I think it's a bit the same in Coober Pedy and Andamooka now as well. Once upon a time you could go to any abandoned claim and fossick but I think vast tracts of that ground is now under mining leases and off limits.
Good point Mackka, I would think the tourism associations and town progress associations would be aware of what's happening and if not, hopefully the prospectors/fossickers that are going to their towns will bring it to their attention.
"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong".- US jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald