In Australia, most individuals involved in bore construction, abandonment, or work on existing bores must be licensed. The aim of licensing is to:
- Protect groundwater resources from contamination, deterioration, and undue competition.
- Ensure long-term sustainable groundwater use by maintaining high standards in bore construction.
Historically, the licensing of waterwell drillers varied across states and territories, creating inconsistencies for both drillers and regulators. However, since the introduction of uniform national licensing in 1990, the technical knowledge and skills of a driller licensed in one state or territory are now standardised through national exams. While each state and territory maintains its own legal framework for groundwater management, technical requirements and minimum bore construction requirements are nationally agreed upon.
The Role of NUDLC
The National Uniform Drillers Licensing Committee (NUDLC) plays a key role in maintaining and strengthening licensing standards to protect groundwater resources. Its objectives include:
- Ensuring the proper construction of wells to prevent contamination, deterioration and uncontrolled flow.
- Maintaining the integrity of aquifers through consistent industry standards.
- Promoting and regulating driller competence to uphold national groundwater management standards.
NUDLC is a voluntary committee comprising representatives from state government departments, contractors, and industry bodies. By bringing together regulators and practitioners, NUDLC provides a cooperative industry-government approach to groundwater protection.
NUDLC’s Work and Responsibilities
NUDLC provides information and technical advice on matters relevant to the management of, and access to, groundwater including:
- Technical advice on the drilling of water bores and consistency in bore construction to assist with the protection of groundwater resources.
- Strengthening driller licensing to assist with the protection of groundwater resources.
- Provision of policy advice on existing and required areas of policy development regarding groundwater management.
NUDLC provides technical advice, policy recommendations, and supports national licensing efforts through:
- The development and publication of national minimum bore construction specifications, including the latest edition of Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia (Edition 4, 2020).
- Providing input to policymakers on groundwater management.
- Developing the National Driller Licensing System Agreement (MOU) to further streamline national licensing.
- Oversight of driller license examinations to ensure industry competency.
- Contribution to the development of national trade qualifications and national units of competence, to make the interface between qualifications and licensing as simple as possible.
- Maintaining technical training courses for waterwell drillers, run by ADIA, such as:
- Screens and Gravel Pack Course
- Cement Grouting Training Course
- Muds Techniques and Tests Course
By working collaboratively, NUDLC helps ensure that Australia’s groundwater resources remain protected, accessible, and sustainably managed for the future.