G-MW begins drilling new monitoring bores in the Goulburn catchment
Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) has commenced drilling and installing a number of new monitoring bores in the upper Goulburn catchment, from Seymour to Kinglake and Alexandra. The works are being undertaken as part of the State Observation Bore Network Refurbishment Project for the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).
The new bores will expand the existing State Observation Bore Network and enhance groundwater monitoring in the region. All bores will be drilled on public land and, once constructed, will be regularly monitored so that changes in groundwater levels can be observed over time.
According to G-MW's Manager Water Resources Graeme Hannan, G-MW have, in partnership with DSE and Southern Rural Water (SRW), identified a number of sites across the region that will fill gaps in the current groundwater monitoring network.
"Over 70 new bores have already been installed in the upper Loddon and Campaspe catchments to date. The new bores will provide important information about the availability, quality and extent of groundwater in the upper Goulburn catchment and enable more informed resource planning," Mr Hannan said.
"The information provided by the monitoring network helps to identify areas where our groundwater resources are at greatest risk and where more intensive management is required. We will use this information to work with the local community to develop management rules which protect existing groundwater users and the environment; and allow sustainable development to occur," said Mr Hannan.
DSE's Manager of Groundwater Monitoring and Reporting, Matthew Potter said "The drilling being undertaken by rural water corporations is part of a multi-million dollar state-wide initiative that will ensure that the best possible information is available to Victoria's water resource managers. DSE has worked closely with rural water corporations to strategically locate new bores."
"Monitoring improves our knowledge of the extent of the State's aquifer systems and helps us better understand the impacts that pumping and climate have on these systems," said Mr Potter.
For more information on the State Observation Bore Network Refurbishment Project please contact Brendan Cossens at Goulburn-Murray Water on 0408 527 735.
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