The proposal recommends the open cut be included on the Walgett Shire Council Heritage Register and the relevant state and local government authorities make commitments to preserve the open cut for heritage purposes.

As reported in The Ridge News on June 23, claimholders of the 3-Mile open cut want to deregister their claims as of today which will result in the claims being turned over to the Department of Mineral Resources.

Under current legislation the Department of Mineral Resources may choose to backfill the site.

In an attempt to save the mine a proposal was put together by Elizabeth Smith with contributions from the LROFC Committee.

LROFC project manager Jenni Brammall said this was just a starting point and the Opal and Fossil Centre committee would be following up on the proposal.

"I am currently sending the proposal to key stockholders such as Walgett Shire Council, the NSW Heritage Office, Outback Tourism and Tourism NSW, Minister for Mineral Resources Kerry Hickey, Minister for Natural Resources Craig Knowles and others," she said.

The proposal lists the heritage values of the site which should be considered for educational, historic, literary and scientific significance.

While the benefits of preserving the mine have been well noted the big stumbling block has been who will take responsibility for the site's management and finance.

The proposal said measures could be taken to ensure greater public safety aroud the site.

"A two metre cyclone fence should be constructed as soon as possible and further warning signs erected," the proposal said.

The proposal also said it may be appropriate for claim holders to make a 'one-off' contribution towards council's expenses, in lieu of incurring major costs otherwise association with rehabilitation.