Protect Our Opals Australia, Media Release, 12 March 2024
A new national campaign has launched to conserve and protect the NSW and Australian opal fields and industry, in response to a NSW Government review into small-scale mining titles.
Announced in June 2023, the Independent Review into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles in NSW seeks to analyse the current condition of the State’s opal industry, focusing on its mining sector, which is based at and around the outback towns of Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs. Once completed, the review will deliver recommended changes to the way the current small-scale title framework operates.
Called ‘Protect Our Opals Australia’, the campaign seeks to inform and educate about the issues surrounding the review via an online content hub that includes video interviews on various review-related topics. It will also assist a wide range of stakeholders such as miners, retailers, business owners and the local communities, with submitting answers to an online questionnaire that will inform the review’s final report and recommendations.
‘Protect Our Opals Australia’ is supported by Walgett Shire Council and key opal and gemstone industry organisations, including the Australian Opal Centre, Glengarry Grawin Sheepyard Miners Association, International Coloured Gemstone Association, Lightning Ridge Miners’ Association, Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve, Opal Association of Australia, and White Cliffs Miners’ Association.
Kelly Tishler, a third-generation Lightning Ridge opal miner and prospector who is spearheading the campaign, said: “There has been significant concern and interest in this small-scale mining review across the Australian opal industry, especially here on the opal fields at Lightning Ridge and at White Cliffs. This review is a crucial acknowledgment of our historical opal significance while preserving our opal-rich heritage for the future.
“Our iconic industry is vital to the nation in so many ways, symbolising the spirit of humble dreams and resilience, and is the last frontier for the little man or woman to seek fortune and live modestly. It is crucial all stakeholders unify to protect and preserve it by providing feedback to the review before the deadline of March 31st this year.”
Kavitha Barron, Lightning Ridge Miners’ Association (LRMA) Secretary Manager, said: “The LRMA has been a strong voice in lobbying the State Government, Department of Mining, Exploration and Geoscience, and the opal industry to ensure Lightning Ridge’s opal fields remain available and accessible.
“An Independent Review of Small-Scale Titles does not come about often – the last one was conducted 13 years ago in 2011 – so now is the time when everyone should have their say about the future of the opal industry. By making a submission, you could help to shape the industry’s guidelines, legislation and policy including access to new prospecting areas.”
Jenni Brammall, CEO of the Australian Opal Centre at Lightning Ridge, said: “Opal and our outback opal communities are uniquely Australian assets. The opal industry and opal-focused destination-based tourism underpin the economies, and celebrated cultural diversity and resilience, of many key settlements that service and connect outback Australia. Looking beyond the opal fields, opal generates even greater economic value in the national tourism and retail industries – by huge multipliers. It’s part of Australia’s national identity, is celebrated globally, and has astonishing scientific, cultural and educational value. Without a sustainable opal mining industry, this all disappears.
“The NSW and Australian Governments, Walgett Shire Council, our communities and industry have recognised this opportunity and collectively invested over $30 million for the first stage of a landmark, internationally significant new Australian Opal Centre that’s currently under construction at Lightning Ridge. We need a thriving opal industry for the value and benefits of this investment to be realised.
“The Independent Review provides an opportunity for the NSW Government to ensure its regulatory environment fosters, rather than threatens, the opal industry’s economic, social and cultural value. It’s important the review panel understands the current significance and even greater potential value of this industry to the state, and takes guidance from industry participants to inform decisions that enhance this valuable asset. The NSW Government has an opportunity to become a world leader in cultivating the multifaceted potential of a sustainable, ethical opal industry.”
More information about the Protect Our Opals Campaign, opal industry and advice on completing the small-scale mining titles review feedback form can be found at https://www.facebook.com/protectouropalsaustralia or email protectouropalsaustralia@gmail.com.
