M3 Williamstown - Shore Platforms

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	Maribyrnong - 153063. Former City of Williamstown. Coastline in Cyril Curtin Reserve 200 m west of the Williamstown Cricket Ground.	M1, M2 & M3
Access	Esplanade, Thompson Street
Ownership	Crown Land
Site Description	The basalt plains terminate as a shore platform 30 to 50 m wide that is generally submerged at high tide. Behind this platform, and up to 1m highest in level, is a boulder covered terrace that may be an abandoned platform developed at a slightly higher sea level.	M3
Significance	Regional. The terrace and platform are examples of coastal landforms that may be emergent ie- they were developed at a higher sea level and are now stranded beyond the level of normal marine processes. Most of the Williamstown foreshore area has been modified by filling, excavations, beach nourishment or other engineering works and this site is the last surviving remnant of these features.	M3
Management	Class 1. No modification to the coastal terrain should be permitted.
References	Hills, E.S. (1940). The Question of Recent Emergence of the Shore of Port Phillip Bay. Proc. R. Soc. Vict. 54:79-92.

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