About the Queensland Great Artesian Basin

The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is one of the largest underground water sources in the world and Australia's largest groundwater basin. In fact, it's the only reliable resource of fresh water throughout much of inland Australia.

About 65% of the Basin – 1,203,920km² – lies within Queensland and its precious water is a key enabler to over 80 Queensland communities.

Explore the Great Artesian Basin and learn more about its cultural, economic and ecological importance to regional Queensland.

The Queensland Government protects water supplies in the Basin through the Great Artesian Basin and other regional aquifers water plan. We collect groundwater and spring monitoring data to assess the overall health of the basin and to inform our water management plan.

Most activities that take water from the Basin require a water licence or permit. Potential impacts from the resources industry are managed through an in-depth assessment process and strict monitoring and reporting requirements.

Through a range of rehabilitation programs, we are working with landholders, industry and communities to improve water use efficiency and solve the environmental challenges facing the Basin.