<div>This was the last of five presentations held on 31 July 2023 as part of the National Groundwater Systems Workshop. Towards developing a 3D hydrogeological framework for Australia: A common chronostratigraphic framework for aquifers&nbsp;</div><div><br></div>

<div><strong>Output Type: </strong>Exploring for the Future Extended Abstract</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Short Abstract: </strong>Australia's Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is a vital groundwater system extending across parts of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, crucial for community water supplies, economic development, indigenous cultural values and groundwater dependent ecosystems. Managing GAB groundwater poses challenges due to the complex structure of the sedimentary basin, requiring a better understanding of aquifers, aquitards, and hydraulic connections at a whole GAB scale. Additionally, inconsistencies in nomenclature and subdivisions across the basin further complicate the definition and description of these strata. This study employs an integrated basin analysis workflow using new and existing data to create a 3D geological model tied to a consistent chronostratigraphic framework and State and Territory hydrostratigraphic classifications. The model refines the characteristics of 18 hydrogeological units, offering insights into aquifer boundaries and connectivity. This comprehensive approach enhances the 'whole-of-Basin' subsurface geological understanding, benefiting groundwater management, resource assessments, uncertainty risk assessment and environmental impact assessments across multiple jurisdictions and the broader resource sector (e.g., Carbone Capture and Storage and hydrogen).</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Citation: </strong>Rollet, N., Vizy, J., Norton, C.J., Hannaford, C., McPherson, A., Symington, N., Evans, T., Bradshaw, B., Szczepaniak, M., Bui Xuan Hy, A., Schoning, G. &amp; Keppel, M., 2024. Great Artesian Basin 3D chronostratigraphic model: providing new insights into hydrogeological variability and connectivity. In: Czarnota, K. (ed.) Exploring for the Future: Extended Abstracts. Geoscience Australia, Canberra, https://doi.org/10.26186/149235</div>

<div>As part of the $225 million Exploring for the Future programme, Geoscience Australia have undertaken an investigation into the resource potential of the Officer-Musgrave-Birrindudu region. Part of this project focusses on characterising palaeovalley groundwater resources within the West Musgrave region of Australia. This GA Record is a technical report detailing the science undertaken as part of the Musgrave Palaeovalley groundwater project. The project aimed to improve understanding of the region's palaeovalley architecture, groundwater quality, and overall hydrogeology to support responsible water resource management. The most significant work undertaken included three-dimensional modelling of palaeovalley architecture, groundwater characterisation using hydrochemistry, groundwater model conceptualisation and a detailed review of local groundwater around remote communities in the region. This work will underpin responsible groundwater management into the future.</div>