Council welcomes the lifting of the mining moratorium in the Gemfields

The Department of Resources has announced that the mining moratorium placed on small-scale hand mining claims will be lifted come 24 November 2022.

Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes welcomed the consultative approach that the department is taking moving forward.

‘We know the angst the communities of the Gemfields have been feeling this last year due to the moratorium,’ he 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.

‘Importantly, we welcome 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,’ Mayor Hayes continued.

‘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,’ Mayor Hayes continued.

On Sunday 6 November, the council co-facilitated and co-delivered with the PRG the ‘Gemfields Planning Study Open Day’. 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.

You can read more information by viewing the discussion paper here.