Reviewing the GABORA water plan

We are reviewing and replacing the current Great Artesian Basin and other regional aquifers (GABORA) water plan – set to expire in September 2027 – to make sure the region's long-term water needs can be best met and managed into the future.

Groundwater in the GABORA water plan area is often the only reliable supply of water for outback towns and regional properties for domestic and stock watering needs. Other significant users of groundwater include:

  • irrigated agriculture
  • intensive livestock industries
  • industrial and commercial users
  • the resources sector (mining, petroleum and gas)
  • recreation and tourism.

Public consultation

The first round of public consultation closed on 30 August 2025.

We asked people to review the current GABORA water plan and read through the background and key topics we are considering for this review:

  1. About the GABORA water plan
  2. How we manage GABORA water resources
  3. Updating the science
  4. Community connection
  5. Improving outcomes
  6. Restoring and protecting
  7. Identifying unallocated water
  8. Changing water needs
  9. Water trading.

Timeline

From when we start a review to when the new plan is formally adopted takes several years. There are five steps in our consultation timeline.

Current status

The status of this review is step 2. We will now review feedback and be further informed by a range of technical assessments to develop the new draft water plan.

Water plan review timeline

What's next

Step 3: After Minister’s approval we'll release the draft water plan for second round of public consultation anticipated in 2026.

Step 4: We'll review feedback received in step 3 and finalise the replacement water plan anticipated in 2027.

Step 5: The new water plan will be in place after appropriate approvals which is anticipated in 2027.

Learn more about the five steps of the process.

Enquiries

Also consider…