Geological and Bioregional Assessments (GBA) Explorer
The Geological and Bioregional Assessments (GBA) Explorer is an interactive visualisation of the cause-and-effect relationships between unconventional gas resource developments and environment and water-related matters within the Beetaloo and Cooper GBA regions.
The graphical presentation provides immediate access to node descriptions, link evaluations and an overall assessment summary. Users can visualise the entire causal network or simplify it by selecting specific pathways. Spatial data are also presented via interactive maps that include the spatial information used to inform the assessment and spatial impact maps.
Results are presented at a regional scale and are not a substitute for detailed site-specific assessments required under state, territory or Commonwealth law. The GBA Explorer provides decision makers with a shared understanding of the key environment and water-related matters that need more detailed investigation and the control measures that can be used to manage potential risks.
GBA Explorer was developed through Stage 3 of the Australian Government’s $35.4 million Geological and Bioregional Assessment Program.
The Geological and Bioregional Assessment Program assesses the potential impacts of shale and tight gas development on water and the environment. This work provides independent scientific data, advice and information to governments, industry, land users and the community.
The Australian Government selected the following regions for assessment:
- The Cooper GBA region, which spans south-west Queensland and north-east South Australia
- The Isa GBA region, which covers parts of north-west Queensland, extending east from the Northern Territory border
- The Beetaloo GBA region, which lies south-east of Katherine in the Northern Territory.
These assessments examined the potential impacts on water, the environment, protected areas and threatened species from shale and tight gas resource development and considered appropriate mitigation and management approaches. The approach taken for this assessment was the development of a causal network. This approach allows for a transparent, consistent, and systematic evaluation of the relationship between development activities and the environmental values in each of the GBA regions.
The program outputs include geological and environmental data, tools and knowledge to assist regulators and industry with planning, assessment and reporting. It also provides regulators and industry with a common information base to help inform decision-making and enable the coordinated management of cumulative impacts.