Underground water
In Queensland, a number of groundwater areas have been established to protect this natural resource. These groundwater areas are referred to in various ways under the legislation and subordinate legislation such as subartesian areas, subartesian areas or subartesian management areas but can be generically referred to as groundwater areas.
A groundwater area is an area identified in the Water Regulation 2002, a water resource plan or a wild river declaration within which management requirements for groundwater exist, that is, authorisation is required to access and/or construct works to take groundwater for certain purposes.
Correct management of bores and bore construction practices can reduce contamination or pressure loss in aquifers.
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is one of the largest artesian groundwater basins in the world and underlies approximately one-fifth of Australia.
Protocol - Authorised taking of water without a water entitlement under the Water Regulation 2002
This Protocol may only be used by a constructing authority as defined under section 2 of the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 (such as state government departments or local governments), to take water in accordance with sections 52AAA and 52AAB of the Water Regulation 2002 without the need for a water permit or water licence. Water may be taken in accordance with the Protocol for projects that are for the construction or maintenance of infrastructure that the constructing authority may lawfully construct or maintain.
Last reviewed 20 February 2012
Last updated 13 February 2012
