Potential Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping for the Wimmera CMA, Victoria

Potential Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem (GDE) mapping for the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority area in Victoria. The dataset was created by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action using a GIS overlay model integrating satellite remote sensing, geological, and groundwater monitoring data from circa 1995 to 2005. It identifies landscape locations of potential terrestrial GDEs, including wetlands, as a first step in assessing ecosystems that may be threatened by drainage or groundwater pumping.

Use Cases

• Identify potential terrestrial ecosystems dependent on groundwater based on satellite-derived evapotranspiration and growth patterns.
• Screen for wetland and riparian areas at potential risk from groundwater extraction or drainage activities.
• Prioritize regions for field validation of groundwater dependence using the model's spatial outputs.
• Support regional environmental planning by overlaying GDE potential with land use or development maps.

Strengths

• Integrates multiple data sources: satellite remote sensing, geological data, and groundwater monitoring.
• Covers the entire state of Victoria, with this extract focusing on the Wimmera CMA area.
• Provides a defined, multi-criteria methodology based on groundwater access, seasonal water use, and growth patterns.

Limitations

• Validation through field assessment has not been performed; the model likely overestimates terrestrial GDE extent.
• Core data used in modelling is largely from 1995 to 2005, which may not reflect current conditions.
• Does not indicate the degree of groundwater dependence or the amount of groundwater used.

Provenance

Source

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (Victoria)

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Core modelling data circa 1995 to 2005.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-09 00:09:54.997222; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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