Response from Planning and Environment: Illegal highbanking
Nov 5, 2017 7:07:16 GMT 10
oleyella likes this
Post by rustyau on Nov 5, 2017 7:07:16 GMT 10
Hi all,
Attached is the response from the NSW Planning and Environment in relation to questions I sent them in September about highbanking being an illegal fossicking activity. I wanted to get the gist of what they had in there heads (besides moth balls) and why they were doing the enforcement.
They obviously have no idea about highbanking and we should get them to an area so we can show them that we are not environmental vandals like they think.
Below is the letter and email I sent to them.
21 September 2017
NSW Department of Planning and Environment
GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001
information@planning.nsw.gov.au
Ph.: 1300 305 695
To: The Chief Compliance Officer
RE: Published by NSW Department of Planning and Environment, NSW Resources Regulator
Title: Compliance priorities July – December 2017
First published: July 2017
Authorised by: Chief Compliance Officer
RM8 reference: PUB17/447
I have become aware of the above mentioned document created by your department. I have specific questions in reference to the paragraph “illegal fossicking “(page6) within the document. Extract below.
Illegal fossicking
Recreational fossickers utilising a device known as a ‘highbanker’ to enhance their fossicking capabilities to search for scheduled minerals has been identified as an emerging issue. The use of a highbanker, which is a petrol or electric powered device, in fossicking, is prohibited by the Mining Regulation 2016. These products are being commercially produced by multiple manufacturers to meet market demand. This unlawful activity results in a number of environmental issues.
A compliance campaign with be carried out focusing on suppliers and end users of the equipment.
Sector: Fossickers Period: September – November 2017
In reference to the above mentioned section of the document I submit the following questions;
1). in reference to “has been identified as an emerging issue”, would you please identify and clarify what specific “emerging issue(s)” is the above statement related?
2). in reference to “This unlawful activity results in a number of environmental issues”, would you please identify and clarify the environmental issues of concern with the use of a highbanker?
3). what is a “Highbanker”?
4). Please supply statistics on the number of person’s issued a compliance caution, penalty notice and or commenced legal proceedings under the Mining regulation 2016 in relation to highbanking?
Where the above extract is based on information from another government department or external entity please supply a copy of the information and or a link to the relevant source of the information.
I intend to make representation on the above matters to my local parliamentary member in a timely manner. I therefore request that I receive a written/email reply to this correspondence within 21 days of the above date.
Along with this email I have forwarded a hard copy of this document to your office this date.
I look forward to your informed reply.
Russ
Attached is the response from the NSW Planning and Environment in relation to questions I sent them in September about highbanking being an illegal fossicking activity. I wanted to get the gist of what they had in there heads (besides moth balls) and why they were doing the enforcement.
They obviously have no idea about highbanking and we should get them to an area so we can show them that we are not environmental vandals like they think.
Below is the letter and email I sent to them.
21 September 2017
NSW Department of Planning and Environment
GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001
information@planning.nsw.gov.au
Ph.: 1300 305 695
To: The Chief Compliance Officer
RE: Published by NSW Department of Planning and Environment, NSW Resources Regulator
Title: Compliance priorities July – December 2017
First published: July 2017
Authorised by: Chief Compliance Officer
RM8 reference: PUB17/447
I have become aware of the above mentioned document created by your department. I have specific questions in reference to the paragraph “illegal fossicking “(page6) within the document. Extract below.
Illegal fossicking
Recreational fossickers utilising a device known as a ‘highbanker’ to enhance their fossicking capabilities to search for scheduled minerals has been identified as an emerging issue. The use of a highbanker, which is a petrol or electric powered device, in fossicking, is prohibited by the Mining Regulation 2016. These products are being commercially produced by multiple manufacturers to meet market demand. This unlawful activity results in a number of environmental issues.
A compliance campaign with be carried out focusing on suppliers and end users of the equipment.
Sector: Fossickers Period: September – November 2017
In reference to the above mentioned section of the document I submit the following questions;
1). in reference to “has been identified as an emerging issue”, would you please identify and clarify what specific “emerging issue(s)” is the above statement related?
2). in reference to “This unlawful activity results in a number of environmental issues”, would you please identify and clarify the environmental issues of concern with the use of a highbanker?
3). what is a “Highbanker”?
4). Please supply statistics on the number of person’s issued a compliance caution, penalty notice and or commenced legal proceedings under the Mining regulation 2016 in relation to highbanking?
Where the above extract is based on information from another government department or external entity please supply a copy of the information and or a link to the relevant source of the information.
I intend to make representation on the above matters to my local parliamentary member in a timely manner. I therefore request that I receive a written/email reply to this correspondence within 21 days of the above date.
Along with this email I have forwarded a hard copy of this document to your office this date.
I look forward to your informed reply.
Russ
