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Management responsibilities and stakeholders
The Basin underlies parts of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory, which each operate under different legislative frameworks, policies and resource management approaches. Actions in one jurisdiction have the potential to affect another because of the continuity of Basin aquifers. A higher level of consistent policy and practice between and within jurisdictions is required to achieve an optimum level and mix of benefits from and for the resource. This is consistent with best practice management as agreed to by all Australian governments (under the National Water Reform Framework) and has been key in the development of the
Strategic Management Plan.
State and territory level advisory bodies have been established with the responsibility to facilitate the exchange of information between Basin stakeholders in the relevant jurisdiction, project teams and technical specialists. For more information, see
Contacts for state advisory bodies.
The Australian Government is assisting state and territory governments and communities as part of a partnership to improve management of the water resources of the Basin to ensure the continued viability of nationally important economic, social and environmental values.
The Australian Government's role has involved financial assistance for a time to stimulate improved management by those with more direct responsibilities, as well as coordination activities, research and exercise of powers under Commonwealth environmental legislation.
The Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI) seeks to accelerate work on the repair of uncontrolled artesian bores and the replacement of wasteful open earthen bore drains with piped water reticulation systems. GABSI is being delivered through Australian and state governments, with other key stakeholders and pastoral bore owners. More information on GABSI is available; and see also Selected links.
The Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, comprising Ministers from all jurisdictions, is advised on these matters by the:
The active engagement of landholders and industry stakeholders is a key imperative for the GAB Coordinating Committee to facilitate the Basin-wide exchange of information between stakeholders, and to encourage a strong commitment from government and industry leaders to the sustainable management of Basin resources.
Pastoralists are central to the improved management of the Basin, as they are major, and often inefficient, users of its groundwater. Better groundwater use and management within this group will help protect security of supply to existing users (including groundwater-dependent ecosystems and associated cultural heritage values), and maintain options for the future use of the resource. Better management will also ensure that grazing pressures are more closely managed, weeds and feral animals are controlled, and land degradation is reduced.
To locate more information about management of Basin resources, including conservation, sustainability and wastage, see Selected links.
See also Functional relationships in Great Artesian Basin Management.
Statement on water allocation . GABCC considered its position on water allocation in July 2009 at GABCC17 - see the statement below.
Also in this Section:
Whole-of-Basin management
Key issues
Lake Eyre Basin, Murray Darling Basin and NRM regions
GAB springs
Last update 4 November 2009
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