The Great Artesian Basin, A Truly Great Resource

What does the Great Artesian Basin mean to you?  It is Australia's largest groundwater basin and one of the largest in the world. It lies beneath parts of the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales. It includes the Eromanga, Surat, and Carpentaria geological basins. It covers more than 1.7 million square kilometres.

Adrian McKay is a hydrogeologist with the Qld Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water based in Toowoomba. Adrian has been involved in the assessment and management of groundwater resources in Queensland for over 30 years and has a particular interest and fascination with the Great Artesian Basin, it’s history, management and protection.

Adrian will be interviewed by Henk van Paridon. Henk is an exploration geophysicist with over 40 years’ experience. He has spent much of his career exploring for oil, gas and even vanadium in the Great Artesian Basin. His field trips include visits to mound springs and flowing bores in South Australia to outcrops in Eastern Queensland. Most of his experience has been viewing the big picture of the GAB through a seismic lens.

Adrian will give a brief overview of the history of the basin, hydrogeology and springs, water saving initiatives in Queensland, as well as hopefully providing some interesting information and ‘busting some myths’ along the way.