Groundwater connectivity in the eastern extension of the Beetaloo Sub-basin

August 5th, 2025

Investigating potential connectivity of groundwater systems between the Cambrian Limestone Aquifer (CLA) and the surface in the eastern extension of the Beetaloo Sub-basin

Recent geological investigations in the central McArthur Basin have identified an eastern extension of the Beetaloo Sub-basin. Investigations have highlighted the potential prospectivity of the marine shales of the Roper Group in the upper Beetaloo Sub-basin in this area for unconventional energy resources.

This fact sheet describes a new CSIRO research project designed to collect new baseline environmental data to better characterise groundwater flow processes governing inter aquifer-aquitard connectivity and groundwater–surface water connectivity in this area.

Results will provide new information to underpin future decision-making on water and energy resource planning, investment and management.