Potential Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems in West Gippsland, Victoria

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority area contains potential terrestrial Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) identified through a state-wide screening analysis. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action created this dataset using a GIS overlay model with satellite remote sensing, geological, and groundwater monitoring data. The mapping, last updated in 2026, is a first step in identifying ecosystems potentially threatened by drainage or groundwater pumping.

Use Cases

• Prioritize field validation sites based on mapped potential GDE locations.
• Assess regional environmental risks from groundwater extraction or drainage activities.
• Model landscape-scale water dependencies using the GIS overlay methodology described.
• Identify wetland and terrestrial areas with consistent summer growth patterns indicative of groundwater use.

Strengths

• Dataset is derived from a state-wide screening analysis applied across Victoria.
• Model integrates multiple data sources: satellite remote sensing, geological data, and groundwater monitoring.
• Data is provided in multiple geospatial formats (TAB, SHP, GDB, WMS, WFS).

Limitations

• Validation through field assessment has not been performed; the model likely overestimates GDE extent.
• Core modelling data is largely from circa 1995 to 2005, which may affect current relevance.
• The mapping does not indicate the degree of groundwater dependence, only potential locations.

Provenance

Source

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action via data.gov.au

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Core modelling data is largely circa 1995 to 2005.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-09 02:05:08.221402.

Geography

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) area, Victoria, Australia.