Feasibility assessment of opportunities for underground technologies in Queensland

completed

This desktop assessment undertaken by GHD identified areas of Queensland that may be suitable for underground water storage technologies. These include things such as sand dams or sub-surface dams to support agricultural development. Sand dams and sub-surface dams are technologies that are used to capture seasonal flows or groundwater recharge events. They are then stored for off-season use. The project included a literature review and a multi criteria analysis to identify areas with good potential for location of sand dams and sub-surface dams. These areas were considered suitable for further detailed investigation. Underground technologies that can improve water security include: These technologies are used to capture additional water when it’s available and store it underground for future use. This can help manage variable flows by: This assessment aimed to identify areas in Queensland where sand dams or underground dams could be used to support future agricultural development. The project identified a number of potentially suitable regions in Queensland for sand dams or sub-surface dams. Areas with good potential for sand dams were identified in the: Areas with good potential for sub-surface dams were identified in the: Additional investigations of areas identified in this assessment are needed before progressing potential opportunities for sand dams or sub-surface dams. Environmental and heritage attributes and First Nations interests were included as criteria in the multi-criteria analysis used to identify potentially suitable areas. These would need to be considered further in any future, more detailed analysis, of potential sites for sand dams or underground dams.