The Remote Area Planning and Development Board is proud to see that a united, regional approach has delivered yet again for Central West Queensland.
Following the acquisition of local properties for National Parks in April 2024, RAPAD in conjunction with Winton Shire Council and Barcoo Shire Council, worked to ensure the future of the local Opal industry and broader community access and land use outcomes.
A matter of weeks later, RAPAD brought senior departmental, council and opal industry representatives together at our board meeting held in Blackall in May 2024 – the first of many meetings, briefings and delegations, opening the door for productive engagement, knowledge sharing and the result we see announced yesterday by Minister Dale Last.
We thank the team across Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services and the Department of Environment and Sciences for their work, including travelling to the region on multiple occasions and being a part of positive and genuine engagement.
We acknowledge the support of our local Member Sean Dillon MP in backing our region, and the drive of our directors Mayor Cathy White and Mayor Sally O’Neil in securing this result.
Mayor of Winton Shire Council Cathy White said the opal industry is a major contributor to the economy of Winton Shire and more broadly, Western Queensland.
“I am extremely pleased with this announcement and sincerely thank the Crisafulli Government and the relevant departments for their commitment in achieving this significant milestone,” Mayor White said.
“This decision provides much-needed certainty for the opal industry, particularly in supporting future investment, and will underpin the long-term sustainability of a sector that proudly showcases Australia’s national gemstone.”
Mayor of Barcoo Shire Council Sally O’Neil said the opal industry delivered wide reaching benefits to communities right across Western Queensland.
“Greater opportunities for small-scale miners and fossickers mean more tourists, more activity and more economic benefits for our communities,” Mayor O’Neil said.
“This is great news for Western Queensland.”
Read the Ministerial Statement: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/104098