Hot water bore hole into the Great Artesian Basin in Thargomindah, Queensland. (Kdliss)
A coal seam gas company has begun drilling its first exploration well near Richmond in north-west Queensland, raising concerns for the health of the Great Artesian Basin.
Brisbane company WestSide is set to drill 85 exploration wells in the region over the next four years.
Richmond mayor John Wharton says he supports any operation that brings jobs to the region, but he's worried about artesian supplies.
"That's the biggest issue, making sure the Artesian Basin is not contaminated," he said.
"So far, we don't believe there's enough proof there that it won't be.
"A senior hydrologist said from the government that it could be 30 or 40 years before you know whether the water is contaminated in the Artesian Basin, due to the fact it's so big."
ABC Rural
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