More than 1,675 megalitres (1.7GL) of Great Artesian Basin water will be saved annually thanks to the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers’ (DLGWV’s) continued work with the $52 million capping and piping program.
The year’s work includes capping and rehabilitating 11 uncontrolled bores and installing pipe systems to replace more than 140km of open drains.
Funded by the Queensland and Australian governments and industry partners, the GAB rehabilitation program works in partnership with landholders and communities to improve infrastructure, preserve artesian pressure, and reduce water loss.
The GAB cap and pipe program plays a vital role in supporting graziers and regional communities, while also helping to protect natural springs and ecosystems that rely on the groundwater from the Basin.
The project is continuing with expressions of interest now open for eligible landholders to receive funding to cover up to 90 per cent of their costs to repair free-flowing bores and replace inefficient bore drains with modern piping systems.
DLGWV Executive Director, Hamish Butler, said the program benefits landholders, communities, and the environment to deliver lasting water savings across the Basin.
“Every cap and pipe project contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Great Artesian Basin,” Mr Butler said.
“The outcomes of the past year build on an impressive legacy of work by Queensland landholders.
“These upgrades help secure water supply, support regional jobs and industries, and safeguard one of Queensland’s most precious water resources for future generations,” he said.
GAB landholder Colin Fisher said that the GAB program funding provided an attractive opportunity to replace the work intensive drains being fed by the flowing bore with an efficient closed piped watering system.
“Having more control of the water has benefitted both our land and our stock management.
“The GAB team did all they could to assist us with the application and the bookwork side of things. They were very available to assist. In that regard we felt very supported,” he said.
Works throughout 2025/26 are expected to deliver around 38 completed projects with water savings of more than 7,000 megalitres (7GL).
Expressions of interest opened this week and close at 4pm on 31 October 2025.
For more information about the GAB cap and pipe program, contact the Basins’ Project Management Office:
- Phone: (07) 4529 1204 or (07) 4529 1394
- Email: BPMO@dlgwv.qld.gov.au
To submit an expression of interest, visit: www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/catchments-planning/great-artesian-basin/rehabilitation-program.
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