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[email protected] September 2, 2011 the Grey Nomad Times In this issue: •Satphone prices plunge •Meet our GN character •A laughing matter Grey nomad Park ‘developers’ gold diggers eye pay dirt told to take a hike There’s gold in them thar The Victorian government hills and the soaring value of looks set to reject persistent the precious metal has sent and growing calls to allow grey nomads hunting for it more private development in like never before. the state’s magnificent national Many find the on-the-road parks … at least for now. lifestyle perfectly suited to Proposals put forward by gem fossicking and gold business groups included boat prospecting … and metal cruises at Wilsons Promontory, detectors don’t take up much new hotel accommodation at space in the van. Point Nepean, and privately Like many former gold operated tourist walking huts rush towns, Mudgee, on the Great Ocean Walk about 250kms northwest from Apollo Bay to the Twelve of Sydney, has noticed the Apostles. influx. Prospecting supply The proposals have been the shops have seen many more Privately-owned walking huts too big a step? Pic: Tourism Vic subject of a review by the new arrivals in the past six Victorian Competition and Victoria that private develop- for such as hiking, camping, months. And it is the life- Efficiency Commission. ments should not take place cross-country skiing and fam- style as well as the potential However, Environment Min- inside national parks,” it ily day trips,” they said. “Tak- windfall that sends people ister Ryan Smith, says his goal said.