THE people of White Cliffs in far-western New South Wales are celebrating following the Commonwealth decision earlier in the week to allow opal mining to recommence in the region.

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said it has been almost an eight-years wait for White Cliffs’ residents, who have struggled to keep their outback town alive in the meantime.

“This amazing historic town, 255km north-east of Broken Hill, was born through opal mining in the late 1800s, and still has opals at its heart,” Mr Chaffey said.

“More than 135 claims have been waiting to be granted. Businesses and tourism have been suffering during this long wait, and this may well have been the end of White Cliffs.

“I congratulate the people of White Cliffs for continuing to fight, and the Commonwealth Attorney General, Michelle Rowland, who has taken action to ensure mineral claims in the town’s main mining field can finally be granted and renewed.”

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey and Commonwealth Attorney General Michelle Rowland with the Native Title (Approved Opal or Gem Mining Area – White Cliffs, New South Wales) Determination 2026 that will allow mineral claims to be granted and renewed.

White Cliffs miners were advised in August, 2018 that due to Native Title matters, all current mining claims were pending claims only.

Only 16 claims could be worked. Since that time, White Cliffs miners have had their livelihoods on hold – and the whole town has been in limbo.

White Cliffs Miners’ Association president, Troy Karkoe, and secretary Dick Wagner, said it was an important decision for White Cliffs.

“From a miners’ perspective, being able to peg new ground is something like a dream come true,” Mr Karkoe said.

“The White Cliffs miners cannot express our gratitude enough for the help from the Member for Parkes on what has been a very trying time for the whole community – 2761 days to be precise.

“The boost to the whole community will benefit everyone – opal shops, Air BnBs, the local store, hotel and underground motel will all benefit with the increase in tourism.”

Mr Chaffey worked alongside the White Cliffs community to bring the matter to the attention of the Commonwealth Attorney-General.

“This is a great result, and I cannot wait to see the first opal unearthed from these long-neglected opal fields,” he said. “I am absolutely thrilled for the community of White Cliffs,” Mr Chaffey said.