By STEVE GRAY
WARWICK fossickers have welcomed a state government move to open up two nearby state forests to recreational fossickers.
Fossickers will now be able to access land in the Durikai state forest, 27km west of Warwick and Talgai state forest 35km northwest of the city, near Pratten.
Three fossicking areas on Durikai and one on Talgai comprising a combined area of almost 5,500 hectares, will be made available.
Fossickers will also be able to obtain licences online.
Gem specialist Syd Woodrow said the Passchendale state forest near Stanthorpe will remain the region’s top attraction because of its topaz, but access to the new areas will attract new fossickers.
“Anything to bring people to Warwick, that’s what it’s all about,” Mr Woodrow said.
Secretary of the Warwick District Lapidary Club, Carol Delaney, said fossil ferns could be found at Durikai, which has been off-limits to fossickers.
Gold was found at Talgai but it was doubtful much remained to be discovered.
National Parks Minister Steve Dickson reminded Queenslanders that fossicking could only involve the use of hand tools such as picks, shovels, hammers, sieves, shakers or electronic detectors, with no machinery permitted.
Queenslanders can simply enter their details online in a few minutes to complete their application and they will be emailed their fossicking licence.
Until now, fossickers had to submit a paper form to authorised licensing agents or district offices of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines.
Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said there were various types of fossicking licences available to suit everyone’s needs.
“Licences can be issued for a one, six, or 12 month period, with fees ranging from $7.05 to $44.75 for an individual, or $10.10 to $59.60 for a family,” he said.
The two departments will continue to identify state forests with high fossicking potential where increased access will not compromise forest harvesting activities, the rights of existing users or areas of habitat value.
