Western Queensland digs expanded opportunities for Small Scale Opal Miners

• The Crisafulli Government proposed 155,000 hectare expansion to the Opalton-Mayneside Restriced Area. 
• Consultation underway with opal miners and local councils to determine the new area. 
• The expansion is part of the Crisafulli Government's fresh start for Queensland's resources sector, providing more opportunities for small-scale opal mining.

The Crisafulli Government has proposed a significant expansion of the Opalton-Mayneside Restricted Area (RA 257), giving small scale miners up to an additional 155,000 hectares for prospecting.

The proposal would add 494 sub-blocks to the existing restricted area, helping to ensure small-scale operators continue to have access to viable ground and opal mining opportunities into the future.

RA 257, located around 75 kilometres south of Winton and 145 kilometres west of Longreach, was first declared in 1991 to support the development of Queensland’s opal fields by backing small-scale miners.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the expansion was part of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to backing the resources sector, from small scale opal miners to major resource developments.

“The Opalton-Mayneside fields are at the heart of Queensland’s opal mining industry,” Minister Last said.

“We’re making sure we provide opportunities for the entire resources sector and we’re backing our small-scale miners so they have more opportunities for exploration.

“A resource assessment by the Geological Survey of Queensland shows the expansion area has great potential for opal discovery and that gives us confidence that this proposal will bring real benefits to the industry, community and to small-scale miners on the ground.”

Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the proposed expansion would deliver economic and social benefits right across the region.

“Opal mining is at the heart of Western Queensland’s DNA and this proposed expansion is great news for miners, local businesses and our tourism sector,” Mr Dillon said.

“It means miners can keep accessing land locally and contributing to the economy of western Queensland.”

Mayor of Winton Shire Council Cathy White said the opal industry is a major contributor to the economy of Winton Shire and more broadly, Western Queensland.

“I am extremely pleased with this announcement and sincerely thank the Crisafulli Government and the relevant departments for their commitment in achieving this significant milestone,” Mayor White said.

“This decision provides much-needed certainty for the opal industry, particularly in supporting future investment, and will underpin the long-term sustainability of a sector that proudly showcases Australia’s national gemstone.”

Mayor of Barcoo Shire Council Sally O’Neil said the opal industry delivered wide reaching benefits to communities right across Western Queensland.

“Greater opportunities for small-scale miners and fossickers mean more tourists, more activity and more economic benefits for our communities,” Mayor O’Neil said.

“This is great news for Western Queensland.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: William Rollo, 0434 650 650