Kerry Hickey is the new mineral resources minister.
The minister has been the member for Cessnock since March 1999 and is married with three children. He was formerly a councillor on the Cessnock Council, chairman of the Hunter Region Waste Panel and president of the Newcastle Milk Vendors Association.
The LRMA has sent an invitation to the new minister to visit Lightning Ridge and look at our unique industry first hand.
Legislative changes ahead
During the next couple of months the LRMA will be looking at proposed legislation to amend the Mining Act 1992 and the re-introduction of the Mine Health and Safety Bill 2002. We have already made representations to politicians and the Department of Mineral Resources in relation to the Mine Health and Safety Bill and have received positive assurances that the opal industry will not be disadvantaged, although we will need to upgrade our safety regime.
We will be looking closely at the next draft of the Bill and the regulations.
We are expecting some indication of the proposed amendments to the Mining Act during the next month or two.
The proposed amendments are the result of a strategic review the department has undertaken of the industry during the past year.
The main aim of the amendments will be to introduce an access framework, formalise the compensation scheme and property management plans and allow the introduction of a rehabilitation levy.
New caretaker
The LRMA is looking for a new caretaker for Tank 5 located on 'Warrengulla' on the Coocoran Lake. The successful applicant will need to supply their own caravan.
Thank you to Robert and Liz Smith who have been caretakers for the past four years.
No tourists permitted on LRMA tanks
It is coming up to Easter and Lightning Ridge will have a high influx of visitors, especially since it is also school holidays.
Please remember that only site holders and members, who are invited by the site holder, are permitted on the LRMA puddling tanks.
For safety and security reasons no tourists or children are permitted on the tanks and any unauthorised visitors to the tanks will be asked to leave by the caretakers.
Hudson pear
The hudson pear project kicked off last week with Job Link Plus' work for the dole participants and LRMA volunteers. Castlereagh Macquarie County Council personnel came along to give some on-the-ground training on spraying this noxious weed and safety procedures.
The start day, on Tuesday last week, followed a volunteers workshop held the previous Wednesday where more than 20 people turned up to learn about the project and complete the occupational health and safety course.
The project will continue for the next six months. If anyone would like further information or to join the volunteers contact the LRMA office.
Maxine O'Brien
secretary
manag er
Lightning Ridge Miners Association
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