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6. Bunyip River Soil Pipes

This information has been developed from one or more of these publications:

  • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Westernport Bay Catchment (1984) by Neville Rosengren.
  • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Western Region of Melbourne (1986) by Neville Rosengren
  • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance on the Coast of Port Phillip Bay (1988) by Neville Rosengren.
  • Sites of Environmental Significance in the Flood Plain of the Upper Yarra Valley Region (1983) by Neville Rosengren, Douglas Frood and Kim Lowe (as part of a study of Sites of Environmental Significance by the University of Melbourne for the then Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Authority).
Geological heritage sites, including sites of geomorphological interest and volcanic heritage sites, are under regular revision by the Geological Society of Australia, especially in the assessment of significance and values. Reference should be made to the most recent reports. See the Earth Science Heritage (external link) section of the Geological Society of Australia website for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.

Location:Beenak – 898944. Two kilometres south of the Bunyip River – Back Creek junction.

Access:

Aqueduct Road.

Ownership:

Crown Land.

Geology/Geomorphology:

An area of approximately two hectares of sandy granitic soils contains numerous soil pipes. Several of the pipes are very large with entrance diameters of one metre and depths in excess of one metre. There is an extensive network of tunnels associated with the pipes and much runoff is diverted through the system.

Significance:

State. The mechanism of soil pipe formation and the characteristics of the substrate prone to this process is not fully understood. It is unusual for soil pipes to occur in sandy granitic soils and this site is the only one noted in the study area on this type of material.

Management:

Class 1. No roadworks, soil extraction, drainage, or clearing should be permitted on the area of the site.
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