CLERMONT RAG FRIDAY, 01 NOVEMBER 2019
Jason Turner from the Department of Natural Resources, Mining and Energy, Frieda Berry-Porter, Olga Dunn, Isaac Regional Council Division 1 Greg Austen
EUREKA! COMMUNITY TEAMWORK OPENS UP GOLDEN PROSPECT
Unearthing new treasures near Clermont has ramped up with a new fossicking area getting the golden tick of approval thanks to the energy and commitment of pure people power.
Today, the old gold mining district surrounding Clermont attracts interest from fossickers and metal detector enthusiasts.
Flat Diggings general permission area is the latest spot to receive Queensland Government endorsement to allow gold prospecting.
“This is just in time for residents and visitors alike to pick up a fossicking licence and go on the hunt for gold or gems over the Christmas holidays,” Cr Austen said.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said fossicking is a great tourism product in the Isaac region that brings significant economic benefit to the communities. “Thank you to the Clermont community, fossicking groups, Council and the Queensland Government. “Gold prospecting helps assist Clermont’s economy and we praise the State Government for opening these areas. “What a better way to spend time with the family by enjoying a treasure-hunting trip in Isaac’s outback. “We hope these new areas will attract visitors to the region by bringing economic and social benefits to Clermont. “I would like to again reflect that this positive outcome is due to working together.” The discovery of alluvial gold in gullies south of Clermont in 1861 triggered one of Queensland’s major gold rushes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: ISAAC.QLD.GOV.AU | 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27) isaacregionalcouncil
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Division 1 Councillor Greg Austen said the area is 15 km north-west of Clermont.
“We hope this great news will open new areas to explore.” “Families are more than welcome to pick up the historical enterprise as it is an affordable activity for the holidays.” Eleven of the state’s now 16 gold fossicking areas are in this Central Gold District, seven of which are in State Forests. Fossickers require licences, which start at $8.50 plus GST for an individual for a month. Information on fossicking around Clermont, including maps and safety advice, is at www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/fossicking/ central-gold More information about fossicking in Queensland is at www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/fossicking