Emerging Springs – They’re coming backÂ
We must preserve the pressure in the Great Artesian Basin, so our springs continue to thrive.
Funded by
Natural Heritage Trust
Further info
Current management and research into South Australian Springs
Australian Government listing on the species dependent on natural discharge of GAB groundwater
Recovery plan for species dependent on natural discharge of GAB groundwater
Queensland Government report on springs found within the Great Artesian Basin
Bush Heritage management of Edgbaston Reserve, home to many unique spring species
As water pressure returns, so do natural springs.
Lying beneath parts of the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales, the Great Artesian Basin, (GAB) is Australia’s largest groundwater basin and one of the largest underground freshwater resources in the world. It’s also is the main source of water for much of inland Australia.
One of the exciting outcomes of recent bore capping efforts in the Desert Channels region is the return of water pressure in the Great Artesian Basin. This water is the source of natural springs that are re-emerging across Western Queensland. So far, 95 new springs have been discovered (only 10 were previous known).
Springs emerging from these underground reservoirs are therefore vital for both biodiversity and the pastoral industry. However, the ecosystems supported by these springs face multiple threats, from invasive pest species (cane toads, feral cats, and prickly acacias among others), to misguided farming practices.
A long-term plan
To preserve the GAB springs, Desert Channels Queensland will team up with local landholders and Aboriginal communities to implement a long-term plan for the conservation and sustainable use of land and water in Western Queensland. This project will run for the next four years until June 2028.
Some of our work includes:
- Reducing impact of invasive species on springs by removing weeds and controlling pest animals.
- Regular monitoring and assessments of flora and fauna diversity.
- Landholder partnerships to develop new techniques that reduce impact of cattle on GAB springs.
- Collecting traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) from Aboriginal communities and incorporate these into best-practice springs management plans.
We want to improve the health of these emerging springs, and ensure they thrive long into the future.
Read more about the Emerging Springs
The importance of natural springs
The artesian springs are highly valued because of their outstanding natural and cultural features. They are home to some rare species including small fish such as the Red-Finned Blue Eye – Australia’s rarest fish, small snails and a range of plants that only grow in the artesian water.
In addition, often these springs are in arid environments meaning they provide the only reliable water in the landscape and are very important for a range of other species. Given that these species rely so heavily on artesian water and are found at a number of springs, they have been listed as Endangered under both Commonwealth and State government legislation.
Key threats to natural springs
Since European settlement, it has been reported that 40 per cent of discharge springs in the GAB have become completely inactive (Fensham et al. 2016). Today, this drop in bore pressure is being managed through the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative, which is working with landholders to cap and pipe any free-flowing bores.
Other threats include:
- High grazing pressure on springs is also a significant threat as the cattle can cause disturbance to the vegetation, changing the water quality and reducing the habitat value.Â
- Feral animals such as pigs also cause significant damage by changing the local topography through wallowing, disrupting the soil properties and water quality.
- Mosquito fish or gambusia found throughout the region is a serious pest fish that can predate the rare fish like the red-finned blue eye that live in the springs.Â
- Weeds are also a significant threat. In some locations, weeds can drain the springs due to using the water, changing the availability of free water to be used by fish. Weeds such as Rubber Vine can also smother the surrounding vegetation changing the structure of the springs.
Cultural and historical significance
These springs have significant cultural heritage to Aboriginal people. For Aboriginal culture, they have been found to be intrinsically sacred and of vital importance as campsites as part of trade and communication routes (Fensham et al. 2016).
Meanwhile, pastoralists saw springs as key reliable water to support grazing development. Often the first roads and track follow lines of springs. Due to their value of water, often springs were drilled, drained or dug out to improve their water flow – however this often led to their degradation and sometimes reduced their water flow (Fensham et al. 2016).
Other projects
Like to be involved?
Connect with us today if you would like to participate in this project or to find out more.