South East Queensland (SEQ) has diverse groundwater aquifers, including alluvial aquifers in river valleys like the Lockyer Valley and sand aquifers in coastal areas such as the Cooloola Sandmass. These are used for irrigation, town water supplies, and other domestic and commercial purposes. Other significant aquifers include the Clarence-Moreton Group formations and those within the larger Great Artesian Basin, though management strategies and water plans differ across these systems.
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Major Aquifer Types
Alluvial Aquifers:
These are found in river valleys and are a primary source for irrigation, such as in the Lockyer Valley.
Sand Aquifers:
The Cooloola Sandmass is a key example, used for town water supplies in areas like Rainbow Beach. The unique "wallum" country sand aquifers are fresh and acidic, but are vulnerable to climate change.
Great Artesian Basin (GAB):
Although part of a larger system that extends into the Clarence-Moreton region, GAB resources are sometimes managed separately.
Clarence-Moreton Group Formations:
Various rock units, including the Bundamba Group and Walloon Coal Measures, contain aquifers with different average yields.
Management and Use
Water Plans:
Groundwater management is governed by specific water plans, such as the Moreton Water Plan and the Great Artesian Basin and other regional aquifers (GABORA) Water Plan.
Licensing:
Taking groundwater typically requires a water license, and rules can vary by management area.
Monitoring:
Some areas, like the Surat Cumulative Management Area (CMA), have specific monitoring strategies to track groundwater levels and chemistry to assess potential impacts from resource activities.
Local/Individual Use:
Local aquifers and fractured rock systems can provide water for domestic and stock purposes on individual properties.
Water Quality
Groundwater from sources like the GAB is naturally filtered, requiring little treatment for drinking water.
Coastal aquifers can be very fresh and acidic, but are vulnerable to saltwater intrusion in some areas.
