Best-ever coastal mapping project complete

The most comprehensive and detailed geological mapping program ever conducted along the NSW coastline has today been completed.

The project was part of the Carr Government’s Comprehensive Coastal Assessment – an $8.6 million initiative launched by the Premier in 2001.

The project maps the length of the NSW coast, reaching from the Queensland border at Tweed Heads to the Hunter River and from the Illawarra to the Victorian border.

Population growth along the coast is placing immense demand on our natural resources.

This new data will strengthen planning and conservation management of the State’s major growth areas and will also assist with risk and hazard management.

The NSW coast has a geological history dating back millions of years. The new package reflects the history of sea level changes over the past 20,000 years.

The package was compiled by specialists from the Geological Survey of NSW, part of the Department of Primary Industries – Mineral Resources.

The team developed some groundbreaking approaches allowing for rapid and consistent interpretation and creation of digital products, including:

• Combined interpretation of remote satellite images with data acquired from more traditional mapping, air photo analysis and field work;
• A cutting edge geographic information systems (GIS) database, which allows the creation of maps on demand; and
• A digital mapping system using advanced techniques which allow for the display of units at different levels from the surface.

Potential clients include planners and developers, environmental and engineering consultants, the minerals industry, natural resource managers including Government agencies, community groups, universities and the general public.

A demonstration of the use of the datasets to Government agencies and local government has generated substantial interest.

While planners and local government are among the primary clients the private sector also sees great value in such high quality mapping.

Civil engineers will benefit from knowing which materials are most likely present in the near sub-surface, such as the type of alluvial mud. Some may possess higher sulphide content, which presents environmental and construction risks.

Also, the maps can identify areas containing sand and gravel resources, or areas of potential erosion should sea levels rise or storm severity increase.

Because of its massive size, this information is presented on DVD. It will be available from the Mineral Resources office in Maitland as well as through the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources.

The package will be distributed to local councils along the coast and to Catchment Management Authorities and other key bodies.

It is available for purchase at a cost of $110 and can be ordered on the internet.