Geologist slams ‘Department of Silly Talks’

A geologist has called on the Queensland government to enforce mining exploration rights.

A geologist has called on the Queensland government to enforce mining exploration rights, slamming a suggestion he negotiate with a grazier who allegedly pulled a gun on him.

Scott Franko says it is “ridiculous” for the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy to expect talks to be held after the stand-off last month.

Mr Franko, gold explorer Gregory Graham and his son Billy-Joe Graham were at Roma Peak Station near Bowen when landholder Bruce Clark allegedly confronted them and fired a shot into the ground.

Police charged Mr Clark, 62, with threatening violence. Since then, the explorers have been unable to return to the property because of safety concerns.

The department’s answer was to suggest it facilitate negoti­ations, Mr Franko said.

“To expect us to sit with someone who has shot at us with intent to intimidate is ridiculous,” he writes in a letter to his local MP, Jason Costigan.

Mr Clark has said he had biosecurity concerns and the trouble started because the men didn’t visit him first. The explorers say they had a permit to conduct preliminary checks on the property and followed all legal steps required before entering.

A department spokesman said it was “actively engaging” with the parties “to help facilitate a resolution”.

The case was briefly mentioned in Bowen Magistrates Court yesterday.