Hose, K.; Mitchell, B.; Gwyther, J.; (School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University)

The Corangamite Basin in Western Victoria contains one of the most extensive areas of inland salt lakes of varying size and salinity in the world. Saline lakes are particularly threatened by climate change and many of the lakes in the region have been listed as ecologically valuable areas, and are protected by Ramsar, JAMBA and CAMBA. 
This study provides a ‘snap shot’ of the ecological character of seven of the lakes that are found in the region; Lake Corangamite, Lake Colac, Lake Beeac, Lake Martin, Lake Cundare, Lake Gnarpurt and Lough Calvert. The results from this field survey are compared with those from previous studies in order to provide a basis for assessing changes to the ecological integrity of the lakes which may have resulted from the extended low rainfall period experienced by the region during the last several years. 
The major components of this study include: 

• Literature review of existing published ecological information including sediments, water quality, flora and fauna 
• Survey of current ecological conditions of seven target lakes 
• Discussion of potential climate change and land-use effects. 

The Corangamite Basin in Western Victoria contains one of the most extensive areas of inland salt lakes of varying size and salinity in the world. Saline lakes are particularly threatened by climate change and many of the lakes in the region have been listed as ecologically valuable areas, and are protected by Ramsar, JAMBA and CAMBA.| This study provides a ?snap shot? of the ecological character of seven of the lakes that are found in the region; Lake Corangamite, Lake Colac, Lake Beeac, Lake Martin, Lake Cundare, Lake Gnarpurt and Lough Calvert. The results from this field survey are compared with those from previous studies in order to provide a basis for assessing changes to the ecological integrity of the lakes which may have resulted from the extended low rainfall period experienced by the region during the last several years.

CCMA Library

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority