Outdoors Queensland has made the following online submission to the Proposed Changes to the Fossicking Act consultation being managed by the Department of Resources.

Fossicking is a legitimate outdoor activity which generates significant economic and social value for Queensland through visitation to regional Queensland.

Although the question is phrased as a proposed amendment to “coordinate” fossicking permissions, the proposal would effectively restrict the places fossicking can occur in Queensland, since it may be difficult or impossible for fossickers to obtain approval from a mining lease applicant before fossicking on the land. This would either force fossicking underground (so to speak) or prevent fossicking from occurring in areas where large parcels of land may be subject to mining applications from multiple applicants.

The stated vision of Resources is “We will be an influential economic department that advocates in the public interest.” This proposed change appears to support business (mining companies), at the expense of the public interest (fossickers and the communities that benefit from fossicking and fossicking-related tourism).

Outdoors Queensland does not see potential public benefit to communities in preventing fossicking on land where a mining application has been lodged.

Outdoors Queensland is the peak body for outdoor activities in Queensland. We represent outdoor organisations and individuals in Queensland, consisting of a range or outdoor industry stakeholders, covering the five broad pillars of outdoor activities – outdoor recreation, outdoor education, outdoor health and outdoor tourism. We believe that all people should have opportunities to connect with Queensland’s outdoors. This proposed change could preclude people from engaging in a legitimate outdoor activity on land because an application has been lodged, even if that application is never approved.