Helicopter to carry out aerial groundwater survey around Beaufort River across two weeks

Local governments are teaming up with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and CSIRO to map groundwater resources around the Great Southern from April 29. Across the shires of Woodanilling, West Arthur and Kojonup a helicopter will be used to conduct an aerial electromagnetic survey in the Beaufort River area. The survey is expected to cover about 67,000ha over two weeks from April 29. A large frame will hang beneath the helicopter, fitted with transmitter and receiver coils. DPIRD senior principal research scientist Richard George said the helicopter will be “low flying” and visible to the community while the survey is being carried out. “A helicopter AEM system is a quick, cost-effective and non-invasive method to map the area as it can provide detailed information in a very short period,” he said. Mr George said the information collected from the survey will be used to identify groundwater resources and their suitability for agriculture and community use. He said aerial techniques were developed specifically for these types of land and groundwater assessments, and the data collected will benefit local and State governments and landowners to “better understand” the water in the region. “The information will be used to map the aquifer and complete a groundwater resource assessment,” he said. “The AEM survey method measures the changes in conductivity, an indicator of soil and water salinity, of the ground. “They have been used several times in recent decades in the Wheatbelt to understand how salinity and groundwater vary beneath the landscape.” The survey is part of the WA Government-supported WaterSmart Farms initiative that seeks to improve water security and build resilience in a drying climate.