Research to inform the assessment of ecohydrological responses to coal seam gas extraction and coal mining

About this document

This report presents the findings of a research program designed to improve understanding of ecological responses to groundwater drawdown associated with coal seam gas extraction and coal mining. The report consists of four interrelated components:

• Ecohydrology of groundwater dependent terrestrial vegetation
• Ecological values of baseflow and surface water-groundwater connectivity regimes in non -perennial streams
• Hydrogeochemistry, biogeochemical processes and subsurface ecology
• Biodiversity and risk assessment of Great Artesian Basin spring wetlands

The report highlights the importance of groundwater to ecosystem functioning and provides new tools for assessing the groundwater dependence of vegetation. The report also discusses the implications of the research findings for environmental impact assessment and monitoring in the context of coal seam gas extraction and coal mining developments.

For an overview of the key findings, refer to the report summary.