Australian Natural Resources Atlas

Natural Resource Topics

Water resources - Management and Development - Queensland

Location map of Gooburrum

Groundwater Management Unit: Gooburrum

Introduction

Management Context:

Extensive saltwater intrusion has occurred in the Gooburrum GMU due to the over exploitation of the groundwater system.

Strategies for both short and long term sustainable management of the groundwater resource of the Gooburrum GMU include:

the ongoing use and calibration of a groundwater flow model based upon the integrated finite difference principle and designed to simulate the groundwater system. Originally constructed to calculate the yield of the Gooburrum groundwater system, the model is now utilised as a management tool and assists in the setting of 'announced' allocations.

identifying the location, and monitoring the movement of the saltwater interface.

identification and location of extraction points in sensitive areas such as along the coastline where lowering of the water table may induce/exacerbate saltwater intrusion, and at the base of the escarpment where the water table is actually above natural surface and has resulted in waterlogging and requires dewatering.

Priority issues

Declining Water Levels

 YES

Salt Water Intrusion

 YES

SALINISATION

Dryland

 NO

Irrigation

 YES

Groundwater

 YES

Surface Water

 NO

Urban

 NO

Point Source Pollution

 YES

Diffuse Source Pollution

 YES

Subsidence

 NO

Artificial Recharge (ML/yr)

 no data

Ecosystems Protection

 NO

Surface Water Interaction

 NO

Management Plans

 NO

Defined Minimum Water Level

 NO

Comments on Management Responses

2020 Management Response:

The estimate of 25000 Ml/yr for the forecast use for the year 2020 is based upon the GMU's assessed sustainable yield and the desired level of resource management.

2050 Management Response:

The estimate of 25000 Ml/yr for the forecast use for the year 2050 is based upon the GMU's assessed sustainable yield and the desired level of resource management.

See QLD Water Resources Assessment 2000 Technical Report for a review of management responses.

Assessment of monitoring in Gooburrum

Efficacy of the network:

The current monitoring network for the Gooburrum groundwater management unit consists of 102 observation bores, with a proposed weekly to monthly monitoring frequency.

A number of observation bores within the Gooburrum GMU were specifically constructed to locate the fresh/salt water interface and monitor the movement of the saltwater wedge. These particular observation bores have continuously slotted casing which allow for monitoring to consist of conductivity readings recorded at 1 m intervals from the water level to the base of the bore. Monitoring of the groundwater system, both water levels and water quality, is an essential component of management facilitating integration between surface water and groundwater resources, and enabling swift management response to changes in water quality.

Data management requirements:

Queensland groundwater monitoring data, both water level and water quality, is stored within the Groundwater Database (GWDB) system. The new system is based on web technology and is available through the Department's intranet. Allocation and use data is obtained through the Water Entitlements Registration Database (WERD) which is an electronic database for water license details. Both databases are managed locally at district level, with respect to the collection and entering of water monitoring, allocation and use data; and are accessed statewide.

Protective management:

Management of the groundwater resource of the Gooburrum groundwater management unit aims at maintaining a longterm, sustainable resource. Coastal aquifers prone to salt water intrusion, such as those of the Gooburrum GMU, remain capable of yielding a sustainable source of freshwater if protective and flexible management practices are implemented. Protective management requirements for the Gooburrum GMU include:

control of the location and pumping of bores

variable annual use limits

importation and exchange of alternative sources of water.

Options for monitoring:

Options for Commonwealth and State agencies to address data and information gaps include:

The Bundaberg Groundwater Survey which extends over both the Woongarra and Gooburrum GMU's and is scheduled for completion in mid 2002. This survey of private groundwater facilities and water demand in the GMU aims to address data gaps pertaining to the demand for water generated by different land uses and the extent and behaviour of the groundwater system. The first stage of the survey, involving the acquisition of data on the extent and behaviour of the groundwater system, has been completed and included geophysical surveys, drilling and aquifer testing.

See QLD Water Resources Assessment 2000 Technical Report for a review of monitoring.

What is the estimated demand for groundwater?

Sustainable Yield

Comment about sustainable yield figure: 

An assessment of 25000 Ml/yr was made in 1993 based upon a groundwater flow model of the aquifer system using the integrated finite difference principle. The model was originally designed to calculate yields of the system and is now used in the continuing management of the groundwater resource in determining announced allocations.

Sustainable yield:

ML/yr

Threshold year for sustainable year:

1,985 

Abstraction Volume 1996/1997:

9,658 ML 

Current Resource development categorisation:

Estimated Use in 2020

Comment:

Estimated use in 2020:

25,000 ML 

% change from 1996/1997:

159 

Resource development categorisation:

Estimated in 2050

Comment:

Estimated use in 2050:

25,000 ML 

% change from 1996/1997:

159 

Resource development categorisation:

 

What assumptions were used in this assessment

Development Potential:

The groundwater resource of the Gooburrum groundwater management unit has attained maximum development based upon the assessed sustainable yield and desired level of resource management. Although the surface water scheme has resulted in reducing the over use of groundwater, the groundwater system remains in a delicate situation with obvious problems still existing in the Moore Park area which is threatened by a rising water table at the base of the escarpment, and saltwater intrusion in the coastal areas where groundwater is extensively used. A groundwater flow model has indicated the long term effects that the surface water scheme will have on the groundwater system, and has allowed for the implementation of policies and practices which will optimise overall water use. However, no allowance exists for further development of the groundwater resource within the Gooburrum GMU.

Estimate of Use:

The estimate of 25000 Ml/yr for the forecast use for the years 2020 and 2050 is based upon the GMU's assessed sustainable yield, development potential and the desired level of resource management.

Data Availability,Gaps and Recommendations

Data Availablility:

In excess of 2000 observation bores, both private and State owned, are located in the Gooburrum GMU. The availability of water level data is high, with continuous water level monitoring in 102 bores, some from 1960 to the present, on an approximately bi-monthly basis. Comprehensive water quality data exists for 210 observation bores within the GMU, with recent analyses to 1995. Abstraction and allocation data is available.

Current Gaps and Recommendations:

Data Gaps: A survey of private groundwater facilities and water demand in the GMU is presently underway and aims to address data gaps pertaining to the demand for water generated by different land uses and the extent and behaviour of the groundwater system.

Recommendations: Updating of land and water use data is required on a regular basis.

Future Gaps:

A survey of private groundwater facilities and water demand in the GMU is presently underway and aims to address data gaps pertaining to the demand for water generated by different land uses and the extent and behaviour of the groundwater system. Updating of land and water use data is required on a regular basis.

Further information

Key

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