Groundwater bores

This initiative consists of a review and restructuring of the State Observation Bore Network (SOBN) to enable effective and efficient management of groundwater resources.

Inadequacies in the groundwater resource monitoring network was limiting the ability of resource managers to assess the state of groundwater resources and enforce sustainable resource use. This initiative commenced a program of capital works to better align the State's network with the location and patterns of use of our groundwater resources, thus enabling better understanding of these resources and enhancing our capability to manage them sustainably.

Total EC3 investment: $ 4.0 m

2013-14 expenditure: $0.499 m
2014-15 expenditure: $1.252 m 
2015-16 expenditure: $1.599 m
2016-17 expenditure: $0.650 m

Progress

A major review of the State Observation Bore Network (SOBN) was completed and has provided guidance to the development of the restructuring of the SOBN.  Over three years, a works program covering both refurbishment and decommissioning of bores on a condition priority basis has been implemented.  In all, works on 64 deep bores have been completed in the South West  and Gippsland Regions.

In addition to the expenditure noted above, a component of funding allocated to the Groundwater Monitoring of the SOBN initiative has also gone toward implementing this works program.