dinosaurs. The fossils are sometimes opalised and discovered by opal miners. Important discoveries at Lightning Ridge include the ancestral monotremes Kollikodon ritchiei and Steropodon galmani. In June 2019, a new species of dinosaur, Fostoria dhimbangunmal was described from fossils retrieved from Lightning Ridge. The plant-eating species lived at least 100 million years ago. It is the most complete dinosaur fossil to be found preserved as opal. Fossicking Since August 1992 when the Mining Act 1992 commenced, fossicking licences have not been required for fossicking in New South Wales. Under the terms of this act, fossicking may now be carried out anywhere in the state providing these conditions are met: No other act or law applies which would prevent it The landholder's consent is obtained The consent of any public or local authority having the management, control, or trusteeship of the land is obtained The titleholder's consent is also obtained, where the location is covered by a current title under the Mining Act 1992 (This title may be an exploration licence, assessment lease, mining lease, mineral claim or Opal Prospecting Licence). Water Lightning Ridge has an abundance of hot water from a bore spring into the Great Artesian Basin and offers two hot-water pools for bathing. The public can tap mineral water at a hose in Harlequin Street. The Hot Artesian Bore Baths and Nettletons Shaft, on McDonald's Six Mile Opal Field, have been placed on the Register of the National Estate. Notable residents Australian comedian, actor and television presenter Paul Hogan claimed to be from Lightning Ridge to improve his chances to appear on Australian talent contest New Faces, but was actually born in Sydney. As the myth helped drive tourism to Lightning Ridge, Hogan has avoided correcting the record. A legitimate native of Lightning Ridge is current Australia women's rugby union international Bella McKenzie. Gallery See also Lightning Ridge Airport List of fossil sites (with link directory) References External links DPI Mineral Resources Lightning Ridge Plant Sites of Lightning Ridge Walgett Shire Council Mining towns in New South Wales Cretaceous paleontological sites of Australia Paleontology in New South Wales Walgett Shire