This report presents the results of a project aimed at improving understanding of palaeovalley groundwater resources. Palaeovalleys are geologically ancient, buried river valleys which no longer function as active surface water systems. These palaeovalley aquifers are often relied upon in regional Australia to supply water to pastoralists, mines, tourist centres and remote communities. Groundwater in...

Climate change and water management are two of the most important public policy issues facing Australia. Adding to existing water management challenges is the fact that climate change, and policies aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change, can strongly affect water management outcomes. The National Water Commission’s 2011 biennial assessment of progress under the...

This report explores the policy implications of the large-scale development of geothermal energy resources and their impact on water quality and availability. • Australia could potentially produce energy from a variety of geothermal systems including: non-conventional engineered geothermal systems (EGS) hot sedimentary aquifer (HSA) developments shallow systems such as low enthalpy aquifers ground source heat...

The inaugural National Water Planning Report Card 2011 provides a summary of the status of water plans across Australia. The Report Card is a response to a COAG request for an independent assessment of water planning to inform an objective discussion on the quality of existing water plans, their implementation, and areas for future improvement...

Water markets and trading have played a key role in allocating scarce water resources. The flexibility and autonomy offered by water trading has increased agricultural production, helped farmers and communities to survive severe drought, and provided the mechanism for recovering water for the environment. Governments still have a vital role to play in improving the...