BC3 - Sharkey Road - Swamp

This information has been developed from this publication:

Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Western Region of Melbourne (1986) 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. SSee the Earth Science Heritage (external link) section of the Geological Society of Australia website for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.

Location:	Balliang Creek - 715-75. Shire of Corio. 800 m north of Little River and 1.5 km south of Sharkey Road.	Site - BC3
Access:	Sharkey Road.
Ownership:	Private land.
Site Description:	An irregularly-shaped lake has formed in an internal drainage depression created by the intersection of lava flows north of Little River. The lake is fed by a shallow channel from the northwest and deepens towards the southeastern corner. A substantial amount of sediment has accumulated in the lake and built a narrow terrace on the eastern shoreline. The lake is a substantial wetland and must be fed by groundwater as well as surface drainage.
Significance:	Regional. The wetland is one of the largest natural semi-permanent water bodies on the Werribee lava plains. It illustrates the complexity of landforms and hydrology of the lava plains.
Management:	Class 1. The wetland should be maintained in its present state without artificial reclamation.

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