Overview
| Land Area | 262,402 hectares |
| Population | 15,512 |
| Main Towns | Bannockburn Winchelsea Inverleigh Cressy Anakie Lismore |
| Climate | 548 mm per annum at Berrybank 509 mm per annum at Bannockburn |
| Land Use | Sheep grazing Cropping |
| Main Industries | Agriculture Wind power generation |
| Natural Features | Barwon River Leigh River Moorabool River Woady Yaloak River Inverleigh Flora and Fauna reserve Mount Anakie |
Landscape
This landscape system is situated to the north and west of Geelong, and runs across the region south of the Northern Uplands area. Along its southern extremity it basically follows the Princes Highway to Birregurra before heading north to the Hamilton Highway. It then follows to the north of the Hamilton Highway to the region’s western boundary. It includes the towns of Bannockburn, Winchelsea, Inverleigh, Cressy, Anakie and Lismore. This landscape includes portions of the Corangamite, Colac Otway, Surf Coast, Golden Plains and Greater Geelong local government areas. It includes part of the Wadawurrung traditional lands as well as a small portion of Eastern Maar country. It is predominantly in the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion and the vast majority of the land is in private ownership.
The landform of the Basalt Plain is generally flat to gently undulating, rising only up to 20 metres. The major rivers in this area include the Leigh, Moorabool and Woady Yaloak rivers (originating in the Northern Uplands) and the Barwon which flows from the Otways via the Barwon Plains landscape system. Other important waterways include Mia Mia, Five Mile and Warrambine creeks. Sections of the Barwon River and Hovell Creek occur to the east.
Key values identified in this landscape system include:
• known rare and threatened species
• significant Ecological Vegetation Classes and wetland vegetation condition
• significant bird species and important bird habitat
• significant fish, reptile and amphibian species
• recreation, including camping, fishing, picnicking and game hunting
• areas of drought refuge.
Livelihood
Relative soil productivity on private agricultural land across the Basalt Plains is the lowest in the Corangamite region outside of Ballarat and Geelong cities. Relative soil productivity is low to moderate across the area, with some higher productivity patches scattered in the west, and the lowest productivity concentrated near the eastern boundary.
The land is generally used for agricultural purposes, including sheep grazing with some areas of cropping. Paddocks often feature piles of rocks and boulders that have been cleared out of the soil to increase cultivation. In recent years the Basalt Plains have seen the installation of a number of wind farms.
One of the major transformations to the Basalt Plains has been the removal of rocks from paddocks to enable them to be cultivated. This has substantially increased the productivity of primary production across the Basalt Plains but has had a major impact on native grasslands. Invasive plant species including Serrated Tussock and Chilean Needle Grass also present a major threat to both agriculture and native grasslands.
Lifestyle
The Basalt Plains has a population of over 15,500 – around 3.8% of the Corangamite region – and is the sixth most populous area of the region. Although the largest landscape system by area, the Basalt Plains has a low population density. The most densely populated area of the Basalt Plains is the township of Bannockburn.
The changing demographic of the farming sector is of concern, as the average age of full-time farmers increases with fewer younger people taking over the operation of farms. Farms changing their principal business is also an issue, with wind farming and soft wood plantations becoming more prevalent.
Subdivision of larger properties and a growth in hobby farms is notable, particularly in the east of the Basalt Plains, in closer proximity to Geelong around townships such as Inverleigh, Bannockburn and Anakie. The new demographic introduced by these lifestyle properties increases the need for education on appropriate land management practices.
Landcare groups in this area include the Maude and District, Corio, Brisbane Ranges, Batesford-Fyansford-Stonehaven, Barrabool Hills, Leigh District and Cundare Duverney groups.
Assessment of current condition and trends
The Basalt Plains ares dominated by exotic pasture/grassland, with scattered dryland cropping and native pasture/grasslands – the majority of the region’s dryland cropping occurs here.
Water
Major waterways of the Basalt Plains include sections of the Woady Yaloak River and tributaries (flowing into the Western District Lakes), the Leigh, Barwon and Moorabool Rivers, and Hovell Creek in the east.
The Basalt Plains falls under three catchment basins – Lake Corangamite, Barwon River and Moorabool River Basins. Assessed in the Victorian Index of Stream Condition (ISC) in 2010, the overall condition of the Basalt Plains’ waterways ranged from very poor to moderate, with no sites scoring as good or excellent condition, and ranging condition distributed randomly across the three basins. Generally, water quality across the Moorabool, Barwon and Corangamite basins was moderate despite their heavily modified environment.
For the waterways of the Lake Corangamite Basin, drought generally has a significant effect on flow stress, with the Gnarkeet chain of ponds reach among the most affected. Flow stress was particularly high in all three sites of the Woady Yaloak River, which suffered from summer stress with extended periods of low flow. Alternatively, Little Woady Yallock Creek exhibited flows in near natural condition.
Of the waterways assessed from the Barwon River Basin, two reaches from the Mia Mia Creek had highly modified hydrology. One third of the Barwon River Basin’s assessed waterways showed summer stress and extended periods of low flows in summer.
For the waterway reaches tested from the Moorabool River Basin, flow regimes were the most highly modified of the whole Corangamite region. One of the reaches from the Basalt Plains, part of the Moorabool River, had an extremely modified flow regime and experienced extended periods of low flow in summer and winter, as well as zero flow periods in summer.
As the Barwon River flows from the upper catchment into the mid reaches from Winchelsea, through the rural farmlands of the plains to Geelong, the water source from the Leigh River provides additional flow. However, in data collected through citizen science program Waterwatch between 2005-2020 a decline in some water quality indicators is evident. Increases in salinity and phosphorus occur in a downstream direction and can be partially attributed to inflow from the Leigh River. All sites experience either excessive macrophyte or algal growth, particularly over the summer and autumn seasons, potentially creating dissolved oxygen peaks and troughs. This is supported by the macroinvertebrates present, the majority being pollution tolerant, indicating the waterway to be moderately to heavily impacted. Reduced native riparian vegetation – even complete removal of vegetation – lack of instream aquatic habitat and unrestricted stock access all impact on the water quality and the aquatic organisms present.
Where the Moorabool has its confluence with the Barwon, the water quality has declined, with increased salinity possibly associated with discharges from the Batesford quarry. The habitat quality is degraded throughout the Moorabool catchment. A lack of riparian vegetation, unrestricted stock access and poor aquatic habitat are evident. The implementation of environmental flows has improved the overall water quality in the Moorabool River, particularly the East Branch, whilst over time it appears dissolved oxygen levels have marginally declined.
As the Barwon River enters the city of Geelong the water quality is reasonably healthy for a lowland river, with the exception of phosphorus levels which are likely to stimulate algal blooms over the warmer seasons. The macroinvertebrate community supports this, displaying mild impacts.
Biodiversity
The highest biodiversity values in the Basalt Plains occur in the larger public land areas, such as Inverleigh Nature Conservation Reserve, the You Yangs State Park and across a small number of grassland reserves. The grasslands are the dominant vegetation community with scattered trees and shrubs.
Vegetation quality of the waterways from the Lake Corangamite Basin portion of the Basalt Plains is generally poor. For the waterways of the Barwon River Basin part, vegetation condition was generally poor or moderate. The waterways of the Moorabool River Basin from the Basalt Plains have generally moderate vegetation quality, although most sites have limited numbers of large trees.
The lower reach of the Moorabool, from She Oaks weir to the confluence with the Barwon river, contains eight species of native fish including Tupong, Southern pygmy perch, Australian grayling (listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act 1999), Common galaxid and Spotted galaxid (ARI, 2015). There are nine weirs in this reach that are a significant barrier to fish. These barriers have increased the extent of slow flowing habitat and reduced habitat diversity in the lower reach of the Moorabool. However, recent scientific research has identified that high river flows in 2010-11 contributed significantly to recolonisation of migratory and estuarine fish species in the lower reach, highlighting the importance of high flows in creating habitat linkages between weirs in the Moorabool (ARI, 2015).
There are a number of endangered ecological vegetation classes within this landscape system including Creekline Grassy Woodland, Alluvial Terraces Herb rich Woodland, Plains Grassy Woodland, Plains Grassy Wetland, Grassy Woodland, Plains Grassland, Floodplain Riparian Woodland, Creekline Herb-rich Woodland, Red Gum Wetland, Plains Woodland/Plains Grassland Mosaic, Stream Bank Shrubland, Grassy Woodland/Heathy Dry Forest Complex, Plains Sedgy Wetland and Brackish Drainage-line Aggregate.
Land
Relative soil productivity on private agricultural land across the Basalt Plains is the lowest in the Corangamite region outside of Ballarat and Geelong cities. Relative soil productivity is low to moderate across the area, with some higher productivity patches scattered in the west, and the lowest productivity concentrated near the eastern boundary.
DELWP’s Victorian Land Cover Time Series provides a snapshot of the changes in land cover types in five-year increments between 1985-2019. The most common land cover classes in the Basalt Plains are non-native pasture and dryland cropping, both occupying around 40% of the total area. Native grass herb is the next most common class, while exotic woody vegetation, native trees, native scattered trees and seasonal wetlands each constitute a moderate amount of the landscape system (each between 1-2% of the total area). Over the 30-year time period, non-native pasture decreased significantly, dropping from 67% to around 40%; the biggest decrease in this land cover class across all landscape systems of the Corangamite region. Conversely, dryland cropping has increased substantially, from 12% to almost 40% of the total Basalt Plains.
Community
The Basalt Plains has a population of over 15,500 – around 3.8% of the Corangamite region – and is the sixth most populous area of the region. Although the largest landscape system by area, the Basalt Plains has a low population density. The most densely populated area of the Basalt Plains is the township of Bannockburn.
Landcare groups in this area include the Maude and District, Corio, Brisbane Ranges, Batesford-Fyansford-Stonehaven, Barrabool Hills, Leigh District and Cundare Duverney groups. These are supported by the Lismore Land Protection Group, Leigh Catchment Group, Upper Barwon Landcare Network and Geelong Landcare Network.
Other environmental groups in the Landscape System:
- Friends of Bannockburn Bush
- Friends of Inverleigh Flora and Fauna Reserve
- Friends of Teesdale Grassy Woodlands
- Friends of the Brisbane Ranges
- Inverleigh Leigh River Public Open Space
- Lismore Land Protection Group
Major threats and drivers of change
Most major threats are natural processes, (albeit some are the consequences of land clearing, agricultural, forestry and urban development and on-going activity). The consequences of these threats impacting on land and agriculture have also become greater. For instance, built infrastructure has spread across wider areas with a larger proportion of the population served by various utilities, roads etc. A growing and expanding human population requires larger volumes of water. High value biodiversity, wetlands and cultural heritage sites are considered more significant and valuable as their number has declined.
Climate change and activities that modify natural flow such as drainage, diversion and extraction and agricultural runoff, along with agricultural impacts such as grazing and invasive species are major threats.
Water
The greatest threat to the Barwon and Moorabool River Catchments occurs from landuse and consumptive water extraction both within and up-stream of the Basalt Landscape System. For instance, the combined effects of groundwater extraction in the Upper Moorabool River catchment near Ballarat combined with water stored in farm dams and water extracted for town water supply, industrial and stock purposes has resulted in significantly reduced flows in the Moorabool Catchment. Similarly, water extracted for urban water supply and agricultural use in the Barwon Catchment has significantly impacted flows. The recent Long Term Water Resource Assessment showed that flows in the Barwon and Moorabool Rivers had declined by 11% and 20% since 2006 respectively and that the reductions in flow have disproportionally fallen on the environment relative to consumptive use. The declining trend in flows is predicted to continue due to the impacts of climate change.
Much of the Barwon, Leigh and Moorabool rivers and their associated tributaries have been subjected to grazing pressures. Livestock access to waterways can erode banks, damage riparian vegetation and reduce water quality through sedimentation and effluent contamination.
The Corangamite Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 outlines priority management activities to address water quality threats in the Mid-Barwon landscape. These include:
- Establish terrestrial pest animal control – rabbit control
- Establish native indigenous vegetation
- Install riparian fencing
- Establish stewardship/management agreement
- Establish non-woody and/or woody weed control
- Undertake assessment and management of fish barriers in the Barwon and Moorabool catchments
- Establish invasive species assessment and management
- Investigate stream instabilities
- Implement best management practice on grazing properties (Barwon River)
- Undertake an assessment of instream habitat (large wood) density
- Investigate and manage urban stormwater/water quality impacts in line with whole of water cycle management principles
- Implement the Barwon through Geelong Management Plan and Barwon River Parklands Strategy
- Comply with bulk entitlements, monitor and maintain waterway condition and implement risk management plans as appropriate (Wurdiboluc Reservoir)
- Maintain the discharge into the Moorabool River from Batesford Quarry as a beneficial environmental use – as per the Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy (Moorabool River)
- Maintain Waterwatch groups collecting baseline data on waterway condition.
Biodiversity
Major threats to biodiversity in this landscape system include inappropriate land use, water quality and quantity, native vegetation removal, urban encroachment, wildfire, Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Invasion by introduced plant species such as Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma) and the impact of feral grazers such as rabbits have a major impact on native vegetation. Feral predators including foxes and cats have the major impact on native fauna. Willows (Salix spp.) are a Weed of National Significance and are known to adversely impact waterways through reducing water quality and availability, increasing erosion and flooding potential, and reducing aquatic and riparian biodiversity. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was identified as a threat to significant bird species.
The Moorabool is a highly regulated river, and changes to hydrology and geomorphology may have detrimentally impacted river function and ecology. Farm dams and irrigation diversions can also have a detrimental impact through alterations of flow regime and water quality. Lack of adequate flows or changes to the flow regime – including the timing, magnitude or frequency of flows at different times of the year – can pose a risk to biodiversity. Without provision of critical dry period low flows, there wouldn’t be sufficiently deep pools of water to ensure survival of many aquatic species. Low flows during the drier months also provide minimum water velocity for mixing of pools, reducing the risk of stratification and poor water quality. Freshes, or small “pulses” of water, delivered in the wet period are critical to create spawning opportunities for fish and other fauna. Without adequate freshes, populations of species would reduce. An extended dry conditions flow regime is likely to result in localised extinctions of a number of these species, with severely reduced opportunities for spawning and reproduction for resident and migratory fish, Growling grass frog and macroinvertebrates. Exotic fish species such as Brown trout and Redfin also pose a threat to native fish species.
Land
One of the major transformations to the Basalt Plains has been the removal of rocks from paddocks to enable them to be cultivated. This has substantially increased the productivity of primary production across the Basalt Plains but has a major impact on native grasslands. Invasive plant species including Serrated Tussock and Chilean Needle Grass also present a major threat to both agriculture and native grasslands.
Gully/tunnel erosion, wind erosion, secondary salinity, water logging, acid sulphate soils, secondary salinity and soil structure decline present the greatest threat to soils and land use within this landscape (see Static Maps section for mapped soil threats). Gullies are the most visually obvious representation of erosion in this landscape. Areas where gully erosion is known to be prevalent in this landscape sytem include sites near Dereel, Rokewood, Linton and Lismore. Wind erosion generally occurs on fallowed areas in cropping country and has the potential to threaten agricultural production due to the removal of fertile topsoil, which may end up in waterways and cause water pollution.
Community
The changing demographic of the farming sector is of concern, with the average age of full time farmers increasing and fewer younger people taking over the operation of farms. Farms changing their principal business is also an issue, with wind farming and soft wood plantations becoming more prevalent.
Subdivision of larger properties and a growth in hobby farms is notable, particularly in the east of the Basalt Plains, in closer proximity to Geelong around townships such as Inverleigh, Bannockburn and Anakie. The new demographic introduced by these lifestyle properties increases the need for education on appropriate land management practices.
The absorption and/or corporatisation of properties into conglomerates is also a threat to the communities within this landscape. Many of the smaller towns such as Anakie, Bannockburn, Inverleigh, Derrinallum and Lismore rely heavily on the agriculture sector.
The Basalt Plains has a good coverage of Landcare groups including the Maude and District, Corio, Brisbane Ranges, Batesford-Fyansford-Stonehaven, Barrabool Hills, Leigh District and Cundare Duverney groups. These are supported by the Lismore Land Protection Group, Leigh Catchment Group, Upper Barwon Landcare Network and Geelong Landcare Network.
Basalt Plains 6 Year Outcomes
Water
By 2027, compared to 2022 baselines:
There is an improvement in riparian extent and condition and water quality in priority reaches in the Basalt Plains Landscape System as defined in the Corangamite Waterway Strategy. BasWO1
Improve waterway amenity through the implementation of the Kitjarra-dja- bul bullarto langi-ut Masterplan in the Basalt Plains Landscape System. BasWO2
Increase the community understanding and awareness of water values and management. BasWO3
Understand and enhance the Eastern Maar values of the Woady Yaloak River and Mia Mia Creek and their tributaries and ensure they have a strong voice in their management. BasWO4
Understand and enhance the Wadawurrung values of the Moorabool River, Barwon River, Leigh River and Woady Yaloak River and their tributaries and ensure they have a strong voice in their management. BasWO5
Biodiversity
By 2027, compared to 2022 baselines:
Achieve a net gain in the overall extent, connectivity and condition of Basalt Plains habitats across land and waterway environments through effective climate change adaptation strategies. BasBO1
Achieve a net gain where possible in suitable Basalt Plains habitat expected over six years from sustained improved public and private land management and community involvement for threatened and culturally significant local species. BasBO2
Achieve a net gain where possible in all species with positive % change in suitable Basalt Plains habitat and improved species balance expected over six years from sustained improved public and private land management and community involvement where pest plant and animal control is also recognised. BasBO3
Increased effectiveness of interagency collaboration in their ability to respond to climate change, development pressures on biodiversity including improved management of weed control and burns on Victorian Volcanic Plains bioregion. BasBO4
Increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity values of the Basalt Plains Landscape System. BasBO5
Land
By 2027, compared to 2022 baselines:
Land in the Basalt Plains is suitably used within its capability and sustainably managed to maintain and improve its natural capital. BasLO1
Communities
By 2027, compared to 2022 baselines:
Basalt Plains communities (and visitors) are encouraged, educated and enabled to further connect with and responsibly care for the natural environment. BasCO1
Basalt Plains communities (and visitors) have an increased awareness and understanding of the connection between human activities and impacts on the environment. BasCO2
The increased capacity of the Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung Traditional Owner groups enables their increased involvement in decision making that effects their Country. BasCO3
Basalt Plains 6 Year Priority Directions
Six year regionally applicable priority directions have been developed for each of the Themes and are applicable to this landscape System, these can be accessed via the following links:
Six year priority directions for the Basalt Plains are provided in the following table. Where these priority directions apply to a theme this is indicated by the relevant shading. To access definitions of terms and acronyms click on the following link.
Code |
Priority Direction |
Relevant Theme | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Biodiversity | Land | Community | Lead | Collaborators | ||
| BAS1 | Basalt Plains landscape partners and the community collaborate to deliver a coordinated approach to natural resource management to build resilience and successfully respond to changing circumstances with clear roles and responsibilities communicated. | CCMA | DELWP, Water Authorities, EPA, SCS, GPS, CoGG, CS, PV | ||||
| BAS2 | Develop enduring partnerships with the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar people to: 1) acknowledge and enhance Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar values of natural assets; 2) ensure the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar people have a strong say in management of natural assets; 3) identify and implement appropriate mechanisms for sharing Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar stories and history; and, 4) identify and implement opportunities for the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar people to own and manage water on their country |
CCMA | WTOAC, EMAC, DELWP, Water Authorities, SCS, GPS, CS, CoGG | ||||
| BAS3 | Encourage Basalt Plains landowners to apply best practice land management by: 1) using property management planning; 2) use of Landcare networks; 3) actively researching and facilitating market drivers that promote sustainable ag/land management practices; and, 4) designing and delivering a comprehensive engagement program to support and empower farming communities |
CCMA | AgVic, Landcare | ||||
| BAS4 | Best land management practices are also implemented across other Basalt Plains cohorts including agencies, developers, and the broader catchment community | CCMA | DJPR, PV, DELWP, SCS, GPS, CS, CoGG | ||||
| BAS5 | Ensure development planning considers, minimises and where possible avoids adversely impacting floodplains, biodiversity, land and water assets including encouraging water sensitive urban design and use of integrated water management principles and requiring developers to: 1) protect and enhance native vegetation and habitat 2) protect and enhance floodplain function 3) protect cultural heritage |
SCS, CoGG, GPS, CS | CCMA, DELWP | ||||
| BAS6 | Enhance riparian management within priority waterways of the Basalt Plains as defined in the Corangamite Waterway Strategy including Yarrowee/Leigh, Moorabool and Woady Yallock Rivers | CCMA | GPS, CoGG, Landcare, Water Authorities | ||||
| BAS7 | Explore and implement cost effective water efficiency measures including demand reduction initiatives and alternative water sources by implementing the following plans and strategies: 1) Central Highlands Water Urban Water Strategy 2) Barwon Water Urban Water Strategy 3) priority projects identified by the Barwon and Central Highlands Water Integrated Water Management Forums; and, 4) relevant actions from the 2021 Central and Gippsland Sustainable Water Strategy |
Water Authorities | CCMA, DELWP, SCS, GPS, CS CoGG | ||||
| BAS8 | Manage the current environmental water entitlement for the Moorabool River to maximise downstream benefit according to the recommendations of the Flows Study | CCMA | BW, CHW, VEWH | ||||
| BAS9 | Develop an integrated masterplan for Kitjarra-dja- bul bullarto langi-ut (Barwon Rivers Parklands) and implement high priority projects | CCMA | CoGG, BW, PV, Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine, WTOAC, DELWP, GPS, G21, DHHS, SRV, BC | ||||
| BAS10 | Help farmers prepare for a more variable and uncertain future by: 1) Supporting farmers with the information and tools to build resilience 2) Preparing farmers for a range of future scenarios 3) Helping farmers manage climate risk so they remain productive and profitable under a changed climate 4) Delivering the agriculture skills of the future |
AgVic | CCMA, DELWP, SFS, Landcare | ||||
| BAS11 | Ensure community education and engagement activities are grounded in the most recent and relevant social research available and target local demographics. | CCMA | DELWP, SCS, CS, GPS, CoGG, Water Authorities | ||||
| BAS12 | Design and deliver a comprehensive education program to engage new urban and peri-urban communities in the growth corridors to connect them with their local environment and empower them to participate in NRM activities. | CCMA | SCS, GPS, CS, CoGG, Landcare | ||||
| BAS13 | Encourage and enable community participation (volunteering) 1) in on-ground environmental works to restore and protect environmental assets 2) citizen science programs |
CCMA | Landcare, SCS, CS, CoGG, GPS, | ||||
| BAS14 | Engage with the community on the need to mitigate and adapt to climate change and its impacts. | CCMA | DELWP, Landcare, SCS, GoGG, GPS, CS | ||||
| BAS15 | Integrate the understanding of new and emerging impacts such as wind farms and climate change. | DELWP | SCS, CoGG, GPS, CS | ||||
| BAS16 | Identify opportunities for Cultural Burning and implement as appropriate | WTOAC, EMAC | CCMA | ||||
| BAS17 | Action Plans are developed that leads to a 25% increase of non-Govt investment into the region to address high priority biodiversity actions | CCMA | DELWP, Landcare | ||||
| BAS18 | Develop best practice management actions to achieve an overall net gain of ‘Suitable Habitat’ for priority species by 2027 | CCMA | DELWP | ||||
| BAS19 | Engage with TO’s to develop a method based on traditional knowledge that enables improved and sustained management of problem herbivores in priority locations. | DELWP | EMAC, WTOAC | ||||
| BAS20 | Implement additional areas of sustained predator, herbivore and weed control in priority locations, reflecting Biodiversity Response Planning outputs, Strategic Management Prospects and other regional plans | DELWP | CCMA, Landcare, PV | ||||
