Sustainable management of Australia's water resources is a well considered and studied science that is generally not well understood by communities. Public debates on the water related impacts from proposed new mines and coal seam gas projects rarely have relevant facts on water resources at hand. This study is specifically designed to analyse and present scientific data with appropriate context and provide these resources for our communities.
The project considers sedimentary Basins in NSW with known coal and/or CSG resources. Basins include the: Gunnedah; Sydney; Gloucester; and Murray. Data considered is; licence volumes, groundwater levels, groundwater quality, geology and hydrogeology. Results are presented with specifically designed graphics to provide context (ie maps; cross sections; and graphs). Interactive presentation of information to communities allowed for questions and active conversation on water facts and its management.
Data and results from the Gunnedah Basin and overlying water sources show how existing rights in the basin and overlying sources are distributed:
For the Narrabri Gas project, the volume proposed to be intercepted represents 0.0004% of the available water from the Gunnedah Basin and overlying groundwater sources. This project provides overall context, but potential impacts at the local level still need to be considered.
The project is considered a landmark for changing the debate. The initial concern over impacts of water take often change to other concerns, that are not always water related. The project demonstrates the success of investing in science data and communication to promote informed debate.