Planning for the Great Artesian Basin

In January 2010 a Water Control District was declared for the Northern Territory portion of the Great Artesian Basin. The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is the largest underground water reserve in Australia.

It underlies approximately 22% of Australia and 6% of Northern Territory.

The GAB Strategic Management Plan was developed in 2000 with key objectives of encouraging legislative and administrative frameworks for sustainable water management and water use within the GAB.

The Strategic Management Plan was adopted by all governments responsible for GAB management.

Since 2010 water based development within the GAB water control district has been limited to stock and domestic use. The volumes of water being used are negligible and the likelihood of impact on environmental and cultural values considered to be minimal.

A range of monitoring activities are being conducted to gain a better understanding of the groundwater system and groundwater dependent ecosystem water dependencies. This information will inform development of a water allocation plan should demand for water increase in the future.