It may not be the start of a new gold rush, but an announcement by the NSW government is set to trigger renewed interest in treasure hunting in the South East.
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On Friday, the government declared Bega Valley an official fossicking district, along with Eurobodalla, Snowy Valleys and Bland local government areas.
The declaration takes the total number of fossicking districts in NSW to 62 across 28 council areas. Fossicking districts now cover more than 8.9million hectares, or 11 per cent of the state.
Tathra local and standing committee member of the NSW and ACT Prospectors and Fossickers Association (NAPFA) Doug Spindler said the announcement was a happy surprise.
“You should’ve seen my social media light up,” he said.
Mr Spindler said the main benefit of being declared a fossicking district was that permission did not need to be sought from mining entities holding exploration licences on land in that district. However, permission in all cases still must be obtained from the landholder or lessee before prospecting on their land.
In the case of state forest, a licence from Forestry Corp can be obtained for an annual fee. Fossicking in national parks remains prohibited.
“Fossicking is a healthy, outdoors activity that brings people together,” Mr Spindler said.
The declaration is also seen as a potential boon for the local economy.
“Bega Valley and Eurobodalla Shires were part of the 1850s gold rush, now visitors and locals can get a real feel for that history,” Member for Bega Andrew Constance said.
“This allows our councils to better market themselves as tourist destinations for fossickers, which will provide a boost to our local economy.”
NAPFA estimates around 50,000 people fossick across the state each year, which contributes approximately $20million annually to NSW rural economies.
For a comprehensive guide, including tips and rules on fossicking in NSW visit www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au/miners-and-explorers/fossicking-in-nsw.
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