Project overview

Water management in Tasmania is becoming more complex. Many of Tasmania’s catchments are reaching full water use allocation. The pressures on water resources are increasing. More accurate data is needed on water use and up to date policy settings. This will ensure water resources continue to be managed sustainably and equitably.

This project reviewed Tasmania’s current water use. This includes accountability, metering and reporting requirements and possible solutions. The assessment will support water policy and management decisions.

Project overview

This desktop study will update existing ground and surface water models. Modelling is a key tool used in water resource planning and allocation decisions. They replicate surface water and groundwater processes and predict the possible effects of resource development on water resources. 

Project overview

Groundwater can be fresh enough to drink, or saltier than the sea. Brackish water is somewhere between fresh water and seawater.

Most groundwater studies in Australia have considered freshwater resources. But Australia also has large volumes of brackish and saline groundwater. Saline or brackish groundwater could be used in areas where freshwater is scarce. It can be mixed with other water resources or treated to remove salts before use. 

This project:

Project overview

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is the intentional recharge of water into groundwater aquifers for subsequent recovery or environmental benefit. It can improve water security and provide a drought reserve, as water stored underground won’t evaporate like water stored in surface dams. The successful and sustainable operation of MAR schemes will help support a secure water future for Australia.

Project overview

Water resource assessments provide important information. They help us understand the benefits and constraints of water development management decisions. This is especially important when considering further development and infrastructure in northern Australia.

CSIRO conducted a water resource assessment in the Southern Gulf catchments. This area covered both the Northern Territory and Queensland. They worked with governments, research partners and communities. 

This assessment was undertaken alongside similar assessments in the:

Project overview

Water resource assessments provide important information. They help us understand the benefits and constraints of water development and infrastructure decisions. This is especially important when considering further development and infrastructure in northern Australia.

Most rivers in northern Australia are not regulated. Current surface and groundwater allocations are small. 

CSIRO conducted a water resource assessment in the Victoria River, Northern Territory (NT). They worked with the NT Government, research partners and communities. 

Project overview

Water resource assessments provide information to help understand the benefits and constraints of water development and infrastructure decisions. This is especially important for considering further development in northern Australia.

Project overview 

In 1938, engineer Dr John Bradfield proposed a scheme to move water. His scheme would move water south and inland, from northern Queensland coastal catchments. If successful, the scheme would provide water for inland agricultural development. 

Variations of the original Bradfield Scheme recommended diverting water from north Queensland to:

Project overview

This desktop assessment undertaken by GHD identified areas of Queensland that may be suitable for underground water storage technologies. These include things such as sand dams or sub-surface dams to support agricultural development. 

Sand dams and sub-surface dams are technologies that are used to capture seasonal flows or groundwater recharge events. They are then stored for off-season use. 

Project overview

This project looked at the agricultural potential of 3 catchments in Queensland. The catchments were Mitchell, Flinders and Gilbert. Alluvium Consulting undertook this work. They looked at key considerations, knowledge gaps and next steps.
 
This project built on extensive previous analysis by CSIRO through: