Published Resources Details
Journal Article
- Title
- The Great Artesian Basin of Australia
- In
- ATSE focus
- Imprint
- vol. 108, Jul/Aug 1999
- Abstract
The traditional view of the Great Artesian Basin, which is the basis of government policies and which is taught in schools, is that the aquifer is a porous rock where the water content is continuously replenished by slow seepage from the strata outcrops in the uplands to the east. It is the author's opinion that this concept is incorrect and the resulting mis-management of the Basin is causing irrecoverable damage to this valuable asset.
This short paper presents the reasons for the author's opinion that:
a. the present interpretation of the characteristics of the aquifer is incorrect;
b. the assessment of potential life of the groundwater resource is wrong and hopelessly optimistic;
c. Substantial and permanent damage is being done to the aquifer by the present uncontrolled usage; and
d. the economic cost to the nation of the present bad practices is so great that the costs of immediate correction are quite trivial by comparison. In a matter of such vital importance to the national economy, there can be no question of insufficient funds.
Related Published resources
hasReview
- Hillier, J.; Kellett, J.; Williams, M.; Rooke, E.; Foster, L.; Love, A.; Herczeg, A., 'Response to comments made by Professor L Endersbee on the Great Artesian Basin of Australia', ATSE focus, 114 (2000). Details