Grey nomad fossickers will be all smiles now.
Queensland is hoping its recent decision to simplify the fossicking licence process and to open up 5,500 hectares of state forest to fossickers will draw thousands of extra gem-seeking grey nomads to the Sunshine State.
The State National Parks and Recreation Minister Steve Dickson says the measures will strengthen tourism by opening up regional areas.
“What we’re trying to do is inspire tourism right throughout the state and this mining tourism isn’t a bad thing,” he said. “We have people who fish together, people who ski together, now people can go out and fossick together.”
The opening up of 5500 hectares of state forest near Warwick means there are now 20 fossicking sites in Queensland, including 12 in state forests and reserves,
Hand tools such as picks, shovels, hammers, sieves, shakers or electronic detectors can be used for fossicking but machinery is not allowed.
The state government has also streamlined the approval process for obtaining fossicking licences. Those hoping to strike it rich can now enter their details online and be emailed their fossicking licence, rather than having to submit a paper form to authorised licensing agents.
More than 8,000 fossicking licenses have been issued since January 1, 2012, while 5108 were issued in 2011, and 3194 in 2006.
Fossicking licenses for individuals cost from $7.05 for one month to $44.75 for six months. For that outlay, gem hunters have an opportunity to unearth all manner of riches in the Sunshine State.
“Queensland is a fossicker’s paradise, with its gold and diversity of gem deposits known worldwide,” Mr Dickson said. “Fossickers can try their luck finding agate, garnet, opal, sapphire, thunder eggs, topaz and zircon, amongst others, at various locations throughout Queensland.”
Are you a fossicker? Will this persuade you to grab a sieve and shovel and try your luck? Comment below.
