Baselining Lower Namoi Groundwater and Evaluating Pilliga CSG Developments

Sustainable access to groundwater is an ongoing concern for irrigators throughout the Lower Namoi. Previous groundwater investigations have established that there is a hydraulic connection between the Lower Namoi Alluvium (LNA) and the underlying Great Artesian Basin (GAB). However, the extent of this connection has been poorly mapped, and the rate of transfer of water from the GAB to the LNA poorly quantified. This project will use a combination of groundwater chemistry, microbiology and groundwater hydrograph analysis to refine the understanding of the connection between the GAB and the LNA, providing new information for the Lower Namoi Groundwater Water Sharing Plan. Importantly, the investment will also and improve assessment of the impact of coal seam gas production in the Pilliga on groundwater availability.