Recharge of Artesian Groundwater Aquifers in the Coonamble Embayment of the Great Artesian Basin, Midwestern NSW

This project aims to determine the characteristics of groundwater recharge in the Pilliga Sandstone aquifer, Coonamble Embayment, midwestern NSW. This aquifer is the region's principal groundwater source and is vital to the pastoral and irrigation industries, towns, homesteads, wildlife and has great potential for use in mining. It supports enterprises worth annually $1B. The 1995 COAG Water Reforms and the MDBC's cap on surface water diversions have increased groundwater use. Falling groundwater pressures in the artesian aquifer suggest that current extractions may exceed the recharge rate. This project will provide information on recharge and sustainable options for groundwater abstraction.