Gday len, well done on the fact finding mission so far. A thought occurred when reading your petition draft, since a petition is a good show of support for a particular issue it should get attention from your MP. Would it also be worth raising the matter with the state premier as well? Since this is a state issue and not simply a local one.
Also have you thought on the next steps to follow a petition? Calling for your MP to see if there is support amongst his party for the proposed changes or requesting he call for a committee enquiry into the qld fossicking laws seems like a good start.
So far things look good, might be worth asking someone who knows nothing of prospecting to read your proposal and see if they understand everything easily. This may help you re tune it as its likely your MP has no knowledge of the mechanics involved in prospecting.
All the best,
TGW