Lockyer Valley groundwater management
- Groundwater use in Implementation Area 2A
- Lockyer Valley overview
- History of groundwater management in the Lockyer Valley
- Groundwater planning and management
- Management time line
- Gatton Esk Road Implementation Area
- Remaining areas
- Drilling of new bores
- Lockyer water users forum
Groundwater use in Implementation Area 2A
On 30 April 2009 the Water Regulation 2002 was amended to allow for a Notice of Works process to begin in Implementation area 2A (Tenthill and Ma Ma catchment areas) on 30 June 2009. A Notice of Works process requires landowners to provide information on bores and water use to the department. Once this information has been provided and properties inspected, the licensing of the take of groundwater will begin in implementation area 2A.
All implementation areas can be viewed on the Lockyer Valley groundwater area implementation areas map (PDF, 587K)*.
On 30 June 2009 a public notice, Requirement for Land Owners to give Information about Subartesian Works and Associated Water Use (PDF, 325K)* was published. Detailed maps showing the area to which the notice applies are available for download:
- Sheet 1—map key (PDF, 473K)* . This map shows which of the following sheet maps relate to specific areas within the Lockyer Valley groundwater management area:
- Sheet 2 (PDF, 241K)*
- Sheet 3 (PDF, 123K)*
- Sheet 4 (PDF, 88K)*
- Sheet 5 (PDF, 65K)*
- Sheet 6 (PDF, 85K)*
- Sheet 7 (PDF, 94K)*
- Sheet 8 (PDF, 140K)*
- Sheet 9 (PDF, 85K)*
- Sheet 10 (PDF, 80K)*
A media release, Ensuring sustainable use of Lockyer’s groundwater (PDF, 19K)* , was published on 15 June 2009.
Lockyer Valley overview
The Lockyer Valley covers around one quarter of the Brisbane River catchment. The main watercourses are Lockyer Creek and its tributaries. Groundwater extracted from alluvial aquifers is the primary source of water for irrigation in the Valley.
The area is well known for production of vegetables and lucerne and is often described as the ‘salad bowl of South East Queensland’.
History of groundwater management in the Lockyer Valley
In the past, only the Central Lockyer area (Implementation Area 1) has been a declared subartesian area. As such, it has been the only area in this catchment where the use of groundwater has been licensed and metered. Groundwater use in other parts of the Lockyer Valley has not been regulated.
Groundwater planning and management
The alluvial aquifers of the Lockyer Valley are recognised as a stressed groundwater area, with groundwater use continuing to exceed the estimated sustainable yield. Sandstone aquifers have also experienced major stress in some areas.
The department has therefore taken steps under its water resource planning framework to protect this precious resource and ensure it remains sustainable.
Management time line
Groundwater management in the Moreton catchment has progressed as follows:
- On 24 March 2005 the Moreton Moratorium Notice came into effect. This prohibited drilling of any new bores (other than for stock or domestic use) throughout the whole Moreton area, which includes the Lockyer Valley. The Moratorium was introduced to limit the amount of water being taken.
- In March 2006 the department released the Great Artesian Basin Water Resource Plan (GAB WRP).
- In March 2007, the Moreton Water Resource Plan was released.
Under these plans, all groundwater in the Lockyer Valley can now be managed under a water resource plan groundwater management area. A water resource plan (WRP) details what the government aims to achieve for a catchment’s social, economic and environmental needs and to ensure the equitable management of the State's water resources.
Gatton Esk Road Implementation Area
The sandstone aquifers of the Gatton Esk Road Implementation Area have been identified as a high priority stressed groundwater area under the GAB WRP. Licensing of the take of groundwater from sandstone aquifers in this area will be completed in 2009.
Remaining areas
The remaining Lockyer Valley groundwater has been divided into implementation areas to allow a progressive management approach. This approach seeks to develop a better understanding of groundwater resources, including volumes used, recharge characteristics and the sustainable yield of aquifers, so that groundwater use can be managed within sustainable yields. Two initiatives will assist in this process:
- licensing and metering of groundwater use within these implementation areas, which will provide vital information needed to manage water resources
- the monitoring bore network within the Lockyer Valley, which will also be expanded.
Drilling of new bores
The use of groundwater for stock watering and/or domestic purposes does not require a water licence. Drilling of these stock and domestic bores does not require a development permit.
Landowners wishing to replace an existing bore that is being used for purposes other than stock of domestic purposes are required to apply for, and have approved, a Development Permit under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 before construction of the new bore can begin. The Development Permit application can be obtained from your local departmental business centre.
Lockyer water users forum
The Lockyer Water Users Forum has been working with the department since 2003 to assist in managing the Valley's groundwater resources and to investigate opportunities for water users to provide input into management of the alluvial groundwater.
For more information contact the Department of Environment and Resource Management's Gatton Office on 07 5466 2222.
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Last updated: 30 June 2009