What is Groundwater?

Did you know that groundwater makes up 98% of the liquid freshwater on the planet? 

L-R Linda Munns, Emma Kime, Amy Gudmann

Last week, Emma Kime along with Amy Gudmann and Linda Munns of our Mining, Gas and Rural Team attended Capricornia Catchment's Getting to know your Groundwater Workshop held in Rockhampton. 

Emma said that "this workshop was a fantastic local event that was able to bring interested members of the community together to gain an understanding of groundwater and the extraction process, the local geology and the impacts of coal and coal seam gas developments on water resources."

Many of our client's have concerns about whether they are entitled to enter into a Make Good Agreement with mining and resource companies and how coal and coal seam gas developments may impact their water resources and bores. As a result, Emma enjoyed learning first-hand how graziers and landowners can be proactive in monitoring water levels and measuring the quality of their bores on an ongoing basis to collate data that may then be used as part of a Baseline Assessment. 

Emma also enjoyed connecting with local community members and hearing the concerns that locals have with their bores and why they choose to attend the Getting to know your Groundwater Workshop.

If you would like to discuss how the Mining, Gas and Rural Team can assist you with any concerns that you may have about your bore or whether you are entitled to enter into a Make Good Agreement, please do not hesitate to contact us on (07) 4927 6333 or enquire@reesjones.com.au.

Tips on Measuring Bore Levels

Emma Kime from our Agribusiness Rural Law Team found this instructional video online for Landowners. Here are some tips in regard to measuring the standing water level in your bores. 

The more information you have in regard to the status of your bore before any mining or gas activities the better. Especially if there is an argument later on about any Make Good requirements.

The Rees R & Sydney Jones Agribusiness Rural Law Team, is lead by Partner Melanie Findlay and can be contacted on 07 4927 6333 or via email at enquire@reesjones.com.au 

Water and the Resource Industry: Protecting Your Future

Think about your property – where does your water come from?  Dams?  Bores?  River?  A combination of those?  You might be one of those farmers or graziers that rely heavily on underground water sources as part of your day-to-day operations.  Have you ever considered what would happen if that underground water suddenly dried up? 

How can I protect my water supplies from coal mining or coal seam gas activities?

 

Coal Mining and CSG both extract huge volumes of ground water as part of their activities.  The closer you are to this activity, the higher the chance your water sources will be effected.  It is important that before a resource company starts their activities, both parties are aware of and agree on the current state of the water sources - current capacity, standing water levels, water quality etc.  This is usually called baseline data.   This information should be prepared by someone who has the relevant expertise.  It may be beneficial if the person collecting the information is independent of both you and the resource company, such as a hydro geologist or other expert.

You should also consider entering into what is called a “make good” agreement with the resource company.  This will cover ongoing monitoring of the water source, comparison with the baseline data, the identification of trigger levels for when a water source is considered impaired and what will happen if it is proven that the activities of a resource company have caused the decrease or loss of water.  A well drafted “make good” agreement will also include a provision for the refund of any fees paid by you for preparation of the agreement. 

If you would like any further information or have any questions regarding make good agreements or water agreements, please give Amy Gudmann, Andrew Palmer or Justin Houlihan at Rees R & Sydney Jones a call on (07) 4927 6333.  We can provide you with advice on a “make good” agreement to ensure that your business and your livelihood are protected.