Australian Natural Resources Atlas

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Water resources - Overview - Queensland

Location map of Condamine River (Down-river of Condamine Groundwater Management Area)

Groundwater Management Unit: Condamine River (Down-river of Condamine Groundwater Management Area)

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 alluvium downstream of the CGMA, extending towards Chinchilla, is an area of local groundwater significance mainly for stock and domestic supplies. This area is defined as the Condamine River (Downriver of CGMA) Groundwater Management Unit (GMU) and is located in the Chinchilla and Wambo Shires. It covers an area of 1745 sq km including the township of Warra, located in the centre of the GMU. The GMU is drained in a north-westerly direction by the Condamine River and its major tributary streams include Jimbour, Cooranga and Wilkie Creeks.

Groundwater extracted from the alluvial aquifers is used predominantly for stock and domestic purposes. The Wambo Shire Council abstracts groundwater for town water supply to the township of Warra. There are bores located near Warra that tap into a deep channel of alluvium that yields supplies suitable for irrigation. This palaeochannel is very narrow and tends to run in a north-south direction across the GMU. Although, the exact location and path of the palaeochannel has not been mapped.

Generally, groundwater quality is of a suitable level for stock and domestic purposes. Bore yields of up to 25 l/s are achievable, however the average is less than 1 l/s. The higher yields tend to be poorer quality groundwater and are unsuitable for irrigation. Quality deteriorates close to the Condamine River and downstream towards Chinchilla. It is for this reason that Chinchilla looks elsewhere for its groundwater supplies. These are found in the Chinchilla Sands and are used for stock and domestic purposes as well as irrigation for the local wineries.

The GMU experiences a temperate climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 640 mm a year with approximately 67% of rainfall occurring between the months of October and March, inclusive.

Vital Statistics:

Area: 1,745 Km2
Total water allocated: no data
Total water consumed: 1,800 ML/yr
Average salinity: 1,888 mg/l
Sustainable yield: 3,500 ML/yr
Depth to top of aquifier: 18 m

Further Information

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