Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report

Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub- basins

Science Delivery

December 2015 Version 1.0

Department of Science, Information Technology, and Innovation

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Citation

Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2016, Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins, Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, Brisbane.

Acknowledgements

This report has been prepared by the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation. Funding for this work was provided by the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Queensland Government.

February 2016

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Document history

Version Date Status Key changes made Author/s Reviewer/s

0.1 May 2015 Complete K.G. T.R. S.F. 0.2 June 2015 Complete Minor corrections K.G. T.R. 0.3 August 2015 Complete Revisions based on internal K.G. T.R. technical workshop S.F. 1.0 February 2016 Complete Revisions based on external K.G, T.R D.B. technical workshop and user S.F. acceptance testing

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Table of contents

Document history 3

Table of contents ...... 4

Summary ...... 7

1 Introduction ...... 8 1.1 Overview 8 1.2 Document Purpose and Structure 8 1.3 Method 9 1.3.1 GDE mapping method 9 1.3.2 Potential GDE Aquifer mapping method 11 1.4 Spatial Coverage 12 1.5 Core Datasets 13 1.6 Products 13 1.6.1 Mapping 13 1.6.2 Pictorial Conceptual Models 14 1.6.3 Accompanying Documentation 14 1.7 Product Highlights 15 1.7.1 Pictorial Conceptual Models 15 1.7.2 Scale 15 1.7.3 Quality Assurance and Demand Driven Products 15 1.7.4 Updatability and Linkages 15

2 Summary ...... 16 2.1 Overview of Mapping Rule-Sets by Drainage Sub-basin 18 2.2 Mapping Rule-set Boundaries for the Comet River Drainage Sub-Basin 23 2.3 Mapping Rule-set Boundaries for the Dawson River Drainage Sub-Basin 25 2.4 Mapping Rule-set Boundaries for the Mackenzie River Drainage Sub-Basin 27

3 Mapping Rule-Sets, Pictorial Conceptual Models and GDE Attributes ...... 29 3.1 Mapping rule-set 03: Permeable rock (consolidated sedimentary) aquifers 29 3.1.1 Pictorial conceptual model – Sedimentary rocks (Great Artesian Basin) 29 3.1.2 Mapping Rule-Set 03A: Permeable consolidated sedimentary rock aquifers with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime 36 3.1.3 Mapping Rule-Set 03B: Permeable consolidated sedimentary rock aquifers with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime supporting surface expression GDEs 40 3.2 Mapping rule-set 02: Permeable rock (basalt) aquifers 43

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3.2.1 Pictorial conceptual model – permeable rocks (rocks with predominantly primary porosity) 43 3.2.2 Mapping Rule-Set 02A: Permeable rock aquifers (basalts) greater than or equal to 100ha in size with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime 46 3.2.3 Mapping Rule-Set 02B: Permeable rock aquifers (basalts) less than 100 ha in size with fresh, episodic groundwater connectivity regime 50 3.3 Mapping rule-set 07: Fractured rock (igneous rock) aquifers 53 3.3.1 Pictorial conceptual model – fractured rocks (rocks with predominantly secondary porosity) 53 3.3.2 Mapping Rule-Set 07: Fractured rock aquifers (igneous rocks) with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime 55 3.4 Mapping rule-set 04: Fractured rock (metamorphic rock and metasediment) aquifers 58 3.4.1 Pictorial conceptual model – fractured rocks (rocks with predominantly secondary porosity) 58 3.4.2 Mapping Rule-Set 04: Fractured rock aquifers (metamorphic rocks and metasediments) with fluctuating, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime 58 3.5 Mapping rule-set 08: Low porosity sedimentary rock aquifers 61 3.5.1 Pictorial conceptual model – fractured rocks (rocks with predominantly secondary porosity) 61 3.5.2 Mapping Rule-Set 08: Low porosity sedimentary and igneous rocks with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime 61 3.6 Mapping rule-set 05: Permeable sandy plain aquifers 64 3.6.1 Pictorial conceptual model – permeable rocks (rocks with predominantly primary porosity) 64 3.6.2 Mapping Rule-Set 05: Permeable old loamy and sandy plains with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime 64 3.7 Mapping rule-set 01: Alluvial aquifers 67 3.7.1 Pictorial conceptual models 67 3.7.2 Mapping Rule-Set 01A: Quaternary alluvial aquifers overlying sandstone ranges with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime 84 3.7.3 Mapping Rule-Set 01B: Quaternary alluvial aquifers near springs with fresh, permanent groundwater connectivity regime 87 3.7.4 Mapping Rule-Set 01C: Quaternary alluvial aquifers with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime 90 3.7.5 Mapping Rule-Set 01D: Quaternary alluvial aquifers with fluctuating, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime with neutral pH 93 3.7.6 Mapping Rule-Set 01E: Quaternary alluvial aquifers with fluctuating, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime and unknown pH 96 3.7.7 Mapping Rule-Set 01F: Quaternary alluvial aquifers supported by Precipice Sandstone with fresh, permanent groundwater connectivity regime 99 3.8 Mapping rule-set 06: Exclusion zones 102 3.8.1 Pictorial conceptual model – exclusion zones 102

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3.8.2 Mapping Rule-Set 06: Exclusion zones 103

4 Potential GDE Aquifer mapping ...... 105 4.1 Overview of Potential GDE Aquifer Boundaries for the Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River Drainage Sub-Basins 106 4.2 Potential GDE Aquifer Boundaries for the Comet River Drainage Sub-Basin 108 4.3 Potential GDE Aquifer Boundaries for the Dawson River Drainage Sub-Basin 110 4.4 Potential GDE Aquifer Boundaries for the Mackenzie River Drainage Sub-Basin 112

5 Issues Encountered during Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping and Conceptualisation and Directions for Future Work ...... 114 5.1 Spatial Data Limitations 114 5.2 Expert Knowledge Gaps 114 5.3 GDE Mapping Validation 114 5.4 GDE Mapping Accuracy 114

6 Conclusion ...... 115

7 References ...... 116

A Appendices ...... 117 A1 Abbreviations 117 A2 GDE Attribute Definitions 118 A3 Land Zone Definitions 122 A4 Regional Ecosystem Definitions 125

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Summary

Anthropogenic changes to groundwater regimes can result in significant risks to groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs) in response to changes in groundwater flow, flux, pressure, level and/or quality. The Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem (GDE) mapping project provides critical information on where these ecosystems occur and indicate potential connectivity to groundwater across three drainage sub-basins covering approximately 81,058 square kilometres or 4.7% of Queensland. The three drainage sub-basins mapped were: Comet River, Dawson River and Mackenzie River. The surface extent and properties of potential aquifers supporting GDEs in the three drainage sub-basins is also provided.

GDEs are “ecosystems that require access to groundwater on a permanent or intermittent basis to meet all or some of their water requirements so as to maintain their communities of plants and animals, ecological processes and ecosystem services” (Richardson et al. 2011). This definition includes those ecosystems dependent on perched or local, shallow aquifers. Groundwater dependence is an attribute of a diverse array of ecosystem types.

The GDE mapping undertaken used the Queensland GDE Mapping and Classification Method, a consultative process that integrates detailed spatial data with expert local knowledge of landscapes (and the ecosystems within them) in a geographic information system (GIS) to delineate GDEs at a scale compatible with management and planning activities. Three technical workshops were held with local experts in Brisbane (September 2014 and June 2015) and Rockhampton (July 2015). The iterative engagement approach employed at each stage of the GDE mapping process ensured all products (spatial data, pictorial conceptual models, and other supporting information) were developed with a range of end users in mind, including landholders, policy officers, and regional natural resource management officers. All GDE mapping products underwent extensive peer- review by local experts through the technical workshops, online user accessibility and acceptance testing, and a structured survey. All GDE mapping products were also considered and endorsed by a Queensland Government inter-departmental reference group prior to finalisation.

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1 Introduction

1.1 Overview

Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) are ‘ecosystems that require access to groundwater on a permanent or intermittent basis to meet all or some of their water requirements so as to maintain their communities of plants and animals, ecological processes and ecosystem services’1. This definition includes those ecosystems dependent on perched and local aquifers that may not contain commercially viable quantities of groundwater.

There are three types of GDEs:  ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater (e.g. lakes, vegetated swamps, creeks, rivers, spring wetlands) – often called ‘surface expression GDEs’  ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater (e.g. terrestrial vegetation accessing groundwater in the capillary zone) – often called ‘terrestrial GDEs’  ecosystems dependent on the subterranean presence of groundwater (e.g. aquifer and cave ecosystems) – often called ‘subterranean GDEs’

Natural resource managers and other decision-makers often lack sufficient information at an appropriate scale to understand the groundwater dependency of ecosystems, to assess the potential impacts of activities on groundwater and to ensure that GDEs are adequately considered in decision-making processes. The Queensland Government recognises the need to map ecosystem dependence on groundwater and to make this information accessible for natural resource managers and decision-makers. Currently GDE mapping has been completed for approximately 50% of Queensland.

The GDE mapping project detailed in this report extends GDE mapping and potential GDE aquifer mapping to three drainage sub-basins covering approximately a further 81,058 square kilometres or 4.7% of Queensland. This project completes GDE mapping and potential GDE aquifer mapping across the Comet River, Dawson River and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins. This GDE mapping focuses on the first two types of GDEs, surface expression GDEs and terrestrial GDEs.

1.2 Document Purpose and Structure

This report documents the methods, conceptual understanding and technical outputs developed during the delivery of the GDE mapping project for the Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins.

Section one provides a brief overview of the key definitions, methods and products developed, including technical project highlights. Section two includes a series of summary maps illustrating the area where each mapping rule-set was applied in each of the three drainage sub-basins in the study area. Section three outlines the conceptual understanding developed during technical workshops, details the mapping rule-sets underlying the GDE mapping outputs, and identifies the

1 Richardson, E., Irvine, E., Froend, R., Book, P., Barber, S., and Bonneville, B., 2011, Australian groundwater dependent ecosystems toolbox part 1: assessment framework, National Water Commission, Canberra.

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data sets used in mapping. Section four includes a series of summary maps illustrating the areas where through the application of GDE mapping rule-sets, potential GDE supporting aquifers have been identified. Section five discusses technical issues encountered and implications for future work, and section six is a brief conclusion.

1.3 Method

1.3.1 GDE mapping method

GDE mapping undertaken used the Queensland GDE Mapping and Classification Method (Figure 1). The method uses a consultative process that integrates elicited and collated local expert knowledge of landscapes (and the ecosystems within them) with detailed spatial data in a geographic information system (GIS) to delineate GDEs at a scale compatible with management and planning activities. This method overcomes one of the key criticisms often levelled at broader scale mapping methods – that information from local and regional experts, with significant understanding of landscape processes and ecosystems, is not incorporated into the datasets used by decision-makers.

Two technical workshops were held in Brisbane (September 2014 and June 2015). A subsequent technical review workshop was held in Rockhampton (July 2015). During these technical workshops experts systematically traverse the study area (described as “walking the landscape”) to identify potential GDEs on the basis of spatial data and their knowledge of landscape landform, geology, hydrology and vegetation. At the first workshop, each region of potential GDE occurrence is identified by walking the landscape is discussed until consensus is reached and captured through the following details:  a pictorial conceptual model (step 3a);  a rule-set describing how it can be mapped (step 3b); and  data sources to be used to apply the mapping rule-set (step 3c).

Pictorial conceptual models collate valuable supporting information to improve the understanding of the landscape processes that produce GDEs, the broader context and function of GDEs, and assist in the estimation of GDE extent delineated in the GDE mapping. Mapping rule-sets are simply a combination of mappable attributes consistent with expert knowledge of landscape interactions between groundwater and surface ecosystems. These mapping rule-sets were applied to available spatial data identified during the first technical workshops to develop GDE mapping, which was subsequently reviewed and critiqued using review workshops and an online testing platform. Further detail on the GDE mapping method can be found here (Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts 2015a). Please note that the Queensland GDE mapping does not presently indicate the level of ecosystem dependence on groundwater, the condition or the environmental water requirements of the ecosystem.

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Figure 1 Overview of the Queensland Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Method (Department of Science, Information Technology, and Innovation 2015a).

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1.3.2 Potential GDE Aquifer mapping method

Potential GDE aquifer mapping in Queensland comprehensively maps the extent and properties of potential aquifers supporting GDEs. The potential GDE aquifer mapping method is derived from the GDE mapping method framework (Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2015). During implementation of the GDE mapping method framework, local expert information on the extent and properties of potential aquifers is captured. While this knowledge is used to develop GDE mapping (as describe in Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2015), this information is synthesised independently to develop complementary potential GDE aquifer mapping. Further detail on the GDE mapping method can be found here (Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts 2015e).

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1.4 Spatial Coverage

GDE mapping and conceptual modelling was completed for three drainage sub-basins of Queensland, covering approximately 81,058 square kilometres or 4.7% of Queensland (Figure 2). The following drainage sub-basins were mapped: Comet River, Dawson River and Mackenzie River.

Figure 2 Map showing the extent of groundwater dependent ecosystem mapping in Queensland and the three catchments (i.e. Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River catchments) completed as part of this project.

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1.5 Core Datasets

The following spatial datasets were fundamental to the assessment of the study area for GDEs:  Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.02  State Rock Unit Surface (December 2011)3  Bowen Basin Geology (2008)4  Geology 250K5  Probability of Pixel being an Inflow Dependent Ecosystem6  Springbok_Outcrop7  Queensland Springs Database v1.08  Queensland Wetland Data v3.09

1.6 Products

1.6.1 Mapping

GDE mapping consists of five spatial datasets (listed below). 1. Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater (point features) 2. Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater (line features) 3. Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater (area features) 4. Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater (area features) 5. Ecosystems dependent on the subterranean presence of groundwater – cave ecosystems (area features)

The potential GDE aquifer mapping consists of one spatial data set:

1. Potential groundwater dependent ecosystem aquifer (area features)

2 This dataset is owned by the Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government. Further information on this dataset can be found here. 3 This dataset is owned by the Geological Survey of Queensland, Queensland Government. 4 This dataset is owned by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Government. Data has been adapted from the report ‘Bowen Basin Structural Geology 2008’ (CSIRO, 2008). 5 This dataset is owned by the Geological Survey of Queensland, Queensland Government. 6 This dataset is owned by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Government. 7 This dataset is owned by the Queensland Government. 8 This dataset is owned by the Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government. 9 This dataset is owned by the Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government. Further information on this dataset can be found here.

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1.6.2 Pictorial Conceptual Models

Fifteen (15) pictorial conceptual models were identified as applicable to the Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins. All fifteen (15) were recognised as extensions of models developed during previous GDE mapping projects with no updates required.

Pictorial Conceptual Pictorial Conceptual Models Model Group by Scale GDE conceptual models applicable to multiple regions

Alluvia  Alluvia – (overview)  Alluvia – upper catchment – dry (minimal alluvial development)  Alluvia – upper catchment – wet (minimal alluvial development)  Alluvia – mid catchment – dry (moderate alluvial development)  Alluvia – mid catchment – wet (moderate alluvial development)  Alluvia – lower catchment (extensive alluvial development)  Alluvia – closed drainage systems  Alluvia – recharge process (inundation)

Permeable rocks  Permeable rocks (rocks with predominantly primary porosity)  Fractured rocks (rocks with predominantly secondary porosity) GDE conceptual models applicable to specific regions

Sedimentary rocks (Great  Sedimentary rocks (Great Artesian Basin) – sedimentary basins Artesian Basin) and other adjoining and underlying basins  Sedimentary rocks (Great Artesian Basin) – geology  Sedimentary rocks (Great Artesian Basin) – hydrology  Sedimentary rocks (Great Artesian Basin) – groundwater dependent ecosystems Other conceptual models

Exclusion zones  Exclusion zones

1.6.3 Accompanying Documentation

In addition to this report, details on GDE data management including data package directories, naming conventions, input datasets, GIS models, and identified data gaps are provided in the ‘Queensland Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Technical Specifications: Technical specifications for the general application of the Queensland Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Method’ (Department of Science, Information Technology, and Innovation 2015b) and the ‘Queensland Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Technical Mapping Specifications: Module Seven – Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River surrounding drainage sub-basins’ (Department of Science, Information Technology, and Innovation 2015c).

Details on the technical specifications for the GDE conceptual models including symbology, product formatting, site-specific model development guidelines, risk management and quality assurance process, and publication specifications are provided in the ‘Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Conceptual Modelling: Technical Specifications’ (Department of Science, Information Technology, and Innovation 2015d).

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1.7 Product Highlights

1.7.1 Pictorial Conceptual Models

Pictorial conceptual models convey the collective expert knowledge on the components, processes and interrelationships of groundwater within a landscape and the ecosystems dependent on it. Pictorial conceptual models of GDEs illustrate at a minimum: how groundwater moves through a catchment, any information on the depth to groundwater below ground level, the likely location and nature of groundwater recharge and discharge, and the likely location and type of ecosystems potentially dependent on this groundwater. Pictorial conceptual models not only provide decision- makers with valuable information on how and why GDEs exist in a catchment but are also a useful foundation for numerical modelling.

1.7.2 Scale

A fundamental requirement for assessing the impacts of development on GDEs is the capacity to identify where these ecosystems occur and the nature of their dependence on groundwater at an appropriate scale. Capitalising on Queensland’s existing state-wide regional ecosystem and wetland datasets, GDE mapping products have a minimum scale of 1:100,000.

1.7.3 Quality Assurance and Demand Driven Products

The iterative engagement approach employed at each stage of the GDE mapping project ensured that the data sets and pictorial conceptual models were developed with a range of end users in mind, including landholders, policy officers, and regional natural resource management officers. Peer review of all GDE mapping products was conducted in October 2015 through an online user accessibility and acceptance test and structured survey which targeted both end users and experts within Queensland.

1.7.4 Updatability and Linkages

Queensland GDE products are consistent with the National Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems in terms of concepts, spatial geometry, and common attributes, and could be integrated with this national dataset in the future. This integration would ensure users are presented with a consistent range of products at the highest detail available. Queensland LEBSA GDE products are also aligned with long-term Queensland mapping programs (e.g. regional ecosystem and wetland mapping) and data delivery mechanisms (e.g. WetlandInfo, Queensland Government data, Queensland Globe) to maximise the longevity and future updatability of the products.

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2 Summary

The following maps illustrate the implementation boundary of mapping rule-sets by drainage sub- basin. An overview map (Error! Reference source not found.) shows the location of each drainage sub-basin within the project study area. Please note that some features in the maps may not be visible at the drainage sub-basin scale due to their small relative size and overlap of some mapping rule-set implementation extents. Maps illustrating the full implementation boundary for each individual mapping rule-set are available in section three. The relevant mapping rule-set is also recorded within the spatial data products as an attribute of each potential GDE feature. This enables users to explore each mapping rule-set in great detail within a Geographic Information System.

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Figure 3 Map of the spatial coverage of GDE mapping by drainage sub-basin undertaken as part of the GDE mapping project.

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2.1 Overview of Mapping Rule-Sets by Drainage Sub-basin

The following table (Table 1) and figure (

Figure 4) identifies the applicability of each mapping rule-set to the three drainage sub-basins mapped for GDEs.

Table 1 The applicability of each mapping rule-set developed to individual drainage sub-basins.

Mapping rule-set Drainage sub-basin Comet River Dawson River Mackenzie River Alluvial aquifer mapping rule-sets SURAT_RS_01A X X X SURAT_RS_01B X SURAT_RS_01C X X SURAT_RS_01D X SURAT_RS_01E X SURAT_RS_01F X Permeable rock (basalt) aquifer mapping rule-sets SURAT_RS_02A X X X SURAT_RS_02B X X X Permeable rock (consolidated sedimentary) aquifer mapping rule-set SURAT_RS_03 X X X Fractured rock (metamorphic rock) aquifer mapping rule-set SURAT_RS_04 X X X Permeable sandy plain aquifer mapping rule-set SURAT_RS_05 X X X Fractured rock (igneous rock) aquifer mapping rule-set

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SURAT_RS_07 X X Low porosity sedimentary and igneous rock aquifer mapping rule-set SURAT_RS_08 X Other mapping rule-set SURAT_RS_06 X X X

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Figure 4 Map of the implementation extent of mapping rule-sets in the Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins. Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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2.2 Mapping Rule-set Boundaries for the Comet River Drainage Sub- Basin

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Figure 5 Map of the implementation extent for all applicable mapping rule-sets in the Comet River drainage sub-basin. Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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2.3 Mapping Rule-set Boundaries for the Dawson River Drainage Sub- Basin

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Figure 6 Map of the implementation extent for all applicable mapping rule-sets in the Dawson River drainage basin sub-area. Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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2.4 Mapping Rule-set Boundaries for the Mackenzie River Drainage Sub-Basin

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Figure 7 Map of the implementation extent for all applicable mapping rule-sets in the Mackenzie River drainage basin sub-area. Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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3 Mapping Rule-Sets, Pictorial Conceptual Models and GDE Attributes

The following section presents each mapping rule-set developed including a brief description of the mapping rule-set, associated pictorial conceptual model(s), list of the types of GDEs mapped, list of data used to delineate GDEs, description of how the mapping rule-set was implemented, a map detailing the implementation extent of the mapping rule-set, and a table outlining GDE attribution consistent with the National Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems. Please note that mapping rule-sets numbering is not always sequential due to revision and consolidation during the GDE mapping process. Copies of related pictorial conceptual models have been included in this report; however please refer to WetlandInfo for the latest pictorial conceptual model, full use of interactive features, and high-resolution versions of all pictorial conceptual models.

3.1 Mapping rule-set 03: Permeable rock (consolidated sedimentary) aquifers

3.1.1 Pictorial conceptual model – Sedimentary rocks (Great Artesian Basin)

The Great Artesian Basin is a hydrogeological basin containing layered formations of Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic sedimentary rocks of variable grain size and permeability. The Great Artesian Basin is composed of various geological basins and sub-basins. Sedimentary rocks may store and transmit groundwater through inter-granular pore space, fractures and weathered zones. The geological formations shown in the cross-section of this model will apply to the Queensland Lake Eyre Basin (drainage basin) footprint.

Sedimentary rocks with coarser grain size (for example, the Precipice Sandstone) are generally more permeable than those with finer grain size (such as the Wallumbilla Formation). Groundwater can discharge locally (e.g. springs) at the surface from the sedimentary rock aquifers typically along footslopes, fault or fractures. Younger geological material such as those that comprise the Lake Eyre Basin (drainage basin) may overlie the sedimentary rocks of the Great Artesian Basin and these landscapes are depicted in other conceptual models.

Sedimentary rock aquifers may provide a range of ecosystems with water required to support their fauna and flora communities, ecological processes and delivery of ecosystem services.  Palustrine (e.g. swamps), lacustrine (e.g. lakes) and riverine (e.g. streams and rivers) wetlands may depend on the surface expression of groundwater from the underlying sedimentary rock aquifers.  Terrestrial vegetation may depend on the subsurface presence of groundwater, typically using deep roots to access groundwater in the capillary zone above the water table.  Unconfined sedimentary rock aquifers may support aquifer ecosystems which can be indicated by the presence of stygofauna.

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Figure 8 Structural pictorial conceptual model of the Great Artesian Basin and adjoining and underlying basins titled “Sedimentary rocks (Great Artesian Basin) – sedimentary basins”.

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Figure 9 Geological pictorial conceptual model of the Great Artesian Basin titled “Sedimentary rocks (Great Artesian Basin) – geology”.

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Figure 10 Hydrogeological pictorial conceptual model of the Great Artesian Basin titled “Sedimentary rocks (Great Artesian Basin) – hydrology”.

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Figure 11 Ecohydrological pictorial conceptual model of potential interaction between ecosystems and groundwater contained in aquifers of the Great Artesian Basin titled “Sedimentary rocks (Great Artesian Basin) – groundwater dependent ecosystems”.

Geological basins legend

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Geology legend

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Groundwater hydrology legend

Groundwater dependent ecosystem legend

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3.1.2 Mapping Rule-Set 03A: Permeable consolidated sedimentary rock aquifers with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime

Background

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the deposition of sediment which accumulates over time. Chemical, physical and/or biological processes compacts the sediment causing it to consolidate. The Great Artesian Basin is composed of sedimentary rock layers of varying thickness and porosity, forming a sequence of confined aquifers and aquitards. Mapping rule-set 03A identifies potential GDEs associated with fresh, intermittently saturated consolidated sedimentary rock aquifers.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater  Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Queensland Wetland Data v3.0  Springbok_Outcrop  Result data from the implementation of SURAT_RS_06

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify palustrine wetlands, lacustrine wetlands and riverine waterbodies within 50 metres of a second order or greater drainage line located on a sandstone range (i.e. land zone 10 that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06) as potential low confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify second order or greater drainage line located on a sandstone range (i.e. land zone 10 that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06) as potential low confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify palustrine wetlands, lacustrine wetlands and riverine waterbodies within 50 metres of a third order or greater drainage line located on Springbok Sandstone that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06 as potential low confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify third order or greater drainage line located on Springbok Sandstone that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06 as potential low confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify specific regional ecosystems10 located on sandstone ranges (i.e. land zone 10 and Springbok Sandstone outcrop that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06) as potential moderate confidence terrestrial GDEs.

10 Regional ecosystems are: 11.3.39, 11.5.4, 11.10.2, 11.10.2a, 11.10.8. Further information on these regional ecosystems can be found here.

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 Identify deep rooted terrestrial vegetation (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) and riverine wetlands within 50 metres of a second order or greater drainage line located on a sandstone range (i.e. land zone 10 that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06) as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.  Identify deep rooted terrestrial vegetation (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) and riverine wetlands within 50 metres of a third order or greater drainage line located on Springbok Sandstone that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06 as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 12 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 03A permeable consolidated sedimentary rock aquifers with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime (SURAT_RS_03A). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

Page 38 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Consolidated sedimentary rocks (e.g. Boxvale Sandstone Member of the Evergreen Formation, Clematis Sandstone, Hutton Sandstone, Precipice Sandstone)

Consolidated sedimentary rocks (e.g. Springbok Sandstone) Aquifer Geology Consolidated sedimentary Aquifer Confinement Unconfined Aquifer Porosity Primary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Basin, Local Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) < 1500 mg/L TDS (Fresh) Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) 6 – 8 (Neutral) Aquifer Recharge Source Infiltration (local) Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Spatial) Connected, variable gaining/losing Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Aseasonal, intermittent

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3.1.3 Mapping Rule-Set 03B: Permeable consolidated sedimentary rock aquifers with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime supporting surface expression GDEs

Background

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the deposition of sediment which accumulates over time. Chemical, physical and/or biological processes compacts the sediment causing it to consolidate. The Great Artesian Basin is composed of sedimentary rock layers of varying thickness and porosity, forming a sequence of confined aquifers and aquitards. Mapping rule-set 03B identifies potential GDEs associated with fresh, intermittently saturated consolidated sedimentary rock aquifers discharging groundwater into specific reaches of channels.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Queensland Wetland Data v3.0  Watercourse springs

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify specific drainage lines from previous desktop research as potential moderate confidence surface expression GDEs.

Page 40 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 13 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 03B permeable consolidated sedimentary rock aquifers with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime supporting surface expression GDEs (SURAT_RS_03B). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Consolidated sedimentary rocks Aquifer Geology Consolidated sedimentary Aquifer Confinement Unconfined Aquifer Porosity Primary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Basin, Local Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) < 1500 mg/L TDS (Fresh) Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) 6 – 8 (Neutral) Aquifer Recharge Source Infiltration (local) Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Spatial) Connected, variable gaining/losing Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Aseasonal, intermittent

Page 42 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

3.2 Mapping rule-set 02: Permeable rock (basalt) aquifers

3.2.1 Pictorial conceptual model – permeable rocks (rocks with predominantly primary porosity)

Permeable rocks can contain one or more unconfined, permeable rock aquifers, where groundwater is stored and transmitted through intergranular pore space, fractures, vesicles and/or weathered zone of the rock. When permeable rocks overlie relatively less permeable or impermeable rocks vertical groundwater movement is restricted. While groundwater will often continue to leak through the less permeable rock to some degree (e.g. through fractures), typically, groundwater moves laterally and is commonly discharged to the surface along the contact between the two rock types.

Unconfined, permeable rock aquifers may provide a range of ecosystems with water required to support their plant and animal communities, ecological processes and delivery of ecosystem services.  Palustrine (e.g. swamps), lacustrine (e.g. lakes) and riverine (e.g. streams and rivers) wetlands located down-gradient of the contact between a higher permeable rock and lower permeable rock may depend on the surface expression of groundwater from these permeable rock aquifers.  Terrestrial vegetation located up-gradient of the contact between a permeable and less permeable or impermeable rock may depend on the subsurface presence of groundwater in these permeable rock aquifers that is within their capillary zone.  Aquifers in permeable rocks may also support ecosystems within the aquifer itself, which sometimes is indicated by the presence of stygofauna.

This discharge of groundwater along the contact between two rocks may also support nearby channels, alluvium and associated aquatic ecosystems through prolonged flow or groundwater recharge.

Figure 14 Ecohydrological pictorial conceptual model of potential interaction between ecosystems and groundwater contained in rock aquifers with predominantly primary porosity titled “Permeable rocks (rocks with predominantly primary porosity)”.

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Geology legend

Groundwater hydrology legend

Flora legend

Fauna legend

Page 44 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

Groundwater dependent ecosystem legend

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3.2.2 Mapping Rule-Set 02A: Permeable rock aquifers (basalts) greater than or equal to 100ha in size with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime

Background

Basalt weathers and oxidises relatively fast in comparison to other rock types. Basalt is a highly variable rock type in terms of porosity and permeability. Basalt may form aquifers which store and transmit groundwater through the vesicles, fractures and weathered zones of the basalt. Discharge of groundwater is common around the contact between basalt and less permeable underlying geologies including bands of rhyolite and mudstone. Mapping rule-set 02A identifies potential GDEs associated with fresh, intermittently saturated basalt aquifers greater than 100 hectares in size.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater  Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Probability of Pixel being an Inflow Dependent Ecosystem  Queensland Wetland Data v3.0

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify palustrine wetlands, lacustrine wetlands and riverine waterbodies within 50 metres of the edge of 100 hectare or larger basalt plain or hills (i.e. land zone 8) as potential surface expression GDEs. Identify potential surface expression GDEs as high confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem equals or exceeds 0.7, and moderate confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem is less than 0.7.  Identify palustrine wetlands, lacustrine wetlands and riverine waterbodies within 50 metres of a drainage line located on 100 hectare or larger basalt plains or hills (i.e. land zone 8) as potential surface expression GDEs. Identify potential surface expression GDEs as high confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem equals or exceeds 0.7, and moderate confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem is less than 0.7.  Identify drainage lines within on or within 50 metres of 100 hectare or larger basalt plain or hills (i.e. land zone 8) as potential surface expression GDEs. Identify potential surface expression GDEs as high confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem equals or exceeds 0.7, and moderate confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem is less than 0.7.  Identify deep rooted terrestrial vegetation (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) within 50 metres of the edge of 100 hectare or larger basalt plain or hills (i.e. land zone 8) as potential terrestrial GDEs. Identify potential terrestrial GDEs as high confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem equals or exceeds 0.7, and moderate confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem is less than 0.7.

Page 46 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

 Identify riverine wetland regional ecosystems within 50 metres of the edge of 100 hectare or larger basalt plain or hills (i.e. land zone 8) as potential terrestrial GDEs. Identify potential terrestrial GDEs as high confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem equals or exceeds 0.7, and moderate confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem is less than 0.7.  Identify deep rooted terrestrial vegetation (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) within 50 metres of a drainage line located on 100 hectare or larger basalt plains or hills (i.e. land zone 8) as potential terrestrial GDEs. Identify potential terrestrial GDEs as high confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem equals or exceeds 0.7, and moderate confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem is less than 0.7.  Identify riverine wetland regional ecosystems within 50 metres of a drainage line located on 100 hectare or larger basalt plains or hills (i.e. land zone 8) as potential terrestrial GDEs. Identify potential terrestrial GDEs as high confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem equals or exceeds 0.7, and moderate confidence where the probability of a pixel being an inflow dependent ecosystem is less than 0.7.

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 15 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 02A permeable rock aquifers (basalts) greater than or equal to 100 ha in size with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime (SURAT_RS_02A). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

Page 48 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Basalt Aquifer Geology Fractured rock Aquifer Confinement Unconfined Aquifer Porosity Primary and secondary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Bedrock, Local Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) < 1500 mg/L TDS (Fresh) Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) > 8 (Alkaline) Aquifer Recharge Source Infiltration (local) Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Spatial) Connected, variable gaining/losing Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Aseasonal, intermittent

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3.2.3 Mapping Rule-Set 02B: Permeable rock aquifers (basalts) less than 100 ha in size with fresh, episodic groundwater connectivity regime

Background

Basalt weathers and oxidises relatively fast in comparison to other rock types. Basalt is a highly variable rock type in terms of porosity and permeability. Basalt may form aquifers which store and transmit groundwater through the vesicles, fractures and weathered zones of the basalt. Discharge of groundwater is common around the contact between basalt and less permeable underlying geologies including bands of rhyolite and mudstone. Mapping rule-set 02B identifies potential GDEs associated with fresh, episodic saturated basalt aquifers less than 100 hectares in size.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater  Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Queensland Wetland Data v3.0

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify palustrine wetlands, lacustrine wetlands and riverine waterbodies within 20 metres of the edge of basalt plain or hills (i.e. land zone 8) less than 100 hectares in size as potential low confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify drainage lines within 20 metres of the edge of basalt plain or hills (i.e. land zone 8) less than 100 hectares in size as potential low confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify deep rooted terrestrial vegetation (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) within 20 metres of the edge of basalt plain or hills (i.e. land zone 8) less than 100 hectares in size as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.  Identify riverine wetland regional ecosystems within 20 metres of the edge of basalt plain or hills (i.e. land zone 8) less than 100 hectares in size as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.

Page 50 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 16 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 02B permeable rock aquifers (basalts) less than 100 ha in size with fresh, episodic groundwater connectivity regime (SURAT_RS_02B). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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GDE Attributes

11 Please note that the appropriate Queensland GDE attribution for detailed temporal groundwater connectivity regime is ‘Aseasonal, episodic’.

Page 52 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

3.3 Mapping rule-set 07: Fractured rock (igneous rock) aquifers

3.3.1 Pictorial conceptual model – fractured rocks (rocks with predominantly secondary porosity)

Fractured rocks store and transmit groundwater through fractures within otherwise low permeability rock. Fractures, including joints and faults occur where stress exceeds the rock strength causing the rock to split along its weakest plane. Fracturing of rocks often results from tectonic movement of the Earth’s crust, which can be at a local or regional scale.

Fractured rock aquifers may discharge groundwater into channels largely in the lower parts of the landscape supporting fauna and flora communities, ecological processes and delivery of ecosystem services. Channels in upper parts of the landscape usually transmit surface water runoff only.

Figure 17 Ecohydrological pictorial conceptual model of potential interaction between ecosystems and groundwater contained rock aquifers with predominantly secondary porosity titled “Fractured rocks (rocks with predominantly secondary porosity)”.

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Geology legend

Groundwater hydrology legend

Fauna legend

Groundwater dependent ecosystem legend

Page 54 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

3.3.2 Mapping Rule-Set 07: Fractured rock aquifers (igneous rocks) with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime

Background

Groundwater is stored and transmitted in the fractures and weathered zones of otherwise relatively impermeable igneous rocks. Groundwater may discharge from fractured igneous rock aquifers typically along foot slopes and in channels. Mapping rule-set 07 identifies potential GDEs associated with fresh, intermittently saturated igneous rock aquifers.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater  Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Queensland Wetland Data v3.0

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify third order or greater drainage lines on igneous rock (i.e. land zone 12) as potential moderate confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify mesic regional ecosystems12 on igneous rock (i.e. land zone 12) as potential moderate confidence terrestrial GDEs.

12 Regional ecosystems are: 11.12.4; 11.12.4a; 12.12.1; 12.12.13; 12.12.16; 12.12.17; and 12.12.18. Further information on these regional ecosystems can be found here.

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 18 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 07 fractured rock aquifers (igneous rocks) with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime (SURAT_RS_07). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

Page 56 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Igneous rocks Aquifer Geology Fractured rock Aquifer Confinement Unconfined Aquifer Porosity Secondary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Bedrock, Local Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) < 1500 mg/L TDS (Fresh) Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) Unknown Aquifer Recharge Source Infiltration (local) Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Spatial) Connected, variable gaining/losing Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Aseasonal, intermittent

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3.4 Mapping rule-set 04: Fractured rock (metamorphic rock and metasediment) aquifers

3.4.1 Pictorial conceptual model – fractured rocks (rocks with predominantly secondary porosity)

Please see section 3.3.1 for the pictorial conceptual model of fractured rocks (rocks with predominantly secondary porosity).

3.4.2 Mapping Rule-Set 04: Fractured rock aquifers (metamorphic rocks and metasediments) with fluctuating, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime

Background

Groundwater is stored and transmitted in the fractures and weathered zones of otherwise relatively impermeable igneous rocks. Groundwater may discharge from fractured igneous rock aquifers typically along foot slopes and in channels. Mapping rule-set 04 identifies potential GDEs associated with fluctuating, intermittently saturated metamorphic rock or metasediment aquifers.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater  Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Queensland Wetland Data v3.0

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify third order or greater drainage lines located on metamorphic rocks (i.e. land zone 11) as potential moderate confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify mesic regional ecosystems (i.e. 11.11.5) located on metamorphic rocks (i.e. land zone 11) as potential moderate confidence terrestrial GDEs.

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 19 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 04 fractured rock aquifers (metamorphic rocks and metasediments) with fluctuating, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime (SURAT_RS_04). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Metamorphic rock and metasediments Aquifer Geology Fractured rock Aquifer Confinement Unconfined Aquifer Porosity Secondary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Bedrock, Local Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) Fluctuating Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) Unknown Aquifer Recharge Source Infiltration (local) Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Spatial) Connected, variable gaining/losing Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Aseasonal, intermittent

Page 60 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

3.5 Mapping rule-set 08: Low porosity sedimentary rock aquifers

3.5.1 Pictorial conceptual model – fractured rocks (rocks with predominantly secondary porosity)

Please see section 3.3.1 for the pictorial conceptual model of fractured rocks (rocks with predominantly secondary porosity).

3.5.2 Mapping Rule-Set 08: Low porosity sedimentary and igneous rocks with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime

Background

Sedimentary rocks may store and transmit groundwater through inter-granular pore space, fractures and weathered zones. Sedimentary rocks with coarser grain size (for example, the Precipice Sandstone) are generally more permeable than those with finer grain size. Mapping rule- set 08 identifies potential GDEs associated with intermittently saturated low porosity sedimentary and igneous rock aquifers.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater  Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Queensland Wetland Data v3.0

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify palustrine wetlands, lacustrine wetlands and riverine waterbodies within 50 metres of a first order or greater drainage line on sedimentary or igneous rock (i.e. land zone 9-10) as potential low confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify first order or greater drainage lines on sedimentary or igneous rock (i.e. land zone 9-10) as potential low confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify deep rooted terrestrial vegetation (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) within 50 metres of a first order or greater drainage line on sedimentary or igneous rock (i.e. land zone 9-10) as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.  Identify riverine wetland regional ecosystems within 50 metres of a first order or greater drainage line on sedimentary or igneous rock (i.e. land zone 9-10) as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 20 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 08 low porosity sedimentary and igneous rocks with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime (SURAT_RS_08). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

Page 62 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Sedimentary and igneous rocks (e.g. Wingfield Granite, Youlambie Conglomerate) Aquifer Geology Fractured & consolidated sedimentary Aquifer Confinement Unconfined Aquifer Porosity Primary and secondary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Basin, Regional Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) < 1500 mg/L TDS (Fresh) Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) 6 – 8 (Neutral) Aquifer Recharge Source Infiltration (local) Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Spatial) Connected, variable gaining/losing Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Aseasonal, intermittent

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3.6 Mapping rule-set 05: Permeable sandy plain aquifers

3.6.1 Pictorial conceptual model – permeable rocks (rocks with predominantly primary porosity)

Please see section 3.2.1 for the pictorial conceptual model of permeable rocks (rocks with predominantly primary porosity).

3.6.2 Mapping Rule-Set 05: Permeable old loamy and sandy plains with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime

Background

Tertiary to Quaternary loamy and sandy plains typically develop permeable sediment that readily stores and transmits groundwater. Discharge of groundwater typically occurs around the contact between these sediments and less permeable underlying rock. Mapping rule-set 05 identifies potential GDEs associated with fresh intermittently saturated sandy plain aquifers.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify specific regional ecosystems13 on old loamy and sandy plains (i.e. land zone 5) as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.

13 Regional ecosystems are: 11.5.3, 11.5.5 and 11.5.17. Further information on these regional ecosystems can be found here.

Page 64 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 21 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 05 permeable old loamy and sandy plain with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime (SURAT_RS_05). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Sandy plains Aquifer Geology Unconsolidated sedimentary Aquifer Confinement Unconfined Aquifer Porosity Primary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Shallow alluvial, Local Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) < 1500 mg/L TDS (Fresh) Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) 6 – 8 (Neutral) Aquifer Recharge Source Infiltration (local) Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Aseasonal, intermittent

Page 66 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

3.7 Mapping rule-set 01: Alluvial aquifers

3.7.1 Pictorial conceptual models

Alluvia – overview

Alluvia is formed from particles such as gravel, sand, silt and/or clay deposited by physical processes in river channels or on floodplains. Alluvia can contain one or more unconfined, unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers, where groundwater is stored and transmitted through intergranular voids between gravel and sand particles.

Figure 22 Overview pictorial conceptual model of alluvial aquifers in various parts of a catchment titled “Alluvia - overview”.

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Alluvia – upper catchment – dry (minimal alluvial development)

In upper catchments alluvial aquifers are formed from particles such as gravel, sand and minor silt or clay deposited by physical processes in channels. Alluvia may contain unconfined, unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers, where groundwater is stored and transmitted through intergranular voids between gravel and sand particles. In upper catchments channels may have little or no alluvial development, groundwater may move through surrounding permeable rocks into the limited alluvia present and discharge into channels. In drier months the groundwater table usually drops below the surface resulting in little or no baseflow. There may be some residual pools trapped by low permeability layers beneath the channels.

Unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers in upper catchment areas may provide a range of ecosystems with water required to support their fauna and flora communities, ecological processes and delivery of ecosystem services.  Palustrine (e.g. swamps), lacustrine (e.g. lakes) and riverine (e.g. streams and rivers) wetlands may depend on the surface expression of groundwater from these unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers which are supported by surrounding permeable rocks.  Terrestrial vegetation fringing channels on alluvia may depend on the subsurface presence of groundwater in these unconfined, sedimentary aquifers.  Unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers in alluvial deposits may also support ecosystems within the aquifer itself, which sometimes is indicated by the presence of stygofauna.

Figure 23 Ecohydrological pictorial conceptual model of potential interaction between ecosystems and groundwater contained in alluvial aquifers in upper catchment areas during drier periods of time titled “Alluvia – upper catchment – dry (minimal alluvial development)”.

Page 68 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

Geology legend

Groundwater hydrology legend

Flora legend

Fauna legend

Groundwater dependent ecosystem legend

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Alluvia – upper catchment – wet (minimal alluvial development)

 Palustrine (e.g. swamps), lacustrine (e.g. lakes) and riverine (e.g. streams and rivers) wetlands may depend on the surface expression of groundwater from these unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers which are supported by surrounding permeable rocks.

 Terrestrial vegetation fringing channels on alluvia may depend on the subsurface presence of groundwater in these unconfined, sedimentary aquifers.

 Unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers in alluvial deposits may also support ecosystems within the aquifer itself, which sometimes is indicated by the presence of stygofauna.

Figure 24 Ecohydrological pictorial conceptual model of potential interaction between ecosystems and groundwater contained in alluvial aquifers in upper catchment areas during wetter periods of time titled “Alluvia – upper catchment – wet (minimal alluvial development)”.

Page 70 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

Geology legend

Groundwater hydrology legend

Flora legend

Fauna legend

Groundwater dependent ecosystem legend

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Alluvia – mid catchment – dry (moderate alluvial development)

Unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers in alluvia may provide a range of ecosystems with water required to support their plant and animal communities, ecological processes and delivery of ecosystem services.  Palustrine (e.g. swamps) and lacustrine (e.g. lakes) wetlands and riverine (e.g. streams and rivers) water bodies on alluvia may depend on the surface expression of groundwater to maintain or prolong waterholes in the channel which act as critical refugia for plants and animals.  Terrestrial vegetation fringing channels on alluvia may depend on the subsurface presence of groundwater in these unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers where groundwater is typically accessed through the capillary zone above the watertable.

Unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers in alluvial deposits may also support ecosystems within the aquifer itself, which sometimes is indicated by the presence of stygofauna.

Figure 25 Ecohydrological pictorial conceptual model of potential interaction between ecosystems and groundwater contained in alluvial aquifers in mid catchment areas during drier periods of time titled “Alluvia – mid catchment – dry (moderate alluvial development)”.

Page 72 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

Geology legend

Groundwater hydrology legend

Flora legend

Fauna legend

Groundwater dependent ecosystem legend

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Alluvia – mid catchment – wet (moderate alluvial development)

Alluvial aquifers are formed from particles such as gravel, sand, silt and/or clay deposited by physical processes in river channels or on floodplains. Alluvia can contain one or more unconfined, unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers, where groundwater is stored and transmitted through intergranular voids between gravel and sand particles. The recharge of alluvia may occur directly (e.g. through infiltration of rainfall or inundation) or indirectly (e.g. through groundwater connection with surrounding permeable rock aquifers). During wetter months, unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers in alluvia may provide a range of ecosystems with water required to support their plant and animal communities, ecological processes and delivery of ecosystem services.  Palustrine (e.g. swamps) and lacustrine (e.g. lakes) wetlands and riverine (e.g. streams and rivers) water bodies on alluvia may depend on the surface expression of groundwater from these unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers.  Terrestrial vegetation fringing channels on alluvia may depend on the subsurface presence of groundwater in these unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers where groundwater is typically accessed through the capillary zone above the watertable.  Unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers in alluvial deposits may also support ecosystems within the aquifer itself, which sometimes is indicated by the presence of stygofauna.

Figure 26 Ecohydrological pictorial conceptual model of potential interaction between ecosystems and groundwater contained in alluvial aquifers in mid catchment areas during wetter periods of time titled “Alluvia – mid catchment – wet (moderate alluvial development)”.

Page 74 of 128 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Report: Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins

Geology legend

Groundwater hydrology legend

Flora legend

Fauna legend

Groundwater dependent ecosystem legend

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Alluvia – lower catchment (extensive alluvial development)

Alluvial aquifers are formed from particles such as sand, silt and/or clay deposited by physical processes in river channels or on floodplains. Alluvia can contain one or more unconfined, unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers, where groundwater is stored and transmitted through intergranular voids between gravel and sand particles. These unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers may be layered and/or discontinuous due to the presence of deposits of low permeability silt and clay within the alluvia.

Alluvia in lower catchment areas tend to be significantly wider and deeper than alluvia further up- catchment. Alluvia may also contain a number of paleochannels, remnants of old channels and riverbeds. Paleochannels may transmit groundwater faster than the surrounding alluvia and may also form perched aquifers under certain conditions. Underlying the alluvia may be an impermeable rock layer which would act as a confining layer separating the unconfined sedimentary aquifer in the alluvia from other groundwater bearing geologies. Flood events provide significant recharge of alluvial aquifers (see ‘Alluvia – recharge process’).

Unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers in lower catchment alluvial deposits may provide a range of ecosystems with water required to support their plant and animal communities, ecological processes and delivery of ecosystem services.  Palustrine (e.g. swamps) and lacustrine (e.g. lakes) wetlands and riverine (e.g. streams and rivers) water bodies on alluvial deposits may depend on the surface expression of groundwater from these unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers.  Terrestrial vegetation located on alluvial deposits may depend on the subsurface presence of groundwater in these unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers where groundwater is typically accessed through the capillary zone above the watertable.  Unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers in alluvial deposits may also support ecosystems within the aquifer itself, which sometimes is indicated by the presence of stygofauna.

Figure 27 Ecohydrological pictorial conceptual model of potential interaction between ecosystems and groundwater contained in alluvial aquifers in lower catchment areas titled “Alluvia – lower catchment (extensive alluvial development)”.

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Geology legend

Groundwater hydrology legend

Flora legend

Fauna legend

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Groundwater dependent ecosystem legend

Alluvia – closed drainage systems

Alluvial aquifers are formed from particles such as gravel, sand, silt and/or clay deposited by fluvial processes in river channels or on floodplains. These deposits store and transmit water to varying degrees through inter-granular voids. Alluvial aquifers can develop in areas where groundwater flow is constrained by the surrounding lower permeability material. In closed drainage systems alluvial aquifers are completely constrained by local geology and topography, combined with high evaporation. Therefore, groundwater and surface water is unable to continue flowing and are stored in these areas.

Unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers in closed drainage systems may provide a range of ecosystems with water required to support their fauna and flora communities, ecological processes and delivery of ecosystem services.  Palustrine (e.g. swamps), lacustrine (e.g. lakes) and riverine (e.g. streams and rivers) wetlands may depend on the surface expression of groundwater from these unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers.  Terrestrial vegetation on alluvia in closed drainage systems may depend on the subsurface presence of groundwater in these unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers.  Unconsolidated sedimentary aquifers in alluvial deposits may also support ecosystems within the aquifer itself, which sometimes is indicated by the presence of stygofauna.

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Figure 28 Ecohydrological pictorial conceptual model of potential interaction between ecosystems and groundwater contained in alluvial aquifers in closed drainage systems titled “Alluvia – closed drainage systems”.

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Geology legend

Groundwater hydrology legend

Flora legend

Fauna legend

Focal elements legend

Groundwater dependent ecosystem legend

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Alluvia – recharge process (inundation)

There are several processes that may occur individually or in conjunction with other processes to recharge groundwater in the alluvia: infiltration, discharge from surrounding water bearing geologies, and inundation. This conceptual model illustrates the recharge process of alluvial aquifers during inundation events (e.g. flooding).  During a flood event channel flow increases and water levels rise. This may result in groundwater in the alluvia and surrounding geologies being recharged from the channel (see top box).  After a flood event channel flow decreases and water levels drop. The additional groundwater stored in the alluvia and surrounding geologies will slowly discharge to the channel over time. During this period vegetation on terraces surrounding the channel may depend on the sub- surface presence of groundwater to meet some or all of their water requirements provided the vegetation can access the capillary zone (see middle box).  Recharge from surrounding fractured hard rock or porous sedimentary rock may assist in maintaining groundwater levels in the alluvia and supporting specialised aquatic fauna, stygofauna, which are groundwater dependent (see bottom box).

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Figure 29 Ecohydrological pictorial conceptual model of potential interaction between ecosystems and groundwater contained in alluvial aquifers during stages of the aquifer recharge process via inundation titled “Alluvia – recharge process (inundation)”.

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Geology legend

Groundwater hydrology legend

Flora legend

Fauna legend

Groundwater dependent ecosystem legend

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3.7.2 Mapping Rule-Set 01A: Quaternary alluvial aquifers overlying sandstone ranges with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime

Background

Alluvial aquifers form from particles such as gravel, sand, silt and/or clay deposited by fluvial processes in river channels or on floodplains. These deposits store and transmit water to varying degrees through inter-granular voids. Mapping rule-set 01A identifies potential GDEs associated with fresh, intermittently saturated alluvial aquifers overlying sandstone ranges.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater  Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Queensland Wetland Data v3.0  Result data from the implementation of SURAT_RS_01F and SURAT_RS_06

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify palustrine wetlands, lacustrine wetlands and riverine waterbodies on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) overlying sandstone ranges (i.e. land zone 10 that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06) as potential moderate confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify second order or greater drainage lines located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) overlying sandstone ranges (i.e. land zone 10 that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06) as potential moderate confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify specific drainage lines located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) overlying sandstone ranges (i.e. land zone 10 that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06) as potential high confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify deep rooted terrestrial vegetation (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) overlying sandstone ranges (i.e. land zone 10 that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06) as potential moderate confidence terrestrial GDEs.  Identify riverine wetland regional ecosystems located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) overlying sandstone ranges (i.e. land zone 10 that is not identified as an exclusion zone in SURAT_RS_06) as potential moderate confidence terrestrial GDEs.

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 30 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 01A Quaternary alluvial aquifers overlying sandstone ranges with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime (SURAT_RS_01A). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Alluvia Aquifer Geology Unconsolidated sedimentary Aquifer Confinement Unconfined Aquifer Porosity Primary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Shallow alluvial, Local Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) < 1500 mg/L TDS (Fresh) Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) 6 – 8 (Neutral) Aquifer Recharge Source Combination Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Spatial) Connected, variable gaining/losing Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Aseasonal, intermittent

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3.7.3 Mapping Rule-Set 01B: Quaternary alluvial aquifers near springs with fresh, permanent groundwater connectivity regime

Background

Alluvial aquifers form from particles such as gravel, sand, silt and/or clay deposited by fluvial processes in river channels or on floodplains. These deposits store and transmit water to varying degrees through inter-granular voids. Springs may transmit groundwater to nearby alluvial aquifers. Mapping rule-set 01B identifies potential GDEs associated with fresh permanently saturated alluvial aquifers near active springs.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater  Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Queensland Wetland Data v3.0  Queensland Springs Database v1.0

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify riverine waterbodies located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) within one kilometre of an active, permanent, GAB spring discharging into alluvial river and creek flats as potential high confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify drainage lines located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) within one kilometre of an active, permanent, GAB spring discharging into alluvial river and creek flats as potential high confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify specific regional ecosystem14 (11.3.25) on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) within one kilometre of an active, permanent, GAB spring discharging into alluvial river and creek flats as potential high confidence terrestrial GDEs.  Identify deep rooted terrestrial vegetation (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) within one kilometre of an active, permanent, GAB spring discharging into alluvial river and creek flats as potential high confidence terrestrial GDEs.  Identify riverine wetlands located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) within one kilometre of an active, permanent, GAB spring discharging into alluvial river and creek flats as potential high confidence terrestrial GDEs.

14 Further information on these regional ecosystems can be found here.

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 31 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 01B Quaternary alluvial aquifers near springs with fresh, permanent groundwater connectivity regime (SURAT_RS_01B). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Consolidated sedimentary rocks (Great Artesian Basin) Aquifer Geology Consolidated sedimentary Aquifer Confinement Confined Aquifer Porosity Primary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Basin, Regional Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) < 1500 mg/L TDS (Fresh) Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) 6 – 8 (Neutral) Aquifer Recharge Source Infiltration (distant) Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Spatial) Connected, gaining Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Permanent, near permanent15

15 Please note that the appropriate Queensland GDE attribution for detailed temporal groundwater connectivity regime is ‘Permanent’.

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3.7.4 Mapping Rule-Set 01C: Quaternary alluvial aquifers with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime

Background

Alluvial aquifers form from particles such as gravel, sand, silt and/or clay deposited by fluvial processes in river channels or on floodplains. These deposits store and transmit water to varying degrees through inter-granular voids. Mapping rule-set 01C identifies potential GDEs associated with fresh, intermittently saturated alluvial aquifers.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater  Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Queensland Wetlands Data v3.0  Implementation data for SURAT_RS_01A

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify any palustrine wetlands, lacustrine wetlands and riverine waterbodies located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3 that is not overlying sandstone) in specific areas as potential low confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify any drainage lines located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3 that is not overlying sandstone) in specific areas as potential low confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify any deep rooted terrestrial vegetation (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3 that is not overlying sandstone) in specific areas as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.  Identify any riverine wetlands located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3 that is not overlying sandstone) in specific areas as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.  Identify any deep rooted regional ecosystems (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3 that is not overlying sandstone) as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 32 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 01C Quaternary alluvial aquifers with fresh, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime (SURAT_RS_01C). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Alluvia Aquifer Geology Unconsolidated sedimentary Aquifer Confinement Unconfined Aquifer Porosity Primary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Shallow alluvial, Local Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) < 1500 mg/L TDS (Fresh) Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) 6 – 8 (Neutral) Aquifer Recharge Source Infiltration (local) Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Spatial) Connected, variable gaining/losing Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Aseasonal, intermittent

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3.7.5 Mapping Rule-Set 01D: Quaternary alluvial aquifers with fluctuating, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime with neutral pH

Background

Alluvial aquifers form from particles such as gravel, sand, silt and/or clay deposited by fluvial processes in river channels or on floodplains. These deposits store and transmit water to varying degrees through inter-granular voids. Springs may transmit groundwater to nearby alluvial aquifers. Mapping rule-set 01D identifies potential GDEs associated with fluctuating intermittently saturated alluvial aquifers with neutral pH.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Implementation data for SURAT_RS_01A

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify deep rooted terrestrial vegetation (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) located on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3 not overlying sandstone) as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 33 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 01D Quaternary alluvial aquifers with fluctuating, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime with neutral pH (SURAT_RS_01D). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Alluvia Aquifer Geology Unconsolidated sedimentary Aquifer Confinement Unconfined Aquifer Porosity Primary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Shallow alluvial, Local Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) Fluctuating Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) 6 – 8 (Neutral) Aquifer Recharge Source Infiltration (local) Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Aseasonal, intermittent

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3.7.6 Mapping Rule-Set 01E: Quaternary alluvial aquifers with fluctuating, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime and unknown pH

Background

Alluvial aquifers form from particles such as gravel, sand, silt and/or clay deposited by fluvial processes in river channels or on floodplains. These deposits store and transmit water to varying degrees through inter-granular voids. Mapping rule-set 01E identifies potential GDEs associated with fluctuating, intermittently saturated alluvial aquifers with unknown pH.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Implementation data for SURAT_RS_01A

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Select any deep rooted regional ecosystems (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) on alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3 not overlying sandstone) and identify these as potential low confidence terrestrial GDEs.

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 34 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 01E Quaternary alluvial aquifers with fluctuating, intermittent groundwater connectivity regime and unknown pH (SURAT_RS_01E). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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GDE Attributes

GDE Attributes Attribute Aquifer Name Alluvia Aquifer Geology Unconsolidated sedimentary Aquifer Confinement Unconfined Aquifer Porosity Primary Aquifer Groundwater Flow System Shallow alluvial, Local Aquifer Groundwater Type (Salinity) Fluctuating Aquifer Groundwater Type (pH) Unknown Aquifer Recharge Source Infiltration (local) Groundwater Connectivity Regime (Temporal) Aseasonal, intermittent

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3.7.7 Mapping Rule-Set 01F: Quaternary alluvial aquifers supported by Precipice Sandstone with fresh, permanent groundwater connectivity regime

Background

Alluvial aquifers form from particles such as gravel, sand, silt and/or clay deposited by fluvial processes in river channels or on floodplains. These deposits store and transmit water to varying degrees through inter-granular voids. Springs may transmit groundwater to nearby alluvial aquifers. Mapping rule-set 01F identifies potential GDEs associated with fresh permanently saturated alluvial aquifers supported by Precipice Sandstone.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 Ecosystems dependent on the surface expression of groundwater  Ecosystems dependent on the sub-surface presence of groundwater

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Queensland Wetland Data v3.0

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify palustrine wetlands, lacustrine wetlands and riverine waterbodies within 50 metres of specific drainage lines as potential high confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify specific drainage lines as potential high confidence surface expression GDEs.  Identify deep rooted terrestrial vegetation (i.e. treed regional ecosystems) within 50 metres of specific drainage lines as potential high confidence terrestrial GDEs.  Identify riverine wetlands within 50 metres of specific drainage lines as potential high confidence terrestrial GDEs.

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 35 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 01F Quaternary alluvial aquifers supported by Precipice Sandstone with fresh, permanent groundwater connectivity regime (SURAT_RS_01F). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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GDE Attributes

16 Please note that the appropriate Queensland GDE attribution for detailed temporal groundwater connectivity regime is ‘Permanent’.

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3.8 Mapping rule-set 06: Exclusion zones

3.8.1 Pictorial conceptual model – exclusion zones

Some rocks (such as some fine-grained sedimentary rock, metamorphic rock and igneous rock) and unconsolidated sediment (such as clay deposits) are impermeable. Due to their low permeability, much of the water from rainfall is unable to infiltrate the land surface and becomes surface water run-off. These low permeability rocks and sediments do not have enough inter- granular pore space, voids or fractures to contain groundwater or enable flow. As a result of this GDEs are not located in areas within these low permeability rocks or sediment.

Figure 36 Hydrological pictorial conceptual model of water movement in exclusion zones titled “Exclusion zones”.

Geology legend

Groundwater hydrology legend

Flora legend

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3.8.2 Mapping Rule-Set 06: Exclusion zones

Background

For the Queensland GDE mapping program, exclusion zones are areas with low permeability surfaces. There is little or no infiltration in exclusion zones as water usually quickly runs off these areas. Consequently there is not enough groundwater in exclusion zones to support GDEs.

Types of GDEs Mapped by this Rule-Set

 These areas do not support GDEs

Data Used to Map this Rule-Set

 Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems v8.0  Ex Bowen Basin Geology (2008)  Geology 250K  Springbok_Outcrop  State Rock Unit Surface (December 2011)

Description of Rule-Set Implementation

 Identify Cainozoic duricrusts (i.e. land zone 7) as exclusion zones.  Identify Tertiary to early Quaternary clay deposits (i.e. land zone 4) and fine-grained sedimentary rock (i.e. land zone 9) as exclusion zones, except where these areas include Springbok Sandstone outcrop.  Identify the Evergreen Formation, Lower Evergreen Formation, Rewan Formation, Moolayember Formation, Back Creek Group, Blenheim Formation, Boomer Formation, Black Alley Shale, Gyranda Formation, Peawaddy Formation as exclusion zones, except where these areas are overlain the following: – Alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) – Old loamy and sandy plains (i.e. land zone 5) – Basalt plains and hills (i.e. land zone 8) – Metamorphic rocks (i.e. land zone 11) – Igneous rocks (i.e. land zone 12)  Identify the Injune Creek Group as exclusion zones, except where these areas include Springbok Sandstone outcrop or are overlain by the following: – Alluvial river and creek flats (i.e. land zone 3) – Old loamy and sandy plains (i.e. land zone 5) – Basalt plains and hills (i.e. land zone 8) – Metamorphic rocks (i.e. land zone 11) – Igneous rocks (i.e. land zone 12)

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Mapping Rule-Set Application Extent

Figure 37 Map of the implementation extent of the Surat mapping rule-set 06 exclusion zones (SURAT_RS_06). Please note that this is not a map of groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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4 Potential GDE Aquifer mapping

Groundwater is an important resource in Australia that plays an important ecological role in directly and indirectly sustaining a range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. A basic requirement for managing these ecosystems dependent on groundwater, or groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs), and our groundwater resources is to know where and how groundwater moves through the landscape.

Potential GDE aquifer mapping identifies the extent and key characteristics of aquifers potentially supporting surface expression and terrestrial GDEs in the landscape. There may be other aquifers at lower depths that are not captured in this mapping (e.g. confined aquifers) but may support GDEs. The potential aquifers captured in this mapping may also be subterranean GDEs.

The potential GDE aquifer mapping is supported by the same suite of complementary products that support the GDE mapping including mapping rule-sets (description of why an area was identified as continuing a shallow water table aquifer) and pictorial conceptual models (graphical representations of the key drivers, processes and interrelationships of groundwater in a landscape). The detail of these supporting products is contained within section 3.

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4.1 Overview of Potential GDE Aquifer Boundaries for the Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River Drainage Sub-Basins

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Figure 38 Map of the potential GDE aquifers identified from the application of GDE mapping rule-sets in the Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins.

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4.2 Potential GDE Aquifer Boundaries for the Comet River Drainage Sub-Basin

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Figure 39 Map of the potential GDE aquifers identified from the application of GDE mapping rule-sets in the Comet River drainage sub-basin.

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4.3 Potential GDE Aquifer Boundaries for the Dawson River Drainage Sub-Basin

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Figure 40 Map of the potential GDE aquifers identified from the application of GDE mapping rule-sets in the Dawson River drainage sub-basin.

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4.4 Potential GDE Aquifer Boundaries for the Mackenzie River Drainage Sub-Basin

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Figure 41 Map of the potential GDE aquifers identified from the application of GDE mapping rule-sets in the Mackenzie River drainage sub-basin.

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5 Issues Encountered during Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping and Conceptualisation and Directions for Future Work

5.1 Spatial Data Limitations

One major limitation encountered during the GDE Mapping process was the availability of suitable spatial data. In particular, consistent mapping of depth to groundwater was unavailable for the study area. The level of detail in GDE mapping is inherently linked to the accurate determination of shallowest groundwater levels across Queensland. The Queensland Government corporate groundwater database containing thousands of groundwater level records was used during technical workshops to assess groundwater depth and quality. However, it was out of the scope for this project to establish a more comprehensive protocol for the use and analysis of groundwater level data and to incorporate this critical information into a depth to shallowest groundwater map. Development of depth to shallowest groundwater mapping would be a beneficial direction for future work.

5.2 Expert Knowledge Gaps

Several key knowledge gaps were identified during the GDE Mapping process. There is a need to refine GDE mapping rule-sets to improve the accuracy and confidence in the identification of terrestrial GDEs. Groundwater use by vegetation is linked to the determination of vegetation rooting depths. Information of vegetation rooting depths combined with groundwater depth mapping would improve the GDE mapping processes and refine existing GDE mapping products.

5.3 GDE Mapping Validation

The GDE mapping identifies potential GDEs through the application of mapping rule-sets developed from literature and expert knowledge. Extensive stakeholder participation and peer review processes, appropriate as they are, are not substitutes for field work and ground verification. There is a need to improve the accuracy of GDE mapping and to populate the GDE data sets attributes through a systematic field verification program. A field verification program would involve ground-truthing key areas in each region to inform subsequent revisions of the mapping products.

5.4 GDE Mapping Accuracy

There is also the need to fine tune available remote sensing tools to improve the accuracy and confidence in the mapping of GDEs, providing an independent line of evidence complimentary to expert knowledge. This is particularly pertinent in areas where there are few experts or key gaps in spatial data sets. Several methods and tools for field validation of GDE mapping could potentially be used and must be evaluated for their applicability to the wide range of climatic conditions throughout Queensland.

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6 Conclusion

Through this GDE mapping project, a further 4.7% of Queensland (totalling approximately 81,058 square kilometres) was comprehensively assessed for GDEs at a scale of 1:100,000. This critical baseline GDE dataset was produced with the end user in mind, ensuring all products were consistent with the National Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems and could be integrated into a broader national dataset into the future. GDE mapping is supported by a series of fifteen pictorial conceptual models that explicitly detail expert knowledge on how groundwater moves through a catchment, any information on the depth to groundwater below groundwater level, the likely location of groundwater recharge and discharge, and the likely location and type of ecosystems potentially dependent on this groundwater. Integration with Queensland’s existing state-wide regional ecosystem and wetland datasets ensure that all GDE mapping products will have utility beyond this project.

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7 References

Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2015a, Queensland Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Method: a method for providing baseline mapping of groundwater dependent ecosystems in Queensland, Queensland Government, Brisbane.

Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2015b, Queensland Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Technical Specifications: Technical specifications for the general application of the Queensland Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping Method, Queensland Government, Brisbane.

Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2015c, Queensland Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Technical Mapping Specifications: Module Seven – Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie River drainage sub-basins, Queensland Government, Brisbane.

Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2015d, Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Conceptual Modelling: Technical Specifications, Queensland Government, Brisbane.

Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation 2015e, Potential Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Aquifer Mapping Method: a method for providing baseline mapping of potential aquifers supporting groundwater dependent ecosystems in Queensland, Queensland Government, Brisbane.

Richardson, E., Irvine, E., Froend, R., Book, P., Barber, S. and Bonneville, B. 2011, Australian groundwater dependent ecosystems toolbox part 1: assessment framework, National Water Commission, Canberra.

Sattler, P. and Williams, R. 1999, The Conservation Status of Queensland Bioregional Ecosystems, Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.

Wilson, P. and Taylor, P. 2012, Land Zones of Queensland, Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Brisbane.

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A Appendices

A1 Abbreviations

Acronym Full Term GDE Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem GIS Geographic Information System TDS Total Dissolved Solids

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A2 GDE Attribute Definitions

The following table provides definitions of the nationally consistent GDE attribution discussed in this report. Attribute fields with a specific set of allowed values are shown numbered with explanatory text provided in italics. Please note that Queensland specific GDE attributes are also included in the GDE mapping data and details on those attributes can be found in the accompanying metadata and data dictionary.

National GDE GDE Mapping Field Field Values and Definitions Attribute Name and Description Aquifer Name AQ_NAME Name of the source aquifer or aquifers. Name of the source aquifer

Aquifer Geology AQ_GEOL 1. Fractured rock – a network of cracks, joints, faults or Broad geology type of the other breaks in the rock that cut through the rock source aquifer matrix. 2. Cavernous (includes karstic) – caverns, cells or coarse pore spaces. 3. Unconsolidated sedimentary – loosely arranged or unstratified sediments, where particles are not cemented together. 4. Consolidated sedimentary 5. Fractured & cavernous 6. Fractured and consolidated sedimentary 7. Cavernous & consolidated sedimentary 8. Unknown 9. No data

Aquifer AQ_CONFIN 1. Unconfined – water table aquifer, receives recharge Confinement Confinement of the source from the land surface. aquifer 2. Confined & semi-confined aquifers – overlain by a low permeability layer, so it does not receive direct recharge and is less responsive to surface conditions. Water in a confined aquifer is typically under pressure. 3. Unknown 4. No data

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National GDE GDE Mapping Field Field Values and Definitions Attribute Name and Description

Aquifer Porosity AQ_POROSTY 1. Primary – the spaces between grains in Porosity of the source consolidated or unconsolidated aquifers. aquifer. Porosity is the 2. Secondary – the void caused by fractures. percentage of rock or soil 3. Tertiary – fractures may be enlarged by solution or that is void of material. other processes, creating large voids or conduits. Porosity determines available habitat and 4. Primary & Secondary affects the rate of water 5. Primary & Tertiary flow. 6. Secondary & Tertiary 7. All 8. Unknown 9. No data

Aquifer AQ_GFS 1. Shallow alluvial, Local – less than 5 kilometres. Groundwater Flow Groundwater flow system 2. Shallow alluvial, Intermediate – between 5 and 50 System of the source aquifer. kilometres. 3. Shallow alluvial, Regional – greater than 50 kilometres. 4. Basin, Local – less than 5 kilometres. 5. Basin, Intermediate – between 5 and 50 kilometres. 6. Basin, Regional – greater than 50 kilometres. 7. Bedrock, Local – less than 5 kilometres. 8. Bedrock, Intermediate – between 5 and 50 kilometres. 9. Bedrock, Regional – greater than 50 kilometres. 10. Perched

Aquifer GW_SALINTY 1. < 1500 mg/L TDS – Fresh Groundwater Type Salinity of the source 2. 1,500 - 3,000 mg/L TDS – Brackish (Salinity) groundwater. 3. 3,000 - 35,000 mg/L TDS – Saline 4. > 35,000 mg/L TDS – Hypersaline 5. Fluctuating 6. Stratified 7. Unknown 8. No data

Aquifer GW_PH 1. < 6 – acidic Groundwater Type pH of the source 2. 6 – 8 – neutral (pH) groundwater 3. > 8 – alkaline 4. Fluctuating 5. Unknown 6. No data

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National GDE GDE Mapping Field Field Values and Definitions Attribute Name and Description

Aquifer Recharge GW_RECHARG 1. Infiltration (local) – flow of water into a solid Source Dominant recharge substance through pores or small openings. process of the source 2. Infiltration (distant) – flow of water into a solid aquifer. substance through pores or small openings. 3. Inundation (local) – flow of water into a solid substance through pores or small openings due to water coverage such as flooding. 4. Inundation (distant) – flow of water into a solid substance through pores or small openings due to water coverage such as flooding. 5. Marine throughflow – flow of marine water into a solid substance through pores or small openings. 6. Combination 7. Palaeo – old or ancient, no current recharge sources. 8. Unknown

Groundwater GW_CONN_SP 1. Connected, gaining – where a groundwater table Connectivity Spatial connectivity intersects the GDE and the hydraulic gradient is Regime (Spatial) between the GDE and towards the GDE. Since groundwater levels are groundwater, including the above the water level in the stream, the type and direction of groundwater system discharges water to the stream connection and as a result increases the flow in the stream. 2. Connected, losing – where a groundwater table intersects the GDE and the hydraulic gradient is away from the GDE. Since groundwater levels are lower than water levels in the stream, water from the stream discharges into the groundwater system. 3. Connected, variable gaining / losing – where a groundwater table intersects the GDE and the hydraulic gradient varies temporally towards and away from the GDE. 4. Disconnected, losing – where a groundwater table does not intersect the GDE zone and a zone of unsaturation exists between the bed of a river and the groundwater table immediately beneath it. 5. Unknown 6. No data

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National GDE GDE Mapping Field Field Values and Definitions Attribute Name and Description

Groundwater GW_CONN_TM 1. Ephemeral – only has groundwater connection after Connectivity Temporal nature of the unpredictable rainfall and runoff events. Regime (Temporal) connection between the 2. Intermittent – has groundwater connection during GDE and groundwater alternating wet and dry periods, but less frequently and/or less regularly than seasonal connectivity. 3. Seasonal – has groundwater connection during alternating wet and dry periods on a regular basis according to season. 4. Permanent, near permanent – has groundwater connection that may be static or flowing, with varying levels. However is predictably connected to groundwater. 5. Unknown 6. No data

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A3 Land Zone Definitions

Land zones categorise areas in Queensland based on major geologies, landforms and geomorphic processes (Wilson and Taylor 2012).

Land zone Description 1 Quaternary estuarine and marine deposits subject to periodic inundation by marine waters. Includes mangroves, saltpans, off-shore tidal flats and tidal beaches. Soils are predominantly Hydrosols (saline muds, clays and sands) or beach sand.

2 Quaternary coastal dunes and beach ridges. Includes degraded dunes, sand plains and swales, lakes and swamps enclosed by dunes, as well as coral and sand cays. Soils are predominantly Rudosols and Tenosols (siliceous or calcareous sands), Podosols and Organosols.

3 Recent Quaternary alluvial systems, including closed depressions, paleo-estuarine deposits currently under freshwater influence, inland lakes and associated wave built lunettes. Excludes colluvial deposits such as talus slopes and pediments. Includes a diverse range of soils, predominantly Vertosols and Sodosols; also with Dermosols, Kurosols, Chromosols, Kandosols, Tenosols, Rudosols and Hydrosols; and Organosols in high rainfall areas.

4 Tertiary-early Quaternary clay deposits, usually forming level to gently undulating plains not related to recent Quaternary alluvial systems. Excludes clay plains formed in-situ on bedrock. Mainly Vertosols with gilgai microrelief, but includes thin sandy or loamy surfaced Sodosols and Chromosols with the same paleo-clay subsoil deposits.

5 Tertiary-early Quaternary extensive, uniform near level or gently undulating plains with sandy or loamy soils. Includes dissected remnants of these surfaces. Also includes plains with sandy or loamy soils of uncertain origin, and plateau remnants with moderate to deep soils usually overlying duricrust. Excludes recent Quaternary alluvial systems (land zone 3), exposed duricrust (land zone 7), and soils derived from underlying bedrock (land zones 8 to 12). Soils are usually Tenosols and Kandosols, also minor deep sandy surfaced Sodosols and Chromosols. There may be a duricrust at depth.

6 Quaternary inland dunefields, interdune areas, degraded dunefields, and associated aeolian sandplains. Excludes recent Quaternary alluvial systems, which may traverse this zone, and intermittent lakes and claypans (land zone 3). Soils are predominantly Rudosols and Tenosols, some Kandosols and minor Calcarosols.

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Land zone Description 7 Cainozoic duricrusts formed on a variety of rock types, usually forming mesas or scarps. Includes exposed ferruginous, siliceous or mottled horizons and associated talus and colluvium, and remnants of these features, for example low stony rises on downs. Soils are usually shallow Rudosols and Tenosols, with minor Sodosols and Chromosols on associated pediments, and shallow Kandosols on plateau margins and larger mesas.

8 Cainozoic igneous rocks, predominantly flood basalts forming extensive plains and occasional low scarps. Also includes hills, cones and plugs on trachytes and rhyolites, and associated interbedded sediments, and talus. Excludes deep soils overlying duricrust (land zone 5). Soils include Vertosols, Ferrosols, and shallow Dermosols.

9 Fine grained sedimentary rocks, generally with little or no deformation and usually forming undulating landscapes. Siltstones, mudstones, shales, calcareous sediments, and labile sandstones are typical rock types although minor interbedded volcanics may occur. Includes a diverse range of fine textured soils of moderate to high fertility, predominantly Vertosols, Sodosols, and Chromosols.

10 Medium to coarse grained sedimentary rocks, with little or no deformation, forming plateaus, benches and scarps. Includes siliceous (quartzose) sandstones, conglomerates and minor interbedded volcanics, and springs associated with these rocks. Excludes overlying Cainozoic sand deposits (land zone 5). Soils are predominantly shallow Rudosols and Tenosols of low fertility, but include sandy surfaced Kandosols, Kurosols, Sodosols and Chromosols.

11 Metamorphosed rocks, forming ranges, hills and lowlands. Primarily lower Permian and older sedimentary formations which are generally moderately to strongly deformed. Includes low- to high-grade and contact metamorphics such as phyllites, slates, gneisses of indeterminate origin and serpentinite, and interbedded volcanics. Soils are mainly shallow, gravelly Rudosols and Tenosols, with Sodosols and Chromosols on lower slopes and gently undulating areas. Soils are typically of low to moderate fertility.

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Land zone Description 12 Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks, forming ranges, hills and lowlands. Acid, intermediate and basic intrusive and volcanic rocks such as granites, granodiorites, gabbros, dolerites, andesites and rhyolites, as well as minor areas of associated interbedded sediments. Excludes serpentinites (Land Zone 11) and younger igneous rocks (Land Zone 8). Soils are mainly Tenosols on steeper slopes with Chromosols and Sodosols on lower slopes and gently undulating areas. Soils are typically of low to moderate fertility.

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A4 Regional Ecosystem Definitions

Regional ecosystems are vegetation communities in a bioregion that are consistently associated with a particular combination of geology, landform and soil (Sattler and Williams 1999).

Regional Description Mapping Ecosystem Rule-Set 11.3.25 Eucalyptus camaldulensis or E. tereticornis open forest to woodland. 01B Other tree species such as Casuarina cunninghamiana, E. coolabah, Melaleuca bracteata, Melaleuca viminalis, Livistona spp. (in north), Melaleuca spp. and Angophora floribunda are commonly present and may be locally dominant. An open to sparse, tall shrub layer is frequently present dominated by species including Acacia salicina, A. stenophylla or Lysiphyllum carronii. Low shrubs are present, but rarely form a conspicuous layer. The ground layer is open to sparse and dominated by perennial grasses, sedges or forbs such as Imperata cylindrica, Bothriochloa bladhii, B. ewartiana, Chrysopogon fallax, Cyperus dactylotes, C. difformis, C. exaltatus, C. gracilis, C. iria, C. rigidellus, C. victoriensis, Dichanthium sericeum, Leptochloa digitata, Lomandra longifolia or Panicum spp. Occurs on fringing levees and banks of major rivers and drainage lines of alluvial plains throughout the region. Soils are very deep, alluvial, grey and brown cracking clays with or without some texture contrast. These are usually moderately deep to deep, soft or firm, acid, neutral or alkaline brown sands, loams or black cracking or non- cracking clays, and may be sodic at depth (Burgess 2003). (BVG1M: 16a) 11.3.39 Eucalyptus melanophloia predominates forming a distinct canopy (10-18m 03 high) forming an open woodland to woodland. E. chloroclada is present and often codominant on the slopes leading away from the drainage lines. Other tree species may also occur including Angophora floribunda (which may be locally dominant), Callitris glaucophylla, E. populnea, E. populnea x E. crebra hybrids and (towards drainage lines) E. tereticornis. Shrub layers are not usually present in this association. The ground layer is dominated by grasses, and is moderately dense to dense. Occurs on flat to undulating wide valley floors on alluvial or colluvial material derived from surrounding dissected sandstone ranges, generally with deep, loamy or sandy, duplex soils. (BVG1M: 17b) 11.5.3 Eucalyptus populnea +/- E. melanophloia +/- Corymbia clarksoniana +/- 05 C. dallachiana and occasionally E. cambageana or E. brownii dominate the tree layer (14m median height and 11-15m range) woodland. Localised areas may be dominated by E. melanophloia, occasionally E. crebra and other canopy species. There is generally a distinctive low tree layer (8, 6-11m high) dominated by species such as Eremophila mitchellii, Geijera parviflora, Archidendropsis basaltica, Erythroxylum australe, Cassia brewsteri, Ventilago viminalis and occasionally Allocasuarina luehmannii or Callitris glaucophylla. A low shrub layer (2-6m high) dominated by species such as Carissa ovata, Erythroxylum australe, Capparis lasiantha is also often present. Occurs on flat to gently undulating plains formed from Cainozoic sediments. Associated soils are generally deep texture contrast with thick sandy surface horizons with some deep red earths. (BVG1M: 17a)

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Regional Description Mapping Ecosystem Rule-Set 11.5.4 Eucalyptus chloroclada, Callitris glaucophylla, Angophora leiocarpa, +/- A. 03 floribunda +/- E. crebra woodland with a low tree layer dominated by species such as Allocasuarina luehmannii, A. inophloia and Callitris endlicheri. Localised areas dominated by E. rhombica. Occurs on Cainozoic plains with deep sandy soils. (BVG1M: 18b) Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 11.5.4a: Callitris glaucophylla +/- Eucalyptus spp. and Corymbia spp. woodland. (BVG1M: 20a) 11.5.5 Eucalyptus melanophloia predominates forming a distinct but 05 discontinuous canopy (12-18m high) often in association with E. populnea which may dominate localised areas. Scattered other Eucalyptus spp. may be present such as E. chloroclada (in south) Corymbia tessellaris (in north) and sometimes E. crebra. Callitris glaucophylla dominates the lower tree layer (9-12m high), with occasional Acacia spp. and Allocasuarina luehmannii trees. The shrub layer is often absent or sparse but may be prominent and dominated by tall shrubs such as Geijera parviflora and Eremophila mitchellii and scattered low shrubs, especially in disturbed areas. The ground layer is sparse to open, and dominated by perennial grasses such as Aristida spp., Bothriochloa decipiens and Eragrostis spp. Occurs on undulating plains and rises formed on Cainozoic deposits. Associated soils are usually deep texture contrast soils, with thick, sandy surface horizons overlying yellow, mottled clay subsoil's. (BVG1M: 17b) 11.5.17 Eucalyptus tereticornis +/- Lophostemon suaveolens and sometime E. 05 populnea woodland. The upper stratum ranges in height from 10-20 m. Wetland species such as Juncus spp., Cyperus spp. Marsilea sp. and annual grasses may be present in the ground layer. In some areas, Lophostemon suaveolens is dominant, and Eucalyptus tereticornis occurs as an emergent. Larger depressions are treeless with a fringing woodland. The margins may be fringed by dense stands of Melaleuca nervosa or M. viridiflora. Occurs in, or fringing, closed depressions that occur on Cainozoic sandplains. Associated soils vary from deep cracking clays to skeletal soils, but always with ironstone concretions on the surface or at depth, and with sandy soils fringing. (BVG1M: 34b) 11.10.2 Eucalyptus saligna, Syncarpia glomulifera subsp. glomulifera open forest. 03 Corymbia citriodora, E. major, E. acmenoides and C. trachyphloia occur on drier sites. Often a distinct shrub layer dominated by species such as Livistona spp. and Pittosporum undulatum, particularly in moist habitats, is present. Major vegetation communities include;. Occurs in sheltered gorges in ranges formed from medium to coarse-grained sediments. (BVG1M: 8a) 11.10.2a Eucalyptus longirostrata, E. tereticornis, E. laevopinea and Angophora 03 floribunda dominates the open forest canopy (20-25m high). There is usually a dense tall shrub layer of Macrozamia moorei, Exocarpos cupressiformis and Acacia spp. In rocky fire refuges, softwood species, e.g. Denhamia disperma, Breynia oblongifolia, Archidendropsis basaltica, Brachychiton populneus, occur forming scrubby patches. (BVG1M: 12a)

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Regional Description Mapping Ecosystem Rule-Set 11.10.8 Semi-evergreen vine thicket and microphyll rainforest. Occurs on medium 03 to coarse-grained sediments that may be subject to local enrichment from adjacent rocks such as basalt as well as seepage. (BVG1M: 7a) 11.11.5 Microphyll rainforest (with or without Araucaria cunninghamii emergents) 04 and semi-evergreen vine thicket. Floristics and structure varies with site. There is usually a continuous tree canopy (9 - 15m high) with a wide range of species including Flindersia australis, Backhousia kingii, Excoecaria dallachyana, Melia azedarach, Ficus spp., Strychnos psilosperma, Macropteranthes leichhardtii and Alstonia constricta. An emergent tree layer (12- 20m high) commonly occurs with species including Brachychiton australis, B. rupestris, Flindersia australis, Ficus spp. Araucaria cunninghamii and sometimes Eucalyptus spp. There is a shrub layer (1-3m high) with density depending on canopy cover and frequent species including Croton spp., Abutilon spp., Capparis spp. Acalypha eremorum and Codonocarpus attenuatus. Ferns, mosses and vines are common. Occurs on hilly terrain with slopes ranging from 55 and up to 80% locally. Formed from moderately to strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics. Associated soils are generally shallow loams and clays with minor areas of deeper cover. (BVG1M: 7a) 11.12.4 Araucaria cunninghamii is a common emergent from the general canopy 07 layer with is 15-28 metres high. Canopy species include Falcataria toona, Ficus virens, Canarium australianum, Alstonia scholaris, Planchonella pohlmaniana, Cleistanthus dallachyanus and Backhousia citriodora. Common shrub or understorey species are Mackinlaya macrosciadea, Baloghia inophylla, Polyalthia nitidissima, Bosistoa medicinalis and Aglaia sapindina. The sparse ground layer includes species such as Scleria sphacelata and Adiantum hispidulum. Vines and epiphytes are common and include Microsorum punctatum, Cissus oblonga, Tetrastigma thorsborneorum, Smilax australis and Pisonia aculeata. Eucalyptus moluccana often associated with lower slopes on sandy sites. Occurs on low hills, ranges and boulder strewn slopes formed from Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks including granite. (BVG1M: 7a) 11.12.4a Semi-evergreen vine thicket with open patches of Acacia fasciculifera, 07 Archidendropsis thozetiana, Pleiogynium timorense and various other species. (BVG1M: 7a) 12.12.1 Notophyll and notophyll/microphyll vine forest, sometimes with 07 Archontophoenix cunninghamiana and/or Lophostemon confertus closed forest. The plant families Lauraceae, Myrtaceae and Elaeocarpaceae are diagnostic of the type and Pleioluma queenslandica is common in the northern half of the bioregion. Araucaria cunninghamii is often present on margins. Occurs in gullies on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks especially granite and rhyolite. (BVG1M: 4a)

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Regional Description Mapping Ecosystem Rule-Set 12.12.13 Microphyll and microphyll/notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria 07 cunninghamii. Characteristic species include Argyrodendron trifoliolatum, Argyrodendron sp. (Kin Kin W.D.Francis AQ81198), Dendrocnide photinophylla, Diospyros geminata, Drypetes deplanchei, Ficus virens, Cryptocarya bidwillii, Planchonella myrsinifolia, Vitex lignum-vitae, Hernandia bivalvis, Croton acronychioides, Flindersia spp. Olea paniculata, Excoecaria dallachyana, Gossia bidwillii and on northern half of bioregion Vitex acuminata, Archidendropsis thozetiana, Pleiogynium timorense and Cupaniopsis simulata. Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 2a) 12.12.16 Notophyll vine forest. Characteristic species include Araucaria bidwillii, A. 07 cunninghamii, Argyrodendron trifoliolatum, Argyrodendron sp. (Kin Kin W.D.Francis AQ81198), Backhousia subargentea, Brachychiton discolor, Beilschmiedia obtusifolia, Diospyros pentamera, Grevillea robusta, Gmelina leichhardtii, Ficus macrophylla forma macrophylla and Sloanea woollsii. Eucalyptus spp. especially E. siderophloia, E. propinqua and E. grandis may be present as emergents. Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 2a) 12.12.17 Low microphyll vine forest +/- Araucaria cunninghamii and semi- 07 evergreen vine thicket. Characteristic species include Brachychiton rupestris, Flindersia collina, F. australis, Alectryon diversifolius, A. subdentatus, Elattostachys xylocarpa, Erythroxylum sp. (Splityard Creek L.Pedley 5360), Psydrax odorata forma buxifolia, Diospyros geminata, Planchonella cotinifolia, Croton insularis, Bridelia exaltata and Bursaria incana. Melaleuca bracteata is often present along watercourses. Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 7a) 12.12.18 Low microphyll vine forest +/- Araucaria cunninghamii and semi- 07 evergreen vine thicket. Characteristic species include Brachychiton australis, B. rupestris, Archidendropsis thozetiana, Flindersia australis, F. collina, Psydrax odorata forma buxifolia, Alectryon diversifolius, Acacia fasciculifera, Turraea pubescens, Arytera microphylla, Atalaya salicifolia, Elattostachys xylocarpa, Grevillea helmsiae and Coatesia paniculata. Melaleuca bracteata is often present along watercourses. Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks. (BVG1M: 7a)

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