An Introduction to the Geology of Geelong and Surrounds

Evening Presentation and Geology Field Trip

Trevor Smith

The presentation and field trip will provide an introduction into the geological and geotechnical characteristics and challenges of the Geelong region, including the CBD area. Units discussed will include the Devonian age granite, Lower Cretaceous Otway Group rocks, Batesford Limestone, Miocene age marl, Neogene age Moorabool Viaduct Formation (Sandringham Sandstone) and the Newer Volcanics. 

This field trip will complement the presentation and provide a hands-on opportunity to visit geological exposures and discuss important characteristics of these units in the company of some of Victoria’s most experienced geotechnical practitioners.  The trip will include a visit to the Batesford Quarry which is not open to the public and has some interesting fossils.

About the presenter

Trevor Smith Tonkin and Taylor

Over his 35-year career, Trevor has worked in a wide range of geological terrains across Australia and the Asia Pacific, ranging from Archaean to Holocene age geology and stable cratons to active plate boundaries.  His landform experience covers a wide variety of terrains including ancient peneplains, Late Proterozoic glacials and modern coastal and river systems.  More recently, he has spent the last 15 years working on geotechnical projects based out of Melbourne.  He has had a long interest in the Geelong area and in 2016 was the principal author of the paper “Geology and Geotechnical Characteristics of the Geelong CBD”  presented at the AGS’s Victorian Geotechnical Symposium. 

Trevor’s extensive geotechnical experience has covered a broad range of projects, including major infrastructure, provision of expert witness advice on site classification & earthworks, planning and managing of site investigations, providing geotechnical advice for temporary and permanent structures, designing rock and soil support of slopes, investigation and design for water and tailings retention structures, construction of geotechnical models, rock excavatability and slope stability assessment (including active and historical landslides) and landslide remediation. His major infrastructure projects include Tasmania’s new Bridgewater Bridge, the Melbourne Metro Rail Project, Puhoi to Warkworth motorway tender in New Zealand, Curtis Island GLNG, Gladstone Harbour dredging, Brisbane projects the Gateway Upgrade, Inner Northern Busway and Northern Access Road, in New South Wales the Ballina Bypass and the upgrade of the Barkly Highway in Western Queensland. 

In addition to his geotechnical experience, Trevor has managed mineral exploration programmes in Australia, Papua New Guinea and India.  

Field Trip

Places on the field trip are limited to 25 people. Registration for the Field Trip is on a “first come, first served basis”. Registration will close on 20^th April 2023.

The Geology Field Trip is on Saturday 22nd of April.

Bus pick up and drop off at Southwharf DFO at 8:30 am, returning to DFO about 4:00 pm (depending on traffic).

Please note that lunch is not included in the ticket price. It is recommended that attendees bring their own pack lunch and drinks. There will be a stop at a shop where attendees can pick up some food/drink if required.

Registration Notes

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Engineers Australia members participating in AGS technical sessions can record attendance on their personal CPD logs. Members should refer to Engineers Australia CPD policy for details on CPD types, requirements and auditing guidelines.