Construction at the Australian Opal Centre site in Lightning Ridge (New South Wales) paused last year after nearly $30 million in grants ran out. The project had attracted $9.5 million from the federal government, $17.5 million from the NSW government and $2 million from Walgett Shire Council, as well as a further $1.8 million raised by community donors.
As noted in an ABC News report, the organisation's two remaining staff members have been made redundant, and the Australian Opal Centre storefront and exhibition space on Lightning Ridge's Morilla Street has closed.
According to Australian Opal Centre chairperson David Lane, the organisation will be scaled back and redesigned, with a plan to open the new site around Easter 2027.
"The operation side of the business has sort of been put on, I wouldn't say the back burner, but it hasn't had the attention that it deserved," Lane explained.
"It's been losing money for several years."
Lane said consistent operational losses had been unaddressed while the previous board, which was replaced in November, had focused almost entirely on completing the new building. Independent MP for Barwon, Roy Butler, said the new grant would ‘allow decisions to be made without financial stress’. He said it also said it ensured the safety of the organisation’s extensive opal collection.
A revised program of events, including the Australian Opal Tour in September and the Lightning Ridge Fossil Dig, will continue.
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