CORRECTION TO MEDIA RELEASE: GOONDIWINDI COURT CASE HIGHLIGHTS NEED TO EMPLOY LICENSED WATER DRILLERS

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace today urged landholders to ensure that drillers are licensed before they do any water bore work on properties in South West Queensland.

Mr Wallace said a decision in the Goondiwindi Magistrates Court earlier this month underlined the need for landholders to use licensed drillers.

“Standards have to be met to ensure that bores are constructed soundly and efficiently and groundwater supplies are not contaminated,’’ Mr Wallace said.

“The contamination to our underground resources is too great a risk to think about,’’ he said.

“The department insists on licensed drillers meeting exacting standards and these are in place to protect our underground water resources.’’

A man was fined $12,487 and ordered to rectify a bore on a property at South Kurumbil to comply with minimum standards under the Water Act, 2000. He was also ordered to pay $66.50 in court costs.

The defendant was operating an unlicensed drilling business in 2004 when the offence occurred.

Mr Wallace said the department was aware of a number of instances where landholders had performed work themselves or had hired unqualified drillers to do the work at a discount rate.

“The siting, design, materials and construction method used in a bore all influence the quantity and quality of water obtained and you need someone with experience to help you decide on these factors before starting work,” Mr Wallace said.

“The State Government has introduced legislation controlling the construction of water bores to ensure the continued protection of groundwater. The general community and many agricultural enterprises rely on groundwater resources to continue,” he said.

About 40% of South West Queensland’s water is from underground supplies with many towns and properties relying on this resource for domestic use.

“The licensing system provides a series of checks to ensure only competent and qualified persons become licensed. Qualified contractors are essential to protect not only the resource from contamination, but to protect landholders from possible harm if the bore being drilled is for domestic consumption.’’

Magistrate Andrew Cridland noted in his sentencing remarks that a deterrent penalty had to be imposed due to the “value” that residents placed on water resources, particularly during the drought.

For further information: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.