Great Artesian Basin
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) covers around one fifth of Australia with a water storage of around 8700 million megalitres. Generally, the water quality is good, with many councils in the area relying on water from the GAB to fulfil their town water supply needs.
Water outflows and bore pressures have been falling across the GAB since 1915. The federal and state governments have been funding programs over the last decade to restore bore pressure and reduce wastage of water in the Basin. Capping and piping unregulated bores and bore drains will reduce wastage of water and improve environmental outcomes, such as reduced feral animal numbers around bore drains.
Local Government is represented on a number of state groups who manage the GAB. In addition, ALGA are represented on the Great Artesian Basin Consultative Committee (GABCC). This group provides advice to the Federal Government on management of the GAB, ensuring that activities across the states are compatible and consistent.
