Australian Natural Resources Atlas

Natural Resource Topics

Water resources - Overview - Queensland

Location map of Condamine - Condamine Groundwater Management Area Sub-Area 1

Groundwater Management Unit: Condamine - Condamine Groundwater Management Area Sub-Area 1

Introduction

The Condamine River is located on the western side of the Great Dividing Range and is the main drainage of the Condamine Basin (4223). There is particular groundwater interest in the alluvial aquifers associated with the Condamine River. An area of high priority has been defined within the alluvium and is known as the Condamine Groundwater Management Area (CGMA). The CGMA is divided into five sub-areas. The Condamine (CGMA) Sub-area 1 GMU is located in the Wambo Shire and includes the Parishes of Myall and Macalister. It extends over an area of 305 sq km including the township of Macalister, located in the centre of the GMU. The GMU is drained in a north westerly direction by the Condamine River to which the western extent of the GMU is bound. The major tributary streams include Jimbour, Spring and Myall Creeks.

Groundwater extracted from the alluvial aquifers is used predominantly for irrigation and town water supply with minor consumption for domestic, stockwatering, industrial, stock intensive and commercial supplies. Groundwater is of variable quality and is generally suitable for most purposes. Irrigators have been using surface water supplies from the Condamine River in conjunction with groundwater supplies to provide enough water for large scale irrigation developments.

The GMU experiences a temperate climate with frosts common during the winter season. The GMU receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 620 mm a year with approximately 70% of rainfall occurring between the months of October and March, inclusive.

Vital Statistics:

Area: 305 Km2
Total water allocated: no data
Total water consumed: 2,157 ML/yr
Average salinity: 2,302 mg/l
Sustainable yield: 1,440 ML/yr
Depth to top of aquifier: 34 m

Further Information

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