Grey nomads who love to fossick for gems and prospect for gold will be relieved to hear that the NT Government appears to have backed away from a plan which might have seen fees introduced to pursue the hobby.
The new Mineral Titles Legislation Amendment Bill mainly aims to reduce red tape for mining and exploration companies.
However, it also proposed increasing red tape for recreational fossickers by introducing permits and yearly fees.
Now though, following consultation with the community and significant backlash from treasure seekers, the Government has confirmed recreational fossicking will remain free in the Northern Territory.
Fossicking is very popular with travelling grey nomads. PIC: Peter McKenzie
“Fossicking is part of the Territory lifestyle and a popular activity enjoyed by locals and visitors alike,” Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said. “We’ve listened to community feedback and made the decision to keep recreational fossicking free of charge … unlike other jurisdictions across Australia, the Territory will continue to support this unique outdoor experience for all generations to enjoy.”
NT Prospectors and Detectorists Association president, Matt Grambeau, had earlier told the ABC that there were up to 1,000 recreational fossickers in the NT, most of whom prospect for gold, with around 120 ‘passionate fossickers … out there chasing minerals every weekend’.
“You get to get out in the great outdoors, out into the territory, explore the bush and you never know what you’re going to find,” he said. “It’s a way of exercising, it’s a form of mental health rehabilitation … we don’t support the idea of paying a fee for something that we already do for free if we’re not going to get any benefits derived from that fee.”
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
