Bioregional assessments strengthen the science behind future decisions on coal seam gas and coal mining activities and their potential impacts on water resources and water-dependent assets.

What they are

Bioregional assessments are independent, scientific assessments of the potential cumulative impacts of coal seam gas and coal mining developments on water resources and water-dependent assets. This includes rivers, wetlands and groundwater systems.

The Australian Government’s Bioregional Assessments Programme focuses on parts of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

The program was completed in 2018. More information is available on the Bioregional Assessments website.

Role of the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development 

The Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development (IESC) advised the Australian Government on the scope and method of its bioregional assessments.

The IESC endorsed the Bioregional Assessment Methodology. This is a technical guide for scientific researchers undertaking bioregional assessments.

How bioregional assessments are used 

Bioregional assessments identify where impacts are unlikely and where there may be cumulative impacts to water and water-dependent assets as a result of proposed coal and coal seam gas developments. The IESC can use this information when developing their advice to regulators about proposed projects.

Bioregional assessment areas

Source: Bioregional Assessment Programme, Commonwealth of Australia (2014)