16. Long Point

This information has been developed from the publication:

Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the South Gippsland Marine and Coastal Parks (1989) 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 (external link) section of the Geological Society of Australia website for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.

Location	390165. Two km south-east of Port Franklin.
Access:	Boat access only at high tide.
Significant Features:	Long Point is a small marsh island surrounded by mangrove. The mangrove zone is narrower and less dense on the eastern side of the island. By comparing aerial photographs taken between 1941 and 1984, Vanderzee (1988) noted a number of vegetation changes that are related to the sediment regime and relative sea level.
Significance Level:	Regional. The site illustrates continuing ecological and physiographic change.
Management Issues:	The site is not threatened by present land use. Any dredge spoil resulting from deepening of the Franklin Channel should not be disposed on the site.
Research & Monitoring Requirements:	Establish permanent mapping transects to determine ongoing physiographic and ecological changes.
Public Interpretation Possibilities:	Access is very difficult and increased traffic will damage the sensitive salt marsh zone. Increased access could only be arranged by providing elevated boardwalks and ramps.
Main References:	Vanderzee, M. P. (1988). 'Changes in saltmarsh vegetation as an early indication of sea-level rise' in Greenhouse: Planning for Climatic Change ed. by G. I. Pearman, CSIRO, Melb.

Aerial oblique photograph of Long Point

Page top