South East Queensland
18.7 Groundwater extractions – other statutory rights

This process occurs in the South East Queensland (SEQ) region, but the volume could not be quantified in a way that is complete, neutral and free from material error due to the lack of both data and a suitable quantification approach.

Under Section 20 of the Water Act 2000 (Qld) extraction of groundwater is permitted in areas where water entitlements are not required for groundwater extraction. Groundwater extractions under other statutory rights occurs across much of the SEQ region, with groundwater being taken for a range of purposes including backyard bores used to supplement domestic urban supplies in areas where local aquifers have sufficient yield.

As groundwater use develops in the SEQ region, groundwater management systems may require licensing of these extractions and metered use may be quantified. Until this time an estimate of the extraction of groundwater under statutory rights cannot be made.

This extraction is not a significant proportion of the groundwater store outflows and would not be considered material to the water balance for the groundwater store. Further information may be found in the Groundwater note.