Division 4Groundwater dependencies

## Division 4 Groundwater dependencies Division 4 Groundwater dependencies | Five year target | Why is it needed? | What are the expected outcomes? | | Target 10 Degree of connectivity between aquifers and rivers assessed, and zones of high connectivity mapped to enable baseflows to the river to be maintained or improved | • To improve base (dry period) flows (RFOs 1,2)• To improve water quality• To protect downstream water supplies | • Primary ecological production maintained or improved• Degraded wetlands improved and significant wetlands protected and restored• Assured water supplies to maintain or improve the health and wellbeing of rural and urban communities• Incidents of problem blue green algal blooms affecting essential water supplies and recreational values reduced | | Target 11 Groundwater dependent ecosystems identified and mapped for all priority aquifers, and the ecological water requirements assessed to enable local groundwater extraction rates and/or Sustainable Yields to be reviewed | • To sustain groundwater dependent vegetation (RFO 8)• To maintain water levels in wetlands such as hanging swamps (RFOs 4, 8)• To maintain springs• To maintain the ecology of the hyporheic zone (the zone in the river channel kept wet by groundwater seepage)• To maintain limestone cave systems | • Primary ecological production maintained or improved• Degraded wetlands improved and significant wetlands protected and restored• Diversity and abundance of native aquatic animals and plants protected and restored• Aboriginal traditional and contemporary dependencies on, and cultural association with water protected and improved |