Yes, in an ideal world there would be the support and finances to pull together a national organisation. I have had some discussion on and off with PMAV, PANDIANT, APLA over the past 18 months, and there was nearly a national get together last year to share ideas and strategies. But events in Victoria around the VEAC report consumed a lot of attention and the idea didn't go ahead.
It is fair to say we all share similar problems in each of the states and territories but because mining (which normally includes fossicking) is controlled by state government it needs state solutions so the benefit of a national organisation is not immediately clear (to me anyway). Although the amount of work involved to do so is very clear!
If people want to help - and I hope they do - then they should at least join their own local state equivalent association and keep supporting them through ongoing membership and fundraising.
Organisations cost money to function with credibility. So far as I know, all the associations are staffed by volunteers who give up their fossicking time to serve the greater good. They need members and support to prosper and get results.
At NAPFA we now have over 750 members but it is noteworthy that on a basic look at the numbers, there are thousands of fossickers who do not support their association through membership, although the goals of the various associations support fossickers!
So if you want to help in a practical way, support your association and be involved.
Some people say they don't want to be 'involved' but then say they are concerned about this or that or have a crack at the greenies who are well organised, well funded, and have passionate supporters.
NAPFA appreciates that PA forum runs a NAPFA banner at the top for guest visitors, and I encourage logged in members to visit the associations section or google their respective association for joining information.
cheers
Stephen
President
NAPFA
