6.15 p.m. at the University of Melbourne

Fritz Loewe Theatre, Earth Sciences Building, cnr Swanston & Elgin Sts.

Preceded at 5.30 p.m. by drinks and nibbles in the tea-room, 4th floor. $2/person

*This replaces the usual meeting on the last Thursday of the month

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Tony Crawford’s outstanding contribution to the comprehension of Victorian geology is in the area of the petrology and geochemistry of Cambrian igneous rocks and their implications for Victorian and Lachlan Fold Belt tectonics. Both his honours and doctoral studies were focused on the linear exposures of upthrust Cambrian rocks that frame much of Victoria’s Palaeozoic geology and, in the years since, he has continued with this work and published a series of important papers on Victorian geology and the wider Lachlan Fold Belt.

Virtually nothing was known of the geochemistry of Victoria’s Cambrian metavolcanics before Tony undertook his BSc(Hons) and PhD studies at the University of Melbourne. Those studies and his subsequent research permitted the recognition of three geochemical-tectonic associations within the metavolcanics: a latest Neoproterozoic rift–drift group, an intra-oceanic arc group, and a post-collisional group. Recognition of these associations has provided a means to relate the Victorian Palaeozoic and uppermost Neoproterozoic to parts of Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales. Conversely, mafic–ultramafic complexes similar to the Cambrian igneous rocks of Victoria which Tony has studied in Tasmania are much better preserved there and permit the drawing of conclusions about Victorian tectonics beyond those reasonable if based on Victorian rocks alone.

Tony made the important recognition of the presence of boninitic basalts amongst the Cambrian metavolcanics of Victoria. Boninites, distinctive high-magnesium basalts that are named after the Bonin volcanic arc in the western Pacific, are understood to be characteristic of an intra-oceanic island arc–backarc basin setting. His conclusion that the Lachlan Fold Belt (LFB) developed in such a tectonic setting is now supported in one form or another by most students of the LFB. Meanwhile, the interest in boninites stimulated by the Victorian rocks resulted in Tony’s editing the major reference on boninites (Boninites and Related Rocks, 1989, Unwin Hyman Ltd., London).

Industrial interest in the application of his broader LFB work to exploration in Victoria has fed demand for his workshops on the relation among petrology, geochemistry and fold belt evolution. His comparison of the Stavely volcanics in western Victoria with the richly mineralised Mt Read Volcanics of Tasmania has revealed strong similarities between the two.

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GSAV appeals against approval for inappropriate development near crater rim

Tower Hill: aerial photography by Neville Rosengren

by Susan White
Convenor Standing Committee Geological Heritage (GSA)
Convenor Geological Heritage Subcommittee (GSAV)

A serious problem has arisen in the Shire of Moyne with the approval of inappropriate development adjacent to the edge of the Tower Hill crater. It is proposed that a house and large shed be built high in the landscape of the southern rim. This is the lowest part of the crater rim and is one of the main views to the secondary volcanoes in the centre of the crater. Although some buildings already occur low on the slopes, this is the first application to build high on the outer slope of the crater. The GSA, in conjunction with the National Trust and several local residents, will be appealing the decision at VCAT.

Tower Hill is a basaltic maar volcano. Its morphology includes a 90m high outer rim composed of interbedded ash, lapilli and scoria, a lake and three central islands of coarse lapilli, spatter scoria and minor lava flows. Features formed by “phreato” magmatic eruptions typify the stratigraphy of the outer rim. These include accretionary lapilli layers, base surge cross-bedding, planar-bedded and massive airfall deposits, limestone and basalt bombs and a local unconformity. It is regarded as one of the youngest and the best-preserved maars in Victoria, and is amongst the largest known in the world. The proposed buildings are too high on the crater wall. Such buildings, and any others that might later be proposed, should be built much lower down the slope and closer to the main road, so as not to obstruct the overall view of the shape of the crater’s outer wall.

Tower Hill is a site of major geological significance, listed by the Geological Society of Australia, Victoria Division as of International Significance (Site PR12), and listed on the Register of the National Estate (Place No. 15250). It is therefore known around the world, and attracts many overseas tourists. It is one of only 42 significant volcanic sites in Victoria, of which only 5 are classified Internationally Significant. Sites in this category are rare in the world and/or, by the nature of their scale and state of preservation or display, are comparable with examples known internationally. Such sites are widely known by the international geological community and could be included on an international register of sites of scientific significance and would rate listing by the Australian Department of Environment and Heritage. It is described by Joyce and King (p. 131 in Geological Features of the National Estate in Victoria: an Inventory Prepared for the Australian Heritage Commission 1980) as “One of the most important and spectacular geological features in Victoria”. The National Estate Register describes it as “an outstanding teaching and research site”.

The view of the southwest slopes of Tower Hill, seen from the Princes Highway, echoes that of early marine observers Baudin and Flinders. Both saw it from the sea, to the southwest, and looking towards the long southwest slope and the low gap that provided them with the unique sight of the central cones. These can now be seen by all from the Princes Highway when travelling from Port Fairy to Warrnambool. This is one of the great views of the Western Plains, comparable with that from Mt Leura, Mt Noorat and Mt Rouse. The presence of even a single building will do irrevocable harm to this vista, and perhaps in turn lead to further applications for building permits. The applicant is asking for permission to build where they may have a splendid view, but to the detriment of every other viewer of this striking landscape.

Tower Hill was recognized as a significant geological feature and designated as a public reserve in 1892. It has a long heritage of conservation activities, being one of the first parts of the Victoria to be declared a National Park. Unfortunately this 1892 designation was not followed by measures to protect the area from overgrazing and weed infestation, which subsequently caused widespread degradation of the landscape. Designation as a State Game Reserve in 1961 led to better protection, but it was not until later in the 1960s that the area was rehabilitated with a pioneering and ambitious program of revegetation using volunteer labour. The work involved planting more than 300,000 trees to a design based on an 1855 painting of the site by Eugene von Guerard. Although the centre part of the maar crater is reserved, the integrity of the overall feature would be damaged by inappropriate development.

The site is of immense importance scientifically. It is one of the one of the largest maars in the world and has an excellent record of eruptive sequences. The numerous nested craters and mounds, as well as the important palynological record indicate that it is one of the recently active volcanoes in Victoria, making it an outstanding teaching and research site and well suited for public access and interpretation (N Rosengren 1994: Eruption Points of the Newer Volcanics Province of Victoria, GSA Vic. & National Trust Vic., p 281). Recent palynological research work and dating of Tower Hill was published by John Sherwood of Deakin University Warrnambool, and others, in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 116 69–76, and this major scientific study now revises the eruption date of Tower Hill to 35,000 years ago, very young for this volcanic area.

Over the last decade, major planning problems have arisen around other maar sites e.g. near the town of Camperdown, in the Shire of Corangamite in Western Victoria. In spite of a long-standing planning overlay, a consultants’ report commissioned by the Shire of Corangamite and a recent public planning hearing, the Shire planners continued to come into vigorous conflict with local citizens protesting proposed housing developments, particularly inside the spectacular craters of Lakes Bullenmerri and Gnotuk. One aspect of the arguments against development has been the aesthetic values of the landscape; another has been its scientific heritage significance. It would be a pity if similar ongoing problems arose in the Tower Hill area.

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by Noel Schleiger
Convenor Education Subcommittee (GSAV)

With the removal of Geology from the VCE Curriculum in 1995, the Education Subcommittee has had to change its function. Prior to 1995, its main purpose was the setting and marking of the annual examination papers. In recent years, one of the main aims of the Education Subcommittee has been to feed interest in geology across the wider community. Considering modern errors, such education is needed. Over the last decade or so, the Subcommittee has produced Introducing Victorian Geology and Roadside Geology – Melbourne to Ballarat . The main users of such publications include Field Naturalists Clubs, geology classes of the University of the Third Age as well as certain environmental courses in Technical Education (TAFE) throughout Victoria.

The layman always shows interest in geomorphology and structural geology as these provide the tourist with data to interpret the geological history of the landscape. There is always scope to demonstrate how the basic geology of an area controls the type of vegetation when taken in relation to altitude and climate. Modern concepts such as plate tectonics, extinction events, palaeoclimates and evolution in the history of the earth also impinge on tracing the local geological history.

It is important to have take-away information to disseminate to the public. This is usually done at events such as school careers nights or teachers conferences. The information can be about careers in earth sciences or illustrative material on volcanoes, plate tectonics and palaeontology (e.g. dinosaurs, mammals, megafauna etc). Teachers appreciate detailed handouts on excursions close to their school areas where sites to be visited are safe and clearly significant (e.g. Merri Creek Basalt along the Eastern Freeway, shore platform details along the Mornington Peninsula).

The GSAV is presently working on updating its educational publications. New editions of Introducing Victorian Geology and Roadside Geology are in the pipeline as well as excursion notes (amongst other things) suitable for secondary school teachers.

If anyone would like to join the Education Subcommittee to help with ideas on how the public can better appreciate the geology of Victoria, please contact me on 9435 8408.

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The GSAV is compiling a digital databank of photos that can be used to promote Victorian geology. We all have at least a few great photos of Victorian geology or of geologists at work in Victoria ... dig yours out now and give them the audience they deserve. Email zipped .jpg files to Leisa Brough: leisa.brough@chisholm.vic.edu.au OR mail on CD to Leisa Brough c/- Applied Sciences & Horticulture, Chisholm Institute of TAFE, PO Box 684 Dandenong 3175. Format: please send .jpg files of at least 800 x 600 pixels in size if possible. Include your name, date taken and subject of each photo, and where appropriate, a brief description.

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Geological Society of Australia Annual General Meeting

When:	Wednesday 28 September 2005 at 5.00 p.m.
Where:	Main Geology Lecture Theatre (Room 211), School of Earth Sciences,
	University of Tasmania (Earl Street entrance), Sandy Bay.
Details:	Copies of the 2005 agenda and the 2004 minutes and accounts are available
	from Sue Fletcher at the GSA on sue@gsa.org.au

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Dampier Rock Art

When:	4–12 October 2005, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.
Where:	St Francis Pastoral Centre, cnr Lonsdale & Elizabeth Sts Melbourne
Details:	Free exhibition of photos and art work. See Geotimes November 2004 pp10–11.

The Dampier Archipelago in the Pilbara region of north-western Australia features what is regarded as the world’s largest concentration of petroglyphs (rock engravings or carvings). It also possesses a major corpus of standing stones, similar to megalithic monuments in Europe, the largest such occurrence in Australia. This outstanding body of Aboriginal rock art is considered to be the greatest non-European cultural heritage property in Australia, and is thus one of the major heritage sites in the world.

Geoscience Australia: Earth Science Week 9–15 October 2005

There will be much activity around the country. If you have an event underway, please advise Jess Tyler, GSA Publicity and Media, so that all our events can be lodged with the national Earth Science Week calendar. Call 0408 298 292 or email publicity@gsa.org.au

To view the Earth Science Week flyer and for more information, go to the Geoscience Australia website: www.ga.gov.au/about/event/index.jsp

What’s hot?

When: 25 November 2005 Where: Monash University Details: Rick.Squire@sci.monash.edu.au

Oral and poster presentations are invited for this LAVA one-day symposium. Email Rick Squire for more information.

Shortcourse in volcanic processes, products, successions & resources: modern and ancient systems

When: 27 November – 3 December 2005
Where: Residential course at Black Dolphin Motel, Merimbula
Details: Contact Ray Cas on 9905 4884 / 9905 4897 or ray.cas@sci.monash.edu.au

This professional shortcourse is presented by Monash University Volcanology Research Group; the Australian Crustal Research Centre; the School of Geosciences at the University of Rome; and the Predictive Mineral Deposits Cooperative Research Centre. Run annually since 1982, this regularly updated course includes three days of lectures (including practical work) and two outstanding field days for geoscientists from industry and government as well as researchers and academics

– anyone who needs to understand physical volcanic processes, deposit characteristics, the identification of rock types and their emplacement origins, facies and stratigraphic architecture of volcanic and sub-volcanic successions, rock unit relationships and timing.

Book now: numbers are limited. Contact Professor Ray Cas for brochure and booking form, or email meaghan.mcdougall@sci.monash.edu.au

Joint NZ/Aust hydrology and soil science meeting

When: 27 November - 2 December 2005
Where: Auckland

For information about this meeting, look up the websites of the New Zealand Hydrological Society (www.hydrologynz.org.nz/ak1cir.html), the International Association of Hydrogeologists (Australian Chapter) (www.iah.asn.au) and the New Zealand Soil Science Society (www.hydrologynz.org.nz).

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Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2006 – “Resourcing Our Future”

When: 2-6 July 2006
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Details: www.earth2006.org.au

Themes include mineral resources, energy resources, environmental and engineering geoscience, geodynamics of the earth’s evolution, resourcing geoscience and innovation in geoscience. Also workshops, excursions and a trade exhibition. Something for everyone!

Conference office: The Meeting Planners, 91-97 Islington St Collingwood Vic 3066 Phone: +61 3 9417 0888 Email: earth2006@meetingplanners.com.au

AESC update: Planning is now well-advanced. Please note the following:

The convention begins Sunday 2 July with opening ice breaker at 5 p.m. Registration and exhibition area open from 3 p.m. onwards. The conference concludes 5 p.m. Thursday 6 July with a closing ceremony and drinks. Each day will begin with a Plenary “Hot Topics” Lecture. The following Plenary speakers have been confirmed:
*Dr Tim Flannery (SA Museum): Environmental Change

*Prof Steve Self (Open University): Volcanic eruptions and impact on climate

*Dr Nick Sheard (Inco, Platinum Sponsor): The mining industry and the future

*Dr Tom Whiting (BHP-Billiton; provisional acceptance): Resources and innovation

*Dr Robin Batterham (Chief Technologist, RioTinto): Energy, Uranium and

Geosequestration

The remainder of the program will be a very interesting balance of symposia, workshops, fieldtrips and exhibitions on fundamental research, industry-related, environmental and resourcing and innovation-related themes. See the AESC website for a detailed list of themes and symposia titles: http://www.earth2006.org.au

The website is now open for submission of abstracts. Deadline for this is 15 December 2005. Registrations may be made via the website from September onwards. Early Bird deadline is 31 March 2006.

The organising committee is delighted with the interest being shown by a range of organisations in sponsorship and exhibition opportunities. See website for details. International explorer and miner Inco has signed on as the Conference Platinum Sponsor, and the Victorian Department for Primary Industy has signed on as a Gold Sponsor.

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D E Thomas Medal

The silver Thomas Medal is offered each year for the best geological map produced by a Victorian Honours level student in Victoria. It commemorates the former head of the Victorian Geological Survey, a geologist who was famous for his detailed and precise mapping. Unfortunately this year’s candidates did not meet the award criteria, so no medal will be awarded. Consideration is being given to the possibility of updating the award criteria to bring them into line with current practices.

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Australia Post “Creatures of the Slime” Stamp Issue

Six stamps illustrating Australian Ediacaran fossils are currently in circulation. The images are based on research within the Monash University School of Geosciences headed by Professor Pat Vickers-Rich. Check out the Australia Post website: http://www.auspost.com.au/philatelic/stamps/ intro.htm and follow the links to Stamp Shop – Pacific Explorer – Creatures of the Slime.

Newsletter

If you currently receive a paper copy of the newsletter by post and would prefer to receive your Victorian Geologist by email, please notify Lindsay Thomas via thomas@unimelb.edu.au. The majority of members already receive their newsletters by email, as it is easier to keep in touch with updates and notices in between newsletter issues. Saves paper as well!

Please send newsletter contributions to Marilyn Moore at me.moore@bigpond.com or mail c/- Geotrack International, 37 Melville Road, West Brunswick, Victoria 3055. Deadline for newsletter contributions is the first Friday of each month.

GSA (VICTORIA DIVISION) 2005 COMMITTEE

Please address all correspondence to the GSA Victoria Division, GPO Box 2355, Melbourne, Vic., 3001

Internet address: www.vic.gsa.org.au

OFFICE BEARERS			COMMITTEE
Chair:	David Moore	9658 4513 (BH)	Leisa Brough	9727 4898 (AH)
Vice-chair:	Stephen Gallagher	8344 6513 (BH)	Rob Duncan	9905 1127 (BH)
Secretary:	Peter Pritchard	9439 9582	Geof Fethers	8420 6280 (BH)
Treasurer:	Lindsay Thomas	0427 354 828	Tracy Hassell	0407 113 361
			Jodie Miller
			Marilyn Moore	9844 1072
SUBCOMMITTEE	CONTACTS		Noel Schleiger	9435 8408
Awards:	Ingrid Campbell	9486 7160	David Taylor	9658 4622 (BH)
Bicentennial Gold:	Gerhard Krummei	9820 2595	Fons VandenBerg	9658 4519 (BH)
Education:	Noel Schleiger	9435 8408	Sue White	9328 4154
Heritage:	Sue White	9328 4154	Andy Wilde	9905 1140 (BH)
Membership:	Leisa Brough	9727 4898 (AH)
Newsletter:	Marilyn Moore	9844 1072
Program:	Andy Wilde	9905 1140 (BH)
Publications:	vacant
Publicity	vacant
Webmaster:	Jodie Miller