Just some thoughts that might help. In my dealings with Government Departments I have found it better to stick with facts & not let too much emotion rule what you are writing or saying. I.e.
"The laws will not let us use highbankers, (sluices and hopper with motor to pump water), other states can use virtually whatever they like within certain guidelines of course. QLD laws state that we cannot use any mechanical means, i.e. not petrol motors to pump the water, not even a 12v battery, all has to be hand done."
The law in some other states like NSW is not black & white on the use of highbankers either. It is really up to the interpretation of the inspector/ranger on the day but they are widely used without issue. Some areas where fossicking is allowed do not allow their use which is within the landholder or managers rights.
Other states cannot use virtually whatever they like. All other states have prohibitions or restrictions on the use of power-operated equipment, especially for excavation, but some also on processing. To be honest I don't have a problem with that for hobby prospecting/fossicking but in saying that the "intent" of any states legislation would not be to disallow things like sluices/highbankers but rather stop larger processing & excavation equipment being used.
Using emotive statements like "Nazi style system" & accusing inspectors of hassling or intimidation (whether true or not) will usually not be well received by the red tape pushers mate & they will just go into defensive mode + put the barriers up.
Access to more area, for example state forests, is the biggest current issue in Qld. As it stands with few area's; using highbankers in small areas may not be ideal. Going off other states there would be no doubt people/groups who would soon wreck a small area like Deep Creek by doing the wrong thing (not filling holes etc.) & building large bankers, trommels etc. outside of what most would consider the fair or intended scope of being a hobby. Until more & larger areas were made available it might be best? I would start off focusing on the access & area issues. Just my opinion.
I 100% support what your trying to do & understand fully where your coming from but when dealing with these issues it's best to keep things factual & professional to get a better response.
