The recent change of government in Victoria should herald important changes in relation to small-scale mining and prospecting.

Undertakings from the Coalition indicate that they are supportive of many concepts put forward by the PMAV. These include a review of those areas where prospecting is currently prohibited, at least consideration of the eductor dredging issue, investigation of the environmental impact of prospecting, improved regulations for small-scale mining and more.

We wrote to members with the results of our pre-election questionnaire in the lead up to the election and, given the result, are confident that many of you considered our electoral advice.

The PMAV will be busy with the Coalition to get their pre-election assurances in place. We have engaged retired Mining Warden, Noel Laidlaw and Dr Allan Rossiter to work through small-mining issues for us. I trust that those miners who are not PMAV members are encouraged to join as a result of this initiative.

I have no problem saying that the Brumby Government had reached its use by date. Much as the Kennett government had before it. They had become comfortable and a tad arrogant; not willing to consider anything new. They had lost the ability to listen. I can give no better example than the fact that the Environment Minister Gavin Jennings simply refused to meet with the PMAV, this despite our being among the largest public land user groups. We trust the new Environment Minister will be a lot more welcoming!

We have Michael O’Brien as the Minister responsible for Resources. Michael was the Shadow so has a good working knowledge of our issues. Michael has written exclusively for us on page one of this issue.

I encourage you to read the branch reports towards the back of this Echo, especially that from the East Gippsland Branch. New branch president, Brian Bateson, has done some excellent work with the Gunaikunai people in that area. This work will benefit all prospectors working in that region. Congratulations and thanks to Brian.

We have recently been approached by an individual keen to restart the Ballarat Branch. I must say it has been a source of frustration that the very branch at the heart of Eureka has been in recess for so long. Hopefully new enthusiasm will re-energise that branch.

The same cannot be said for Central Victoria. Hopefully someone will put their hand up to restart the branch located in the best nugget fields in the world?

Volunteers contact either me or Tony Mills.

I had the pleasure of attending the West Gippsland branch’s Christmas break up and came home with an overly full stomach, after a very pleasant afternoon of chatting with branch members. The setting for the break up had to be seen to be believed. Mick’s collection of ‘stuff’ decorates the most interesting shed I have ever seen.  Thanks to all at the branch for making David and I welcome.

The frustrations of dealing with the Brumby Government are now behind us. We are at a fresh start with the Bailleau/Ryan Coalition Government. I don’t know about you, but I feel newly energised and excited by the prospect of achieving real change on behalf of the prospectors and small-miners of Victoria.

With your ongoing support, we will make a lasting difference.

Rita Bentley, PMAV President