Driven by the efforts of the local Clermont community and Minelab dealers, Jonathan and Frieda Berry-Porter from The Outback Prospector, Flat Diggings Reserve General Permissions Area (GPA) has received endorsement from the Queensland government to allow gold prospecting. Proposed as a new GPA almost a year ago, Flat Diggings Reserve comprises of 181 hectares and is the first Council GPA in Clermont to receive approval in 21 years.
Known as the ‘heart of Queensland’s goldfields’, the 1861 discovery of gold in gullies south of Clermont triggered one of Queensland’s major gold rushes. Today, the gold mining district attracts recreational interest from fossickers, prospectors, and metal detecting enthusiasts.
The Berry-Porters say, “This new GPA is a significant achievement that directly supports and promotes recreational prospecting in Queensland, particularly Clermont … given the past challenges with securing public access to historic QLD goldfields, we anticipate this will set a precedent for other Councils to establish GPAs in the wider QLD regions.”
Jonathan Berry-Porter from The Outback Prospector with the Minelab GPX 5000.
Frieda Berry-Porter from The Outback Prospector at Goldfest.
The Isaac Regional Council believe that access to fossicking and prospecting land will be beneficial for social and economic growth within the local community. The Council encourages both residents and visitors to obtain a fossicking licence and hunt for gold during the upcoming holiday season.
Minelab is proud to have supported this initiative. “Minelab wholeheartedly supports the opening of accessible land for recreational prospecting,” says Fraser Kendall, Minelab General Manager ANZ/East Asia, “we believe that prospecting is a very positive recreational activity. It can be enjoyed as a minimal impact, environmentally sound hobby, encouraging outdoor activities for all ages.”
For more information on fossicking around Clermont, please visit: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/fossicking/central-gold
