Land Use Planning in New South Wales Role of the Department of Mineral Resources

Abstract

The Department has used a system of subjective mineral prospectivity ratings in its responses to proposals for changes in land use. The responses are necessary under environmental planning legislation and relate mainly to regional and Shire-wide planning instruments. The responses are based on the extensive, though incomplete data bank on geology and mineral resources held by the Department. The Department in its responses differentiates the knowledge base of the different commoditY groups by the description of variously 2, 3 and 4 or more, prospectivity ratings. This report covers land use advising for "minerals' including construction materials, but not coal resources.