Australian Natural Resources Atlas

Natural Resource Topics

Water resources - Overview - Queensland

Location map of Condamine - Condamine Groundwater Management Area Sub-Area 3

Groundwater Management Unit: Condamine - Condamine Groundwater Management Area Sub-Area 3

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 3 GMU is located in the Wambo, Jondaryan, Millmerran and Pittsworth Shires and includes the Parishes of Cecil Plains, East Prairie, St Ruth, West Prairie and Yandilla. It extends over an area of 1280 sq km. The township of Brookstead is located in the southern part of the GMU. The GMU is drained in a north westerly direction by the Condamine River North Branch and the Condamine River to which the western extent of the GMU is bound. The major tributary streams include Oakey and Fourteen Mile Creeks.

Groundwater extracted from the alluvial aquifers is used predominantly for irrigation and town water supply with minor consumption for domestic and stockwatering supplies. Groundwater is of variable quality and is generally suitable for most purposes. Crops grown in the GMU are mainly grains, oilseeds and cotton. There is a trend toward growing high value crops such as vegetables to maximise returns from limited water supplies. 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 an average annual rainfall of approximately 635 mm a year. Approximately 67% of rainfall occurs between the months of October and March, inclusive.

Vital Statistics:

Area: 1,280 Km2
Total water allocated: no data
Total water consumed: 20,035 ML/yr
Average salinity: 537 mg/l
Sustainable yield: 14,810 ML/yr
Depth to top of aquifier: 22 m

Further Information

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