Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ludlam for the question. This is an issue that was raised I think in the context of discussion on the water bill last year. Obviously the government is aware of the importance of groundwater resources for a range of reasons, including Australia’s agricultural production. We are also aware, and I am personally aware, of concerns amongst the community that potential mining developments may impact on groundwater resources. Obviously, the regulation of mining activities per se, including impacts on groundwater, is the responsibility of state governments. However, as you reference, the Commonwealth has announced a contribution of up to $1½ million, being a one-third contribution towards a joint study to provide scientific information on the surface water and groundwater resources specifically in the Namoi catchment. As I previously outlined when I announced the funding, the study is intended to advance the understanding of the quantity and quality of these water resources, benefiting community awareness and informing decision making by all governments and stakeholders.

In addition, the government has, through the National Water Commission, funded a multijurisdictional study on the potential local and cumulative impacts of mining on groundwater resources. This study, which is separate to the study I referenced earlier, will develop national tools and methodologies to understand and manage the potential impacts of mining on water resources. As I am sure the senator is aware, mining proposals within the Murray-Darling Basin or elsewhere are state government responsibilities. It is the case that the Australian government is of the view that, before such proposals with potential to impact on water resources are approved, they should be properly assessed, including in relation to their potential impact on third parties.