Council goes for gold with Mount Morgan recreational fossicking plans
Published on 11 March 2025
Rockhampton Regional Council has reached the final stage of establishing a recreational fossicking area on the land surrounding Mount Morgan No 7 Dam, after Councillors voted to formally request the creation of a General Permission Area (GPA) from the State Government.
Public consultation conducted by Advance Rockhampton found an overwhelming 89% of respondents supported the establishment of a General Permission Area (GPA) to allow licenced fossickers to search for gold on land surrounding the dam.
Since consultation on the proposal closed, Advance Rockhampton has been working with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development to conduct detailed assessments of the site’s suitability and safety for recreational fossicking. This has identified the need for additional signage to be installed to outline rules for fossickers and highlight potential hazards. Annual surveys of the site will also be conducted to ensure safety and environmental protection rules are being adhered to.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said fossicking presents a golden opportunity for the Mount Morgan community.
“The number of survey responses exceeded all expectations and sends a clear message – the people of Mount Morgan, the broader region and fossickers want to see a GPA established,” Mayor Williams said.
“Mount Morgan’s proud gold mining heritage draws in travellers from across the country, and recreational fossicking will open the town up to a whole new demographic of visitors.
“Council will now push ahead with the final formalities needed to deliver this exciting new tourism and business opportunity for Mount Morgan and draw in visitors hoping to strike it rich.”
Following feedback received during public consultation, additional conditions will be applied to licenced fossickers at No 7 Dam including a 50 metre ‘no-go-zone’ around residential properties and a requirement to report any discoveries which may be of cultural or historical significance under the Cultural Heritage Act.
These would apply in addition to previously proposed bans on recreational fossicking in the vicinity of the dam, public tracks, recreation facilities, infrastructure and livestock. Fossickers would also be required to immediately backfill excavations (limited to 2m x 1m or a depth of 0.5 metres), be restricted to the use of hand tools only, and comply with general rules consistent with the public use of No 7 Dam.
Division 5 Councillor, Cherie Rutherford, said safety and environmental protections around the site will always be the priority.
“I believe we’ve found the right balance between opening up No 7 Dam for recreational fossicking, protecting the much-loved No 7 Dam and respecting the views of the community,” Cr Rutherford said.
"Throughout this process, we've actively listened to residents and incorporated their feedback into the updated special conditions. I want to reassure landholders that a 50-meter buffer zone has been established around all neighbouring properties to ensure their privacy and comfort."
Advance Rockhampton’s Economic Development Manager, Wade Clark, has thanked the community for its patience while the changes are implemented.
“Our team is excited to be leading the delivery of another game-changing project for Mount Morgan, providing new opportunities and strengthening the Rockhampton Region’s economy,” Mr Clark said.
“The community’s enthusiasm for this project has been contagious, but it’s been critical that we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all No 7 Dam users before reaching this final stage.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work and planning from teams across Council, Advance Rockhampton and external agencies to get to where we are today.”
Council understands the importance of this project to the Mount Morgan community and is actively working towards the final steps in bringing it to fruition. It is anticipated that works to prepare the site and establish the GPA will be complete around the middle of 2025.
Advance Rockhampton will notify the community and media once that process is complete and fossicking is permitted.
For more information on Mount Morgan and its history, visit www.explorerockhampton.com.au/Explore/Mount-Morgan
For more on the projects underway across the Rockhampton Region, visit www.advancerockhampton.com.au/Home