Can I Drill a Groundwater Bore on My Property in Queensland?

If you own rural or semi-rural land in South East Queensland — particularly in Logan City or the Scenic Rim — the idea of drilling a bore for water is an attractive one. A reliable bore can supply water for stock, irrigation, domestic use, or property management without relying on rainfall or town supply.

But drilling a bore in Queensland isn't as straightforward as hiring a driller and going for it. There are approval requirements, licensing obligations, and regulatory frameworks that apply — and penalties for those who don't comply. Here's what you need to know before you start.

Does Queensland Regulate Groundwater Bores?

Yes. Under Queensland's Water Act 2000, groundwater is a State resource — not the property of the landholder above it. Taking water from a bore, even on your own land, requires the legal authority to do so. And constructing a bore in the first place may require a development approval.

The regulatory requirements that apply to your bore will depend on where your property is located, the depth of the bore, what you intend to use the water for, and how much you plan to take.

The Logan Basin Water Plan

Much of Logan City and the Scenic Rim falls within the Logan Basin Water Plan 2007. This is a subordinate instrument under the Water Act 2000 that sets out the rules for water allocation and use within the Logan Basin — including groundwater.

If your property is in the Logan Basin, any bore you drill and any water you take from it needs to be considered against the rules in this Water Plan. The Plan sets out which water sources are regulated, how much can be taken, and under what conditions.

Not sure whether your property is in the Logan Basin? You can check using the Queensland Government's water planning portal, or contact RiethThink Environmental for a quick check.

Do You Need a Development Approval to Drill?

Drilling a bore is classified as 'taking or interfering with water' under the Water Act 2000, which in many cases requires a development permit under the Planning Act 2016. Whether a development permit is needed depends on the type of bore, its intended use, and whether it falls within a regulated water area.

Some bore works are exempt from development approval — stock and domestic use bores in certain areas may qualify — but the exemptions have conditions and limits. Drilling without a permit when one is required is an offence.

Do You Need a Water Licence?

In addition to a development approval for the bore works themselves, you may also need a water licence to authorise the actual taking of water. This is a separate authorisation from the bore construction permit.

Whether a licence is needed depends on the source, the volume, and the use. Stock and domestic use is generally exempt from licensing up to reasonable limits, but irrigation, commercial, and industrial use typically requires a water licence. If you're planning to use bore water for anything beyond basic stock and domestic purposes, a licence is almost certainly required.

The Licensed Driller Requirement

Any bore deeper than 6 metres must be drilled by — or under the supervision of — a licensed water bore driller. This is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation. Using an unlicensed driller for a bore over 6 metres deep is an offence, and it creates practical problems if you later need to report the bore or have it assessed.

When engaging a driller, check their licence status with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

What Information Do You Need to Provide?

If a development approval is required for your bore, your application will typically need to include:

•      The design and location of the bore works, including GPS coordinates

•      The proposed depth of the bore and the aquifer it will tap

•      Hydrological and geomorphic information if available (sometimes found in historical bore records for the area)

•      Your intended use of the water

•      Details of any existing water licences or allocations on your property

Once the bore is drilled, you may also be required to submit a bore completion report or drill log to the administering authority within a specified timeframe. This is important for the integrity of Queensland's groundwater records — and non-compliance with this obligation can attract penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Getting It Wrong?

The Water Act 2000 takes unauthorised water taking seriously. Penalties for taking water without a licence, drilling a bore without the required approvals, or failing to meet reporting obligations can be significant — including substantial fines and orders to decommission unlawful works.

If you've already drilled a bore or are taking water without the right authorisations, the best course of action is to get advice and regularise your situation proactively, rather than waiting for a compliance issue to arise.

Steps to Take Before You Drill

1.    Check whether your property is in a regulated water plan area (such as the Logan Basin Water Plan 2007)

2.    Determine whether your intended use requires a water licence

3.    Check whether a development approval is required for the bore works

4.    Lodge applications for approval and/or water licence before commencing work

5.    Engage only a licensed water bore driller (required for bores deeper than 6m)

6.    Submit required post-drilling reports within the specified timeframe

Key Takeaways

•      Groundwater in Queensland belongs to the State — not the landholder

•      Much of Logan City and the Scenic Rim falls under the Logan Basin Water Plan 2007

•      Drilling a bore may require a development approval under the Planning Act 2016

•      Taking water from a bore may also require a separate water licence

•      All bores deeper than 6 metres must be drilled by a licensed water bore driller

•      Penalties apply for drilling without approval or taking water without a licence

Need Help Navigating This?

RiethThink Environmental works with landholders, businesses, and resource companies across South East Queensland to cut through the complexity of Queensland's environmental framework. If you're not sure where you stand, get in touch for a straightforward conversation.

📩 josh@rieththinkenviro.com  |  ☎ (+61) 421 455 232  |  rieththinkenviro.com/contact