SUPPLIED | Queensland Government
LANDHOLDERS in the Granite Belt region are being urged to help the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water improve its understanding of shallow groundwater that is being taken in the region.
DRDMW South Region Executive Director Hamish Butler said the department was collecting information from landholders on any existing dams, wells or other works that access this groundwater.
“We’re identifying all the current ways that landholders draw on this water, such as bores, wells, or spring-fed dams, to name just a few, so that we can document how many existing works are across the Granite Belt,” he said.
Other types of notifiable works include any excavations, interception trenches or any associated ring tanks.
“Right now we’re gathering all the information and creating a picture about what is actually happening with this water so we can improve our management of the resource,” Mr Butler said.
“As the community is aware, construction of new works that take and store shallow groundwater treated as overland flow water was prohibited in 2016, so we are seeking information on works constructed prior to 2016. We are looking for existing works used for agricultural and horticultural activities, commercial uses, such as nurseries and food processing, or tourism-related activities,” he said.
“Although, it is important to note that works only used for domestic or stock purposes do not need to be notified.
“Our commitment to the Murray Darling Basin Plan requires that we improve our understanding of the resource and to make decisions that are informed by accurate information,” Mr Butler said.
