TASAC Minutes 15 July 2015

Minutes of the Tourist Attraction Signposting Assessment Committee South West Region meeting

Wednesday 15 July 2015 at Shire Council Chambers 1st floor, 141 East Street, Narrandera

Members David Douglas Regional Coordinator TASAC and Drive, Destination NSW Phil Oliver Guidance and Delineation Manager, Roads & Maritime Services (RMS) Maria Zannetides TASAC Secretariat

Also present Ashleigh Harrison Events and Visitor Services Officer, Council Jenny Ryan Administration Officer (Tourism) Narrandera Shire Council Michael Buckley RMS South West Region Nicola James Manager, Economic Development Tourism and Events, Council Brent Lawrence Visitor Services Coordinator, Leeton Shire Council Greg Lawrence Manager Tourist and Economic Development, Griffith City Council & Chair, Regional Tourism

Apologies Andrew Brown Economic Development and Tourism Manager, Narrandera Shire Council Candace Torres Zone Manager Inland NSW, Destination NSW

AGENDA ITEMS

1. DELEGATIONS / PRESENTATIONS & REGIONAL SIGNPOSTING ISSUES

1.1 Narrandera signposting issues

Ashleigh referred to a sign on the approximately 4.2 km east of Narrandera that welcomes visitors to “Riverina M.I.A.” and lists the distances to the Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith visitor information centres next to a Roman “i” symbol. The sign, which is understood to have been in place for some 25 years, is outdated and affected by graffiti. Ashleigh asked about the possibility of changing the sign so that it refers to the “Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area” instead of “M.I.A.” and features an italicised “i” symbol.

Phil explained that the design of the sign is outdated and no longer available under the NSW Tourist Signposting Manual. David added that there are several signs near the boundaries of the Riverina Tourism area that welcome visitors to the area and give distances to visitor information centres. The signs were updated in the last year or two.

The Manual’s provisions for signs located on State roads to welcome visitors to local government areas and towns were also outlined. The signs are available via a process of consultation between Councils and RMS and, while TASAC appreciates being informed about Councils intentions to upgrade such signs, there is no need for a formal application to the Committee.

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Actions: (a) It was agreed that the subject sign should be removed and replaced with a sign to welcome visitors to the town of Narrandera and Council was invited to contact Michael Buckley at RMS South West in this respect. (b) David to advise the locations of the signs that welcome visitors to the Riverina. (c) David to forward a copy of the Tourist Signposting Manual to Nicola.

Please note that signposting for the Narrandera Wetlands is discussed at item 1.3 below

1.2 Town entrance signage in Leeton Shire

Nicola informed the meeting that Leeton Shire is looking to refresh town entry signs. The process for town entry markers and/or welcome signs was discussed and Council was invited to contact Michael at RMS about designs and locations.

During a discussion on managing recreational vehicles (RV) in Leeton including the provision of information for RV motorists, it was noted that Council’s visitor information bay at needs to be refreshed and it could be a suitable location to place information for RV visitors.

1.3 Members’ report on site inspections

David and Phil made the following observations arising from their site inspections in the district the day before the meeting:

i. The tourist radio service in West Wyalong was not operating the day prior to the meeting. Signage for the service is in place on the .

Action: Secretariat to contact Jeff Stien at Bland Shire about the radio service. If it is no longer operating, RMS will be asked to remove the signs.

ii. A white on brown tourist sign on the Newell Highway near and north of the intersection with is faded and difficult to read. The sign informs visitors of the distances to Leeton and Griffith and refers to the presence of “Wineries, Agricultural Tourism, Irrigation Areas”. It also features a number of white symbols on a blue background. The sign design (which is similar to a sign near the Narrandera Wetlands discussed below) is not supported by the Tourist Signposting Manual. The Committee members were of the view that the sign was out of date, served no useful purpose and should be removed. However, Nicola indicated that it was important to retain signage for Leeton in the vicinity to inform visitors that they could approach Leeton from the north via Burley Griffin Way and Brobenham Way, as well as from the south via the Newell Highway and Irrigation Way.

Action: RMS to review the sign and consider what might be possible for this and other similar signs, such as the one near Narrandera Wetlands.

iii. Tourist signage for the CSIRO Radio Telescope at Parkes was observed to be in good condition.

iv. Unauthorised signage on the Newell Highway south of Forbes for Gum Swamp Bird Hide has been removed.

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v. New signage for a Glass Gallery at Wyalong was observed. David and Phil also visited the gallery, which was found to be eligible for tourist signposting in 2014.

Narrandera Wetlands

During the meeting it was noted that Council had applied to TASAC in 2011 for tourist signposting for Narrandera Wetlands but the application was never finalised because Council did not respond to a request for additional information regarding entry signs at the site and the availability of brochures. Ashleigh, David and Maria visited the wetlands after the meeting and the following observations were made:

i. Narrandera Wetlands are south of the town about 1 km from the Narrandera Visitor Information Centre. Access is via Lizard Drive off the Newell Highway.

ii. Non-standard unauthorised signage with dark lettering on a white background for “Narrandera Wetlands” is in place on the Newell Highway at the intersection with Lizard Drive. The sign is attached to posts below a large white on brown sign that gives information about distances to Leeton and Griffith, refers to “Wineries, Agricultural Tours, Irrigation Areas” and has six white symbols (tent, caravan, hospital, bed, knife and fork and petrol) on a blue background – this sign is similar to another sign north of Narrandera, which is discussed above.

iii. The wetlands feature a circular walking track, three bird hides and several interpretive panels with background information about wetlands, migratory birds etc. Some of the panels are near the entrance while others are inside the hides. A sign that welcomes visitors to the wetlands is incongruously sited in that it is several metres away from other signs at the entry and it is angled away from the access track making it difficult to read.

iv. There are no toilets at the site. The nearest facilities are at the Narrandera Visitor Information Centre.

v. There is no formal parking area.

vi. The wetlands are open daily during all hours and there is no entry fee. vii. Council is welcome to submit a new signposting application to regularise signposting for the wetlands. Prior to doing so the welcome sign should be relocated closer to the entry point to make it easier to read; information about the location/distance of the nearest public toilets should be placed at the entry; a promotional brochure should be accessible at the site either in a weather proof box or via a digital link displayed on one of the signs near the entry; and the parking area and spaces should be clearly marked.

2. NEW TOURIST SIGNPOSTING APPLICATIONS

2.1 HARS Aircraft Museum, Albion Park Rail

The operators of the HARS Aircraft Museum have submitted a new application to address concerns raised by the Committee with respect to an application lodged earlier this year following reopening of the museum after a period of closure.

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The museum, which is located within three main buildings at Illawarra Regional Airport, is open daily from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm during all months. It has an exhibition space of 10,870 sq. m. For safety reasons, entry is via guided tour with a maximum number of 10 people per tour and the operator has advised that sufficient guides are available every day to allow tours to commence on demand at any time during the opening hours. The museum’s brochure has been revised to clarify the address and opening hours details and improve the location map.

It is understood that the museum receives over 40,000 visitors annually. It has an extensive collection of aircraft from the Tiger Moth and Dakota of the 1930s, military aircraft such as Caribous used in the Vietnam War, a Mirage jet fighter and a Catalina flying boat and jets and airliners of the 2000s. Flagship exhibits are the Lockheed Super Constellation (the craft that pioneered the Kangaroo route between London and Sydney) and the Boeing 747-438 City of Canberra, which was added to the collection in March 2015. Many engines are also displayed.

Interpretive information comprises large information panels for each exhibit, fact sheets for many exhibits and the information conveyed by guides during tours. Guides typically talk about an aircraft's historical context, its specific history, including information about why it is important that it be preserved, details of how and why the aircraft was recovered and restored by HARS, aviation and military technology and detailed specifications.

A site inspection report is being prepared by Diane Johnston, Tourism Manager at Tourism Shellharbour and consultation is underway with Museums and Galleries NSW (MGNSW).

Decision: HARS Aircraft Museum is potentially eligible for tourist signposting in the Museums category subject to the receipt of a site inspection report and the views of MGNSW.

Action: Secretariat to inform the applicant as above and finalise the application if appropriate after receipt of the inspection report and the views of MGNSW.

2.2 Ernest Hill Wines, Nulkaba

Ernest Hill Wines is located near Hunter Valley Zoo, which was the subject of a recent application to TASAC. The winery has unauthorised and non-standard signage on Wine Country Drive and the application was submitted at TASAC’s request to review the situation.

Ernest Hill Wines is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm during all months. There is a small winery on site and a variety of red and white wine styles are produced. Interpretive information comprises fourteen books on wine making, a poster on grapevine growth stages and a pictogram about viticulture in Ancient Egypt. Vineyard and winery tours are also offered.

Jane Holdsworth, Economic Development Manager at Cessnock City Council has been asked to prepare a site inspection report.

Decision: Ernest Hill Wines is potentially eligible for tourist signposting in the Wineries category subject to the receipt of a site inspection report.

Action: Secretariat to inform the applicant as above and finalise the application if appropriate after receipt of the inspection report.

3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF 17 JUNE 2015

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The minutes of TASAC’s meeting of Wednesday 17 June 2015 at Taree in the Hunter Region were confirmed. The Committee members and Secretariat advised that they had completed all the actions relating to applications attributed to them from the meeting.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

4.1 Correspondence from Muswellbrook Shire Council re winery signage

Muswellbrook Shire Council has replied to correspondence from TASAC regarding non- conforming tourist signs on the directing visitors to “Upper Hunter Wineries” (2 signs), “Wineries” (1 sign) and “Winery Information” (1 sign). Council’s letter requests retention of the existing signage because it believes that the “area qualifies for wine tourism region signposting”. The letter was accompanied by correspondence to Council from the Upper Hunter Winemakers Association, which also supports retention of the signposting. The Association further suggested that if the “Upper Hunter” no longer meets the requirements (for wine tourism region signage) it “should be deemed eligible to be included under the Hunter Valley banner for tourism signage”.

As noted at the April meeting, TASAC has not considered the eligibility of the Upper Hunter wine region for more than five years and any prior eligibility it may have had for signage on State roads has lapsed. It is understood that there may only be four Upper Hunter wineries as follows:

 Two Rivers Winery open daily from 11 am to 4 pm  Hollydene Estate Wines open daily from 10 am to 4 pm  James Estate open daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm  Small Forest Wines open Saturday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Cruickshank Callatoota Estate is located near Denman but its website indicates that it does not currently have a cellar door. TASAC has recently supported an application from Hollydene Estate Wines for individual winery signage (see 4.2 below). The Upper Hunter area would need to have at least six wineries open on any given day to be eligible for wine tourism region style signage. Clearly this is not the case because, as indicated above, there would appear to be only four cellar doors in the area and only two of these appear to have opening hours / days that meet TASAC requirements. Therefore, given the circumstances, the “Upper Hunter Wineries”, “Wineries” and “Winery Information” signs cannot be retained.

Signage for Hunter Valley wineries in Cessnock and Singleton LGAs predates TASAC guidelines for wine tourism region signage and is the responsibility of the two Councils. Therefore, if Muswellbrook Council wished to be integrated into the Hunter Valley signage scheme it would need to approach Cessnock and Singleton Councils.

Action: (a) Phil to contact RMS Hunter about the background to the signs. (b) Subject to (a) above, the Secretariat to inform the Council that it has asked RMS to remove the subject signs from State roads. Council should also be advised that TASAC would be happy to consider applications for tourist signs on State roads from individual businesses that meet the eligibility requirements of the Wineries category and that Council is able to install signage on local roads for wineries without reference to TASAC.

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4.2 Hollydene Estate Wines, Jerrys Plains

A site inspection report was received on 3 July 2015 from Casey Gilbey, Tourism and Events Officer of Muswellbrook Shire Council, which confirmed information provided in an application from Hollydene Estate Wines. The applicant and RMS Hunter were informed on 6 July 2015 that the business is eligible for tourist signposting.

Decision: TASAC noted that Hollydene Estate Wines is eligible for tourist signposting in the Wineries category.

4.3 Milk Factory Gallery, Bowral

A site inspection report was received on 6 July 2015 from Izabella Lane, Tourism Coordinator at Tourism Southern Highlands, which confirmed information provided in an application from the Milk Factory Gallery. Correspondence was also received from Museums and Galleries NSW indicating its support for the application. The applicant and RMS Southern were informed on 10 July 2015 that the business is eligible for tourist signposting.

Decision: TASAC noted that the Milk Factory Gallery is eligible for tourist signposting in the Galleries category.

4.4 Port Macquarie Pacific Highway Bypass

Maria referred to an inquiry from Sam Connor of RMS regarding the eligibility of tourist attractions in the Port Macquarie area for tourist signage on and from the Pacific Highway bypass of the town, which is currently underway and will be completed in late 2016. Tourist signs for Ricardoes Tomatoes and Cassegrain Wines are located on the existing highway alignment.

Ricardoes Tomatoes was found to be eligible for tourist signage in the Primary and Secondary Industry category in December 2011 and its eligibility is therefore current. However, the eligibility of Cassegrain Wines is no longer current as it has not been assessed in the last five years. The members indicated that Ricardoes Tomatoes should be signposted in accordance with current signage guidelines. However, a new application is required from Cassegrain Wines.

Actions: (a) Secretariat to refer Sam’s inquiry to Phil. (b) Secretariat to request Cassegrain Wines to submit a new signposting application.

4.5 Lake Centenary, Temora

Maria recently spoke with Anne Pike at the Temora Visitor Information Centre about the need to review the existing tourist signage for Lake Temora, which has not been assessed by TASAC for many years. The lake was constructed as a centenary project about thirty years ago. It is used for boating, skiing, fishing, swimming and for picnics.

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The applicability of the tourist signposting categories to the lake was discussed and it was decided that RMS South West region should consider what other types of signage might be possible prior to contacting Council about the future of the signs.

Action: RMS South West to advise the Secretariat about signage options for Lake Temora.

5. INQUIRIES RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING

The following inquiries received in the period since the last meeting were noted:

5.1 The Zinhouse Restaurant, Mudgee 5.2 Patina Gallery, Grenfell 5.3 Ettamogah Pub, Table Top (near Albury) 5.4 Mount Keira Scout Camp

The following points were noted during the discussion:

 In response to a request from the owner of the Ettamogah Pub for a signposting application, Maria forwarded forms for the Museums, Architectural and Engineering Structures and Primary and Secondary Industry categories. While pubs and restaurants are not eligible for tourist signs, it is understood that the venue displays original artwork from the Ettamogah Pub cartoon series and its website refers to brewery production.

 Michael confirmed that the Hume Motorway exit that provides access to the pub is at grade (i.e. not grade separated).

6. POLICY ISSUES

6.1 Tourist Drive 7 (Yass-Wee Jasper-Tumut) completion of promotional brochure

A brochure for Tourist Drive 7, which is shared by Tumut and Yass Councils has been published in both hardcopy and electronic form (on the Visit Tumut website). The brochure was prepared by Shelley Jones of Tumut Council with input from Sean Haylan at Yass Council and a copy has been forwarded for the Committee’s records.

Both Councils informed TASAC some time ago that signs along the drive have been reviewed and updated as necessary.

Decision: Publication of the brochure successfully completes the review of Tourist Drive 7.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

7.1 Signage for Bago Vineyards, Wauchope

Phil informed the meeting that RMS has authorised the installation of temporary black and yellow signage for Bago Vineyards on the Pacific Motorway.

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7.2 Tourist Drive 6, Lakes Way

Following discussions at the June meeting, Phil described a concept for possible changes to signage for Tourist Drive 6, which he is developing. He will share the concept with the relevant Councils when it has been developed sufficiently to warrant doing so.

7.3 TASAC Meeting Schedule

The next South West Region meeting will be held on 21 July 2016 in Albury. Please refer to Attachment 1 for the schedule of meetings for the next six months.

8. NEXT MEETING

Wednesday 19 August 2015 at Broken Hill, Western Region

The meeting concluded at 12.20 pm

Attachment 1 – TASAC Meeting Schedule

Region Location Date

2015 Western Broken Hill 19 August 2015 Southern Narooma 16 September 2015 Northern Grafton 14 October 2015 Sydney TBC 11 November 2015 N / A DNSW HO 9 December 2015 2016 N / A DNSW HO 20 January 2016

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