Goldtarget
(AKA OldGT)
You're Right Reg.
You only need to look at the shooters, the 4x4 groups, and the fishers to see where this is all headed. In all these cases access isn't like it was, and the rules have changed. License restrictions and firearms restrictions, introduction of fishing licenses, banning of nets, restricted waters and seasons, catch and release, and now targeting 4x4 mods to disable capable vehicles and banned activity in many areas.
Still if people have the courage and will to fight we shouldn't denounce them. I don't make any donations to any lobby groups or political organizations for the reason you've mentioned, I think it has a zero sum effect on legislation. Instead I spend money on time in gold areas, machines, equipment and at the local businesses around those areas. I spend free time writing submissions and letting others know what we face. I spend both my free time and money a few times a year cleaning up areas from dumping, and maintaining facilities.
Deep down I know it's all going to get harder and one day I'll be on the wrong side of the law. In truth that doesn't matter to me. I'll still go out there and I encourage everyone to do the same once they finally legislate against it. And I'll be a lot happier doing it because I'll be free. No more concern for my actions affecting others. Ultimately I think that's what the green movement forgets, its prospectors self regulating in the status quo that ensures we are all trying and motivated to stay within the confines of the rules, but removing our rights and access will more likely have the exact opposite effect than the one they seek. I strongly believe the wider public will either support us as outlaws or simply not care, it's only a very tiny minority that have any interest in what we do.
You only need to look at the shooters, the 4x4 groups, and the fishers to see where this is all headed. In all these cases access isn't like it was, and the rules have changed. License restrictions and firearms restrictions, introduction of fishing licenses, banning of nets, restricted waters and seasons, catch and release, and now targeting 4x4 mods to disable capable vehicles and banned activity in many areas.
Still if people have the courage and will to fight we shouldn't denounce them. I don't make any donations to any lobby groups or political organizations for the reason you've mentioned, I think it has a zero sum effect on legislation. Instead I spend money on time in gold areas, machines, equipment and at the local businesses around those areas. I spend free time writing submissions and letting others know what we face. I spend both my free time and money a few times a year cleaning up areas from dumping, and maintaining facilities.
Deep down I know it's all going to get harder and one day I'll be on the wrong side of the law. In truth that doesn't matter to me. I'll still go out there and I encourage everyone to do the same once they finally legislate against it. And I'll be a lot happier doing it because I'll be free. No more concern for my actions affecting others. Ultimately I think that's what the green movement forgets, its prospectors self regulating in the status quo that ensures we are all trying and motivated to stay within the confines of the rules, but removing our rights and access will more likely have the exact opposite effect than the one they seek. I strongly believe the wider public will either support us as outlaws or simply not care, it's only a very tiny minority that have any interest in what we do.
