FAQs

Council will first need to review what exists across the communities now,  such as location and time left on existing land tenure through to an understanding of current infrastructure and the existing resource capacity which will all inform a background report. All of this baseline information will then support and guide the future of the area ensuring that the communities remain vibrant and that their history is acknowledged and preserved. 

Council understands the state is considering all of the valuable feedback provided as part of the consultation on the draft Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan (QRIDP). This includes feedback on small-scale mining which is of significant importance to the central highlands region especially in the Gemfields. 

Any potential changes or options being considered for small-scale mining will form an critical component of the study and how it will be shaped. It's important to note that small-scale mining and any changes to its regulation is an important aspect but not the only aspect to consider for the communities and ensuring that the communities thrive in future. 

Council called for expressions of interest from community and stakeholder groups  to nominate for the Gemfields Planning Study Community and Stakeholder Project Reference Group. Council were thrilled to have received 22 nominations for the 12 available positions. The following representatives were selected based on the category of nomination (2 per community, 1 small scale mining, 1 local business, 1 graziers) and the supporting statement that they included in their nomination. 

• Josie Carew          Community Representative Anakie
• Tania Paulson       Community Representative Anakie
• Timothy Miles        Community Representative Sapphire 
• Michelle Johns      Community Representative Sapphire
• Kim Tompson        Community Representative Rubyvale
• Elizabeth Creagh  Community Representative Rubyvale
• Alan Freeman       Community Representative Willows
• Carol Graham       Small Scale Mining Association
• Margaret Lewis     Community Group 
• Mitchell Brown      Local Business
• Candy Cross        Graziers 
• Cr Gai Sypher      elected Councillor represented 
• Cr Christine Rolfe  elected Councillor represented

The purpose of the  Community and Stakeholder Project Reference Group (PRG) is to inform the preparation of the Gemfields Planning Study being prepared by Central Highlands Regional Council, including the delivering of a comprehensive community and stakeholder engagement program.

Broader community consultation is a crucial aspect to the study and the PRG will be critical to shaping an engagement plan that ensures that all those with an interest in the Gemfields will have a voice and an opportunity to contribute.