Now that the decision has been unanimously passed by council, they will be indicating to the NSW Department of Industry that the motion has been approved.

Once the Department has collected the necessary information on the Mid-Western shire, a formal gazettal of the fossicking district will be undertaken.

NSW & ACT Prospectors and Fossickers Association President, Stephen Dangaard said fossickers were delighted with the council decision to seek listing as a “fossicking district.”

“Being a fossicking district will help attract more geo-tourists to the shire which is one of the prime gold fossicking locations in New South Wales,” Mr Dangaard said.

“What this does is cut some ‘red tape’ for recreational fossickers by exempting them from seeking Exploration Lease holder permission, that is mining company permission, before fossicking on a parcel of land.”

Although the area is now a fossicking district, those that are looking to undertake the search for gold will still have to adhere to land owners and their rights and privileges.

“Fossickers still need the permission of various land managers and owners – that does not change. Active Mining Leases are not affected by this change, and specific permission is still required from the company concerned,” Mr Dangaard said.

“This decision, which sees the Mid-Western shire come into line with other major fossicking areas of New South Wales, will also benefit the many residents who fossick as a hobby.”

“It is a win-win for all concerned,” he concluded.