
Everything that has evolved for the better on the opal fields has clearly involved CHANGE, CHOICE, CONSISTENCY and COMPROMISE.
It usually means that the outcome is something that everyone involved can live with.
Again it is appropriate that when the offer of a Western lands Lease is made to residential claimholders, they will be given a CHOICE. It would follow that power be connected to consenting clusters and a criteria for safety be devised to progress this matter.
In the same spirit that the LRMA must lobby to achieve their goals it is hoped that recognition of CHANGE, CHOICE, CONSISTENCY and COMPROMISE will be exercised with the power issue.
Lyn Carney
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