Managing Crown Land for the Community
See what we have been up to below
🦜The Opal Reserve staff had the pleasure of providing access to the NSW Bird Atlassers (NSWBA) to undertake bird monitoring/surveys on the Reserve.
🦢NSWBA are a not-for-profit organisation monitoring birds and providing long-term data about trends in Australia's native birds.
🦅Field Trips are organised across NSW and ACT to map and monitor bird distribution and preferred habitats.
🦆The NSWBA have produced several publications of works, including Field Identification Booklets, Habitat Guides and ' An Atlas of the birds of NSW & the ACT', which is up to Vol. 3.
🐦⬛We look forward to having long-term surveys done on the Reserve to better understand the environment around us.
🦤In one day, we sighted 30 species, 2 of which are vulnerable/endangered species
🦉You can become a member by visiting their website to access publications and provide bird sightings. www.nswbirdatlassers.org.au/
‼️HOT OFF THE PRESS - Mineral Claim Renewals are now accepted via email‼️
As part of NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to improve and modernise the statutory framework surrounding small-scale titles, amendments to legislation have been made allowing for mineral claim holders to lodge applications for renewal of their mineral claim by electronic methods.
This will mean that you may now complete the application forms for renewal of mineral claims and provide documentation to the department via email.
The Mining Amendment (Small-scale Titles) Regulation 2025 has been approved and came into effect on Friday 30 May 2025. This amendment extends the lodgement of any application that was previously permitted to be made by post or facsimile to also include electronic lodgement (e.g. via email).
You can find the application forms for renewal on the NSW Resources website: www.resources.nsw.gov.au/mining-and-exploration/opal-mining/mineral-claim-application-and-renewal...
Further legislative amendments, including further modernisation of application processes, are being considered as part of the response to the Independent Review.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Small-Scale Titles Project Team on 02 4063 6900 or sstproject@regional.nsw.gov.au.
Glengarry, Grawin, Sheepyard, Miners Association Inc. Lightning Ridge Miners' Association The Western Herald Western Plains App North West News - Lightning Ridge and surrounding area
Mineral claim application and renewal process | NSW Resources
www.resources.nsw.gov.au
Mining Amendment (Mineral Claims – Opals) Act 2023 The Mining Amendment (Mineral Claims – Opals) Act 2023 came into law on 24 October 2023.
🌿 Narran Lakes Open Day – This Friday & Saturday! 🌿
Don’t miss the annual Narran Lakes Open Day, happening this Friday and Saturday!
This is a rare and special opportunity to see the Narran Lakes full of water, teeming with life and beauty. Whether you’re a nature lover, birdwatcher, student, or simply curious about this Ramsar-listed wetland, the open day offers a chance to explore one of Australia’s most important inland lake systems.
📍 Where: Narran Lakes
📅 When: This Friday & Saturday
🎒 What to bring: Hat, water, camera, comfortable shoes – and your curiosity!
Come and learn about the region’s ecology, cultural heritage, and the vital role the lakes play in our environment. There’ll be guided walks, information stalls, and more.
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/narran-lake-nature-reserve#:~:text=Narran%20Lake%....
The Western Herald Walgett Shire Council Roy Butler MP NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Outback Radio 2WEB UNSW
Narran Lake Nature Reserve | NSW National Parks
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Official information for Narran Lake Nature Reserve in NSW, Australia. See this park's location, find management documents and view information on fires, closures and other alerts.
Opal Reserve staff recently assisted the Grawin Golf Course by spraying Hudson Pear and Harrisia over three days. Over 800 litres of herbicide was applied as part of the effort to support the community-run course in managing their invasive species obligations.
This work aims to improve both the condition of the grounds and the overall usability of the course. We hope these efforts contribute to a more enjoyable experience for players and encourage more golfers from around the area and further afield to play golf at this unique golf course.
During the visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Maryland Sharky, the president of the golf club, to discuss managing Hudson Pear. We also ran into several visiting golfers — including a couple who had travelled all the way from the Netherlands!
Also, a big thanks to Rachael Turner from LLS who came and helped spray for a day 👍
The Western Herald North West Local Land Services Walgett Shire Council Opal Reser NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Courtney Houssos Western Plains App Outback Radio 2WEB Jamie Chaffey for Parkes Steve Kamper
‼👥Public Meetings in Lightning Ridge TODAY👥‼
1pm and 5pm @ Walgett Shire Council office on Pandora St.📣〽️𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 📣
Your voice matters!
The Walgett Shire Council has developed its Draft Plans, and we want to hear from YOU. Come along to one of our community consultation meetings to share your thoughts and ideas.
Walgett - 22nd May - 1pm & 5pm - Shire Offices
Lightning Ridge - 21st May - 1pm & 5pm - Shire Offices
Collarenebri - 20th May - 5pm - Tattersall’s Hotel
Rowena - 28th May - 5pm - Rowena Pub
Burren Junction - 28th May - 7.30pm - Burren Hall
Carinda - 15th May - 6pm - Footy Shed
Opalfields - 15th May - 1pm - Grawin Club in the Scrub
Online - 14th May 1pm & 7pm Email admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au for the link and to RSVP
All draft documents can be found here:
www.walgett.nsw.gov.au/News-Media/Draft-Council-Plans-on-Exhibition
Let's shape our Shire together!
#CommunityInput #ShirePlans #LocalCouncil #YourVoice #walgettshire
🦖We are looking forward to sitting in on this talk about opalised dinosaurs fossils found in Lightning Ridge🦖
🦕Not many people can say they that live in a town that they are found, so find out more details to brag to your friends about🦕
💻Click in virtually tonight at 6:30 via Zoom.
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Don’t forget to get involved with some of the great palaeontology events over the next few days being held online.
Did you know that some of the coolest Australian Dinosaurs have been found in Lightning Ridge, and some have even been found on Lightning Ridge Opal Reserve !!!
Do you know the names of the dinosaurs found at Grawin…..??????
Hudson Pear still poses a big problem across our district and the recent rains have kicked off a lot of new growth around the area, especially on the roadsides.
We are currently spraying roadsides and high risk-of-spread areas on the reserve at Grawin. We will also be releasing more cochineal this year, especially on the Brown Spine Hudson Pear which is a growing concern.
We met up with Jacko from Castlereagh last week from Macquarie County Council (CMCC) who is also spraying the public roads around the area.
Please reach out to us for any areas on the reserve that need spraying: 0457 203 814
or CMCC for any public road sides that need spraying: 0427 598 577
cmcc.nsw.gov.au/contact/
Walgett Shire Council Western Local Land Services North West Local Land ServicesRoy Butler MP Glengarry, Grawin, Sheepyard, Miners Association Inc. The Western Herald
‼️Residents and visitors are reminded to be aware and vigilant of subsided mine shafts and to not walk on and over mullock heaps‼️
🌧Recent heavy rain has washed away top dirt and exposed mine shafts all over the opal mining fields.
📞Please report any subsided and collapsed mine shafts to 1300 814 609 (Option 2, then Option 4) or email cau@regional.nsw.gov.au.