Post by chimpy on Apr 22, 2013 16:34:23 GMT 10
G'day
Was chatting to the NPWS today and asked them for a list of 'illegal activities' or a difinitive list of what's NOT allowed in a SCA as their info always seems vague and enquiries are usually met with another question "Why? What is it you want to do?" I don't play this game. It means you are just likely to get this one persons opinion, not a real answer. So for asking for a specific 'NO' list I recieved an email that, I was assured, would clear up any confussion.
The following is the guts of the email-
Subject: Fossicking
Dear Mr Pxxxxh
Thank you for your enquiry regarding prospecting in national parks.
Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act), exploration, prospecting and mining can occur in state conservation areas subject to environmental assessment, but it is unlawful to prospect or mine in any other category of park (including national parks). There is some ambiguity about the meaning of terms used in this area. To prospect is defined in the NPW Act as “to search for any mineral by any means and carry out such works and remove such samples as may be necessary to test the mineral bearing qualities of land (Section 5 Definitions). Fossicking is generally understood to be a smaller scale activity that involves searching for and collecting minerals and gemstones with hand held implements.
In this context I understand you are more interested in fossicking than prospecting. All forms of exploration and extraction, including fossicking (or gold prospecting), has the potential to adversely impact the environment. For this reason, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) policy, (adopted July 2007), is:
“Other than where currently allowed (at the time of adoption of this policy), fossicking will not be allowed in any park. Where it is currently allowed, including under a Plan of Management, consideration should be given to phasing out the activity.”
The local relevant parks office would be able to advise whether or not fossicking is allowed in any particular area, noting the policy is to phase it out over time.
Please note that, to assist in protecting the natural and cultural heritage values of parks, the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2009 regulates potentially damaging activities, including:
• Prohibiting a person from interfering with, digging up, collecting or removing soil, sand, gravel, fossil, clay, rock, ochre, mineral, among other things, in a park (Clause 11(1)(h)); and
• Prohibits the use of metal detectors in parks without the consent of the Park Authority (Clause 16(3)). (However, there is no constraint on the carrying or possession of metal detectors in parks.)
If you require office contacts for any specific parks please let me know.
I hope this information is of assistance.
Make of it what you will. Me? I'm clear as mud
Cheers
Chimpy
Was chatting to the NPWS today and asked them for a list of 'illegal activities' or a difinitive list of what's NOT allowed in a SCA as their info always seems vague and enquiries are usually met with another question "Why? What is it you want to do?" I don't play this game. It means you are just likely to get this one persons opinion, not a real answer. So for asking for a specific 'NO' list I recieved an email that, I was assured, would clear up any confussion.
The following is the guts of the email-
Subject: Fossicking
Dear Mr Pxxxxh
Thank you for your enquiry regarding prospecting in national parks.
Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act), exploration, prospecting and mining can occur in state conservation areas subject to environmental assessment, but it is unlawful to prospect or mine in any other category of park (including national parks). There is some ambiguity about the meaning of terms used in this area. To prospect is defined in the NPW Act as “to search for any mineral by any means and carry out such works and remove such samples as may be necessary to test the mineral bearing qualities of land (Section 5 Definitions). Fossicking is generally understood to be a smaller scale activity that involves searching for and collecting minerals and gemstones with hand held implements.
In this context I understand you are more interested in fossicking than prospecting. All forms of exploration and extraction, including fossicking (or gold prospecting), has the potential to adversely impact the environment. For this reason, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) policy, (adopted July 2007), is:
“Other than where currently allowed (at the time of adoption of this policy), fossicking will not be allowed in any park. Where it is currently allowed, including under a Plan of Management, consideration should be given to phasing out the activity.”
The local relevant parks office would be able to advise whether or not fossicking is allowed in any particular area, noting the policy is to phase it out over time.
Please note that, to assist in protecting the natural and cultural heritage values of parks, the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2009 regulates potentially damaging activities, including:
• Prohibiting a person from interfering with, digging up, collecting or removing soil, sand, gravel, fossil, clay, rock, ochre, mineral, among other things, in a park (Clause 11(1)(h)); and
• Prohibits the use of metal detectors in parks without the consent of the Park Authority (Clause 16(3)). (However, there is no constraint on the carrying or possession of metal detectors in parks.)
If you require office contacts for any specific parks please let me know.
I hope this information is of assistance.
Make of it what you will. Me? I'm clear as mud
Cheers
Chimpy
