By Julius Ewudo, ASEAN Region Representative

The vibrant economy of Lightning Ridge, which has seen substantial growth in tourism and local prosperity, is at serious risk due to the recommendations from the recent NSW Opal Mining Inquiry. These proposed changes could stifle a booming mining led tourism industry that has positioned Lightning Ridge as a leading destination in outback NSW.

Driven in part by the global success of the Discovery Channel’s “Outback Opal Hunters” now in its 12th season, Lightning Ridge has become a household name for millions of viewers worldwide. The show which reaches an estimated 200 million people across 100 countries, has sparked unprecedented interest in the town’s opal mining industry, creating a surge in tourism that is bringing an estimated 200,000 visitors to the region annually. This tourism boom has brought new business opportunities, employment, and economic growth to the town and surrounding areas.

The recommendations from the Opal Mining Inquiry however, threaten to undo this success. The tourism growth, which is drought resilient and essential to sustaining the local economy, would be severely impacted if the mining industry is hampered by restrictive regulations. These recommendations would likely result in fewer miners, fewer residents, less tourism, and higher unemployment – pushing Lightning Ridge toward the fate of many struggling regional towns.

The success of “Outback Opal Hunters” has provided Lightning Ridge with a unique platform to showcase its rich opal mining heritage and attract domestic and international tourists. Rather than stifling this opportunity with excessive bureaucratic regulation, the government should be fostering growth and innovation within the opal mining sector to ensure long term prosperity for the region.

If enacted, these recommendations could dismantle the vibrant regional economy and diminish the economic benefits that mining tourism brings not only to Lightning Ridge but to the entire region and NSW. The town risks becoming just another rural community in decline, losing the prosperity it has worked hard to attain.

Local miners and business owners are calling on Minister Houssos to reject these recommendations and visit Lightning Ridge to experience firsthand the increased demand and positive impact that mining has had on the community.

The mining industry in Lightning Ridge doesn’t just support the livelihoods of hundreds, it powers a thriving local economy and generates downstream benefits for the wider region.

“We implore Minister Houssos to stand up to the bureaucrats and see what mining really means to Lightning Ridge. The opal industry is the lifeblood of our town, and its success benefits us all” a local spokesperson said.