Salinity Discharge Mapping for the Eastern Section of the Corangamite Salinity Region - Background Report No. 1

The main objective of the study was to determine the extent and severity of dryland salinity throughout the eastern section of the Corangamite Salinity Region. In particular, the study considered areas of land affected by salinity, although some water samples were taken from drainage lines and dams to develop an overall picture of the extent of salinity.

A total of 3720 hectares were identified to be saline in the study area. Most of these sites were either only slightly or moderately saline. There were a few larger sites of primary salinity and numerous smaller sites of secondary salinity.
The study indicated that most of the salinity occurs on the Basalt Plains, Sand Clay Rises and Western Highland Hills. In particular, the salinity problem is concentrated in the Upper Maribyrnong Catchment, and in the Meredith/Bamganie, Moriac, Leigh, Rockbank and Glenmore districts.

A common indicator of salinity in the study area is the deterioration of crop/pasture. This reflects the relatively high rainfall of the area, which has the effect of masking the salinity problem.
Most of the sites had no salinity treatment works carried out on them. This highlights the need for more awareness of the salinity problem in the study area.

The salinity information collected in this study will provide a background for the preparation of the Corangamite Region Salinity Strategy, which will highlight the main problem areas which should receive priority for treatment works. The information will be used as a basis to seek funding to treat saline areas through the planting of trees and perennial pastures, fencing and drainage works. Any future works will only be carried out with the interest and involvement of landholders.

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