Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Queensland improves mapping information for fossicking tourists

Queensland improves mapping information for fossicking tourists
April 17, 2020

In preparation for the lifting of COVID 19 fossicking bans, the Queensland Government is improving its mapping information on gem fields. Locals, tourists and visiting gem hunters will have a better chance of finding that elusive Queensland gem with clearly defined localities of Anakie Siding, Sapphire Central and Rubyvale and improved mapping to locate them.

Queensland Minister for Natural Resources Dr Anthony Lynham said the change would assist as a further drawcard post the COVID-19 pandemic and act as an economic boost to Central Queensland, once the gemfields re-open to fossickers and tourists.

Minister Lynham advised “once the Coronavirus lockdown is over and fossicking is permitted, these changes will make it easier for tourists to visit and experience some of the world’s largest sapphire fields and popular fossicking hotspots in the gem towns of Anakie, Sapphire and Rubyvale.

“Previously as the area was under the generic name of ‘The Gemfields’ - GPS systems found it challenging guiding fossickers and tourists to our gem towns.

“With tens of thousands of gem hunters and tourists visiting every year the Queensland  Government and locals understand the importance of tourism and the jobs that flow from it.

“That is why almost 1000 locals called for this clarification of localities and the confirmation of the place names change follows two months of community consultation.”

It comes as the Queensland Government has banned fossicking and camping in national parks, state forests and state-managed recreation and protected areas in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Minister Lynham said these changes would also aid emergency services and postal services in the region adding “community consultation is essential in any decision making process and I applaud members of the Central Queensland community who took this opportunity to help shape their community’s future.”

To view the newly created boundary changes, visit the Queensland Government website www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/place-names/proposals-decisions/decisions.

Image of fossicking courtesy of Discover Queensland 

Related Articles

17th April 2020 - Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlines plans for lifting of Coronavirus restrictions

7th April 2020 - RNA announces cancellation of Brisbane’s Ekka

5th April 2020 - Uluru resort stands down hundreds of workers due to Coronavirus restrictions and downturn

31st March 2020 - Queensland Government extends Coronavirus restrictions to camping and fossicking

26th March 2020 - Gold Coast tourism leader says Coronavirus restrictions ‘death by a thousand cuts’

23rd March 2020 - Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces new social restrictions to prevent Coronavirus spread that will last for months

20th March 2020 - Australian tourism sector losing $3 billion a month as travel restrictions bite

24th January 2020 - Australia’s first glass bridge proves a popular attraction for outback Queensland

6th June 2019 - Queensland Government encourages outback tourism through winter

15th February 2019 - Queensland Government claims giant dinosaur tracks discovery will boost visitor numbers to the outback

17th December 2018 - Queensland Government declares 2019 to be the Year of Outback Tourism

15th April 2017 - Open-air dinosaur museum launches in western Queensland

10th May 2016 - Outback Queensland town of Eromanga gifted G20’s giant dinosaurs


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

METRA Australia

With industry leading solutions in design and durability you can improve your facilities with our access control operations, payment systems and flexible personal locker storage solutions. Your…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Fitness / Recreation / Security

 
 

Sportybots

We are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…

read more

Fitness / Play / Recreation / Sport / Wellness

 
 

Again Faster

ABOUT Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…

read more

Fitness / Recreation

 
 

InterQuad (International Quadratics) 

InterQuad (International Quadratics)  With a combined legacy spanning over 150 years, International Quadratics (founded in 1976) and Pierce Pool Supplies (originally established in 1898 as A H…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

TPEC Pool Enclosures

TPEC Pool Enclosures provide a large range of premium commercial and residential retractable swimming pool, spa and terrace enclosures throughout Australia, servicing residential, local government…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

Enta Australasia

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd.  Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing.  19th July 2018 - ENTA…

read more

Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

Ungerboeck Software

As of February 2023, Ungerboeck Software has rebranded as Momentus Technologies.

read more

Entertainment / Events / Hospitality / Technology / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business