Addressing non-compliant behaviour to protect Queensland's groundwater resources

Addressing non-compliant behaviour helps protect Queensland’s water resources and supports their effective and sustainable management.

Effective regulation involves monitoring activities, investigating potential breaches and taking appropriate enforcement action when needed. These actions help protect water resources, maintain public confidence and support a fair operating environment for people who follow the rules.

A 2025 prosecution of a licensed water bore driller in Southeast Queensland shows how the department responds when non-compliance poses a risk to groundwater resources.

Why groundwater compliance matters

Groundwater is an important resource for communities, agriculture, industry and the environment across Queensland.

Water bore construction is regulated to help protect groundwater from contamination and to collect information that supports water planning and management.

Licensed water bore drillers play an important role in this process. They must:

• build bores to the required standards
• accurately record how bores are constructed
• provide drill logs that document underground geological conditions.

This information helps the department understand groundwater systems and make informed decisions about managing water resources.

When bores are not constructed correctly, or records are inaccurate, risks can arise for groundwater quality, resource management and public confidence in the regulatory system.

Detecting and responding to non-compliance

The department investigated reports that water bores were not being constructed in line with legal requirements.

The investigation found several breaches, including:

• bores that did not meet required construction standards
• bores that were not properly sealed
• drill logs that contained false or misleading information.

These issues reduced the department's ability to accurately assess groundwater resources and increased the risk of contamination entering underground aquifers.

In line with its risk-based approach to compliance, the department progressively increased its regulatory response. Actions included:

• issuing infringement notices
• requiring remediation works to correct the issues
• taking further enforcement action where serious non-compliance continued.

The matter ultimately resulted in prosecution under the Water Act 2000.

Outcome

In September 2025, the licensed water bore driller pleaded guilty to 18 offences under the Water Act 2000.

The Ipswich Magistrates Court imposed a financial penalty and ordered the payment of legal costs. No conviction was recorded.

Importantly, the required remediation works were completed. This brought the affected bores into compliance and addressed the risks to groundwater resources.

What this means for industry

This case highlights the importance of complying with water bore construction requirements and maintaining accurate records.

The department's preferred approach is to support compliance through education, guidance and engagement. However, enforcement action may be taken when serious or ongoing non-compliance is identified.

The case also demonstrates the value of accurate compliance information. Reliable drill logs and construction records help the department:

• monitor groundwater resources
• make informed regulatory decisions
• support long-term water security.

By taking proportionate action when serious breaches occur and communicating enforcement outcomes openly, the department promotes accountability, supports compliant operators and strengthens confidence in Queensland's water regulatory framework.