Great Artesian Bore assists Bourke water flows

John Oldfield has always been interested in water management and this saw him improve the flow of water on his grandfather's property.

Funding

The Australian Government provided $28,000 to eliminate water wastage on the property 70 kilometres north east of Bourke in New South Wales.

Activities

John welded and capped a small bore that was leaking and wasting up to 8,500 litres per day. "We used six kilometres of pipe to hook the bore up to an existing line which runs the full length of the property, 20 kilometres away," he said.

"We spread the watering points out so the stock wouldn't be concentrated in one point."

Water flow is now controlled by a solar pump.

"I'm normally a bit cynical about solar power but for jobs like this it's great. In this sort of climate solar really works," John said. "The alternative was a windmill. Solar is the same cost as a windmill but it's easier to maintain."

Rory Treweeke, Chair of the Western Catchment Management Authority (CMA), said that capping and piping artesian bores is a win for both the environment and the landholder.

"As well as protecting a secure water supply, it takes the pressure off the land," he said. "Rather than having stock constantly by the bore drain, they're less likely to congregate in the one area.

"Having fixed watering points instead of great stretches of bore drains means landholders can concentrate their efforts on controlling ferals. It also eliminates the problem of pigs wallowing in breakouts and causing soil erosion.

"Ninety five per cent of water in open bore drains is wasted by evaporation and seeping into the soil, which increases salinity problems.

"Capping and piping this bore will prevent 28 tonnes, equivalent to a semi-trailer load of salt discharge, entering the Murray Darling Basin."

Achievements

As well as reducing wasted water, the bore helps protect the Great Artesian Basin, reduces salinity and helps manage total grazing pressure and noxious weeds, particularly Bathurst burr.

It has also reduced soil erosion through increased ground cover and assisted in controlling feral animals.

Since capping and piping this bore, this property has been sold, but John maintains his interest in water and is now working on a similar project at a new property.

"Water is the number one item in this country and I've always been interested in learning about it," John said.

More information

1. John Oldfield, landholder: (02) 6874 7551

Australian Government Land and Coasts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
1800 552 008 (toll-free)

Caring for our Country is an Australian Government initiative jointly administered by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts