145. The Gurdies - Baxter Formation

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

Location:	Grantville - 744504. Three kilometres north-east of Grantville.	Sites 144 and 145, Grantville - The Gurdies area
Access:	Bass Highway.
Geology:	Sands and clays of the Baxter Formation are exposed in the quarry. They are heavily ferruginised and display pronounced cross-bedding. Steep dips are recorded as the site lies along the line of the Heath Hill Fault.
Significance:	Regional. The site provides a major exposure of the lithology and structures of beds of the Baxter Formation.
Management:	Class 2. Continued quarrying will maintain exposures at the site. The principles of quarry management should be consulted.
References:	Spencer-Jones, D., Marsden, M.A.H., Barton, C.M. & Carrillo-Rivera, J.J., 1975. Geology of the Western Port sunkland. Proc. Roy. soc. Vict. (87) 1&2, 43-68. McMickan (1977).

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