Potential Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping for the Mallee CMA, Victoria

The Mallee Catchment Management Authority area in Victoria, Australia, is covered by this dataset of potential Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs). It was created by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action using a GIS overlay model with satellite remote sensing, geological, and groundwater monitoring data from circa 1995 to 2005. The mapping identifies landscape locations where ecosystems are likely to be at least partly dependent on groundwater, serving as a first step for further assessment.

Use Cases

• Identify areas potentially vulnerable to groundwater extraction based on the mapped GDE locations.
• Plan field validation studies for groundwater dependence based on the model's potential GDE polygons.
• Inform regional land-use planning to avoid impacts on ecosystems likely dependent on groundwater.
• Support initial screening for environmental impact assessments related to drainage or groundwater pumping activities.

Strengths

• Based on a multi-source GIS overlay model using satellite remote sensing, geological, and groundwater data.
• Covers a specific administrative region (the Mallee CMA area) within the state of Victoria.
• Provides a defined first-step screening method for identifying potential GDEs across an entire state.

Limitations

• Validation through field assessment has not been performed, and the model is expected to overestimate terrestrial GDE extent.
• The core data used in the modelling is largely from 1995 to 2005, which may affect current relevance.
• The dataset does not indicate the degree of groundwater dependence or the amount of groundwater used.

Provenance

Source

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Collection Method

GIS overlay model utilizing satellite remote sensing data, geological data, and groundwater monitoring data.

Time Range

Core modelling data is largely circa 1995 to 2005.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-08 21:48:28.940485; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Mallee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) area, Victoria, Australia.