Tibooburra Prospecting Pause due to Missing Paperwork 

15th June 2026

The suspension of fossicking permits at the Tibooburra Common has been traced back to missing administrative requirements, according to the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler. 

Mr Butler says the Tibooburra Common Trust is required to have a Management Plan in place that specifically allows fossicking. Since a Native Title determination was granted in July 2024, the Wongkumarra people now must also approve fossicking.  

“Once Crown Lands realised that no current Management Plan is in place to allow prospecting activities and there is no agreement with the Wongkumarra people, it stopped the issuing of any new fossicking permits,” said Mr Butler. 

“Prospecting on the Common draws visitors and plays an important role in supporting local businesses and the broader economy, but fossicking permits can’t be issued against the law,” said Mr Butler. 

Crown Lands has advised that fossicking can recommence once two key steps are completed: 

• A Management Plan for the Common that explicitly allows fossicking is developed and approved; and 
• Consent for fossicking is granted by the native title holders, the Wongkumarra people. 

Mr Butler says there is a clear pathway towards a resolution, and it should involve the entire community. 

“Crown Lands has already provided guidance to recommence fossicking on the Common,” said Mr Butler. 

“I know that the Tibooburra Village Committee has stepped forward and is ready to assist in developing the required Management Plan, and I will be reaching out to the Wongkumarra people to start the discussion. 

“Feedback needs to be sought from the entire community about the best way to move forward,” said Mr Butler.