A project to reduce groundwater wastage in Carnarvon artesian basin is ready to start

30/9/99

A $4.8 million project to reduce groundwater wastage in the Carnarvon artesian basin is ready to start on-ground works.
Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames encouraged pastoralists to become involved in the Carnarvon Artesian Basin bore rehabilitation project while visiting the region today.
"This project will rehabilitate old bores that are estimated to be losing around 15 gigalitres of groundwater a year - this amount is equal to a quarter of the capacity of Mundaring Weir," Dr Hames said.
"Many of the estimated 150 bores were drilled in the first half of this century, and have corroded, collapsed or ceased to flow, while others are only marked by pools of water forming local oases."
These bores are tapping into the Carnarvon Basin's main aquifer, the Birdrong sandstone aquifer, which extends for more than 25,000 square kilometres along the State's Mid-West coast.
The Carnarvon Artesian Bore Rehabilitation Project is a partnership between pastoralists and Government. The project is estimated to cost $4.8 million and is funded on the basis of 40 per cent Commonwealth funds, 40 per cent State Government and 20 per cent from the lease holder.
The Water and Rivers Commission is co-ordinating the project with input from Agriculture WA.
Over the last year many bores in the region have been investigated by geophysical surveying with the use of down-hole video equipment to determine their condition.
"Now the rehabilitation, redrilling and closing off of bores is ready to start," Dr Hames said.
"There has been interest from all pastoralists with bores in the area, and now we will be asking each pastoralist to contribute 20 per cent to the cost of rehabilitating bores on their property.
"While some of the groundwater is used for stock, much more flows in uncontrolled drains and ponds where it supports growing populations of weeds and feral animals or is lost through evaporation and seepage.
"As bores are repaired and reticulation is improved, the pressure of the Carnarvon Basin will stabilise and gradually rise which will increase available supply."
Dr Hames said this work would also reduce the impact of weeds and feral animals in the basin.
"This project is all about helping to achieve sustainable use of both the land and water resources of the region - improved management of our precious groundwater resources will enhance the efficiency of production in the region which will have long-term benefits for the community," he said.
"The freeing up of water will help to recharge the aquifer and provide brackish water supply for future potential development in the area."
The project is part of the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy and is overseen by the Water and Rivers Commission, the Coalition Government and pastoral representatives on the Carnarvon Artesian Basin Advisory Group and the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Board.
Pastoralists interested in becoming involved in the project should contact the Water and Rivers Commission's Carnarvon office on 9941 4921.
Media contact: Caroline Lacy: 9424 7450
Water and Rivers Commission: Paula Wallace 9278 074