3.0 Statement of Significance

The statement of significance is a succinct way of setting out why a place is important. It is on this basis that decisions, both broad and detailed, are made about the place. A standard format is used to set out these statements so that consistency can be maintained in making assessments, and comparisons made between similar sites.

3.1 Comparative Assessment

The comparison of other like places is important in providing a clear understanding of a place’s cultural significance. The method of comparison has concentrated on illustrating how the Trial Bay Gaol site relates to: • Comparable prisons erected in New South Wales during the latter half of the nineteenth century • Comparable breakwaters constructed by Harbours and Rivers Branch of the Department of Public Works • Comparable examples of penal institutions in New South Wales with a similar setting A firm basis for determination of comparative values is provided through a number of published histories of nineteenth century penal architecture and port construction in New South Wales, the two principal sources being James Semple Kerr’s Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind: Australia's Places Of Confinement, 1788-1988 (Sydney 1988) and Lenore Coltheart’s Between Wind & Water: A History Of The Ports And Coastal Waterways Of New South Wales (Sydney 1997). Comparable Prisons

New prison architecture in New South Wales during the latter half of the nineteenth century was developed by the Public Works Department under the influence of Harold Maclean, the Sheriff (later Comptroller-General) of the Prisons Department between 1864 and 1889. Maclean’s approach to penal servitude was firmly based on the principles of initial separation followed by careful classification and segregation. The system aimed to prevent corruption of a lesser criminal by a greater criminal and to protect the vulnerable from harm. Implementing this regime required major programs of adaptation and new construction. Maclean’s quest for developing modern approaches to prisons resulted in visits to Victoria in 1865 and England in 1869. He also consulted the acknowledged English experts Sir Edmund Du Cane and Sir Walter Crofton. The three-storey E Wing at Darlinghurst Prison, built between 1866 and 1872, was the first new gaol completed in New South Wales under Maclean. A feature of the design of this prison is the large central hall with cell wings running directly off it. The central hall provided observation of the interiors of the cell wings. The cell wings provided separate cellular accommodation. It is clear that Maclean copied the design from Victorian country prisons such as at Sandhurst (Bendigo). Sandhurst was designed in 1858 and completed in 1861. The E Wing at Darlinghurst was designed by the Colonial Architect Office within the Public Works Department. The Colonial Architect at this time was James Barnet with William Coles responsible for much of the construction.

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58 The other major new prisons of this era were Bathurst Gaol (commenced in 1884, finished in 1888, added to in 1893) and Goulburn Gaol (commenced in 1880, occupied in 1883, finally completed in 1894). These gaols were major self-contained establishments complete with chapel, hospital, stables, exercise yards, kitchens, workshops, etc situated all within the perimeter wall. The governor’s quarters were attached to the prison, situated outside the perimeter wall. Contemporary with these major gaols were a series of smaller country gaols built at Hay (1879-80), Young (1876-78), Tamworth (1879-1881), and Wentworth (1879-1881). Typically these gaols comprised a single storey of 10 cells, with detached cookhouse, hospital, dispensary and store, surrounded by a substantial perimeter wall with two watchtowers. The entrance gateway with inner and outer gates was flanked by office and guardroom, with an attached gaoler’s residence outside the perimeter wall. Within the context of the Maclean era prisons, the prison at Trial Bay is similar to E Wing at Darlinghurst with its large central hall with cell wings running directly off. The planning of the entrance gate with flanking office and guardroom and attached chief warder’s residence at Trial Bay is comparable to country gaols such as Hay. In other respects the gaol is unique: • the design was undertaken by the Harbours and Rivers Branch of the Public Works Department • the provision of accommodation for the warders and surgeon • the discrete location of the governor’s residence and garden • the location of outbuildings such as stables, stores etc outside the perimeter walls • dormitory accommodation for licensed prisoners • provision of potable water from a purpose-built dam Comparable Breakwaters

Harbour, port and river works completed in New South Wales during the latter half of the nineteenth century were undertaken by the Harbours and Rivers Branch of the Public Works Department. The first chief engineer of this branch was Edward Orpen Moriarty. It was Moriarty who advocated in 1866 the construction of a breakwater at Trial Bay. The breakwater at Trial Bay was one of small number of such engineering works undertaken during the last decades of the nineteenth century. Albeit never completed, the breakwater was the most ambitious work undertaken by the Harbours and Rivers Branch up to that time. The construction of a breakwater typically requires the sourcing of local stone, the extraction of the stone, and transportation and displacement of the stone. During the nineteenth century construction was assisted by steam-driven machinery. At Trial Bay the construction layout incorporated a levelled bench with a tramway and 30-ton capacity travelling steam crane to lift the hewn rock onto tramway wagons for final displacement. The construction technology is interesting in regard to the scale of the operation, the difficulty in quarrying the hard granite, and the immense weight of the hewn granite blocks. It is worth noting that construction technologies were very similar to those later employed in the construction of Cataract Dam (1901-1906) for the Sydney water supply, which is an engineering landmark. The construction authority for this dam was the Harbours and Rivers Branch. Comparable Settings

Set within the peninsula of Laggers Point, the isolated location and coastal setting of Trial Bay prison are unique in New South Wales.

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59 3.2 Summary Statement of Significance

Trial Bay Gaol is of local, regional, state and national significance. It is a place that has inspired and continues to inspire strong and lasting connections with the Aboriginal community, with local communities generally, and with visitors to the site, for its sense of history, its dramatic presence and its natural values. The Trial Bay Gaol precinct in its current ruined form has strong associational value in the development of tourism on the NSW mid-north coast, through its early and continuing use as a camping and holiday destination extending over 80 years, a period of use that far exceeds its period of operation as a fully completed gaol, which lasted only four years. This enduring use of the place was also the catalyst for the development of South West Rocks into the sizeable and thriving township it is today. For the local Aboriginal community and people of the Dunghutti nation the site has ongoing significance as a site for tribal gatherings and ceremonies and as a valuable collecting area for bush tucker. The Gaol has high social significance for descendants of German internees held there during World War I, and for descendants of staff, soldiers and guards who worked there during its two main periods of use. It is the only prison in Australia built specifically to house prisoners engaged in public works (the building of the Trial Bay breakwater) and represents a significant episode in the development of penology and the penal system in NSW. The attempted construction of the breakwater to create a safe harbour in Trial Bay was a major civil works project in the life of the colony that not only determined the location of the gaol, but which represented a significant step in the development of the north coast of NSW and the coastal shipping industry. The failure of the enterprise, due both to lack of engineering expertise and advances in the technology of water transportation making the project anachronistic, also ultimately spelled the failure of the township of Arakoon to develop into an important sea and river port. Several of the leading figures in NSW's colonial development such as Harold Maclean, Comptroller of Prisons and a noted prison reformer, and Edward Orpen Moriarty, engineer- in-chief of Harbours and Rivers Navigation Branch of the Department of Public Works, are directly associated with the construction and operation of Trial Bay Gaol. The remaining structures and scattered archaeological sites of the Gaol and its service and outbuildings present opportunities to understand the principal tenets of 19th century prison design and architectural technology, particularly in relation to stonework and the use of granite and concrete, and to better understand the rhythms and technologies of daily life in an isolated colonial community. The extensive artefact collection and documentary archive, including the comprehensive photographic collection, also represents a unique opportunity for research and for the development of interpretation that will significantly enhance understanding of a range of themes and issues associated with the site. The Gaol and its site, located on a peninsula above the tranquil sweep of Trial Bay, is strongly evocative to the contemporary observer and has high natural values. The landscape contains rare flora and fauna and significant habitats for a wide range of animals. The granite outcrop underlying the gaol and landscape is distinctive and provides much of

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60 the character of the locality. The modified and natural landscapes of the area provide a range of distinctive viewpoints and settings from which to look over the site, as well as providing different scenic outlooks that can be enjoyed and appreciated from various locations across the site as well as from the Gaol itself. Trial Bay Gaol and the Arakoon State Conservation Area also have well established social value to a wide range of people. This was demonstrated in the degree of interest in the site expressed through the community consultation process as part of the preparation of this plan, and through attendance at events such as the gaol 100th anniversary of closure in July 2003. The social values are broad and relate to: its Aboriginal associations; its recreational and camping facilities and use; its scenic and tourism values including the community attachment to the Gaol as a 'ruin'; its natural attributes and setting; and its historic values.

3.3 Assessment of Significance

Cultural Values Criterion (a) Historic Significance (events) The item is important in the course of, or pattern of New South Wales' cultural or natural history • The completion of the gaol over the period 1877 to 1900 represents an episode in the historical development of the penal service in New South Wales during the nineteenth and early twentieth century. The role of the gaol to house prisoners engaged in public works is associated with longstanding, principally nineteenth century, prison practice. • The construction of the breakwater at Laggers Point is associated with the once important role of coastal shipping along the north coast of New South Wales. The need for a breakwater had been initially raised in 1861, and was constructed from 1889. The breakwater was intended to provide a harbour of refuge for sailing ships. The eventual abandonment of construction in 1903 coincides with advances in shipping technology. • The gaol was a place of internment for German nationals and Australians of German descent from across Australia and abroad during the World War I. • Many of the vegetation types found in the precinct are part of a chain of restricted coastal communities that appear throughout the north coast bioregion, in particular the areas of littoral rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest.

The item is important in the course of, or pattern of Arakoon’s cultural or natural history • The proposal to complete a breakwater at Laggers Point necessitated the survey and reservation of the villages of Arakoon and South West Rocks in the 1860s. These village reserves form the nucleus of the present day tourist resorts fringing Trial Bay, and the impetus for their development is the establishment of the prison and breakwater. • The development of the gaol site as a focus for tourism since its completion and in particular after its closure in the 1920s has continued to develop to the present day under the auspices of the Arakoon Trust and National Parks and Wildlife Service. The

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61 tourism role of the gaol site today is consistent with the principal economic activity of the local area. • The area has special significance for local Aboriginal communities as an important meeting place for ceremonial activities and a collecting place for bush tucker, which has contributed to the strength of attachment to the area. Identified Aboriginal sites within the area have significance to the local Aboriginal communities.

Criterion (b) Historical Significance (people) An item has strong or special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in New South Wales' cultural or natural history • The public works prison experiment at Trial Bay is particularly associated with the administration of Harold Maclean as comptroller of prisons in New South Wales. Maclean instigated a number of reforms of the penal service. The concept of a public works prison with an emphasis on rehabilitation through privileges endowed to licence-holders was the most radical reform of the Maclean era. • The breakwater at Laggers Point is associated with Edward Orpen Moriarty’s term as engineer-in-chief of the Harbours and River Navigation Branch of the Department of Public Works. Moriarty had advocated construction of the breakwater since 1866, recognising the potential for the use of convict labour to complete the work.

Criterion (c) Aesthetic significance An item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales • The former gaol is dramatically sited on a peninsula above the sweeping and relatively undeveloped Trial Bay. The isolation of the gaol site and the dramatic scale of the remnant stone structures set within a natural and modified landscape strongly evoke in the contemporary viewer the heightened sense of theatre and romance associated with the concept of 'ruin'. • The remains of the gaol, inclusive of its high perimeter wall, entry gate and pair of cell- blocks, demonstrate the principal tenets of nineteenth century prison design in New South Wales.

Criterion (d) Social significance An item has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons • The gaol site and to a lesser extent the breakwater and surrounding archaeological sites have been discussed in standard texts on the history of prisons in New South Wales. The place therefore has a strong association with sections of the community who have an interest in Australia's heritage. These historic associations have indirectly contributed to an interest in prison history and the consequences of the World War I for German nationals by the broader community who visit it as a tourist attraction. These historic associations and natural values have been recognised through provision of ongoing material support in preserving the fabric of the buildings by

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62 community groups such Arakoon Trust, and more lately by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. • The Aboriginal community maintains its ongoing attachment to the place, and continues longstanding ceremonial practices onsite. • The site continues to be a centre for recreational activity for community groups and individuals, many of whom have returned to the camping area annually for up to 30 years.

Criterion (e) Research potential An item has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of New South Wales' cultural or natural history • The gaol site and the breakwater construction present opportunities for study and research to provide new information not otherwise available through documentary sources. The construction of the gaol and breakwater with their various construction methods and use of materials provides a rare insight into Victorian engineering works and construction. • The impact of the breakwater construction on the natural systems of the area including siltation of the bay and changes to beach forms graphically demonstrates the effects of human intervention on the landscape. • The archival material held at the gaol has high research potential, particularly seen in the photographic collection and a number of rare artefacts related to the use and operation of the site in its various phases of occupation. • The diversity of flora provides an example of a range of 'bush tucker' foods that were used by the local Aboriginal community that today can still be researched in conjunction with input from the local community. The archaeological sites at Trial Bay Gaol are considered to meet this criterion because they are: • significant for their potential to contain archaeological deposits relating to the construction and use of the gaol in its original and subsequent forms. • significant for their potential to contain archaeological deposits relating to the lifeways of the former inmates, internees and inhabitants. • significant for their potential to contain archaeological deposits relating to the evolution of the gaol and internment camp. • significant for their potential to be interpreted as part of a wider complex of penal and correctional institutions in NSW. • significant for their potential to be interpreted in a setting which retains a high level of integrity.

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63 Relative Values Criterion (f) Rarity An item possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of New South Wales' cultural or natural history. • The Trial Bay prison was the only largescale gaol constructed in New South Wales expressly for the purpose of carrying out a public work. • The Trial Bay prison is the only nineteenth century gaol in New South Wales constructed by the Harbours and River Navigation Branch of the Department of Public Works. • The gaol contains the only example of a double storey cell block constructed in precast mass concrete blocks in New South Wales. • The gaol site contains the remains of the most ambitious nineteenth century breakwater project undertaken in New South Wales. • The gaol site contains a number of standing structures, such as the perimeter wall and cell block, constructed in local granite. The material is considered the most difficult to work in New South Wales, and the largest repository of this worked material is at Trial Bay. • The former gaol was the largest late nineteenth century prison complex in New South Wales situated at a remote location. • The openness of the prison complex inclusive of outlying places of residence and storage dispersed across the peninsula is not found elsewhere in late nineteenth century prisons in New South Wales. • The gaol was one of the major centres of World War I internment in New South Wales, and the only centre that accommodated male German nationals previously domiciled overseas. • The gaol's surroundings present one of the most spectacular natural settings for any building in NSW. • The vegetation communities found within the Trial Bay study area offer known and suitable habitat for at least 29 threatened species of vertebrate fauna and a number of threatened plant species. • The archival and artefact collections associated with the site are unique and provide unusually detailed information about its history and operations creating extensive opportunities for interpretation.

Criterion (g) Representativeness An item is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of New South Wales' cultural or natural places; or cultural or natural environment • The design of prison’s central hall and connected wings of cell blocks is representative of some of the Maclean-era goals for reforms in prisoner incarceration and rehabilitation in New South Wales.

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64 • The technology of the breakwater construction is representative of late nineteenth century breakwater construction in New South Wales by the Harbours and River Navigation Branch of the Department of Public Works.

3.4 Graded Areas of Significance

The following assessment of elemental significance is set out on the basis of the statement of significance for the place and the relative values of the various component parts of the place. The elements of highest significance are those that relate to the use of the place as a gaol and internee camp.

The concept of graded significance provides for management of the various elements of the place with a level of finesse that acknowledges the ongoing active use of the site and the need to implement changes to accommodate new technologies and uses while retaining those parts of the place that are unique, provide important cityscape and provide the evidence for the development of the site.

The graded levels of significance are:

1 High significance These elements are essential to be retained as they reflect the early development of the site, demonstrate the use of the gaol, have high aesthetic or technological value and have social value as elements that are esteemed by the broader community. Also included in this group are elements that have landmark or cityscape values. Work to these elements should retain significance and recover significant forms and elements wherever possible.

2 Moderate Significance These are elements that have heritage significance but which are not key or core elements of the place and which are not essential to the understanding of the operation or significance. Their retention is desirable but not essential. Changes that provide for future use are acceptable.

3 Neutral or low significance These are elements that form part of the overall site operating infrastructure which have minimal or no heritage significance but which do not adversely impact on elements of high heritage value. They can be retained, altered or removed as required.

4 Intrusive These are elements that adversely impact on significant elements or the overall significance of the place. They comprise late twentieth century alterations and additions and additional site elements that impact on more significant elements.

Another important element of significance is the inter-relationship of elements of a place. It is often the complex or place as a whole that has heritage significance, particularly when the

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65 place comprises a range of elements that together are the significant form. In the case of Trial Bay Gaol, while the gaol and breakwater form the focus of significant fabric most of the remaining elements of the place contribute to the understanding of the place in some way. When making decisions about retention, removal or adaptation of elements they should be considered for their individual heritage significance and in relation to the assemblage of buildings and features. Table 3.4.1 Graded Significance Assessment of site elements and features

Gaol Element Graded Site Elements Graded Significance Significance

Gaol Walls and observation towers 1 Restaurant building 3 including all built elements from the pre- 1903 period of construction (3.07) Refit of entry building generally including 3 Main Amenities Block 3 stairs, upper floors, services, etc. from Arakoon Trust period of use (3.08) Glass block windows to entry building 4 Older Amenities Blocks 3 (3.08) Skillion roof shed adjacent to entry 3/4 Picnic Shelters 3 building (3.27) Rebuilt toilet block over earlier 3 Cyclone Fencing at various 3/4 foundations (3.19) locations around the site Base of toilet block and associated slabs 1 Treated Pine Fencing at various 4 and stairs (3.19) locations around the site Roof to kitchen walkway reconstructed as 3 Asphalt Roads 3 part of film set (3.31) Access timber stair to lookout tower 3 Historic Road and Path 2 reconstructed as part of film set (3.29) Alignments and Formations Concrete Slab for artefacts constructed 3/4 Archaeological Features generally 1 during Arakoon Trust period of use (3.28) Seats and loose fitout items 3/4 Quarry face 2 Fences – new 3/4 Breakwater construction 1 Entry Gates - stainless steel 3 Powder Magazine 1 (ruins) 1 Entry gates steel 4 Powder Magazine 2 1 Mess hall (3.03) 1 German Monument 1 Cell block A (3.04) 1 Cemetery site 1 Concrete slab to roof of cell block A 3 Steps and Path from Gaol to 2 camping area Silent cells (3.09) Steps to waterfront from gaol 3 Asphalt to roof of silent cells 3 Camping Area formation 3 Fence to rear of kitchen (3.14) 1 Levelled platforms from former 2 gaol related sites

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66 Miscellaneous concrete slabs around 1 Walking Tracks 2/3 kitchen related to water tanks etc. (3.47) Cell block B (3.17) 1 Views 1/2 Concrete slab to roof of cell block B 3 Aboriginal community use 1 Kitchen/scullery/bakehouse 1 Roof to kitchen walkway reconstructed as 3 part of film set (3.31) Ruins of store building (3.22) 1 Drainage and sewerage channels, inlets 1 and pipes (3.30) Formed pathways (3.31) 2/3 Terracing (3.33) 1 Stone retaining walls (3.43) 1 Stone steps (3.45) 1 Archaeological remains 1 Object collection housed within the gaol 1/2 Aboriginal community use 1/2 Views 1/2 Pathways 2 Another key aspect of the Trial Bay site is its natural setting and the variety of vegetation types and groups within the site. While the landscape, particularly the modified landscape following the construction and operation of the gaol and quarry and the subsequent tourism activities, forms part of the cultural assessment set out in the table above, the vegetation has its own values that are assessed in more detail in Table 3.4.2 below.

Table 3.4.2 Natural and cultural values of vegetation types on the site. For location of the map units see Appendix C

Site/area Level of Significance Natural values Cultural values Map Unit Natural Cultural Areas of heath 11Ecologically valuable habitat for a Provides natural backdrop for and scrub on (cemetery variety of threatened or regionally the Monument, with extensive upper slopes on significant flora and fauna species, views enabling visitors to of Monument Monument and includes at least one vegetation contemplate significance of Hill) Hill type considered of regional site. Allows visitors 5b conservation value. opportunities to experience Coastal headland heath and scrub natural surroundings of the not extensive on north coast. Low area. Monument attracts scrub and heathland provides considerable numbers of structural, floristic and aesthetic visitors and is integral part of contrast with surrounding forested the site’s cultural significance. areas, and allows for extensive views across site and over adjacent areas for a considerable distance. Also provides naturally vegetated link for fauna and flora species’ dispersal between site and large expanses of natural vegetation and

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67 Site/area Level of Significance Natural values Cultural values Map Unit Natural Cultural habitats within Hat Head NP to south. Areas of scrub 12Ecologically valuable habitat for a No sites of special cultural and woodland variety of threatened or regionally interest, but track up to on upper and significant flora and fauna species, Monument Hill passes through mid-slopes of and forms ecotone between heath this vegetation type, and Monument Hill on upper slopes and forested sites allows for occasional views 5a at lower elevations. over rock cliffs which were Low scrub and woodland provides quarried for stone for the gaol structural, floristic and aesthetic and breakwater. contrast with surrounding forested areas, and allows for some views across site and over adjacent areas. Also provides naturally vegetated link for fauna and flora species’ dispersal between site and large expanses of natural vegetation and habitats within Hat Head NP to south. Creekline and 12Natural vegetation along creekline Occasionally used for passive drainage creates habitat and corridor for recreation, screens camping channel in dispersal for fauna, provides natural area from adjacent sites. centre of backdrop to camping areas, Drainage channel dammed in camping area functions as natural filter for water two places, forming vegetated 1a quality, enhances natural beauty of wetlands, but upper wetland the site and breaks up otherwise generally weed-infested and monotonous expanses of grass. overgrown, while lower wetland largely hidden from view and not readily accessible. Areas of 1 2 Ecologically valuable habitat for a Occasionally used for passive regnerating variety of threatened bird and recreation, screens road from Littoral mammalian fauna species, and camping sites and open space Rainforest e.g. provides some potential habitat for a areas, and provides very to south-west number of threatened and regionally effective screen for kiosk from and north of significant flora species. access roads and foot trails. kiosk All littoral rainforest on north coast 1a considered ecologically valuable and sensitive to disturbance. Provides natural backdrop to kiosk and open space areas, and contributes significantly to identity of the site. Also functions as natural water filter, and contrasts with 'dry sclerophyll' vegetation types and open space areas on the site. Forest on 1 2 Ecologically valuable habitat for a Occasionally used for passive lower slopes, variety of threatened bird and recreation, screens road from mostly to west mammalian fauna species, and camping sites and open space of entrance provides some potential habitat for a areas, and provides very road number of threatened and regionally effective screen for kiosk from 2a significant flora species. access road to south and foot Most 'wet sclerophyll' forest types on trails. north coast considered ecologically valuable, and most are sensitive to disturbance. Provides natural backdrop to kiosk and open space areas, contributes significantly to identity of the site and provides naturally vegetated link for fauna and flora species’ dispersal

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68 Site/area Level of Significance Natural values Cultural values Map Unit Natural Cultural between site and adjacent forested areas to south and west of the site. Also functions as natural water filter, and contrasts with 'dry sclerophyll' vegetation types and open space areas elsewhere on the site. Forest and 21Ecologically valuable habitat for a Foot tracks exist along lower open forest in (powder variety of threatened bird and slopes of Monument Hill to gullies, mostly magazines) mammalian fauna species, and powder magazine blocks, to east of ; otherwise provides some potential habitat for a which receive some visitors. 2 entrance road number of threatened and regionally Otherwise areas of this 2b significant flora species. vegetation type used for Most 'wet sclerophyll' forest types on bushwalking, or as link north coast considered ecologically between campgrounds/ valuable, and most are sensitive to kiosk/access road to disturbance. Monument Hill and memorial. Provides naturally vegetated link for fauna and flora species’ dispersal between site and adjacent forested areas to south of the site. Also functions as natural water filter (especially along lower and mid- sections of a minor creekline which originates on Monument Hill), and is important as an ecotone between 'wet' (forest) and 'dry sclerophyll' (woodland/open forest) vegetation. Swampy areas 2 2 Provides valuable habitat for a Occasional foot tracks through to west and number of threatened flora and this vegetation type used for south-west of fauna species as well as actual and passive recreation including kiosk and potential habitat for regionally bushwalking, and as access to camping significant species. Most 'swamp western sections of Front grounds, and sclerophyll' vegetation types occur Beach. to rear of on poorly-drained soils sensitive to foredunes disturbance (PASS)1. along Front Provides naturally vegetated link for Beach. fauna and flora species’ dispersal 3a between site and adjacent areas to south-west of the site, as far as South West Rocks. Also functions as natural water filter for both surface and groundwater purification, acts as temporary detention site for surface runoff and eliminates ecological damage associated with PASS. Woodland and 22Provides potential habitat for a Occasional foot tracks through scrub along number of threatened flora and this vegetation type used for stabilised fauna species as well as for passive recreation including dunes to rear regionally significant species. bushwalking, and as access to of Front Beach Most vegetation types occurring on western sections of Front 4a dune systems are highly sensitive to Beach. disturbance, and wind and water erosion highly likely if vegetation is removed or severely disturbed. Provides naturally vegetated link for fauna and flora species’ dispersal between site and adjacent areas to

1 Potential Acid Sulphate Soils

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69 Site/area Level of Significance Natural values Cultural values Map Unit Natural Cultural south-west and west of the site, as far as South West Rocks. Also functions as natural water filter for both surface and groundwater purification, provides natural setting for Front Beach and provides shelter and shade from sunlight. Vegetation 2 1 Vegetation along beach front (to Important backdrop to between west of Laggers Point) necessary camping areas and as natural camping area for stabilisation of highly erodible frame for views of gaol site and beach sandy soils exposed to wave from Front Beach. Provides front erosion. Vegetation also provides some shade and shelter to 4a (disturbed) natural backdrop to camping areas, visitors and campsites. contributes to identity of the site, enhances natural beauty of the site and provides shelter for visitors and campsites from strong winds, shade from sun. Vegetation on 2 2 Vegetation along headlands and Natural and some horticultural headlands and rocky foreshores (to east and south vegetation provides natural rocky of Laggers Point) necessary for backdrop for users of this foreshores stabilisation of highly erodible soils. area. Provides some limited 6a/4a Vegetation also provides natural shade and shelter from sun backdrop to gaol and picnic areas, and strong coastal winds, enhances natural beauty of the site plays minor role in defining and provides shelter for fauna, BBQ sites. shade from sun for day visitors and recreational users. Horticultural 31Horticultural plantings of native and Horticultural tree plantings vegetation and exotic species may provide limited create strong sense of local camping areas habitat and foraging resources for identity, give shelter from 7a fauna. sunlight, help to delineate boundaries between open space areas which have different purposes. Areas of mown turf and grass create accessible camping sites, easy pedestrian access and safe play area for children. Grassed areas 32Horticultural plantings of grass and Grassed areas create sense of and shrubs exotic species may provide limited emptiness that reinforces inside gaol habitat and foraging resources for 'romance of ruins', while also walls (not fauna. allowing clear understanding indicated on of benching and terracing that map) provided foundations for the numerous buildings occupying the site.

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70