Adler, R. (Hons Student,School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne);

This work examines the groundwater-surface water interactions of the Red Rock Complex, in the Volcanic Plains of Western Victoria. Until recent years, the series of lakes within the Red Rock Complex had significant social and environmental value and supported a rich ecology. Between 1998 and 2000, the lake levels declined and have not since returned. The cause of this drying has been of considerable contention within the community, as it occurred during an extended period of substantial groundwater development and a nationally recognized drought episode. A decline in a lake level can represent changes in groundwater behaviour and is often first observed by the community, although a time lag may occur between the groundwater behaviour and observed lake response. Where these lake waters have declined in quality and quantity, there is a growing conflict over economic versus environmental/ aesthetic value of groundwater-surface water systems.

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