Queensland Prospectors Face New Access Challenges

There’s been a stir up north, with Queensland’s hobby prospectors voicing frustration over recent changes to state laws that now give mining companies more control over who can access certain public goldfields.

Under the new rules, anyone wanting to fossick in state-owned areas must first get permission from mining lease applicants — even when those leases are still pending. Many locals around Clermont say this extra layer of approval is locking everyday prospectors out of once-accessible spots and discouraging visitors who travel from interstate to enjoy the hobby.

The fallout has hit small towns that rely heavily on prospecting tourism, with local businesses and councils warning that the changes could have long-term effects if not reviewed. Some are now calling for Queensland to simplify their system, looking to states like Victoria, where prospecting access is better balanced between recreational and commercial use. Victoria is very lucky to have the benefit of the Prospectors & Miners Association of Victoria (PMAV) who are constantly fighting for the rights of prospectors in Victoria.

It’s a timely reminder that the right to swing a detector isn’t something we should take for granted. Here in Victoria, our community works hard to maintain access to public ground — and stories like this show just how important it is to keep that balance in place for future generations of gold hunters.