Australian Natural Resources Atlas

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Water resources - Overview - Queensland

Location map of Weipa

Groundwater Management Unit: Weipa

Introduction

The Weipa groundwater management unit (GMU) is situated on the western side of Cape York Peninsula in far northern Queensland. The GMU is within the Cook Declared Sub-Artesian Area and covers about 3800 sq km. This area extends over the Mission River and Embley River sub- basins (9241, 9240 respectively) and slightly into the Watson River sub-basin (9230).

Groundwater in the Weipa GMU is obtained from sedimentary rocks in the Cainozoic Bulimba Formation. Sub-artesian flows of up to 43 l/s have been recorded near Weipa. A reliable sustainable groundwater yield has not been calculated for the GMU.

Weipa is exclusively within a tropical region, experiencing a monsoonal climate with varying duration and intensity of each wet season. Weipa receives an average annual rainfall of 1600 mm which varies between 1200 and 1800 mm/yr across the GMU. The majority of this rain falls between December to March, inclusive.

A major characteristic of the Weipa GMU is its world class deposit of bauxite which is mined and operated by Comalco Minerals and Alumina (Comalco). Comalco are the main lease holder and have been operating in Weipa since 1963. Groundwater is the main, if not sole, provider of water supply for bauxite mining, town and domestic supplies in the GMU as there is no significant surface water supply for consumptive use. Metered groundwater abstraction at Weipa (including mine use) is 63000 Ml/yr.

Vital Statistics:

Area: 3,800 Km2
Total water allocated: no data
Total water consumed: 63,000 ML/yr
Average salinity: 34 mg/l
Sustainable yield: 64,000 ML/yr
Depth to top of aquifier: 0 m

Further Information

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