Water for the Future

Policy and programs

Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI)

Traditionally, artesian water that came to the surface under natural pressure was allowed to flow uncontrolled into open drains and creeks for distribution to stock. However, even in well-maintained drains, up to 95 per cent of this water can be wasted through evaporation and seepage.

Uncontrolled flow from bores and open earth bore drains in the Great Artesian Basin threatens the health of important groundwater dependant ecosystems and continued access to artesian water by pastoralists. In addition, it has become difficult for new water users in or near the Great Artesian Basin to obtain access to groundwater resources. The waste of water is causing environmental damage through:

The Australian Government committed almost $32 million over five years (1999-2004) to accelerate work on the repair of uncontrolled artesian bores and the replacement of wasteful open earthen bore drains with piped water reticulation systems through the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI). The Australian Government has since committed a further $42.7 million over five years (2004-2009) to continue this work (of which $1.36 million has been allocated to support similar work in the Carnarvon Artesian Basin in Western Australia).

The GABSI Initiative is being delivered through state agencies and the Australian Government makes its contributions jointly with other key stakeholders, state governments and pastoral bore owners.

Strategic Management Plan

The GABSI Initiative will assist with the implementation of key actions of the Strategic Management Plan prepared by the Great Artesian Basin Coordinating Committee. The Strategic Management Plan was endorsed by all jurisdictions in the Great Artesian Basin and was launched in Longreach on 13 September 2000.

The Strategic Management Plan is a 15 year strategic framework for responsible groundwater and related natural resource management in the Great Artesian Basin. It guides governments, water users and other stakeholders on polices, programs and actions necessary to attain optimum economic, environmental and social benefits from the existence and use of Great Artesian Basin groundwater resources.

The Strategic Management Plan is currently being reviewed following the conclusion of the first five year phase.

GABSI state office contacts

For further information on the delivery of the GABSI contact your local state officer.

Queensland

Susan Lane
Department of Natural Resources and Water
Clapman Building
203 Tor Street
Toowoomba Qld 4350
(07) 4688 1380
susan.lane@nrm.qld.gov.au

Ashley Seiler
Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water
Hood Street
PO Box 224
Charleville Qld 4470
(07) 4654 4252
ashley.seiler@nrm.qld.gov.au

South Australia

Bernice Cohen
Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity, Conservation
GPO Box 2834
Adelaide SA 5001
08 8463 6931
cohen.bernice@saugov.sa.gov.au

New South Wales

Neil Eigeland
Department of Water and Energy
7023 Gwydir Highway
PO Box 463
Inverell NSW 2360
(02) 6721 9800
neil.eigeland@deus.nsw.gov.au

Norman Wise
Department of Water and Energy
7 Hay Street
PO Box 77
Condobolin NSW 2877
(02) 6895 2033
norman.wise@deus.nsw.gov.au

Michael Murphy
Department of Water and Energy
209 Cobra Street
PO Box 717
Dubbo NSW 2830
(02) 6841 7520
michael.murphy@deus.nsw.gov.au

More information

 

See also

Key

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