Fighting for fairer access to land in NSW
"Represent the interests of prospectors and fossickers"
Welcome!
The NSW and ACT Prospectors and Fossickers Association Inc (NAPFA) was formed in December 2012 to improve fossicking access to public land on behalf of all prospectors and fossickers in NSW.
“NAPFA Fights for fairer access to land in NSW and represents the interests of prospectors and fossickers”
Our goals are consistent with similar associations around the country, and promote prospecting and fossicking for minerals (especially gold) and gemstones; as well as for coins and relics
Our goals are consistent with similar associations around the country, and promote prospecting and fossicking for minerals (especially gold) and gemstones; as well as for coins and relics.
NAPFA is actively involved in educating the public to the importance that prospectors have played in the past to building our great nation and for maintaining our future lifestyle by the discovery of mineral resources.
NAPFA is a peak industry group in NSW, and is well recognised nationally as a key player in the prospecting and fossicking industries for representing our needs to Government.
Our continued work has paid off. Recent developments are:
FOSSICKING DISTRICTS- NAPFA’s initiative to create more Fossicking Districts and ongoing lobbying of Local Governments has now added 40% more Fossicking Districts to NSW in 2 years, and we haven't finished yet.
FOSSICKING in NSW PARKS - For the first time in history fossicking is no longer simply banned, and is now included in their state policy. This allows future application in parks not specifically restricting fossicking, and for us to submit applications.
HIGH BANKING and POWERED EQUIPMENT- The Division of Resources & Geoscience (DRG) have attempted to ban high-bankers and pumps since 2014. NAPFA’s work has pushed this out until 2020, even past the attempt to enforce the ban in the field in 2017 & 2019 by the Resources regulator.
The Regulator has now published a ban, however we are working to overturn this unfair interpretation that is not legislated.
We don’t replace clubs, internet forums, or Facebook pages, just as they don’t replace us. However, as a specialised body, we present a strong, professional and focussed presence on improving our rights as fossickers in NSW and make the necessary representations.
The volunteer Committee works hard for your cause, and to do this we need the support of all prospectors and fossickers operating in NSW and the ACT, as many competing interests threaten to impact our activities if we are not there to represent our members.
NAPFA is an honorary and voluntary organisation. Don’t sit on the fence with these important issues. If you want better access, rights and conditions, you need to fight for them. With your help, new areas will become available so more nuggets, gems, minerals and fossils can be found!
Join the rebellion today!