Objectives
Groundwater Net is a project run by the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME) in Queensland. It is a monitoring program where landholders in coal seam gas (CSG) areas are engaged in community groups and provided with information on the CSG industry and groundwater systems. A large part of this project is to encourage landholders to measure groundwater levels in their private water bores and submit this data to DNRME. Submitted data is delivered back to the community using the Groundwater Net Digital Report.
Design & methodology
The Groundwater Net Digital Report displays groundwater data in an easy to use, interactive way and provides context to the landholder data by relating it to data provided by both CSG companies and DNRME. Apart from groundwater monitoring data, the Groundwater Net Digital Report contains other relevant information that will be tailored to the needs and concerns of the community. Interactive maps are an important aspect, allowing the user to focus on their area and groundwater formation of interest and easily identify monitoring bores, CSG development and areas likely to be affected by CSG activities. The user is also provided with commentary on the significant groundwater formations, including some of the key hydrogeological characteristics and is guided through the groundwater level trends. Key monitoring points that show a good representation of the formation are identified with links to their location and water level data.
Original data & results
Landholders are encouraged to continue monitoring their water bores when they can see their data is being collected, analysed and delivered back to the community. The additional groundwater monitoring by landholders can also benefit government, increasing data availability and improving relationships with landholders. The Groundwater Net Digital Report helps to inform the community, providing access to contemporary, relevant information.
Conclusion
The CSG industry has brought with it a significant increase in the quantity, quality and interest in groundwater data. Providing a platform that clearly displays groundwater data sourced from the community, government and industry allows users to cross-reference and verify data from CSG companies and government, providing enhanced community confidence.