$103,000 has been invested to support the Cap and Pipe the Bores Program that will continue capping continuously-flowing bores in the Great Artesian Basin. This stops water waste and salt entering the landscape, and safeguards the Great Artesian Basin, which supports 90,000 people and production worth more than $3 billion each. In just two of the bore schemes completed in recent years, an area equivalent to half the size of New York City has been protected. People living in that area now use just three per cent of the water previously used. The new funding will allow this vital work to continue.
Capping and piping of a Great Artesian Basin bore and/or bore drain is a major shift in management for a landholder. This period of high change is an opportunity for the land manager to adjust management techniques and property infrastructure to suit business goals and natural resource management objectives. This project will work closely with landholders to facilitate and provide options in making this management shift. Property planning, technical advice and incentive support for management changes are integral parts of the project.
The second facet of the project is to develop guidelines to assist landholders in mound spring management. Mound springs are high value ecological communities and often require protection.
Current Status (as at 1 July)
