Changes in Victoria's prospecting rules

[grubstake]

Grubstake, am I to understand that the powers that be DO NOT consult bodies like PMAV prior to decisions that affect prospecting? If that is the case then the PMAV needs a new lobbyist and communications officer. OMO. Mackka

I have no knowledge about how the process works in Victoria, but it doesn't seem to have been the case in this matter.

A similar issue is presently happening regarding access to Mt Arapiles in Western Victoria, where none of the parties involved (rock climbers, indigenous people, local businesses), seem satisfied with the process followed by Parks Victoria to determine future access rules:



https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/p...nsard/hansard-details/HANSARD-974425065-29150

 

[Hawkear]

I emailed Parks Vic. a week and a half ago with a real life scenario.
I provided coordinates for a specific spot within the S7 zone covering the Nerrina area where I would like to pursue recreational prospecting. I asked if they could give me a Yes or No answer as I was intending to go prospecting there in the near future.
My enquiry was referred by Parks Vic to their Regional office (Creswick), After an initial acknowledgment a few days ago, I have just received a further reply from Parks Vic (Creswick) to advise that they needed to refer the matter back up the line to Earth Resources for clarification.
I have only been promised a final reply "as soon as able"
It speaks that there is some confusion around this issue even amongst front line staff who would be responsible for policing the matter.
It is also now encouraging that front line Parks Vic staff themselves will be adding to the pressure to have this issue resolved.
Unless the whole issue is resolved through other sources, I will post again if a further relevant response is received, hopefully sooner than later.

 

[ProspectorAwareness]

As I mentioned above, it sounds to me as though the PMAV have been wrong-footed by the speed and scope of the recent regs changes.

I was pleased to see that by his third video, OzGeology had taken note of a comment of mine on YouTube advising him to consult an experienced legal firm to verify his claims and I believe the PMAV need to do the same, in case they find themselves held responsible for giving well-meaning but potentially inaccurate advice to their members.

This is an important matter for all Victorian prospectors and they need to stand united on it - bickering amongst themselves only weakens their position, IMHO.

Yup agreed. OzGeology got legal council almost 3 weeks ago I think. He immediately updated us via community posts and on facebook on where he was right and where he was wrong and he made sure to edit the past videos to not spread any further incorrect info. He said he was wrong about it affecting private land, but the lawyer confirmed prospecting is illegal on S7 crown land. I watched the minelab podcast today, and Jason came on. He called OzGeology a faceless social media wannabe, and admitted that it's illegal to prospect on S7 land, but apparently "you can do it anyway because no one enforces it." I'm not sure what real organization would say that. My husband contacted the PMAV on Sunday and they told him it was fine to legally prospect on S7 land and today they've backtracked. Massive L for them. We're cancelling our membership and putting the money towards OzGeology's Youtube now. He's making a website dedicated to finally showing where it is and isn't legal to prospect and he endeavors to do what GeoVic and Resources Vic has failed to do which is TO MAKE IT CLEAR where to prospect. I admire his lack of ego and professionalism throughout all of this. He's been nothing but nice considering how much hate he's gotten from notable people and organizations. Even Vogus attacked him. It's kind of sickening. Bunch of bullies but he never backed down.

 

[sand surfer]

hear ,hear prospecting awarness
quite a few years ago i tried to join pmav ,will not mention what branch but the way i was treated as a interstater my sister cancelled her membership on the spot with a few choice words that i did not know that she knew how to say

it does not matter what business /group/club ,power to be club you are in ,there is a name for it but i can not recall it
but it is you will never hire someone with the same skill set or above in fear of loosing your job
hence where we are today in most places ,not all but most

as two farmers leaning against a fence chewing the fat and one says to the the other
not saying the we are doomed but the animals will never let the dumbest of the species lead them

 

[loner]

Yup agreed. OzGeology got legal council almost 3 weeks ago I think. He immediately updated us via community posts and on facebook on where he was right and where he was wrong and he made sure to edit the past videos to not spread any further incorrect info. He said he was wrong about it affecting private land, but the lawyer confirmed prospecting is illegal on S7 crown land. I watched the minelab podcast today, and Jason came on. He called OzGeology a faceless social media wannabe, and admitted that it's illegal to prospect on S7 land, but apparently "you can do it anyway because no one enforces it." I'm not sure what real organization would say that. My husband contacted the PMAV on Sunday and they told him it was fine to legally prospect on S7 land and today they've backtracked. Massive L for them. We're cancelling our membership and putting the money towards OzGeology's Youtube now. He's making a website dedicated to finally showing where it is and isn't legal to prospect and he endeavors to do what GeoVic and Resources Vic has failed to do which is TO MAKE IT CLEAR where to prospect. I admire his lack of ego and professionalism throughout all of this. He's been nothing but nice considering how much hate he's gotten from notable people and organizations. Even Vogus attacked him. It's kind of sickening. Bunch of bullies but he never backed down.

Pretty Blase` to say it is illegal but do it anyway. I ain`t no cowboy and won`t be following their advice.

 

[Mr happy]

I know each time go for a dig I am dumping a couple of hundred dollars into the local economy up here. Given the numbers down in vic getting out and about the hit to the economy must be enormous and stopping that just doesn’t make financial sense.
Talk to local people and councils and let them know what’s happening, I bet there will be a lot of pissed off people in the towns that benefit from fossickers.
And don’t make greenies your enemy, show me you can fossick and not affect the environment in ways that won’t naturally regenerate. It’s pretty easy, leave it as close to the way you found it and no one will care.
It’s the pricks that dig huge parts of creek banks out that damage **** that are the issue not us average fossickers

 

[Rockdoc1969]

You just beat me to it Geoff, was about to post the same video.
He certainly sounds appropriately pissed off, as we all should be.
Time to form an action group PMAV....

No action needed. This is a beat up and has jeopardised the prospecting community

Just a post to let members know that a further post I made doubling down on criticisms about the S7 issue has, after review by moderators, been withdrawn.

I have been correctly reminded that interpretation of the changes as representing a ban on recreational prospecting in areas designated as S7 are yet to be confirmed with absolute certainty by government sources.

This also requires that I take some action in this regard and I have already sent a request by email for clarification to Parks Vic, who I believe would be responsible for policing illegal prospecting on Crown land. I am hoping for a better result than the lack of response given to Oz Geology following his earlier enquiries.
I will post again when and if a response is obtained.

I have also been reminded that posts should not contain any political referencing and this I also accept and withdraw any suggestions that politicians of any political persuasion should be approached at this time until further clarification is obtained

Access to areas for recreational prospecting is something dear to my heart and remember the anguish caused to many of us by the proposed Box Ironbark regulations in 2002. The actions of the PMAV and its members among others were responsible for many of the prime prospecting areas of the GT remaining open to this day. I sincerely apologise for letting my emotions get in the way good forum conduct.

Just wondering why you wouldn't contact the PMAV ? We

Grubstake, am I to understand that the powers that be DO NOT consult bodies like PMAV prior to decisions that affect prospecting? If that is the case then the PMAV needs a new lobbyist and communications officer. OMO. Mackka

IDKWIBGFYWYD

 

[grubstake]

No action needed. This is a beat up and has jeopardised the prospecting community
Just wondering why you wouldn't contact the PMAV ? We
You do release the PMAV are volunteers? What communication officer? Its the president and that's it, who covers pretty much everything..no consultation needed as this not an issue. Its a beat up by a faceless poser who refused to give his name when approached and next video had a tanty at the PMAV and demanded we take action?! For what? Section 7 which does not ban prospectors?

And yet PMAV President Jason Cornish, in the latest episode of the Minelab Detector Show (#203), clearly says that it DOES:

https://www.youtube.com/live/QwMN1BPnFa0?si=sxFRUoyPHJxFjaBR

He goes on to say that it's never been enforced and he believes (or hopes) that it will be changed, but that's not what you're now claiming. Watch the video and check it out for yourself.

 

[Rockdoc1969]

And yet PMAV President Jason Cornish, in the latest episode of the Minelab Detector Show (#203), clearly says that it DOES:

https://www.youtube.com/live/QwMN1BPnFa0?si=sxFRUoyPHJxFjaBR

He goes on to say that it's never been enforced and he believes (or hopes) that it will be changed, but that's not what you're now claiming. Watch the video and check it out for yourself.

So now as a volunteer, who learns on the go EVERY aspect of laws and regulations. meetings and departments (I'm not born with this knowledge nor the ability to speak about every facet) gets every word I say ripped apart from armchair critics? That's pathetic and disgusting that you are ready to jump on the bus. What have you done to protect the prospecting community this year-because I know what I have done and its at the detriment of my family and friends and even work that I have missed-sht loads more than anyone should be asked to do.

Detractors and critics of the PMAV disgust me. Our members carry the prospecting community, just like the 120 men who faced the soldiers at the Eureka Stockade, whilst the 18,000 other prospectors cowered or continued to dig for gold whilst men died for them. Yeah rip me apart mate. It still stands that Section 7 does not ban prospecting. Twist my words, quote me every day and have a laugh as you are protected by the PMAV.
Did you know the Victorian govt tried to remove the Miners Right and replace it with a BS prospecting licence, like prospectors have in QLD now? QLD prospectors have lost everything. You would not have your precious access without the PMAV, so bag us all you want.
Disgusting.
I left forums years ago because of the amount of armchair flogs who are more than happy to sit there smug in their protection from the PMAV, finding $1000s in gold and they couldn't be bothered spending $30 on helping the one organisation who protects them and has the ear of every government again as volunteers- so whilst you are out there drinking cans or pulling ya pud, we are in meetings, writing reports, meetings, forums, rallies OR raising money for Laanecoorie Gold bash -cancer research or gold murals or restoration of memorials or any number of things we do- None of which is paid. All for the benefit of your community. But by all means, pull up a seat and rip into me. Disgusting behaviour and you should be ashamed .

 

[grubstake]

So now as a volunteer, who learns on the go EVERY aspect of laws and regulations. meetings and departments (I'm not born with this knowledge nor the ability to speak about every facet) gets every word I say ripped apart from armchair critics? That's pathetic and disgusting that you are ready to jump on the bus. What have you done to protect the prospecting community this year-because I know what I have done and its at the detriment of my family and friends and even work that I have missed-sht loads more than anyone should be asked to do.

Detractors and critics of the PMAV disgust me. Our members carry the prospecting community, just like the 120 men who faced the soldiers at the Eureka Stockade, whilst the 18,000 other prospectors cowered or continued to dig for gold whilst men died for them. Yeah rip me apart mate. It still stands that Section 7 does not ban prospecting. Twist my words, quote me every day and have a laugh as you are protected by the PMAV.
Did you know the Victorian govt tried to remove the Miners Right and replace it with a BS prospecting licence, like prospectors have in QLD now? QLD prospectors have lost everything. You would not have your precious access without the PMAV, so bag us all you want.
Disgusting.
I left forums years ago because of the amount of armchair flogs who are more than happy to sit there smug in their protection from the PMAV, finding $1000s in gold and they couldn't be bothered spending $30 on helping the one organisation who protects them and has the ear of every government again as volunteers- so whilst you are out there drinking cans or pulling ya pud, we are in meetings, writing reports, meetings, forums, rallies OR raising money for Laanecoorie Gold bash -cancer research or gold murals or restoration of memorials or any number of things we do- None of which is paid. All for the benefit of your community. But by all means, pull up a seat and rip into me. Disgusting behaviour and you should be ashamed .

Nothing disgusting about it all mate. PA members need to know what they can and can't legally do. You're publicly advocating that prospectors should ignore what the regs say. Somehow I doubt that strengthens your position when you're advocating to government on behalf of Victorian prospectors.

 

[sand surfer]

( just like the 120 men who faced the soldiers at the Eureka Stockade, whilst the 18,000 other prospectors cowered or continued to dig for gold whilst men died for them)

i am not sure on that as i have read some history on the Eureaka rebellion (what i have read, maybe wrong i don't know as i was not there to witness it

from what i have read that there were 1500 men still at the stockade(which was built as a training ground to keep the men in not a fort or a garrison to be protected) saturday evening willing to use their arms in defense of their rights
but after 2 false alarms around midnight many diggers retired to their tents for some sleep
so when the troopers and police attacked about 1.30 am they new the diggers were at the weakest point of strength aproxx. 120 men as they had eyes in the bush looking for any opportunity
typical military tactics deployed, attack when they are at their weakest

but 18,000 prospectors cowered or kept digging ,
i know for a fact that if i had been digging the ground all day i would have been in bed asleep at 1.30 am like most of them

the point is mate the pamv
lied to your members
attacked a person that brought the issue to light
and then sat their and told your members on the media tubes it is ok the break the law as they do not police it
and now attacking members of a prospecting forum for wanting honest answers to questions
as my father always said
you dug the hole ,you **** in it, you sleep in it

 

[Rockdoc1969]

( just like the 120 men who faced the soldiers at the Eureka Stockade, whilst the 18,000 other prospectors cowered or continued to dig for gold whilst men died for them)

i am not sure on that as i have read some history on the Eureaka rebellion (what i have read, maybe wrong i don't know as i was not there to witness it

from what i have read that there were 1500 men still at the stockade(which was built as a training ground to keep the men in not a fort or a garrison to be protected) saturday evening willing to use their arms in defense of their rights
but after 2 false alarms around midnight many diggers retired to their tents for some sleep
so when the troopers and police attacked about 1.30 am they new the diggers were at the weakest point of strength aproxx. 120 men as they had eyes in the bush looking for any opportunity
typical military tactics deployed, attack when they are at their weakest

but 18,000 prospectors cowered or kept digging ,
i know for a fact that if i had been digging the ground all day i would have been in bed asleep at 1.30 am like most of them

the point is mate the pamv
lied to your members
attacked a person that brought the issue to light
and then sat their and told your members on the media tubes it is ok the break the law as they do not police it
and now attacking members of a prospecting forum for wanting honest answers to questions
as my father always said
you dug the hole ,you **** in it, you sleep in it

If you had half the info you'd still be uselsss.
18,000 men were on the ballarat goldfields. If they had that many in the stockade, history would have been different I reached out to all social media whores who had posted about this BS Section 7 and the ones who refused to give their names - I will not deal with an anonymous Youtube wannabe star who wont stand behind his convictions nor show his true face and yet idiots lap up every word and bow down to him as if he knows his arse from his elbow just because he can talk like a politician.. PMAV have not 'lied to their members' - what an accusation from someone who knows two parts of FA. Twist my words how much you want, I'm not a trained media expert but a volunteer who tried to put across my thoughts and knowledge on Section 7. Not my fault it came across in an ambiguous way-guess what? Just like Section 7 is in the ACT. So believe what you want, people who find any excuse not to support the only organisation who supports the WHOLE state of Victorian prospectors aren't worth a pinch of piss and disgust me. There are people on this site who claim to be members and are NOT - then they spin their lies and propaganda then sit there watch the fools lap it up.
The detractors and haters disgust me, I am fkd if I know why I bother with these forums-full of keyboard cowards. Go back to sticking your head up ya arse and justifying why you dont join the fight, but part of the problem. So yeah- don't want flogs in the PMAV they only want to know "What do I get out of it'

 

[Rockdoc1969]

Nothing disgusting about it all mate. PA members need to know what they can and can't legally do. You're publicly advocating that prospectors should ignore what the regs say. Somehow I doubt that strengthens your position when you're advocating to government on behalf of Victorian prospectors.

No im not. I am saying there is and never has been an issue with Section 7 as its an ambiguous section of the ACT, arguable from either point of view and since the government and its agencies HAS NEVER argued that it reads that way, then who are we to do their job for them and say 'Hey why dont you lock out prospectors in these areas?"
How is that lying to our members?
How is that being deceptive?
I'm not here to re-draw up their act and certainly not here to post sht like that all over the internet and give our enemies ammo

 

[davsgold]

I don't know who you are Rockdoc1969 but with words like that in your posts above on here to members, you are not part of the problem, you ARE the problem

 

[Hawkear]

No action needed. This is a beat up and has jeopardised the prospecting community

Just wondering why you wouldn't contact the PMAV ? We

IDKWIBGFYWYD

In relation to point 2, I did not contact the PMAV because in my original post I said "I hope our PMAV are across this" and received subsequent assurance that they were.
As has been continually expressed in this forum, enquiries as to where it is legal to prospect in a particular place should be directed to appropriate authorities. That is exactly what I have done as my enquiry related to a specific location where I wanted to go even to the point of giving the exact coordinates.
It would not be fair to expect the PMAV to have the resources or responsibility to answer questions like that.
I am happy to leave PMAV deal with regulatory authorities in an appropriate manner as has subsequently been indicated in this matter.
I am also happy for individuals like Oz Geology to openly raise this issue as a matter of public concern. Not all miner's rights holders are members of the PMAV nor are obliged to be so. It is noted that by opening up this issue publicly and to a wider community, beyond even our forum and PMAV members, we now see broader support with questions being raised in State Parliament.
A miner's right is exactly what it says - a right not just a tolerance perhaps born out of confusion.
The S7 issue is therefore not a trivial one as the risk is that future authorities may, for whatever reasons they choose, renege on non binding promises not to prosecute recreational prospectors in S7 areas.
I am sure the PMAV are working hard on this, as is Oz Geology in detailing his own investigations so far.
Despite all the indications and opinions, official clarification is still awaited and until then further action would be probably be premature at this time.
Should further action be necessary, I would like to think that many separate voices all shouting the same message are capable of exerting more pressure than just a single voice.

 

[Gold In The Blood]

Those that wish to lock up all our lands and take away all our remaining freedoms must be enjoying watching us
in the prospecting community infighting and slinging mud at each other.

Time to look at the bigger picture people and unite, or recreational prospecting will be a thing of the past in the not too distant future.

 

[Longie]

Rockdoc1969 are you in-fact Jason Cornish the PMAV president? I ask this as in one of your posts here you mention faceless posers who refuse to give their names. Are you willing to give your name?

Regards,
David Long

 

[chris11330]

Well i am pretty sure that OzGeology has it all wrong and PMAV has it right! Even though this S7 thing has been around since the 90's why such a furore over it now, surely somebody would have been pinged for prospecting on an S7 in the last 30 years? Well apparently not and here is an excerpt from Rescources Victoria website in regards to any clarification that may well be needed. Sometimes it's better to do your own research rather than shooting from the hip causing many people and organisations unwanted backlash and hatred. Here is a direct link.
https://resources.vic.gov.au/licensing-approvals/mineral-licences/section-7-exemptions

 

[grubstake]

Well i am pretty sure that OzGeology has it all wrong and PMAV has it right! Even though this S7 thing has been around since the 90's why such a furore over it now, surely somebody would have been pinged for prospecting on an S7 in the last 30 years? Well apparently not and here is an excerpt from Rescources Victoria website in regards to any clarification that may well be needed. Sometimes it's better to do your own research rather than shooting from the hip causing many people and organisations unwanted backlash and hatred. Here is a direct link.
https://resources.vic.gov.au/licensing-approvals/mineral-licences/section-7-exemptions

That screenshot extract is all very well, but as far as I can see it is only a website interpretation of the regs, as there is no reference to a specific clause of the Act which states the same thing. Unless that interpretation is stated in the Act, the interpretation has no legal validity.