- The Crisafulli Government has more than doubled the size of land for opal exploration and mining in Central West Queensland.
- The expanded area will boost regional jobs, tourism and economic activity in regional and rural Queensland.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after Labor's anti-mining policies stymied exploration.
The Crisafulli Government has provided a significant boost to opal exploration and tourism in Central West Queensland with the expansion of the Opalton-Mayneside Restricted Area.
Located 75km south of Winton and 145km west of Longreach, the expansion has more than doubled the size of the area to more than 592000 hectares, increasing exploration opportunities for small-scale opal miners.
The expansion follows community consultation and a resource assessment by Geological Survey of Queensland.
Renowned for its opals and other precious gemstones, the area was first declared in 1991 to support the growth of Queensland's opal fields and strengthen the role of small-scale miners in the state's resources sector.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the expansion marked an important step in supporting regional Queensland and ensuring the continued success of small-scale mining.
"We've opened up more land in Opalton-Mayneside for small-scale miners to grow their operations, increase tourism opportunities and contribute even more to the local economy," Minister Last said.
"We listened to the community and identified new areas which would be suitable for opal exploration and mining, giving Queensland's opal miners certainty and greater access to one of the state's most promising gemstone regions.
"Queensland is known for its vast array of gemstones and this expansion builds on a proud history of opal mining in the region, ensuring that tradition can continue for generations to come.
"We are backing our regional communities and the resources industry through more land for exploration, creating jobs and ensuring Queensland remains a leader in gemstone production.
Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said this land expansion announcement delivers economic and social benefits right across the region.
"Opal mining is woven into the fabric of Western Queensland, and this land expansion is a strong outcome for miners, local businesses and the tourism industry," Mr Dillon said.
"It will ensure miners can continue accessing land close to home while continuing to support jobs and economic activity across Queensland."
Winton Shire Council Mayor Cathy White said the announcement was a vote of confidence for opal mining operators.
"I warmly welcome this announcement and thank the Crisafulli Government and the relevant agencies for their dedication in delivering this important outcome," Mayor White said.
"It builds resilience into the opal industry which is vital to Winton and outback Queensland.
"In reality this announcement delivers confidence, encouraging future investment and helping secure the ongoing strength of a sector that proudly promotes Australia's national gemstone to the world."
Barcoo Shire Council Mayor Sally O'Neil welcomed the announcement saying it will have far reaching benefits right across Queensland.
"It means greater opportunities for small-scale miners and fossickers, which in turn means more tourists and more economic benefits for our communities," Mayor O'Neil said.
"I welcome this announcement as great news for Western Queensland, and I would like to thank Minister Last and the department for their work in getting this done."
