3. Active High Dune Ridges near Blue Lagoon

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. 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	300985 Eastern side of Shallow Inlet 1 km south-east of Warren Lane (off Millar Road, Yanakie).	Massive precipitation ridge - eastern shore Shallow Inlet
Access:	Walk from track via Millar Road or from camping ground or boat access.
Significant Features:	An unvegetated sand mass comprising two main sand lobes is advancing over former established parabolic dune ridges. The older dune ridges lie at right angles to the shore of Shallow Inlet while the active dune mass is comprised of regular transverse ridges parallel to the inlet shore. The active dunes are gently sinuous and have crests spaced at 10 to 40 metres. The dunes are advancing eastward and terminate in a massive precipitation ridge burying coastal scrub. The dunes are similar in orientation and form to those on the entrance spit but are much higher due to the development of the precipitation ridge upwind of the scrub vegetation. It is of interest that the dune lies opposite the distal end of the entrance spit.
Significance Level:	Local.
Management Issues:	The major issue is the possible threat the dune poses to adjacent farmland (about 250 metres at closest point). Cecil (1984) measured annual rates of movement averaging 3 metres on parts of the dune but the movement is irregular. The National Parks Division is continuing to monitor dune movement. It can be anticipated that movement will continue but that annual rates will vary. The dune is one element in a long history of aeolian activity on the east of Shallow Inlet and is an important illustration of the process that has shaped much of the terrain on that shore. “Artificial” stabilization by building sand fences and introducing sand-binding grasses should be used only if it can be shown that movement is a hazard to private property.
Research & Monitoring Requirements:	Maintenance and analysis of monitoring stations to determine rates and times of movement of the dune crest and toe. Comparison of these rates with other parameters of the dune e.g. size of sand catchment, height of dune, nature of fronting vegetation. Evaluation of early aerial photographs for comparison of movement rates.
Public Interpretation Possibilities:	Not applicable.
Main References:	Cecil, M. K. (1983). 'The evolution of the entrance to Shallow Inlet.' Geol. Surv. Vict. Unpub. Rept. 1983/71.

Sites of Geological & Geomorphological Significance - Figure 34

Shallow Inlet (south and north)

Image: Marine and Coastal Parks Sites of Significance

Crest of precipitation ridge, Shallow inlet

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