THE state government is pushing for greater access for prospectors in Lerderderg State Park.
Energy and Resources Minister Michael O’Brien says the government will ask the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate whether extending access is possible without damaging the park. Environment and Climate Change Minister Ryan Smith laughed off Opposition claims that the government had essentially directed the VEAC to approve small-scale mining.
“It involves the use of hand tools only, the most common being metal detectors. Prospecting does not include commercial mining,” he said.
Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria president Rita Bentley said the Opposition was mistaken.
“It is clearly stated in the government’s request to the Victorian Environment Assessment Council to investigate the possibility of extending public land access for recreational prospecting,” she said.
“This involves only the use of hand tools such as a metal detector or a gold pan – a great family outdoor hobby.
“Small-scale mining is absolutely not at all under consideration – neither would we request such access.”
The government will seek public comment as part of the VEAC investigation.
