The small Bendigo Salinity Province in central Victoria is centred on the town of Bendigo. Local to intermediate scale Groundwater Flow Systems in weathered fractured Palaeozoic rocks drive saline discharge along drainage lines, with overlying minor alluvial material restricting subsurface drainage. Alluvial gold mining activity has altered groundwater flow and mobilised inherently saline soils. Salinity is often associated with tailing dumps and worked valley floors. Significant impact to building and urban infrastructure has been recorded and saline/mine runoff remains an issue into Bendigo Creek. Urban runoff, garden watering and water storage facilities contribute to higher groundwater recharge driving saline groundwater to adjacent creeks. Although the total area of salt affected land is relatively small, the impact to high value assets (housing and infrastructure) is significant. |
Catchment Management Region: | NORTH CENTRAL |
Priority Status: | High |
Province Area: | 21,690 ha |
Recorded Soil Salinity Area 1: | 35 ha |
Dominant Surface Geology Type: | Sedimentary |
Influence of Geological Structure on Salinity Occurrence/s: | None |
Relevant Geomorphological Mapping Units (GMUs): | 2.1.2 |
Predominant Groundwater Flow Systems (GFSs): | Local/Intermediate |
Relevant Irrigation Areas: | N/A |