Get reliable rangeland science

The Great Artesian Basin covers a vast area of inland Australia, enabling dependable water supply across the rangelands. In New South Wales artesian bores were introduced to benefit the pastoral industry, established by the Department of Public Works under the Artesian Wells Act, 1897 and the Water and Drainage Act, 1902, hereafter referred to as the Artesian Scheme. However, the focus of research has been on current environmental concerns and the rehabilitation of artesian bores, with limited attention to historical water management strategies associated with the scheme. Remains of environmental modification from the Artesian Scheme are extensive throughout pastoral landscapes, although this archaeological record is delicate and disappearing with inadequate research conducted. This paper explores the origins of the scheme and considers localised variation, implementation, and operation through investigation of a case study: Sherwood Bore, near Rowena in north-west NSW. Drawing upon historical documentation, oral history and archaeological interpretation of remnant infrastructure, this research revealed the Artesian Scheme represented socio-economic development by supporting pastoral settlement opportunities and pastoral growth.