LATEST figures from the Great Artesian Basin Rehabilitation Program show that 30 bores have been rehabilitated in the 2025-26 financial year, which will deliver an annual saving 4923 megalitres of water.
Funded by the Federal and Queensland Governments and industry partners, the program works in partnership with landholders and communities to improve infrastructure, preserve artesian pressure, and reduce water loss.
In addition to the 30 bores that have been rehabilitated, seven
Through the lifetime of the program, 809 uncontrolled artesian bores have been rehabilitated replacing more than 15,542 kilometres of bore drains with efficient piping systems.
These efforts have resulted in water savings close to 232,000 ML per annum and significant pressure improvement across the basin, restoring springs and previously ceased-to-flow artesian bores.
Next year an expected $9.7 million in funding will be delivered to 36 projects in the basin with additional
The Great Artesian Basin supplies water to more than 80 regional Queensland towns and supports industries including grazing, cropping, feedlots, mining, tourism and geothermal power. Together, these industries contribute more than $22.6 billion to the State’s economy each year.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said investment in the Great Artesian Basin was an investment in the future of Australia.
“The Great Artesian Basin is one of the largest underground freshwater resources in the world and a critical pillar to Australia’s water security,” Minister Watt said.
“In a climate like ours, every drop is precious.
“Through 27 years of close collaboration and joint funding with all 4 Basin Governments, we are reducing water wastage and securing long-term water supply for communities and the environment.
“This year alone, our works have seen almost 5,000 ML saved across Queensland and South Australia – keeping this water in the ground for the benefit of our environment.”
“It is our responsibility to protect the Great Artesian Basin, it is one of our most valuable natural water producing assets,” Minister Leahy said.
“The Great Artesian Basin Rehabilitation Program is an incredible program of work that has been delivering for Queensland for more than 35 years – it’s a great example of what happens when governments, industry partners and communities work together to get things right.
“This is a direct investment in water security for farmers and regional communities who rely upon the Great Artesian Basin. We’re delivering real results to safeguard this resource, with benefits that will be felt by generations to come.”
Source: Qld Government
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