Identifying unallocated water in the GABORA water plan area

Unallocated water is our term for water that is in the system and available for future needs. That means it can be released (or allocated) to future projects, provided the point of take will not cause a significant impact on current water users or groundwater dependent ecosystems including springs.

The current balance of unallocated water under the Great Artesian Basin and other regional aquifers (GABORA) water plan is 36,973ML in 3 reserves:

• a general reserve, within which 7,595ML remains that could be allocated to any purpose from 4 groundwater sub-areas
• an Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islander people economic reserve of 880ML to help First Nations peoples in the plan area to achieve their social and economic aspirations
• a State reserve, within which 28,598ML remains across 2 groundwater units which may be allocated for projects of state significance including town water supply.

To date, over 3,755ML unallocated water has been released from both state and general reserves to secure ongoing town water supplies, irrigation and intensive livestock production and power generation. No unallocated water has been accessed from the Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander economic reserve.

Demand for water from the resources and critical minerals industries, agriculture industry, urban needs and First Nations peoples may increase in the future. Accessing unallocated water is one way for landholders and entities to meet this additional demand.

During this water plan review, we will assess the demand for additional water supplies and consider the volumes and arrangements for unallocated water.