INTRODUCTION An interpretation of airborne geophysical datasets for Honeysuckle Creek catchment in north central Victoria (Figure 1a and b), has been carried out in conjunction with the application of conventional hydrogeological techniques. Integration of existing bore data and substantial fieldwork with airborne geophysical coverages has been directed towards understanding groundwater and salinity processes in the region.
The Australian community needs better understanding and appreciation of groundwater. This knowledge will significantly assist in the sustainable extraction and use of our national groundwater resources, both now and into the future. 3-dimensional (3D) computer-generated models have the potential to impart this general awareness and bring the basic principles of hydro geology to diverse public audiences. 3D models are vibrant and exciting; we can make good use of their 'wow-factor' and generate enthusiasm for otherwise esoteric topics which lack mainstream recognition. Importantly, each model can be tailored for individual user groups and their groundwater systems, with locally significant issues given particular focus. This educational approach has successfully been applied for two headwater sub-catchments of the Condamine River, situated near Toowoomba in south-eastern Queensland. Armed with an interactive hydro stratigraphic 3D model of the Hodgson and Kings Creek district, we successfully delivered wide-ranging groundwater information to key stakeholders and the general community. Captivated by novel subterranean views and lively question-and-answer sessions, our audiences gained significant insight into important hydro geological concepts such as aquifer heterogeneity and the multi-dimensional architecture of their groundwater systems. This knowledge can subsequently be put to practical use by groundwater users, and help to guide best practice groundwater extraction, management and administration. Without this targeted and innovative approach it is difficult to envisage how such information could be conveyed as easily or as rapidly to the local community. Potential uses for 3D conceptual groundwater modelling are undoubtedly considerable and with many specific scientific applications, yet their suitability as tools for general public education should never be overlooked.
'/%3e%3c/defs%3e%3cpath fill='%23012169' d='M0 0h10080v5040H0z'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='.6' d='m0 0 6 3m0-3L0 3' clip-path='url(%23b)' transform='scale(840)'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23e4002b' stroke-width='.4' d='m0 0 6 3m0-3L0 3' clip-path='url(%23c)' transform='scale(840)'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='840' d='M2520 0v2520M0 1260h5040'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23e4002b' stroke-width='504' d='M2520 0v2520M0 1260h5040'/%3e%3cg fill='%23fff'%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23d' x='2520' y='3780'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' x='7560' y='4200'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' x='6300' y='2205'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' x='7560' y='840'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' x='8680' y='1869'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23e' x='8064' y='2730'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
'%3e%3cpath fill='%23012169' d='M0 0v30h60V0z'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='6' d='m0 0 60 30m0-30L0 30'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23C8102E' stroke-width='4' d='m0 0 60 30m0-30L0 30' clip-path='url(%23b)'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='10' d='M30 0v30M0 15h60'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23C8102E' stroke-width='6' d='M30 0v30M0 15h60'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)