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If the recent decision by the Lightning Ridge Mining Board is to be upheld we may well see a “closed shop” for future generations of incoming miners and the manner in which they are permitted to live on the preserved fields.
The Lightning Ridge Miners Association put a proposal to last Thursday’s Mining Board to increase the density control from 50 to 200 metres.
They reason that an increase in residential claims will sterilise potential mining ground.
It was a unanimous decision, said LRMA Secretary/Manager Maxine O’Brien that endorsed an END to future residential claims and an interim density control of 200 metres.
The call to end future residential claims came from LRMA President, Jerry Lomax.
These decisions were made in the absence of Walgett Shire Council who control the Permissive Occupancy area which has the greatest density of Residential Claims and without consultation with the Working Group for Camps on Claims.
Councillors were unable to attend as they were committed to a special budgetary meeting.
“The stand taken by the Mining Board goes against all the planning instruments and agreed positions of the same Departments in the staged development of the camps on claims issue,” said Councillor Hewlett.
“It is a perfect example of trying to move the goal posts in the middle of the game,” he said.
“I personally find it abhorrent to try to stifle the planned development of the opal fields and in doing so NEGATE THE RIGHTS OF FUTURE MINERS to enjoy the freedoms and the affordable choices that ALL of us have taken advantage of in the past.
“This is presumably to SAVE the opal mining areas for the present generation of miners to use.
“The growing population on the opal fields reflects problems in the wider community and should not be stifled in this manner.
“Residential claims are still mineable into the future and tend to preserve opal mining opportunities but not necessarily for this generation of claim owners.
“Nothing remains constant, there is either growth or decay and it will require effort and adaptability to meet the challenges.”
Outrage was also expressed by Councillor David Lane. His call is for greater transparency by the Mining Board.
“I don’t know of any other body that can make such vital decisions on behalf of the community being able to do so behind closed doors.”
Walgett Shire Mayor, Peter Waterford, is opposed to the closure of future residential claims but concedes density should be looked at in the future.
Grawin/Glengarry/Sheepyard Miners Association Secretary, Tony Evans, who attended the Mining Board meeting that unanimously endorsed the proposal ,was not necessarily against an end to future residential claims, but opposed the misuse of them.
Department of Land and Water Resources representative to the Mining Board, Peter Walker, refuted speculation that the offer of a Western Lands Lease, would NOT proceed because the numbers of residential claims had continued to increase.
“The process is not in jeopardy and we are ready to go,” he said.
“Increasing numbers and Native Title post the 1998 changes to the Act may create some difficulties,” however, once a procedure has been established residential claim holders can make application for a Western Lands Lease and these will be processed in order of receipt,” he said.
The Lightning Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc have expressed deep concern at the ramifications this recent decision made by the Mining Board will have upon the business sector and community generally.
They will vigorously oppose any moves that may result in an economic decline for Lightning Ridge. They have placed particular emphasis upon the likely reduction in services that may eventuate and point out that government confidence in further infrastructure may be influenced.
“Density control is a matter that needs to be put in the Walgett Shire Council Environmental Plan,” said Peter Downes, Chairperson of the Working Party for Camps on Claims.
“The decision made by the Mining Board will need to be discussed by the Working Group,” he said.
“ I have no doubt that if opposition is raised by the Working Group and Walgett Shire Council there will need to be a rethink.
“I wouldn’t see it as fixed for ever as the matter needs to be better worked out before real density levels are determined, said Mr Downes, Department of Planning.
Media spokesperson for the Department of Mineral Resources, Jenny Ward, has confirmed that a recommendation to increase the density control from 50 metres to 200 metres as an interim measure before future residential claims are outlawed was endorsed.
“This recommendation has been made but has not been presented to the Minister as yet and advise will be sought from the Camps on Claims group,” she said.
Consultation is the key word in this process.
Community groups have demonstrated resistance to the proposal since its implementation will have multiple effects.
Anecdotal evidence that few people currently pegging residential claims, are involved in the opal industry as quoted by the LRMA lacks substance and should not be the basis of any discussion on this matter.
Defining involvement would be a difficult and emotive task and is a reflection of the past as it categorises people and miners.
Tourism and mining are closely related and interdependant.
The LRMA demonstrated this clearly with their proposal to encourage tourism to their puddling tanks to keep bonds on the area at an acceptable level.
Far better that we view our future as a joint venture which ensures the best possible result for all.
As much as it is important to control density to avoid sterilisation of potential opal ground so too we must ensure the associated rights of progressive miners are inherited, not sterilised.
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