Oil and gas exploration and development in the Lake Eyre Basin: distribution and consequences for rivers and wetlands, including the Coongie Lakes Ramsar Site

Abstract

Context Altered flooding regimes and pollution threaten the world’s wetlands, including floodplains of the largely free-flowing rivers. Aims We investigated the distribution of current and future oil and gas production and exploration on the floodplains of the Lake Eyre Basin. Methods We compiled these data and their associated infrastructure across the basin floodplains, including the Coongie Lakes Ramsar Site. Key results There were 831 oil and gas wells across the Lake Eyre Basin, predominantly (98.6%) on Cooper Creek floodplains, with 296 wells in the Coongie Lakes Ramsar Site, with 281 well pads, roads (870 km) and 440 storages. Only eight referrals occurred under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, despite potential Ramsar wetland impacts. Future oil and gas production licences, primarily unconventional gas production, covered ∼2.91 × 106 ha (Cooper Creek), 0.63 × 106 ha (Diamantina) and 1.03 × 106 ha (Georgina) of the floodplains. Conclusions and implications Oil and gas production and exploration disrupt flooding regimes, with pollution (spills and greenhouse gas emissions). Little rigorous environmental assessment existed to protect the Lake Eyre Basin rivers and Coongie Lakes Ramsar Site, despite state and Commonwealth legislation and policy for protection, which remain largely ineffective in controlling oil and gas development on this free-flowing river.