Cradoka
4th January 2020, 04:15 PM
A French Petroleum Company first drilled Purni Bore in the Simpson Desert as a strategic well in about 1964.
When oil exploration activities ceased in the early 1980's the bore was left to flow wild, and created an artificial wetland. Over 80 species of birds were recorded there. Powers to be decided to cap the bore, but lobbying from environmentalists resulted in a compromise where the output flow was minimised.
June 2018 the bore was recased, the current flow (Oct '19)does seem too low to support a healthy oasis type of environment for desert species.
On the other hand the ablution area is great and the camping area adequate, if not spartan, for over night stays. Getting a hot thermal shower is amazing for such a place.
The pic by 'James' taken in 1992 is a glimpse of what the area used to look like for 20 years or so.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XgSaoig4fs
When oil exploration activities ceased in the early 1980's the bore was left to flow wild, and created an artificial wetland. Over 80 species of birds were recorded there. Powers to be decided to cap the bore, but lobbying from environmentalists resulted in a compromise where the output flow was minimised.
June 2018 the bore was recased, the current flow (Oct '19)does seem too low to support a healthy oasis type of environment for desert species.
On the other hand the ablution area is great and the camping area adequate, if not spartan, for over night stays. Getting a hot thermal shower is amazing for such a place.
The pic by 'James' taken in 1992 is a glimpse of what the area used to look like for 20 years or so.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XgSaoig4fs