Australian Natural Resources Atlas

Natural Resource Topics

Water resources - Management and Development - Queensland

Location map of Woongarra

Groundwater Management Unit: Woongarra

Introduction

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

Comment: Pollution from septic tanks and elevated nitrate concentrations, primarily derived from from nitrogenous fertilisers, present as other priority issues in the Woongarra groundwater mangement unit.

Comments on Management Responses

2020 Management Response:

The estimate of 30 000 ML/yr for the forecast use for the year 2020 is based upon the GMU's assessed sustainable yield, development potential and the desired level of resource management.

2050 Management Response:

The estimate of 30 000 ML/yr for the forecast use for the year 2050 is based upon the GMU's assessed sustainable yield, development potential 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 Woongarra

Efficacy of the network:

The current monitoring network for the Woongarra groundwater management unit consists of 159 observation bores, with a proposed bi-annual to weekly monitoring frequency.

A number of observation bores within the Woongarra GMU have been 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 allowing 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 Woongarra groundwater management unit aims at maintaining a longterm, sustainable resource. Coastal aquifers prone to salt water intrusion, such as those of the Woongarra GMU, remain capable of yielding a sustainable source of fresh water if protective and flexible management practices are implemented. Protective management requirements for the Woongarra 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 30000 Ml/yr was made in 1983 based upon a groundwater flow model of the aquifer system incorporating 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:

17,539 ML 

Current Resource development categorisation:

 

Estimated Use in 2020

Comment:

 

Estimated use in 2020:

30,000 ML 

% change from 1996/1997:

72 

Resource development categorisation:

 

Estimated in 2050

Comment:

 

Estimated use in 2050:

30,000 ML 

% change from 1996/1997:

72 

Resource development categorisation:

 

What assumptions were used in this assessment

Development Potential:

The groundwater resource of the Woongarra 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 Elliott Heads area which is threatened by saltwater intrusion. 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 Woongarra GMU.

Estimate of Use:

The estimate of 30 000 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 2500 observation bores, both private and State owned, are located within the Woongarra GMU. The availability of water level data is high, with continuous water level monitoring in 159 observation bores, some from 1959 to the present, on an approximately bi- montly basis. Comprehensive water quality data exists for 252 observation bores within the GMU, with recent analyses to 1997. 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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