When gold was discovered in a creek by two shepherds in the Peak Downs district in 1861, who'd have thought that 160 years later, people from all over Australia would still be flocking to the town that became Clermont to try their luck!
The goldrush of today is driven by modern technology in the form of the world-leading Australian designed Minelab metal detectors, but every find, whether trash or treasure is still unearthed through blood, sweat and blisters by hand with picks, scoops and maybe even a crowbar!
As the Clermont Gold and Coal Festival approaches, it's worth reflecting on the story of the modern day gold rush to our town and the role local community members have played in making that possible.
Declared a goldfield in 1862 and as the most accessible field in Queensland, Clermont has attracted keen prospectors from all around Australia (and the world!) to try their luck chasing a nugget or three in our rich alluvial fields, using their Minelab metal detectors, field tested and perfected for maximum performance for 25 years right here in Clermont by our very own Outback Prospector, Jonathan Porter.
For most of that time, a small group of community-minded local State Forest and stock route grazing leaseholders, in partnership with State and local government agencies, have generously supported our tourism economy by granting consent for a 'General Permission Area' (GPA) to be established within these Forests and reserves.
Without their continuing support to make these public lands accessible for recreational prospecting activities, our community would no longer benefit from the many tourism dollars spent at our local businesses and events that the familiar-faced grey nomads love to attend. For them, Clermont is a second home and the chance to strike it lucky is what keeps them returning every year.
But this will only continue while suitable land for the activity remains accessible to the public.
So to the grazing leaseholders of the following GPAs:
McMasters (C & E Marks) Black Ridge (W & R Faint) Birimgan East / West, Four Mile East / West (F Finger) Bathampton (A & B Henderson) McDonald Flat (L, S & K Faint)
the recreational prospectors of Australia say THANK YOU for demonstrating the Eureka spirit, to provide opportunities for both old and new generations of Australian prospectors to carry on the tradition of our proud resource heritage on our historic Clermont goldfields.
Gold is the reason our community was established, so let's celebrate our resource heritage and discover Isaac's hidden treasures right here in Clermont, the heart of Queensland's goldfields!
