Plenty Gorge Park Draft Master Plan Summary Document

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Stages and Timing Plenty Gorge Park The engagement and development of the master plan is divided into Draft Master Plan five phases, with approximate dates summarised below: Summary Document Phase 1 (complete) Background Analysis and Initial Engagement Period Community Engagement November 2017 Phase 2 (complete) Vision, Principles and Concept Plan Community Engagement

Phase 3a (mid 2017) Draft Master Plan - Preparation

Phase 3b (current) Draft Master Plan Community Engagement

Phase 4 (early 2018) Master Plan Finalisation

Phase 5 (2018) Approval and release

More information Parks Victoria www.parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963 Vision Key objectives Plenty Gorge Park will provide diverse visitor experiences, reflect community interests and cherish the The master plan outlines three key Objective 2 heritage and nature within the unique geological setting of Plenty Gorge. objectives, each containing specific actions Increase park awareness and involvement necessary to achieve the vision for Plenty Gorge Park. The following proposed actions Improve Nioka Bush Camp and increase are considered priorities. use by the Traditional Owners and various About the park community and school groups.

Located only 20km north of Melbourne, Objective 1 Develop and implement a mountain bike Plenty Gorge Park extends 11km along the Improve access and connections trail plan in collaboration with local groups Plenty River from Mernda to Bundoora. to rationalise trails and protect significant Proposed May eld The action of the river over time hasMernda led to X vegetation, habitat, and cultural values. Station Complete the 21km Plenty River Trail BRID the dramatic landforms found throughout GE INN R Mernda D to link visitor sites and to provide important the gorge, which make the park popular for walking and cycling access between Prepare a wayfinding and interpretation i nature-based recreational activities. XX strategy to interpret park values and Carome northern and southern ends of the park. Doreen provide signage and directions into and D Homestead Provide safe access across Gorge Road. R

Plenty Gorge Park is the most speciesY rich T around the park. EN Ensure connections with the proposed L area in the Greater MelbourneP region Mernda and Hawkstowe Stations. Develop a community participant program and is home to many plants and animals X including many species of state and national to encourage community stewardship, Yarrambat significance. The park is also a gem for education and involvement in conserving cultural heritage values, specifically from Wiltonvale Provide bridges across Plenty River to park values, including school and volunteer Wurundjeri activities. the Traditional Owners, the Wilton Vale Wetland connect communities east and west of Proposed people, and in more recent times from Yarrambat Park the park and provide views of the gorge. Hawkstowe X Provide permanent orienteering courses European settlement, agricultureStation and Investigate utilising existing northern and Morang in collaboration with orienteering groups. mining. Wetlands RIVER southern pipe track bridges as pedestrian Hillcroft Park PLENTY

Mill Park Lakes Yarrambat Park crossings. Create a shared trail from the Recreation Reserve Golf Course D Red Oaks Park R proposed Mernda Station to Yarrambat.

Hawkstowe ASH YA Why a master plan? LEY RD Provide a new main park entrance at X Yarrambat Plenty Gorge Park is located in a X Hawkstowe to provide clearer and Objective 3 metropolitanHillsview Recreation growth Reserve area consisting of Enhance special places and experiences Nioka easier access to Le Page Homestead and 500,000 residents, projected to increase toFarm Virgano associated picnic area. over 700,000 in theProposed next 15-20 years. Develop a habitat managment strategy Marymede Station to ensure ongoing biodiversity, conservation TheSouth Plenty Morang Gorge Park Master Plan provides and sustainable wildlife and vegetation Station Review the existing wildlife protection guidance on improving the park to meet Middle Gorge management. South Morang KUR MCDO MCDO RAK RD fence to allow suitable public access, but NALDS RD NALDS RD X the open space needs of a rapidlyG growing ORGE RD protect flora and fauna. community. Update Hawkstowe Picnic Area to be B D U R SH TY Heard Avenue Reserve EN BV PL the key site for community activities D

The plan highlights opportunitiesRiverside to and events, including improved facilties, increase community appreciationReserve of the playground and new park entrance. park’s significant values, to provide better visitor experiences and to make it easier Plenty Have your say Develop a new Yellow Gum Recreation Area for visitors to get into and around the park. Legend off Goldsworthy Lane as a new visitor site in Existing trail entry It will also help protect and conserve theYellow Gum Between 19 November 2017 and 15 Proposed trail entry the east including picnic facilities, amenities Recreation Area January 2018 Parks Victoria is seeking park’s natural and cultural values through Existing vehicle entry block, parking and trails. Downgrade Blue MEMO Proposed vehicle entry feedback on the draft master plan. You community education and participation RIAL DR Lake visitor facilities. Blue Lake programs.B K DR Existing river crossing can fill out a survey online or drop into a LOSSOM PAR X X Proposed river crossing Plenty War X community information event. Mill Park Memorial Park MAC Upgrade Tanunda Wetlands Precinct as a KELROY R D Proposed visitor sites D R

Tanunda A Easement / other reserve new visitor site with a low-key picnic area, E

Y Wetlands This document is a summary of the draft N Council / public open space A nature trails and parking. Y Committee of Management land master plan. To view the full draft master Tanunda Land subject to pubic aquisition plan or find out more about the project and Main trail - existing Wetlands PLENTY how you can contribute, visit the website Investigate use of land north of Gorge RIVER Main trail - new additions JA NEFIELD DR or contact us via: Road for trail access and activities such as Secondary track - existing Jane eld D R rock climbing, upon completion of land K Wetland EE Secondary track - potential CR D acquisition. N External trail - existing Website: O M X IA Roads D www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/ ME Existing wildlife fence TRO PO plenty-gorge-park/plans-and-projects Enhance Middle Gorge as the prime LITA N R ING RD 0 0.5 1 km Email: [email protected] location to view the gorge with improved Le Page Homestead. Source: Parks Victoria Phone: 13 1963 lookouts, access and visitor facilities.