Opal mining inquiry could leave people homeless
Recommendations from the recent Opal Mining Inquiry could result in over 1,000 residents being left without homes, as miners and their families living on opal claims in Lightning Ridge face the threat of eviction due to new regulations.
President of the Lightning Ridge Tourist Association Andrew Kemeny said that for over 100 years, opal miners in Lightning Ridge have lived on their mining claims and currently, there were approximately 675 dwellings on these claims, housing well over 1,000 people.
Mr Kemeny said that these homes had been bought, sold, and passed down through generations, with little regulatory oversight from government officials.
“Now, the inquiry’s recommendations threaten to displace these families, putting them at immediate risk of homelessness,’ Mr Kemeny said.
“This is a crisis in the making, as Lightning Ridge – like much of NSW - already suffers from a severe shortage of public housing.
“The town’s housing infrastructure simply cannot absorb such a significant influx of displaced people, overwhelming local resources and services.
Mr Kemeny said that in addition to the devastating impact on families, local businesses will also feel the strain as many employees live off-grid on their claims.
“Forcing miners and their families from their homes will not only compromise livelihoods but also undermine the security of the mining claims themselves,” he said.
Local miners are calling on Natural Resources Minister, Courtney Houssos to meet with the community and see firsthand the consequences of these recommendations. […]
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