Two-year groundwater monitoring study concluded

The two-year groundwater monitoring study, undertaken as part of the Planning Proposal (rezoning) at Culburra, has been completed. The study was undertaken by consulting firm HGEO, for Council, and funded by the landowner (the Halloran Trust). This study is part of a suite of assessments being undertaken to inform the Planning Proposal.

The study involved real-time water level monitoring in a network of 28 bores (21 new and 7 existing) between Lake Wollumboola and the Crookhaven River over a two-year period. The key objective of the study was to delineate the groundwater catchment for Lake Wollumboola and groundwater flow directions within the area. The two-year baseline monitoring period was dominated by drought conditions, with several large rainfall events, including in early February 2020.

The key conclusion of the report is that the groundwater catchment boundary is effectively the same as the surface water catchment boundary. The results of the groundwater study will feed into water quality modelling and an integrated water cycle assessment, to ensure that the downstream waterways (Lake Wollumboola and the Crookhaven River) are protected.

The study significantly improves the understanding of groundwater behaviour in the area. The West Culburra Groundwater Assessment Report is published in the 'Document Library' on this web page.

Note: Community feedback will be sought when the Planning Proposal and supporting studies are publicly exhibited. This will not occur until all the required reports and State Government conditions have been met. Further updates will be provided through this Get Involved project page.