Groundwater Reforms Applied to the GAB
Abstract
The 1996 National Groundwater Reforms provide a broad framework for sustainable groundwater management in Australia. The application of these general principles to the GAB is however not always straightforward in view of the particular nature of this massive confined system. Some principles which are compatible with the spirit of the 1996 reforms are discussed, specifically in relation to the GAB:
A particular challenge is the introduction of an effective trading regime. In 2000 ARMCANZ commissioned three policy papers on managing over-allocated groundwater systems, methods to encourage groundwater trading and methods to enhance protection of groundwater resources from pollution. These three issues, and the issue of protecting groundwater dependent ecosystems, will be major issues in the future throughout Australia and especially in the GAB. The fundamental change in water management culture that is required in the GAB is compatible with national reforms. However long aquifer response times require an equally long political commitment.
Author
Dr Richard Evans
Sinclair Knight Merz