AUSTRALASIAN 
GROUNDWATER 
CONFERENCE 
GROUNDWATER FUTURES 
SCIENCE TO PRACTICE
11-13TH JULY 2017 
UNSW, SYDNEY
PROGRAM
#agc17sydney
MAJOR SPONSOR
SPONSORS
Networking Drinks Early Career Awards Career Scientist Awards
Energy Futures Future Directions Climate Change Modelling Outlook 
Panel Panel Panel Panel
General Morning Tea
02 AUSTRALASIAN GROUNDWATER CONFERENCE #agc17sydney 
WELCOME
On behalf of the Organising Committee, 
we would like to welcome you to the Australasian Groundwater  Conference Committee 2017
Australasian Groundwater Conference  
Martin Andersen IAH NSW      
2017 in Sydney. Conference Chair 
We are proud to present a fantastic line up of over 200 oral Wendy Timms IAH NSW
presentations, over 50 posters and 6 panel discussions Andrea McCarthy NCGRT
showcasing the latest research, innovations and industry 
practices in groundwater. Fiona Adamson NCGRT
The Australasian Groundwater Conference is a Katarina David IAH NSW
cornerstone for our industry’s continual ability to learn Lange Jorstad IAH NSW
from the experience of others to advance our capacity as 
professionals to solve the current groundwater challenges. Graham Hawkes IAH NSW
It is essential that industry, researchers, policy makers and Anna Greve IAH NSW
managers work together as a community to address current 
and future issues and we hope the conference can be a Ellen Kwantes IAH NSW
vehicle for such collaborations. 
Theo Sarris IAH NZ
This year we have reached out to the wider Australasian Makoto Taniguchi IAH Asia
region and we hope the conference can help strengthen 
networks and foster new ones across New Zealand, the 
Pacific and Asia. 
This conference is a great opportunity to network with your 
colleagues and peers and to share our experiences and 
knowledge. We hope you seize the opportunity to be a part 
of the conference activities including networking drinks, 
conference dinner at Coogee Rooftop Pavilion by the ocean, 
and our trivia night at the UNSW Whitehouse.
We would like to extend a special welcome and thank you 
to our sponsors, whose generous support makes this event 
possible. 
We thank you for being part of the Australasian Groundwater 
conference and sincerely hope that you enjoy the event. 
Dr. Martin Andersen 
Chair, Australasian Groundwater Conference 2017
03 
CONFERENCE INFORMATION
ABSTRACTS FIELD TRIPS REGISTRATION
A copy of all abstracts has been All bookings to the field  Registration will be open by 
emailed to all conference trips on Friday must have 8am each day in the Scientia 
delegates and can be found been made at registration. foyer. The information desk 
on the AGC2017 website. Information departure  will be open for the duration 
points have been emailed  of the conference.
AWARDS to delegates. No late 
At the conclusion of the inclusions allowed.  SAFETY ON CAMPUS
Conference on Thursday, Please visit the information Keep to well-lit areas and use 
awards will be given to best desk for a field trip itinerary. paths such as University Walk, 
oral presentation and poster which is patrolled by Campus 
presentation in two categories: FIRE EVACUATION Security Officers. The 
early career research scientist The fire evacuation safety StaySafe@UNSW security app 
and career scientist. point is out the front of the provides you with direct access 
Scientia building on the lawn. to a number of security 
BANKS / ATMS services. Safety escorts are 
Commonwealth Bank, LUGGAGE available all hours. Tel:   
Westpac and RediATM’s  A large luggage room is 9385 6000 for emergencies.
are located on campus. located outside the gallery 
Please refer to the campus rooms (refer to ground  TAXI BOOKING
maps (at information desk) floor map on page 5). A taxi booking form will be 
for locations. located at the registration 
MEDICAL SERVICES desk on Thursday if you 
BUSINESS HUB For general practitioners and require a taxi to the airport. 
Access to a business hub  specialist doctors, visit the The booking form will be 
for delegates will be  University Health Service  available until 3.00pm. 
on the mezzanine level  East Quadrangle Building.  Alternatively, call 131 001 to  
of Leighton Hall. A pharmacy is off the book a cab or ride with Uber.
Quadrangle Building.  
CONFERENCE DINNER & Refer to campus map at TOURIST INFORMATION
BUS TRANSPORT information desk. Visit www.sydneyguide.net.au 
The Conference dinner will be for tourist information.
held on Wednesday evening, PARKING
12 July, at the Coogee Botany Street in multi-level TWITTER
Rooftop Pavilion. Bus shuttles parking station (Gate 11). Join in the bigger 
will depart outside Gate 11 conversation and tweet  
shortly after the last session POST OFFICE your good experiences  
of the day. If you miss the Australia Post offices are from the Conference. Use  
buses you will need to located on Anzac Parade the hash tag #agc17sydney.
arrange your own transport. Kensington, at the Spot in 
Randwick (50 Perouse Rd). WI-FI 
DISABLED ACCESS Wireless internet access is 
The Scientia building is PUBLIC TRANSPORT available throughout the 
equipped with ramps and lifts Please refer to campus map Scientia building. Instructions 
for disabled access to all at information desk for public have been emailed to all 
rooms. Disabled toilets are to transport access points. delegates. UNSW is part of 
the left of the main entry to the global eduroam network. 
the foyer. Please go to the information 
desk for any assistance.
04 AUSTRALASIAN GROUNDWATER CONFERENCE #agc17sydney 
VENUE INFORMATION
Venue: John Niland Scientia Building
Bus Departures 
Gate 11
John  
Niland  
Scientia  
Building
Casual and  
Permit Parking
Parking: Botany Street Parking Station Gate 11: Bus departure for Conference dinner 
VENUE FLOORPLAN
Entrance G
GROUND FLOOR (entrance level)
Leighton Hall   
presentation and panel sessions 
Galleries  
posters and exhibitors
Foyer  
catering
L1
LEVEL ONE
Business Hub   
Tyree Room   
presentation sessions
LOWER GROUND FLOOR
Richie Theatre  LG
presentation sessions
Ronald Lu / Hong Kong Rooms 
presentation sessions
05 
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
Networking Drinks
Date: Tuesday 11 July 2017 
Time: 5.45pm - 6.45pm 
Location: Scientia Foyer 
Early Career Hydrogeology 
Network (ECHN) Trivia Night 
Tickets are $20 – paid at registration – 
strictly limited spaces.   
Date: Tuesday 11 July 2017 
Time: 7.00pm - late 
Location:  
The Whitehouse (UNSW Campus) 
4 High St, Kensington NSW 2033
Conference Dinner 
Date: Wednesday 12 July 2017 
Time: From approximately 6.00pm
Location: Coogee Rooftop Pavilion 
169 Dolphin Street  
Coogee NSW 2034
GETTING TO THE VENUE: Buses will  
depart from Gate 11 (map on page 5).  
This is a one way only service. Delegates will 
need to arrange own transport after dinner.
06 AUSTRALASIAN GROUNDWATER CONFERENCE #agc17sydney 
PLENARY SPEAKERS
The Hon.  Professor  Dr. Mark Cuthbert 
Luke Hartsuyker MP Craig Simmons Research Fellow  
Assistant Minister Director  & BGS Lecturer in 
to the Deputy Prime National Centre  Environmental Geoscience  
Minister for Groundwater School of Earth  
Research and Training & Ocean Sciences,  
Cardiff University, UK
Mr. Chris McCombe Mr. Saul Holt QC Dr. Catherine Moore
Senior Adviser - Barrister  Senior  
Environment  ‘8 Petrie Terrace’ Groundwater Modeller  
Minerals Council  Chambers  GNS Science, NZ
of Australia 
07 
DAY 1: Tuesday, 11 July 2017
7:30 Registrations Open
8:15 Conference Opening / Housekeeping Dr Martin Andersen, Senior Lecturer, UNSW
8:20 Welcome to Country Uncle Peter McKenzie, La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council
8:30 Welcome Address The Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister
8:45 Opening Plenary Grand Challenges for Groundwater. Prof Craig Simmons, Director, NCGRT 
9:30 Panel Discussion: The Australasian Groundwater Stocktake  
Chair: Peter Hyde (MDBA). Panellists: Narelle Neumann (Geoscience Australia), Neil Power (DEWNR SA),  
Chris McAuley (Past-President, IAH Australia), Stewart Cameron (GNS NZ), Peter Sinclair (Pacific Community)
10:30 Morning Tea Networking  Sponsored by Novorem
Leighton Hall Tyree Room Richie Theatre
Investigations Management MAR/Stormwater Management
11:00 Keynote:  Keynote:  Keynote:  
Exploring for the future: new Implementation of the  Utilising a fractured aquifer for 
approaches to groundwater system Murray-Darling Basin Plan:  storm water management at the 
mapping and characterisation.  adaptive management and  Ernest Henry Underground Mine.  
Narelle Neumann, GA. Plan amendments MDBA.  Anna Greve, Glencore.
Kristanne Mahony, MDBA.
11:12 Statewide space-time water table Reporting groundwater use under Implementing a successful 
mapping: Victoria’s water table  the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.  managed aquifer recharge system. 
over 30 years. Tim Peterson,  Tariq Rana, MDBA. Russell Martin, Aqueon.
University of Melbourne.
11:24 SMART aquifer characterisation. Australian aquifer boundary Factors affecting managed aquifer 
Stewart Cameron, GNS Science. alignment with National Aquifer recharge scheme costs. Sunail 
Framework. Liam Murphy, BOM. Hasnain, ANU.
11:36 Groundwater resource analysis Accounting for and managing the Feasibility of MAR and CWU for 
using the information contained in impacts of plantation fortanuests irrigation in the Pilbara. Greg Hoxley, 
sub-diel hydraulic head variation.  on regional groundwater resources. Jacobs.
Ian Acworth, UNSW. Darryl Harvey, DEWNR SA.
11:48 Novel methods in groundwater Fisherman’s Bend: Regional-scale Fortescue Metals Group’s Papa 
assessment and monitoring groundwater assessment and Waringka: dewatering and managed 
through an efficient integration of regulatory considerations. Anne aquifer recharge scheme. Andrew 
remote sensing (RS) techniques. Northway, EPA Vic. Jackson, FMGL.
Olga Barron, CSIRO.
12:00 Hydrogeology of West Ambae,  A comparison of French and Bayesian framework for benefit-cost 
Vanuatu as inferred by Australian policies for sustainable analysis of clogging investigations 
geo-electrical resistivity survey. groundwater management.  at ASR sites. Peter Dillon.
Peter Sinclair, Pacific Community. Steve Barnett, DEWNR SA.
12:12 National and consistent daily deep Managing groundwater resources Fluoride and phosphate release 
drainage data from the Australian in the absence of numerical from insitu carbonate-fluorapatite 
Water Resources Assessment models. Saskia Noorduijn, Flinders during trial managed aquifer 
(AWRA) model. Andrew Frost, BOM. University. recharge injection of recycled 
deionised wastewater. David 
Schafer, UWA.
12:30 Networking Luncheon
13:30 Plenary Groundwater & Climate Change in Drylands: From Hominin Evolution to Future Human Resilience.  
Dr Mark Cuthbert, Research Fellow & BGS Lecturer in Environmental Geoscience, School of Earth & Ocean 
Sciences, Cardiff University, UK
08 AUSTRALASIAN GROUNDWATER CONFERENCE #agc17sydney 
DAY 1: Tuesday, 11 July 2017
14:00 Panel Discussion - Climate Change and  Groundwater Resource Challenges 
Panel sponsored by Goyder Institute.  Panel to be opened by Michele Akeroyd. 
Chair: Andy Baker (UNSW). Panellists: Jason Evans (UNSW), Olga Barron (CSIRO),  
Derek Eamus (UTS), Glen Walker (Grounded in Water)
14:57 Launch: Updated Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems  Bureau of Meteorology
15:00 Afternoon Tea Networking
Leighton Hall Tyree Room Richie Theatre
Water Quality Climate Change Surface Water - Groundwater
15:20 Keynote:  Keynote:  Keynote:  
The presence of magmatic Sustainable management  Addressing groundwater inflows  
CO2 in central Victorian basalt of the Gascoyne River alluvial to rivers during high flow  
groundwater and its influence on aquifer through a period  events (the “old water paradox”) 
hydrogeochemistry.  of climate variability.  using tritium.  
John Webb, Latrobe University. Lazarus Leonhard, DoW WA. Ian Cartwright, Monash University.
15:32 Assessing aquifer effectiveness  Improving our understanding of Remapping and validation of 
as a natural treatment barrier  groundwater resources in the gaining steams in the Surat Basin: 
for recycled water.  Albany groundwater area to meet an integral part of understanding 
Michael Donn, CSIRO. the challenges of a drying climate. impacts on environmental values. 
Sheryl Ryan, DoW WA. Jit Khor, OGIA QLD.
15:44 Are we over-analysing water when Increased groundwater salinity The mode of occurrence of small 
assessing project related impacts? resulting from pyrite oxidation surface water bodies in the Pilbara 
Carolina Sardella, EMM Consulting. exacerbated by climate change in an Region, Western Australia.  
aquifer used for irrigation at Myalup, Shane Trott, Rio Tinto.
Western Australia. Adam Lillicrap, 
DoAF WA.
15:56 Use of control charts for groundwater The role of agreed resource A simple Excel tool for quantifying 
quality monitoring and assessment: condition limits in communicating groundwater-surface water 
the Queensland (Australia) the implications of climate change exchange using temperature.  
experience. John Broughton, NRA for groundwater resources.  Dylan Irvine, Flinders University.
Environmental Consultants. Graham Green, DEWNR SA.
16:08 Where do the methanogens live? A framework of simulation  The role of surface-groundwater 
New insights into the origin of coupled optimisation model interactions in salt delivery from a 
methane in the Condamine River incorporating climate change  small upland salt scald in Central 
alluvial aquifer. Charlotte Iverach, and landscape dynamics for west NSW. David Mitchell, DPI NSW.
UNSW. sustainable groundwater 
development. Ashok Keshari,  
Indian Institute of Technology.
16:20 Interdisciplinary insights into the Quantifying recharge from Using stable isotope with 
Lake Eyre Basin. Mark Keppel, ephemeral stream check dams in hydrometric data to understand 
DEWNR SA. a hard rock area with sparse data. river-aquifer interactions in a 
Peter Dillon. semi-arid environment stressed by 
groundwater abstraction. Andrew 
McCallum, CWI.
16:32 A systems integration approach  Groundwater organic matter: Seasonality of groundwater 
to estimating water quality:  carbon source or sink? Helen discharge to streams: implications 
letting the water tell the story.  Rutlidge, UNSW. for water management in Australia. 
Alexandra Badenhop,  Erin Telfer, Geoscience Australia.
University of Canterbury /  
Lincoln University.
16:45 Dedicated Poster Session
17:45 to Networking Drinks Welcome Reception @ Scientia 
18:45 Sponsored by Symbio Laboratories
19:00 Early Career Researcher Trivia Night  @ White House UNSW
09 
DAY 2: Wednesday, 12 July 2017
8:00 Delegates arrive
8:25 Housekeeping
8:30 Plenary Groundwater and Energy: Perspectives from the Mining Industry  
Mr Chris McCombe, Senior Adviser – Environment, Minerals Council of Australia
9.00 Panel Discussion – Energy Futures  
Panel sponsored by Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices. Panel to be opened by Wendy Timms. 
Chair: Wendy Timms (UNSW). Panellists: Gabriel Rau (UNSW), Ryan Morris (Origin Energy), 
Chris McCombe (Minerals Council of Australia), Jim Underschultz (UQ)
10.00 Morning Tea Networking  Sponsored by Aquanty
Leighton Hall Tyree Room Richie Theatre Ronald Lu / Hong Kong 
Modelling Coal Seam Gas Tracers/Isotopes Coastal/Recharge
10:30 Keynote:  Keynote:  Keynote:  Keynote:  
Empowering the flexibility Evaluating the deep Evolution of chemical  Continental shelf-scale 
and solution efficiency of groundwater attenuation and isotopic composition aquifer-ocean interactions: 
an overland model and a potential for chemicals of inorganic carbon in  The impact of  
groundwater model into a associated with coal seam the unsaturated and geological heterogeneity.  
new integrated modelling gas extraction: a generic saturated zones of a semi- Holly Michael,  
tool. Fabien Cornaton,  methodology.  arid zone environment.  University of Delware.
DHI WASY. Dirk Mallants, CSIRO. Karina Meredith, ANSTO.
10:42 Worth of radon, A qualitative assessment The impact of wildfire  Interdisciplinary 
electrical conductivity, of the potential impacts on the geochemistry  research for sustainable 
and carbon-14 for the of coal seam gas and hydrology the  groundwater 
estimation of stream- development on water- vadose zone.  management in 
aquifer exchange dependent assets in the Katie Coleborn, UNSW. conjunction with geodesy, 
using a regional-scale Richmond river basin. geothermic and coastal 
groundwater model David Rassam, CSIRO. oceanography. Makoto 
(Campaspe River).  Taniguchi, Research 
Daniel Partington,  Institute for Humanity  
Flinders University. and Nature.
10:54 Accounting for conceptual Multi-disciplinary GISERA Integrated analysis to Modelling offshore fresh 
and parametric research to inform improve conceptualisation groundwater in the Perth 
contributions to the total risk assessment and and characterisation Basin. Leanne Morgan,  
uncertainty of streamflow management of water of faults for use in University of Canterbury.
depletion predictions in impacts of onshore gas regional groundwater 
Northern Australia.  development in New models: hydrochemical 
Chris Turnadge, CSIRO. South Wales.  and hydraulic analysis. 
Sreekanth Janardhanan Alexandra Wolhuter,  
CSIRO. University of QLD.
11:06 Does resolution in surface How much water is CSG A new diffusion method Estimating groundwater 
water representation development actually for heterogeneous drill recharge to the lower 
in groundwater models producing compared with cores using radioactive Tertiary Aquifer near 
affect nitrate transport early predictions?  bromide or iodide.  Barwon Downs.  
and removal in a coupled Jim Underschultz,  Mark Peterson, UNSW. Louise Lennon, Jacobs.
groundwater: surface University of Qld.
water system?  
Trine Enemark, CSRIO.
10 AUSTRALASIAN GROUNDWATER CONFERENCE #agc17sydney 
DAY 2: Wednesday, 12 July 2017
Leighton Hall Tyree Room Richie Theatre Ronald Lu / Hong Kong 
Modelling Coal Seam Gas Tracers/Isotopes Coastal/Recharge
11:18 Does macroscopic Reinterpretation of The CSIRO Noble Gas Quantifying surface water 
dispersion exist in wireline log data in Facility: new technology – groundwater exchanges 
heterogeneous  the eastern Galilee and first applications in in the Campaspe 
Darcy Flow?  Basin: stratigraphical QLD, NT and WA.  Catchment (MDB) from 
Daniel Lester,  and hydrogeological Axel Suckow, CSIRO. geochemical tracers. 
RMIT University. implications.  Camille Bouchez,  
James Hansen,  Flinders University.
DSITI QLD.
11:30 A new way to model non Proposed methodology to Understanding recharge The value of groundwater 
local constituent transport quantify methane in coal and mixing on floodplains age in identifying temporal 
in subsurface: rate of mass seam gas aquifers.  in the Murray Basin.  variability of recharge in 
exchange between mobile Grazia Gargiulo, Ian Cartwright,  the Pilbara region.  
and immobilezones Symbiolabs. Monash University. James McCallum,  
depends on immobile-age. Flinders University.
Kaveh Zamani, UNSW.
11:42 Effect of turbulent  Injection of treated coal Ecohydrologic functioning Estimates of site-scale 
flow on heat transfer  seam gas co-produced of ephemeral streams. groundwater recharge 
in a real fracture.  water into deep aquifers: Shawan Dogramaci,  variability across a legacy 
Hamid Roshan, UNSW. predicting long-term Rio Tinto. low-level radioactive 
groundwater quality waste disposal facility  
impacts. Bhasker Rathi, in the Sydney Basin.  
CSIRO/UWA. Doug Anderson, UNSW.
11:54 A family of  Characterisation of Environmental tracers Spatial and temporal 
calibrated models.  fluid migration in and hydrogeophysical variation in recharge and 
Roger Cranswick,  aquitards using helium techniques to characterise its influence on scenario 
DEWNR SA. concentrations in quartz. sw-gw interactions modelling Western 
Dirk Mallants, CSIRO. in a heavily faulted Cape York Regional 
sedimentary basin.  Groundwater flow model. 
Eddie Banks,  Leon Leach, DSITI SA.
Flinders University.
12:06 Is model calibration alone Spatial and temporal scale Physical and chemical The Lamington and  
good enough? A case influences on conceptual controls on apparent Main Range Volcanics 
study of the Chowilla model development – groundwater age in Qld and NSW: their 
Floodplain modelling examples from CSG  discrepancies significance as preferential 
demonstrates the benefits water injection studies.  inferred from multiple recharge areas in the 
of model post-audits. Ryan Morris, Origin environmental tracers. Clarence-Moreton Basin. 
Chris Li, DEWNR. Energy. (presentation will Stacey Underwood, UWA. Matthias Raiber, CSIRO.
be over two time slots)
12:18 Transferring regional Stable isotopes as Estimating shallow 
calibrated groundwater indicators of dissolved groundwater take  
model to local model for methane sources and in the Shepparton 
engineering design using cycling in the Gippsland. Irrigation Region:  
MODFLOW USG.  Basin, Victoria.  technical approach.  
Xuyan Wang, Klohn. Matthew Currell,  Tara Taylor, Jacobs.
RMIT University.
12.30 Networking Luncheon 
11 
DAY 2: Wednesday, 12 July 2017
Leighton Hall Tyree Room Richie Theatre Ronald Lu / Hong Kong 
Modelling Water Quality and Investigations Management /
Contamination Investigations
13:30 Keynote:  Keynote:  Keynote:  Keynote:  
River basin-scale Per- and poly- fluoroalkyl Using atmospheric  Speeding the transition 
integrated surface- substances (PFAS) and Earth tides as a  to conjunctive water 
subsurface hydrologic investigation.  natural tracer to management in Australia. 
modelling to support Vicki Pearce,  hydraulically characterise Andrew Ross, ANU.
agricultural risk Department of Defence. groundwater systems.  
management.  Gabriel Rau, UNSW.
Steven Berg, Aquanty.
13:42 Simulating complex Understanding  Accumulative evidence Understanding aquifer 
surface water/ emerging pollutants  highlighting that the type transition in the 
groundwater interactions in a connected system.  Narrabri and Gunnedah Dumaresq River  
during flood events with William Glamore, UNSW. Formations are Mythical. Alluvium, Queensland/
a fully-integrated physics Bryce Kelly, UNSW. NSW Border Rivers.  
based hydrologic model. Dawit Berhane, DSITI QLD.
Steven Berg, Aquanty.
13:54 MIKE SHE modelling  Simulation of PFAS GAB aquifer  Smart water science? 
of an ephemeral transport in coastal  attribution process.  Using the internet-
catchment water balance.  sands aquifers at Claire Kent,  of-things to collect 
Hossein Daneshmandl, Williamtown, NSW.  Klohn Crippen Berger. hydrological data.  
Monash University. Cassie Turvey,  Daniel Pierce, DEWNR SA.
Hydro Simulations.
14:06 Groundwater  Assessing health Borehole magnetic Characterising 
in catchment  risks for groundwater resonance logging groundwater development 
hydrology: getting  contaminated with Per tools & hydrogeological opportunities and 
the signposts right.  and Polyfluoroalkyl study in the Illawarra constraints in northern 
Douglas Graham, DYI. Substances (PFAS): Coal Measures and Australia as part of the 
lessons learned.  Hawkesbury Sandstone of northern Australia Water 
Therese Manning, the Sydney Basin.  Resource Assessment. 
EnRiskS. Thomas Neville,  Andrew Taylor, CSIRO.
NMR Services.
14:18 Qualitative uncertainty Impact of PFAS  Analysis of aquifer Groundwater tinder:  
analysis: why we need to chemicals on insitu parameters in the a guide for water  
slow our thinking about microbial communities.  Triassic Sydney Basin dating techniques.  
groundwater models.  Denis O’Carroll, UNSW. during the WestConnex Nicola Fry,  
Luk Peeters, CSIRO. hydrogeological Emm Consulting.
investigations.  
Graham Hawkes, AECOM.
14:30 The importance of Predicting the potential Detecting groundwater Groundwater 
being uncertain (for recovery of petroleum flow using time series investigations to support 
groundwater modellers). fuels from impacted ground temperature irrigated agriculture at La 
Kate Holland, CSIRO. aquifers. Robert Lenhard, measurements. Graeme Grange, Western Australia. 
CSIRO. Beardsmore, Hot Dry Adam Lillicrap, DoAF WA.
Rocks.
12 AUSTRALASIAN GROUNDWATER CONFERENCE #agc17sydney 
DAY 2: Wednesday, 12 July 2017
Leighton Hall Tyree Room Richie Theatre Ronald Lu / Hong Kong 
Modelling Water Quality and Investigations Management /
Contamination Investigations
14:42 AlgoCompute: large-scale Microbial technologies for Optimising of Greater Seasonal groundwater 
calibration and uncertainty bioremediation and biogas Wellington Regional storage fluctuation 
analysis made easy in the production in subsurface Council’s groundwater in Sukhuma district 
cloud. Damian Merrick, environments Mike monitoring networks of Southern Laos by 
HydroAlgorithmics. Manefield, UNSW. using multi-correlational field assessment and 
& Kriging based methods. remote sensing. Sinxay 
Doug Mzila, GWRC. Vongphachanh, UTS.
14:54 Cloud computing for Resurrect plan and Effects of intraborehole Managing groundwater 
groundwater model balancing of groundwater flow on purging and for ecological response. 
calibration and uncertainty resources in Iran.  sampling long-screened  Virgina Riches,  
analysis. Kevin Hayley, Abdollah Fazeli Farsani, or open wells.  DEWNR SA.
Groundwater Solutions. Iran Water Resources David Poulsen,  
Management. Flinders University.
15:06 Bayesian uncertainty LNAPL dynamics in CT imaging and Solute transport model  
quantification in practical the subsurface: linking centrifugation to of the Pike Floodplain, 
groundwater modelling multi-phase and multi- characterise dual  South Australia.  
with the aid of Gaussian component processes. porosity fluid flow  Carl Purczel, DEWNR.
process emulator.  Kaveh Sookhak Lari, and solute transport.  
Tao Cui, CSIRO. CSIRO. Wendy Timms, UNSW.
15:18 Using heat and rhodamine A numerical model Groundwater dynamics How conductivity 
as groundwater tracers in incorporating nonlinear in upland catchments of structure controls fluid 
a strongly heterogeneous decay and sorption NSW. Tony Bernardi, NSW missing in Heterogenous 
aquifer: flow & transport isotherms for simulating DPI. Darcy Flow. Daniel Lester, 
insights using inversion transport of contaminants RMIT University.
modelling. Theo Sarris, emanating from 
IESR. instantaneous spill. 
Amarsinh Landage, 
Institute of Technology, 
India.
15.30 Networking Afternoon Tea 
16:00 Interactive Panel Discussion Future Directions and Innovations in Groundwater 
Panel sponsored by Geoscience Australia.  Panel to be opened by Narelle Neumann. 
Chair: Steven Cork (EcoInsights). Panellists: Richard McLoughlin (Dept. Ag & Water Resources),  
Karen Villholth (International Water Management Institute), Jane Coram (Geoscience Australia),  
Jonathan McKeown (AWA), Nicholas Schofield (Australian Water Partnership)
17:45 Buses depart for Coogee Rooftop Pavilion
18:00 Conference Dinner @ Coogee Rooftop Pavilion          
13 
DAY 3: Thursday, 13 July 2017
8:00 Delegates arrive
8:25 Housekeeping
8:30 Plenary Groundwater and the Law. Mr Saul Holt QC, 8 Petrie Terrace Chambers
9:00 Panel Discussion - Social Licence to Operate 
Chair: Cameron Holley (UNSW). Panellists: Jim McDonald,  
Justine Lacey (CSIRO),Saul Holt QC, John Williams (ANU/CSU)
10:00 Morning Tea Networking
Leighton Hall Tyree Room Richie Theatre Ronald Lu / Hong Kong 
Mining/Bioregional Management Social Management  Contamination
Assessments  & Policy
10:20 Keynote:  Keynote:  Keynote:  Keynote:  
Bioregional Assessments: GRIPP: promoting Design, integration and Waituna Lagoon nutrient 
using groundwater, policies and practices for implementation of a loads: a surface water 
surface water and sustainable groundwater regional groundwater or groundwater issue? 
ecological models to management.  monitoring network in the Alexandra Badenhop,  
determine the impacts Karen Villholth,  Surat Basin: key challenges University of Canterbury/ 
of coal resource IWMI (South Africa). and opportunities.  Lincoln University. 
development on  Ben Cairns, OGIA.
water resources.  
David Post, CSIRO.
10:32 Lessons learned from Reimagining River Making groundwater Groundwater quality 
modelling the changes Murray SIS groundwater impacts from the assessment due to 
in groundwater due to pumping to achieve CSG industry more geomorphological 
large coal mines and ecological outcomes  transparent in impacts along north 
CSG in the Bioregional in SARFIIP.  Queensland.  coastal districts of Bay 
Assessments Craig Flavel, Australian Ross Carruthers,  of Bengal of AP, India. 
Programme.  Water Environments. DRNM QLD. Krishna Kotra.  
Russell Crosbie, CSIRO. The University of South 
Pacific.
10:44 New methods  Dynamics of lower- Addressing local Field experiences 
for modelling the salinity lenses along  concerns using  with nanoiron for 
impacts of CSG the South Australian regional context.  contaminated land 
development activities River Murray.  Sean Cassidy,  remediation.  
in the Surat Cumulative Juliette Woods,  EMM Consulting. Denis O’Carroll,  
Management Area.  Flinders University. UNSW.
Daan Herckenrath,  
OGIA QLD.
10:56 Permeability modelling Drought decision Global food-water How bacteria will  
in the Surat Basin using support tool.  nexus requires help the New Zealand 
artificial neural networks. Louise Lennon,  regional humanitarian dairy industry.  
Gerhard Schoning, Jacobs. groundwater Richard Cresswell,  
DNRM QLD. innovations.  Eco Logical.
Okke Batelaan,  
Flinders University.
11:08 Use of geophysical log Can we manage A cultural and Strain DCMF: a 
signatures to define groundwater? hydrogeological novel bacterium 
regionally consistent Statistical evaluation assessment of  for remediation of 
lithostratigraphic of the effectiveness Hookina Springs.  dichloromethane-
boundaries for the  of groundwater Lauren Houthuysen,  contaminated 
Surat and southern management for DEWNR SA. groundwater.  
Bowen basins.  resource management Sophie Holland, UNSW.
Linda Foster,  and environmental 
DNRM QLD. protection during 
drought. Emma White, 
University of Melbourne.
14 AUSTRALASIAN GROUNDWATER CONFERENCE #agc17sydney 
DAY 3: Thursday, 13 July 2017
11:20 Comparison of predictive Water resource effects The benefit of early FVPDM: a practical 
uncertainty methods of varying land use in planning and stakeholder approach to assess 
to quantify iron ore southeastern Australia. engagement in groundwater and 
dewatering impacts. P. Evan Dresel, groundwater monitoring. contaminant mass  
Vahid Shapoori, AGE. DEDJTR VIC. Carly Waterhouse,  flux under variable 
Klohn Crippen Berger. hydraulic conditions.  
Alex Savaglia, Golder.
11:32 Using analytical models Challenges in Mekong Delta’s Microbial chloroform 
as the platform for considering cumulative groundwater resources: respiration - breathing 
managing large scale impacts: a Survey of perception, practices life into toxic 
mine dewatering Australian Groundwater and coping strategies of environments. Matthew 
operations.  Practitioners. Rebecca smallholder farmers in Lee, UNSW.
Keith Brown, Rio Tinto. Nelson, University Khmer village. Van Kien 
Melbourne. Nguyen, AGU/ANU.
11:44 A water balance model Cape York Peninsula Managing artesian Analysing temporal 
for the prediction of stratigraphic and concerns near managed variability in shallow 
groundwater levels monitoring bore drilling: aquifer recharge groundwater quality in 
adjacent to Fortescue new insights into the operations in Adelaide, southwest Sydney: a 
Marsh, Jinquan Wu. hydrogeology of the GAB South Australia.  multivariate statistical 
FMGL. in the Carpentaria Basin. Craig Flavel, Australian analysis approach.  
James Hansen DSITI, QLD. Water Environments. Sarah Taylor, DoEE.
11:56 Does specific storage Monitoring of river/ Fusing modelling and Genesis and occurrence 
change in time and how? estuary/aquifer engagement practices to of high fluoride 
Katarina David, UNSW. system shows need for support assessment of groundwater in the 
integrated management. conjunctive water  Thar Desert, Pakistan. 
Rebecca Morris, Otago use opportunities.  Tahir Rafique, PCSIR 
Regional Council. Baihua Fu, ANU. Laboratories Complex.
12:08 Modelling inter-aquifer A comparison of Modelling the impacts Use of electrokinetics for 
leakage associated with over-pumping control of plantation forestry on enhanced contaminant 
compromised  methods in Heihe river groundwater: science site remediation.  
well integrity.  basin and North China and policy.  Denis O’Carroll, UNSW.
Rebecca Doble, CSIRO. Plain. Haijing Wang, Cameron Wood,  
Hydrosolutions. DEWNR SA.
12:20 Networking Luncheon 
Leighton Hall Tyree Room Richie Theatre Ronald Lu / Hong Kong 
Modelling/Data Investigations Social Ecology
13:05 Keynote:  Keynote:  Keynote:  Keynote:  
Monitoring and Groundwater salinity The groundwater Updating Australia’s 
modelling groundwater hotspot in the Mt Lofty commons game: Atlas of groundwater 
extractions over a Ranges (SA): connection to social tipping points dependent ecosystems. 
data-sparse region an intermittent stream and in global groundwater Lacey Elsum, BOM.
of Australia. Neil origin from land-clearing. management.  
McIntyre, University of Thomas Anderson,  Juan Castilla, CSIRO.
Queensland. Flinders University.
13:17 3D Modelling of aquifers Salinity forecast via Changing the debate: What happens to 
in South Australia.  groundwater age using facts not  groundwater ecosystems 
Steve Barnett,  simulations.  fear to discuss  when you take out the 
DEWNR SA. Giovanni Firmani, DHI. groundwater science.  groundwater? Grant Hose, 
Liz Webb, EMM. Macquarie University.
13:29 How groundwater Estimating groundwater Regulatory flexibility, Influences of agricultural 
models can evolve over salinity (EC and Cl-) from illegal bores and practices on ecosystem 
decades: SA models of direct-push EC logs: soil the drilling industry: services provided by 
groundwater salinity and science vs oil and gas. examining the practice groundwater microbes 
the River Murray.  Sarah Bourke, UWA. and potential of NSW and stygofauna.  
Kittiya Bushaway, water bore drillers. Kathryn Korbel, 
DEWNR SA. Cameron Holley, UNSW. Macquarie University.
15 
DAY 3: Thursday, 13 July 2017
13:41 A technique for Anisotropy in hydraulic Our knowledge A contemporary 
estimating optimal conductivity of jointed of groundwater is approach to 
constant extraction rocks: analytical and imperfect. Regulatory groundwater system 
rates for water levels numerical interpretation and legislative structures conceptualisation. 
to remain above pre- of field measurements. are more effective when Sanjeev Pandey, OGIA.
specified minimums in Mahdi Zoorabadi,  they acknowledge that. 
the model domain. Kiran SCT Operations. Simone Stewart,  
Bajracharya, DSITI QLD. DEWNR SA.
13:53 Towards data democracy Determining the How hydrogeologists can Groundwater drawdown: 
in groundwater science. effective hydraulic contribute to effective biogeochemical 
Peter Dahlhaus, conductivity of a  stakeholder engagement implications for 
Federation University. rock mass for  in groundwater resource streambed water quality. 
modelling purposes.  management.  Martin Andersen, UNSW.
Stephen Parsons, Jacobs. Daniel Pierce, DEWNR.
14:05 Statistical analysis and Reliability of spatial Collective action Impact of groundwater 
Interpolation of water patterns of groundwater in groundwater drawdown on stygofauna 
level data at the Bureau recharge. Yueqing Xie, management in practice: in the hyporheic zone. 
of Meteorology.  Flinders University/ lessons learnt from the Martin Andersen,  
Brendan Dimech, BOM. NCGRT. Angas Bremer irrigation UNSW.
district in SA.  
Sarah Shalsi,  University 
College London. 
14:17 Accurate groundwater Hydrogeological Breaking the hydro- Biogeochemical trends 
flow modelling closely investigation and illogical cycle & applying within calcrete aquifers 
linked to constrained  conceptual model socio-hydrogeology to recharge processes: 
3D geology: a case  development of the GW management: the preliminary results based 
study from Tunisia.  Esperance groundwater real-world example  on historical data.  
Helen Gibson,  area, Western Australia. of Angas-Bremer Mattia Sacco,  
Intrepid Geophysics. Aine Patterson, PSM. irrigation district (SA)  Curtin University.
Carlos Miraldo Orden, 
UCL.
14:29 Transient seepage in Groundwater Assessment of Polar Compound specific 
anisotropic plane by abstraction, heat and Non-polar Material isotope analysis: a 
multiple conjugate exchange and reinjection in the Groundwater of new tool to assess 
boundary element at the University of Raudhatain and Umm groundwater  
method. Guoqing Li, Auckland Newmarket Al-Aish Fresh ecosystem function.  
Huazhong University of Campus Innovation Groundwater Fields of Alison Blyth. Curtin 
Science and Technology. Centre.  Kuwait. Tariq Rashid, University.
James Botting, BECA. KISR
14:41 Peering into Integrated Property rights in Adaptive management 
groundwater models -  hydrogeological underground waters in applied to assessment  
a transparency wish-list. characterization of a South Australia.  of potential impacts  
Pete Dupen,  groundwater-fed lake Hossein Esmaeili, of CSG to GDEs distal  
Water NSW. and wetland, Manitoba, Flinders Uni. to operations.  
Canada. David Toop, Chris Jones,  
Manitoba Sustainable Arrow Energy.
Development.
14:53 Afternoon Tea Networking and Award Presentation 
Sponsored by DEWNR and CSIRO
15:30 Plenary When a Simple Model is Better. Dr Catherine Moore, Senior Groundwater Modeller, GNS Science
16:00 Panel Discussion (Position Paper) - Modelling Outlook  
Panel sponsored by ICE WarM. Panel to be opened by Trevor Pillar. 
Chair: Hugh Middlemis (HydroGeoLogic). Panellists: Glen Walker, Luk Peeters (CSIRO), Catherine Moore 
(GNS), Phil Hayes (Jacobs), Stuart Richardson (CDM Smith), Peter Baker (Department of the Environment 
and Energy)
17:00 Conference Close
16 AUSTRALASIAN GROUNDWATER CONFERENCE #agc17sydney 
Poster Title Presenter Organisation
A comparative examination of microbial activity in the hyporheic zone and Helen Rutlidge UNSW
boreholes at Maules Creek, NSW.
A new approach method for groundwater quality management using Young-do Yea Korea Environment 
background concentration. Corporation
Age and nature of calcrete accumulations in fluvial sediments: implications Chris  Geoscience Australia
for regional groundwater dynamics and landscape evolution. Harris-Pascsal
An aquifer becomes an aquitard: centrifuge measurement of desaturating Wendy Timms UNSW 
sandstone from the constrained zone above an underground mine.
Assessing suitability of groundwater for drinking purpose - a study of Hemixa Patel Pandit Deendayal 
Ahmadabad city. Petroleum University
Broken Hill emergency water supply borefield investigations and production Nicholas Coulson Golder Associates
optimisation, Menindee, NSW.
Calcrete mapping and verification in the Murchison Palaeochannel system. Lazarus Leonhard Department of  
Water (WA)
Can land management intervention ameliorate the affect of geological Leah Moore NSW Department of 
impediments to groundwater flow in an upland NSW catchment? Primary Industries
Carbon source and sink investigations in a Late Quaternary-age coastal Eliza Bryan UNSW
limestone aquifer using radiocarbon of dissolved inorganic and organic 
carbon.
Characterisation and transformation of organic carbon in a connected river: Mohammadreza UNSW
groundwater system: an example from the Murray Darling Basin. Keshavarzi
Characterisation of terrestrial ecosystem reliance on groundwater. Garry Straughton Eco Logical Australia
Climate and groundwater recharge: the story from Australian caves. Andy Baker UNSW 
Combining geoelectrical and hydrochemical methods for dominant Eva Sutter Victoria University of 
groundwater process determination: a saltwater intrusion study of a coastal Wellington, New Zealand
aquifer in NZ.
Combining quantitative microbial risk assessment and groundwater Steve McAleer Hunter Water 
modelling to investigate the risks of treated wastewater discharges to Corporation
shellfish and bathers.
Concepts for groundwater level and storage condition reporting on a state- Tony Cauchi GHD
wide scale.
Conceptualising groundwater processes of Willochra Basin, SA. Moji Karbasi DEWNR (SA)
Current and historical water use estimation for the GAB, Queensland. Claire Kent Klohn Crippen Berger
Development of an updated Meteoric Water Line for Tehran, Iran. Fatemeh Jafari University of Newcastle
Drilling and bore construction leading to false arsenic and molybdenum Ilka Wallis Flinders University
positives.
Economic, social and resource management factors influencing groundwater Bruce Gill Agriculture Research 
trade: findings from Victoria. Victoria
Emerging contaminants and the science-policy nexus: a PFAS case study Kyle Horner NSW Environment 
from Williamtown, NSW. Protection Authority
Factors affecting dissolved organic carbon in coastal groundwater systems Liza McDonough UNSW
Fecal indicator bacteria near the shoreline at freshwater beaches. Denis O’Carroll UNSW
Geochemical characteristics of arsenic contaminated groundwater in Hyeon-Jin Kim Korea Environment 
hydrothermal alteration zone. Corporation
17 
Poster Title Presenter Organisation
Groundwater residence time in the Condamine River alluvial aquifer (SE-QLD). Dioni Cendón ANSTO
How much does improved aquitard characterisation matter when predicting Chris Turnadge CSIRO
groundwater impacts from unconventional gas extraction?
Hydrogeochemistry applied to mineral exploration: a new initiative in Ivan Schroder Geoscience Australia
northern Australia.
Impact of fire on hydrological and chemical signatures in Karst Vadose Zone Fang Bian UNSW
Water, Wombeyan Caves, New South Wales, Australia.
Implementing an alternative to metering in the Shepparton Irrigation Region. Karina Joy Goulburn-Murray Water
Improved unsaturated zone conceptualisation for more robust modelling of Simone Gelsinari Monash University
groundwater recharge and evapotranspiration.
Increased application of the Resource Condition Limit approach to managing Daniel Pierce DEWNR (SA)
groundwater extraction in South Australia.
Measuring multi-directional 3D-flow fields using active heat pulse sensing in Eddie Banks Flinders University
the streambed.
Modelling of groundwater flow and geomechanical stresses near rock bolts in Hamed Lamei UNSW
an underground mine. Ramandi
More than just a ‘tick the box’ exercise: why geology is the key to Matthias Raiber CSIRO Land and Water
hydrogeological and hydrochemical investigations.
Natural Sequence Farming: reconnecting the stream to its flood plain aquifer, Tony Bernardi NSW Department of 
what have we learnt so far? Primary Industries
Pesticide residues in groundwater from rice, cotton and vegetable growing Tanu Jindal Amity Institute of Env. 
areas and its impact on human health. Sciences
Qualitative and quantitative imaging analysis of fines induced permeability Furqan Hussain UNSW
damage during water flow.
Quantifying impacts of groundwater pumping using a nonlinear transfer Xiang Cheng Dept. Economic Dev., 
function time-series model in the southwest Victoria. Jobs, Transport & 
Resources 
Queensland aquifer framework: 2016 version. James Hansen Queensland Gov
Seasonal dynamics of residence times in a perennial, wastewater impacted Eddie Banks Flinders University
stream.
Stable isotope composition of precipitation and groundwater in a wet-dry Penelope Godwin Charles Darwin 
tropics karst area (East Sumba, Indonesia). University
The groundwater commons game (Part II): unravelling the evolution and Juan Castilla CSIRO
dynamics of compliance with groundwater conservation.
The nature and origin of groundwater salinity in the Muttama Catchment, Farzina Akter The University of Sydney
NSW, Australia.
The role of dissolved organic matter and groundwater biogeophysical Phetdala Oudone UNSW
processes in the carbon budget.
The use of airborne EM/3d modelling to reinterpret the Carbonate Aquifer, Mal McGivern Water Corporation
and its relationship to seawater intrusion/sustainable yield in Exmouth.
Using packers to improve loading/barometric efficiency estimates in low Wendy Timms UNSW 
permeability formations.
Water & mining: the importance of good geological data. Mark Armstrong Dept. of Industry
Why do soil scientists and hydrogeologists so often have completely different Brenton Nichol  KBR
groundwater recharge estimates? How to resolve the discrepancy.
18 AUSTRALASIAN GROUNDWATER CONFERENCE #agc17sydney 
AGC17 EXHIBITORS
19