DEAKIN University Warrnambool researchers are outraged a major landmark on a south-west volcanic discovery trail has been destroyed.
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Dr John Sherwood, an Honorary Professor at Deakin University, said rock crushing on private land had ruined part of a 36,000-year-old lava flow in the Harman Valley.
The lava flow is a popular tourist destination near Byaduk, south of Hamilton, and an important part of the Kanawinka Geopark.
It has a viewpoint on the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road, with interpretive signs installed by Southern Grampians Shire, that now look over cleared paddocks.
“Victoria has lost an important part of its heritage that had irreplaceable tourism, educational and research significance,” Dr Sherwood said.
“In this case it’s done and can’t be undone, but state legislation is needed to make sure something like this never happens again,” he said.
“Who knows what may have been lost through this rock crushing,” Dr Sherwood said.
“We know there were two lava caves in the area and other significant features,” he said.
Professor James Dunbar, also from Deakin University, said he was flabbergasted when he took his grandson in June to see the geological feature, which covers about a square kilometre, and found it gone.
He understood that rock crushing work on the site had been continuing since December last year.
The two have been joined by Emeritus Professor Peter Tyler in calling for a full investigation into how the lava flow was able to be damaged.
They have also called for new state or federal planning powers to protect sites with geological, ecological and cultural significance.
A Southern Grampians Shire spokeswoman said the shire had six months ago advised those involved with the work that a planning permit was needed but no application had been lodged.
The spokeswoman said most of the lava flow was listed as being culturally sensitive and under the protection of the lead agency, Aboriginal Victoria.
She understood Aboriginal Victoria had placed a stop work action on the site and Aboriginal Victoria was the lead agency in the investigation.
Aboriginal Victoria Heritage said it was in consultation with the landowner and action was being taken.