Australian Water Atlas for Resource Extraction (AWARE)
Presented by: Louisa Rochford
Produced by: IAH NSW
Date: Tuesday 12 May 2026
Time: 17:30 for an 18:00 start
Where: WSP Office – Level 27
Online: To be provided closer to the date
Abstract
Securing reliable long‑term water supplies is critical for mining operations and post‑mining land use, yet there is currently no single, accessible platform that brings together information on water supply options for mining regions. Water information is fragmented across legislation, databases and reports, varies between jurisdictions, and often requires specialist knowledge to interpret. This complexity can increase perceived risk, particularly for junior and mid‑tier companies, and may deter investment even where water is available.
This CRC TiME‑funded pilot project explored how water supply information could be made more transparent and accessible to support investment and regional development in mining areas. Using Queensland’s North‑West Minerals Province as a test case, the study developed a concept‑level prototype for an Australian Water Atlas for Resource Extraction. The proposed web‑based spatial tool enables users to explore regional and site‑specific water supply options, explains water access rules in plain language, and connects mines seeking water with those holding under‑utilised supplies. Strong stakeholder support highlighted the tool’s potential to improve planning, investor confidence, cross‑sector collaboration, and environmental and cultural outcomes. Stage 2 of the project is planned for later this year to further develop and expand the functionality of the tool.
Bio
Louisa is a researcher with more than 20 years of experience specialising in hydrogeology, water resources planning and management, and environmental impact assessment. In her current role at The University of Queensland she is responsible for leading the hydrogeological research, training, and consultancy services that the Centre for Environmental Responsibility in Mining provides to the minerals industry in Australia and globally and working with a team of water management specialists to contribute to a range of inter-disciplinary projects. Her previous experience includes working for the Queensland government in water resource planning, as a researcher for the Australian National University, and as a consultant leading surface water and groundwater impact assessments for the mining and coal seam gas industries, including more recently in her own consulting business. Her current research is focussed on water supply for mining projects, integrated water management solutions for water scarce regions, and the environmental impacts of mining, with a lot of her work focussed on north-west Queensland where the emergence of new critical minerals and other resource developments is occurring concurrently with planning for mine closure and post-mining land uses.
