W2 Werribee - Werribee River Nick Point

This information has been developed from the publications:

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 Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Shire of Otway (1984) by Neville Rosengren.

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 section of the Geological Society of Australia website (external link) for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.

Location	Werribee - 932018. Former Shire of Werribee. Valley of Werribee River at Chirnside Park, Werribee.
Access	Watton Street, Geelong Road.
Ownership	Crown land
Site Description	The site includes examples of the sediments of the Werribee River Delta exposed on the west of the valley, terrace deposits and modern floodplain sediments at river level, and basalt outcropping in the river channel. Prior to the development of extensive water storage and diversion works on the Werribee River system, this site formed a definite nick in the stream channel and rapids in the channel shaped the outcropping hard basaltic rocks. The basalt is therefore very waterworn and includes small gutters and incipient potholes.
Significance	Regional. The site is of interest to display aspects of the morphological and sedimentary history of the Werribee River as well as the influence on channel form of reducing the rate of river flow.
Management	The site should be retained as open space in the Chirnside Park recreation complex. Modification of the features by building or other construction activity is not recommended.

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