DEG holds an ex-officio position on the management committee of the Lightning Ridge Area Opal Mining Reserve. We are working to ensure that the Aboriginal cultural

(including environmental) values of the reserve are recognised and managed appropriately. Currently these values are not reflected in the reserve's name. Good guidelines for decision making are required in the Plan of Management which is currently being developed. DEG met with Lightning Ridge LALC to discuss before attending together a consultation with the suppliers - ex NSW Govt. officers, engaged to prepare the Plan at Lightning Ridge. The next day the consultants met with Dharriwaa Elders Group in Walgett.