Isaac Downs GDE assessment & GDEMMP

As a component of Stanmore’s Isaac Downs Project, the preparation of a GDE characterisation and impact assessment report defined the ecological water requirements of riparian forest associated with the Isaac River, with which the Project directly interacted through the application of biophysical (moisture potentials) and hydrogeochemical (stable isotope) techniques.

The GDE impact assessment was supported by developing detailed ecohydrological conceptual modelling that defined the ecological water requirements (EWRs) of sensitive riparian vegetation that was potentially subject to impact.

After approval, a Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Monitoring and Management Plan (GDEMMP) was prepared and implemented for an initial intensive two-year baseline before implementation of a revised GDEMMP for a five-year follow-up period.

The study successfully negotiated federal conditions of approval under the EPBC Act (Water Trigger).

Establishing the baseline condition and hydro-ecological function of GDEs in the initial phase of the GDEMMP provided a benchmark for ongoing monitoring.