North Bruny Background and Future Directions Plan

NORTH BRUNY BACKGROUND AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS PLAN

FRIENDS OF NORTH BRUNY

2016

Contents

PREFACE ...... 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2 LOCATION...... 8 Climate ...... 9 Landform ...... 9 Flora and Fauna ...... 11 Demographic Profile ...... 14 HISTORY ...... 15 Aboriginal History ...... 15 Settlement History ...... 17 BRUNY ISLAND COMMUNITY GROUPS ...... 20 Bruny Island Community Association (BICA) ...... 20 Bruny Island Environment Network ...... 21 Friends of North Bruny ...... 22 PLANNING AND NORTH BRUNY SETTLEMENT AREAS ...... 23 Kingborough Interim Planning Scheme (KIPS) 2015 ...... 23 Planning in Kingborough ...... 23 Zones ...... 23 KIPS 2015 part E Codes ...... 24 KIPS 2015 part F Specific Area Plans ...... 24 Planning Scheme Maps ...... 24 Dennes Point-Small Township of coastal lots with large mixed farming...... 26 Barnes Bay–Larger lots, mixed farming, historic industrial landuse ...... 28 Apollo Bay - Mixed sized residential and agricultural landholdings ...... 31 Killora - Residential ribbon development set back off road with mixed lot sizes...... 34 Great Bay - Small and larger lots with mixed use settlement pattern...... 36 Murrayfield - Large agricultural holding with mixed farming activities ...... 37 COMMUNITY PRIORITIES AND VALUES ...... 40 NORTH BRUNY KEY COMMUNITY ISSUES ...... 42 1. Development and Planning ...... 44 Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy 2010 – 2035 ...... 44 North Bruny ...... 45

2. Foreshore Erosion northern end Nebraska Road, south of Boulder Point...... 47 3. Ongoing Improvements to the Dennes Point Community Centre...... 48 4. Water Environment ...... 52 5. Expand Pedestrian links and Walking Trails ...... 55 6. Weed Eradication Program Should be More Active ...... 58 7. Improved Beach Access and Facilities ...... 63 8. Improve Facilities at Kellaway Park Recreation Ground ...... 65 9. Improve Interpretation, Information and Signage ...... 70 Background ...... 70 Bruny Island Promotional Partnerships ...... 71 Kingborough Draft Bruny Signage Strategy (4) Proposal ...... 73 10. Bull Bay Lookout or Pull off Area with Safe Parking ...... 75 11. The Ferry Service ...... 77 History ...... 77 Channel Ketches and Ferries ...... 77 Bruny Island Vehicle Ferries ...... 78 12. Gravel Roads ...... 81 Action Plans for North Bruny ...... 82 Conclusion ...... 84 Appendix 1 Response evaluation future vision plan 2006 ...... 88 Appendix 2 Bruny Island Survey Results 2013 ...... 99 Appendix 3 Comparison of both surveys by Tony Ferrier ...... 107 Appendix 4 Biosphere Overview ...... 109 Appendix 5 Bruny Island Community Groups (July 2016) ...... 112 Appendix 6 Correspondence between Council and FoNB ...... 113 Appendix 7 Habitat Types on Bruny Island ...... 116 References ...... 117

Table of Figures

Figure 1 Community meeting at Dennes Point ...... 1 Figure 2 Apollo Bay post boxes ...... 4 Figure 3 Bruny Island location map ...... 8 Figure 4 Tasmanian surface geology ...... 10 Figure 5 Prasophyllum castaneum by Greg Jordan UTAS 2011 ...... 11 Figure 6 Forty spotted pardalote ...... 12 Figure 7 New Zealand elephant seal ...... 13 Figure 8 source Bruny Island Tourism Strategy (2011 Census data) ...... 14 Figure 9 Murrayfield shearers' quarters ...... 16 Figure 10 George Tobin's painting of European and Aboriginal contact (1793) ...... 17 Figure 11 Map of North Bruny’s early settlers and burial sites ...... 18 Figure 12 Historic Kelly's Point- tip of North Bruny ...... 19 Figure 13 Roles and responsibilities of BICA and BIAC ...... 20 Figure 14 Promotional books by BIEN to raise funds...... 21 Figure 15 KIPS 2015 zones ...... 23 Figure 16 Part E Codes ...... 24 Figure 17 Murrayfield entry ...... 25 Figure 18 Dennes Point from Tinderbox ...... 26 Figure 19 Historic Woodlands property ...... 27 Figure 21 Barnes Bay from the jetty ...... 28 Figure 22 Barnes Bay in relation to the current ferry crossing ...... 29 Figure 23 Soldier’s camp at the station ...... 29 Figure 24 Workshop comments ...... 30 Figure 25 Apollo Bay and land owned by the weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation ...... 31 Figure 26 New Apollo Bay home under construction ...... 32 Figure 27 Building envelop covenants for the subdivision ...... 32 Figure 28 Apollo Bay mail boxes ...... 33 Figure 29 Killora on the west coast of North Bruny ...... 34 Figure 30 The List Topo base map Kingborough GIS ...... 35 Figure 31 Great Bay KIPS zone map ...... 36 Figure 32 Red denotes the extent of ILC holdings on North Bruny ...... 37 Figure 33 Main strategies of the NILS policy document ...... 38 Figure 34 Murrayfield grazing ...... 39 Figure 35 Nebraska Beach Dennes Point ...... 42 Figure 36 Country character at Dennes Point ...... 45 Figure 37 Nebraska road erosion under monitoring ...... 47 Figure 38 Lennon Memorial Hall 2009 ...... 48 Figure 39 Fire station now relocated adjacent the CWA Hall ...... 48 Figure 40 Hall entry removed 2013 ...... 49 Figure 41 the centre is highly used ...... 49 Figure 42 Telstra phone box impeding access ...... 50 Figure 43 Proposed out of hour’s hall entry ...... 51

Figure 44 Centre signage ...... 51 Figure 45 Dennes Point Jetty ...... 52 Figure 46 Ladder access does not conform to current standards ...... 53 Figure 47 Jetty Beach where some vessels moor and explore Dennes Point ...... 53 Figure 48 Nebraska Beach boat ramp ...... 54 Figure 49 proposed North Bruny walking trail ...... 55 Figure 50 Bruny Island Walks online ...... 56 Figure 51 Walkers using Nebraska Road as a walking trail ...... 57 Figure 52 2007 priority weed location Bruny Island ...... 58 Figure 53 Ragwort can be found at Apollo Bay area and Whaymans Road ...... 60 Figure 54 Boneseed can be found at Dennes Point ...... 61 Figure 55 Existing BBQ facilities at Dennes Point ...... 63 Figure 56 Proposed car and trailer parking area ...... 64 Figure 57 Kellaway Park ...... 65 Figure 58 visitations to Kellaway Park by survey respondents ...... 66 Figure 59 Special areas vegetation covenant ...... 67 Figure 60 Design concept submitted by Jim Mulcahy ...... 68 Figure 61 Community ideas on Kellaway Park ...... 68 Figure 62 Kellaway Park current status...... 69 Figure 63 Welcome to Adventure Bay sign ...... 71 Figure 64 Current membership of DST ...... 72 Figure 65 Inappropriate signage welcomes visitors ...... 73 Figure 66 summary of sign types ...... 74 Figure 67 Location map showing viewing sites ...... 75 Figure 68 Bull Bay lookout view lines ...... 75 Figure 69 North Bruny Main Road 2015 ...... 76 Figure 70 Bark canoe used by the Nuenonne people...... 77 Figure 71 Mirambeena on route to Roberts Point ...... 78 Figure 72 Roberts Point queuing for the ferry ...... 79 Figure 73 Comparison of responses from community surveys on infrastructure...... 80 Figure 74 Tourist information at Roberts Point provided by the community...... 80

PREFACE Bruny Island is one island comprising of two land masses link by a sand spit by limiting this report to north Bruny it is difficult to envision its future without consideration of the island as a whole. Friends of North Bruny see this document as a starting point for a whole of island conversation. North Bruny is defined as the landmass that extends north from the neck.

This document reflects the views of Friends of North Bruny (FoNB) and members of the community who wished to contribute. It will assist and inform the wider north Bruny community, Council and decision makers. Kingborough Council has assisted FoNB in compiling which on completion will be presented to Bruny Island Advisory Council and Bruny Island Community Association and Kingborough Council.

FoNB feel that future development on north Bruny Island should be tempered by the need to protect the environment and current lifestyle of residents. This can be achieved by supporting low-key sensitive development in urbanised areas of north Bruny while strengthening the farming character and local economics towards self sufficiency.

There are positives and negatives with this approach but it is in step with the majority of residents who wish to protect the relative isolation and relaxed lifestyle that currently exists. Residents of north Bruny and Dennes Point in particular are enthusiastic about the development of a management plan and are participating in the process with community meetings and access to the draft report enabling comments which have been absorbed into the final document.

Figure 1 Community meeting at Dennes Point

The primary role of the community meeting was to specifically talk about Dennes Point and preparation of a Dennes Point Management Plan to outline major opportunities for community and Council partnerships. This expanded to include north Bruny as some of the other smaller communities like Barnes Bay, Killora and Simpson’s Bay attended the workshop along with Dennes Point residents and shack owners.

A total of 53 people attended the workshop which was facilitated by Kingborough Council.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Bruny Island and south east Tasmania is currently the hot spot for Tasmanian tourism. This document expresses community concerns and actions for the north Bruny region of Bruny Island. More recently the State Government has instigated community consultations on tourism and impacts on Bruny with public consultations and research with the whole of Bruny Island. This document seeks to provide a voice for North Bruny residents to add to the whole of Bruny conversation.

The North Bruny Future Directions plan seeks to collate community concerns and desires for future planning controls, provision of services, development and maintenance of public facilities in order the character and nature of North Bruny’s lifestyle and economy is respected and well managed. The community supports low key sensitive development in key areas and values the agricultural backdrop and economic value this brings to North Bruny.

Residents and visitors appreciate the scenic beauty of Bruny, its coastline, wilderness, native flora and fauna, exceptional beaches, forests and clean environment and how this must be protected.

Many reports and studies on Bruny continue to reflect the same community issues and comments, similar objectives, strengths and weaknesses. With the added pressure emanating from the rapid rise of tourism numbers to the island, Friends of North Bruny suggest it is time to implement action plans for an infrastructure building program. In doing this FoNB seek to avoid urban sprawl while retaining the distinction between village and rural amenity and rural activities so vital to the economic health of the island. They value heritage and strongly object to the sealing of Main Road North Bruny but do seek a higher level of maintenance and management.

The Ferry Road upgrade in Kettering by State Government and establishment of a second ferry during peak season has helped to reduce congestion but long queues remain at peak periods for travellers to and from Bruny Island. During the last week of September 2016 the Tasmanian Government announced it will invest $95,000 to run two ferries from Kettering to Roberts Point from October 2016 until March 2017 which should improve island access. Tourist information and facilities at Roberts Point continue to remain poor although the Bruny Tourism committee have attempted to provide an information kiosk to assist travellers.

New infrastructure projects must be addressed with support from the Tasmanian Government’s agencies in partnership with Kingborough Council. Currently Bruny Island has a resident population which continues to grow but as they are generally much older than the rest of the Kingborough municipality and Tasmanian in general, generating employment on the island could assist with changing this imbalance. Currently around one third of the permanent population are retirees. More recently there has been some growth in the number of children but it is noted that both populations require an increase in services such as health and education but also improved access to and from the island.

The condition of roads on Bruny, ferry access, public toilets, and signage and tourist information are consistent issues raised by community groups from all parts of Bruny Island. Other important issues of concern centre on development and planning controls. FoNB want planning certainty concerning future development to ensure appropriate building form and scale. They seek planning controls that address local character and respect the environment. It is apparent that the new single planning scheme and existing KIP’S 2015 fails to provide this certainty.1

There is a strong push from Friends of North Bruny for Council to arrange a consultative forum in conjunction with other Bruny Island Community Groups, residents and ratepayers “to develop a comprehensive plan for Bruny Island where tourism is a component and not the only driving issue”.

FoNB suggest having Bruny Island designated as an area of special status within Tasmania’s planning process, the development of quality planning and local area specific development controls would ensure protection and guidance so future growth occurs in a timely and well considered, well designed manner. Unfortunately the concept of ‘Specific Area Plans’ and schedules in the new planning scheme does not provide for any inclusions of desired future character statements and are restricted in their application.

On North Bruny, the future planning scheme’s zones will be Low Density Residential, Rural, Landscape Conservation and Environmental Management. The way the zones are applied spatially will be the most effective way of protecting local character through appropriate restrictions of inappropriate development as defined by the development controls within each of these zones. In the new planning scheme desired ‘character’ is not able to be described within the scheme itself.

Currently the Tasmanian Government is assembling an’ infrastructure strategy for Bruny focussing on all State government roads (Main Road, plus Forestry and Parks roads), the new ferry contract, ferry terminal facilities, plus other related matters (eg coordinated provision of public toilets on Bruny, upgrade the Neck etc.)’ 2

Bruny Island is special and not only provides a unique visitor experience; it provides a unique living experience for those who choose to work and reside permanently. The challenge for local and state governments is to provide the necessary services for the permanent community while ensuring when peak periods do happen, the island’s infrastructure is flexible and able to cope.

There are six main areas of settlement on North Bruny which have been highlighted to increase awareness of and establish greater understanding as to how the community seeks future development within these settlements to proceed. This report outlines the settlement patterns and brief history of them or special qualities that enhance their local distinctiveness.

Residents of north Bruny appreciate their quality of life experience on the island; have high environmental values, value current and future land uses and support conservation of important habitats. FoNB request that these qualities are respected and strengthened by excellence in planning decisions and development projects.

1 See Appendix 6 for a comment from Tony Ferrier to FoNB in correspondence 3_8_2016 2 Tony Ferrier email 29/4/2016

Twelve main issues were prioritised in this report from the workshop with eighteen future actions or desired outcomes for north Bruny residents.

Council is one of many authorities involved in the development and management of North Bruny and Bruny Island in total including access to and from the island. Community involvement in the future direction of the island is vital and communication between all groups necessary to ensure local issues and concerns are shared by all. The role of BIAC and other community groups like FoNB are vital in ensuring the governing authorities are made aware of priority of issues and concerns.

The following actions have been established by the community to assist in moving towards resolution of many of the issues and concerns raised by the workshop. Many involve Council and State Government Agencies in consultation with BIAC or FoNB. This document should be seen as a valuable resource from which the community can engage with Council or State Government to move and support individual projects over the coming years.

Figure 2 Apollo Bay post boxes

PRIORITY ACTIONS BY WHOM 1. Development and Planning • Seek planning and design Should respect history, scale frameworks for Bruny Island • Tasmanian Government and new buildings should to inform development and • Kingborough Council respect local context. align the community wish to • North Bruny Community Tourism is driving change and protect and encourage quality • BICA residents are concerned that all low key and environmentally future development respects the compatible outcomes. Island.

• Compile design guidelines that inform development and • Kingborough Council protect the character and form • North Bruny Community of new buildings on North • BICA Bruny. (This could be developed Island wide.)

• Lobby for the development of • Friends Of North Bruny a whole of Bruny Plan. This • BICA may include the potential for • DAP Bruny Island achieving ‘special Status Area’ or ‘Biosphere Region’.

2. Foreshore erosion along the northern end of Nebraska • Continue to monitor foreshore • Kingborough Council Road south of Boulder erosion until specialist report is • External Consultant received and actioned by Council. Point. • FoNB Current Council interventions on foreshore erosion.

3. Ongoing improvements to the Dennes Point • Prepare design and costing for • Kingborough Council Community Centre. improved out of hour’s access to • Hall Committee Improvements include hall the hall. Improve external Hall entry. • FoNB acoustics and out of hour’s • hall access for local residents. Improve hall acoustics according to consultant findings.

4. Water Environment Access by water and quality • Investigate the ability for a variety • Kingborough Council waterways. of boats to utilise the jetty, ensure • MAST compliance with current standards and encourage visitors to Dennes Point. • Coastcare/Landcare foreshore flotsam collection and weed • FoNB eradication to be organised. • Investigate impacts of fish farming • DPIPWE on marine health expecially in relation to recreational fishing, • FoNB noise and light emissions.

PRIORITY ACTIONS BY WHOM 5. Expand pedestrian links and walking trails. • Investigate opportunities to sign • Kingborough Council The community is keen to existing walking routes and • FoNB promote historic walking trails. develop other possible short walks to special places. Promote long and short walking • Investigate the potential for the routes with signage and • Kingborough Council interpretation. 14km walk/cycle circuit including a review of safe speed limits on • FoNB

the proposed route. 6. Weed eradication program should be more active. • Continue to support Council in • Kingborough Council Outline of current NRM implementation of the new Bruny • FoNB Island weed strategy. activities at Dennes Point and • BIAC

North Bruny.

Pine trees and Boneseed in • Develop a local weed eradication Killora and North Bruny. • Killora Coastcare Group plan for North Bruny with a focus on pine seedlings and boneseed. • Dennes Point Land and Coastcare Group

7. Improve beach access and facilities. Nebraska Beach • Kingborough Council The Community desire for • Investigate upgrading day visitor • FoNB improved parking, signage facilities. • MAST and facilities. • Improve parking for trailers and cars and limit car access/parking on the beach. • Improve/remove the boat ramp. • Kingborough Council • Investigate options to reduce dog • waste on the beach. FoNB

Barnes Bay • Investigate and prepare design, location and costing for the • Kingborough Council installation of public toilets at • FoNB Barnes Bay.

Jetty Beach

• Improve access to Jetty Beach – Main Road end. • Kingborough Council • FoNB • StateGrowth

8. Improve facilities at • Kellaway Park for the Council to prepare a development • Kingborough Council and costing plan for Kellaway Park community and visitors. and Sport Road upgrade to • North Bruny Community Community would like to see improve facilities, regeneration some major improvements to and access. this site to protect habitat and increase recreational on site facilities.

PRIORITY ACTIONS BY WHOM 9. Improve interpretation, • information and signage. Implement the Draft Sign Strategy • Kingborough Council on Bruny Island by initially There is a strong community undertaking a sign audit and • North Bruny Community desire for improvements to prepare costings for a future assist visitors and residents. implementation roll out.

This is a whole of Bruny Island project.

• Develop the Dennes Point Lane • FoNB Heritage Trail.

• Signage to advise Motor homes • Tasmanian Government and buses on road limits. • Kingborough Council

10. Bull Bay lookout or pull off area with safe parking. • Continue negotiations with local • Kingborough Council to land owners to develop an option Background and project status liaise with private to provide a layby on Main Road update. Ongoing negotiations by North Bruny to enable vehicles to landowner and Council with StateGrowth and safely pull off the road and take in StateGrowth. private land owners. the scenic view.

11. The Ferry Service. Community concerns about the Continue to lobby for infrastructure • Tasmanian Government, ferry service for tourists and improvement to facilities at the • Kingborough Council Robert’s Point landing site. residents • • Toilet/Café facilities FoNB • Tourism information • BIAC • Improvement to Ferry queues including investigating a priority exit lane for Ratepayers

12. Gravel Roads Community concerns about • Ensure the quality of the gravel • Tasmanian Government, road maintenance and roads receive adequate funding in • Kingborough Council accordance with increasing visitor ensuring all gravel roads are • FoNB well maintained. numbers. • • BIAC All gravel roads on Bruny Island have ongoing maintenance issues.

• Review road safety and speed • Tasmanian Government limits as many residents wish to • lower speed limits. Kingborough Council • FoNB • BIAC

LOCATION

Figure 3 Bruny Island location map

Bruny Island is composed of two distinct islands linked by a narrow sandy isthmus and separated from mainland Tasmania by the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

It is Tasmania’s fourth largest island with two distinct climates. North Bruny has a drier climate, open pasture and grazing lands, holiday shacks and sheltered bays and a popular fishing and boating area for local residents and holidaymakers. South Bruny is a wetter zone with more forests and national park areas.

Bruny Island is highly regarded globally as an important bird area because it supports the world’s largest population of the endangered forty-spotted pardalote and up to a third of the world population of the swift parrot.

Since 1954 vehicular ferry access has been provided from Kettering and subsidised by the State Government. The route originally landed in Barnes Bay and took 35 minutes but in 1983 was relocated to Roberts Point with reduced travel time to 12 minutes.

Bruny has a resident population of 600 which expands during the peak holiday season and more currently with increased national and international visitors attracted to the island for its scenic beauty, growing tourism, pristine beaches and iconic landscapes.

Great Bay airstrip owned by Kingborough Council provides access to the island for emergency access, recreational pilots and tourism ventures. North Bruny Island has several major settlement/access points with the main settlement being on the northern tip Dennes Point.

Other settlement areas include Barnes Bay, Killora, Great Bay and Apollo Bay with much of the island being privately farmed or under the Indigenous Land Corporation (Murrayfield) or Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.

Climate Bruny Island lies between the latitude of 43◦32’S and the longitude of 147°07’E and 147°34’E on the south east coast of Tasmania, 20km south of Hobart. The average daily temperatures published by the Meteorological Office show that Tasmania has a cool temperate climate. The CSIRO in 2006 released a report on climate change for Tasmania in partnership with Hydro Tasmania and the Tasmanian Partnership for Advanced computing and found that up to 2040 Tasmania will be minimally affected by climate change.

The reason is that Tasmania is surrounded by ocean and as a consequence its islands will experience warming at a slower rate than elsewhere. 1 Opportunities are still important to explore to assist in minimising impacts of future climate change.

Landform Bruny Island has striking topography and geology which provides a rich scenic landscape compromising undulating coastlines with cliffs and headlands interspersed with beaches and the dramatic linking of North and South Bruny by a narrow isthmus of sand which has built up over the last 6000 years following seal level rise.

Bruny Island’s surface geology is classified as Permian and Parmeener. Tasmania’s complex geological history can be seen in figure 3.3 Bruny Island is classified as Parmeener and Dolerite. The Permian and Triassic deposits together are known as the Parmeener Super Group formed when glacial conditions predominated. Tasmania has the largest exposure of dolerite in the world characterised by mountains with columnar joining and dark blue grey colour creating outstanding rock formations along the coastline evident on the Tasman Peninsula and the rugged cliffs on the eastern side of South Bruny Island formed around 165 million years ago.

There are many similarities in the geology of North and South Bruny Island, although the southern part of the island has spectacular seascapes and exposed to the full force of waves and wind whipped up by the southern ocean. The northern part in contrast has a far less energetic coastline and wonderful views of the now drowned, D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Derwent Estuary. 4

3 "Tasmania simple geology map" by Graeme Bartlett - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tasmania_simple_geology_map.png#/media/File:Tasmania_simple _geology_map.pn 4 http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=6400 accessed 10/03.2016

A major geological feature of Bruny Island is the sand spit separating Isthmus Bay from Adventure Bay and linking North and South Bruny. One of only four in Tasmania the spit is the gateway to South Bruny and provides unique experience to the visitor.

Permian, Jurassic, Ordovician, Cretaceous ….the past eons, eras and periods of the Earth’s history carved the topographical palimpsest of Tasmania. This unique island originated as part of a continental fragment torn away from the side of Antarctica over 170 million years ago. Accompanying flows of huge molten dolerite intrusions remain as the flat-topped mountains, the plateau and the smaller pointed peaks particular to Tasmania and Antarctica and rarely seen on mainland Australia. Before this event, Tasmania as part of Gondwana was connected to Antarctica. In the glacial lakes of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, small primitive crustaceans, Anaspides, remain as living links to this Permian period of 250 million years ago – a time of seed ferns, conifers, amphibians and reptiles and the last of the trilobites. The older part of Tasmania in the west sits alongside the younger centre formed in the Jurassic period. The rugged cliffs of Bruny Island 5 are columns of dolerite rock formed in this time, 165 million years ago.

Figure 4 Tasmanian surface geology

Various rocks and soil sequences can be found on the island including sandstone, siltstone and mudstone.

5 http://thewingedhouse.com.au/a-geological-brief-2

Flora and Fauna

Bruny Island like Tasmania has exceptional natural values that are spectacular and diverse and complimenting these physical attributes are flora that is varied reflecting the nature of the topography and a variety of animals and birds that have adapted to this special place.

The native plant communities found on Bruny Island are made up of great diversity of predominately dry sclerophyll plant zones, heathlands and coastal vegetation. There are also small areas of wet eucalypt forests and much of the vegetation is exposed to the onshore south-westerly winds. 6 Rare orchids such as the chestnut leek orchid Prasophyllum castaneum can be found in the rich diverse heathland communities.

Figure 5 Prasophyllum castaneum by Greg Jordan UTAS 2011 7

Many of the plant communities have high conservation value, such as the endemic velvet bush. One of only three known populations of the endemic eyebright (Euphrasia fragosa) is found on Bruny Island, which is the only secure location of the species in Tasmania. 8

Thirteen of Tasmania’s fourteen endemic bird species can be found on Bruny Island and around 240,000 breeding pairs of the short-tailed shearwater known locally as the Tasmanian mutton birds. 9

6 http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=6400 7 Prasophyllum castaneum by Greg Jordan UTAS 2011 permission to use image given 15/3/16 8 http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=6400 9 ^ "IBA: Bruny Island". Birdata. Birds Australia.

There are over 140 bird species that are known to live or migrate and visit the island. Twelve are unique to Tasmania. Bruny’s landform reaches deep into the southern oceans providing habitat for seals, penguins, whales and dolphins which have given rise to tourism ventures that have improved the economy of the islands providing much needed local employment. The overall health of the islands ecosystem depends on invertebrate species such as insects, spiders, worms, sandhoppers and shellfish, the unseen vital parts of ecosystems. Bruny is also a stronghold for many of Tasmanians plant and animal species.

The forty spotted pardalote, one of Australia’s rarest birds has protected colonies on Bruny Island in reserved and private land. Unfortunately as in many areas of the world the ecosystems supporting endemic flora and fauna are threatened. From the Mt Manga stag beetle, swift parrot, spotted hand fish and the endemic sea star to name just a few animals within the region that are under threat of extinction.

Figure 6 Forty spotted pardalote

Beach breeding birds use the sandy beaches and dunes to nest and breed and the hooded plover is vulnerable nationally but currently being extensively monitored in Tasmania.

Little penguin colonises occur around the coastline but both mutton birds and penguins are vulnerable to attacks by dogs, feral cats or by burrows being trampled by visitors.

There are 16 fauna species registered on schedules of the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995, and 9 species on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 199910. Threatened fauna include the New Zealand fur seal, southern elephant seal, southern right whale, Humpback whale, Wedge tailed eagle, White bellied sea eagle, Masked owl, Grey goshawk, Swift parrot, Forty spotted pardalote, Fairy tern, Leatherback turtle, Spotted handfish, Great white shark, Mt Mangana stag beetle, Live-bearing seastar and Seastar.

10 Cochran, T. (2003). Managing Threatened Species & Communities on Bruny Island. Threatened Species Unit, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania

Other significant fauna species on Bruny Island include the Shy albatross, orange bellied parrot, White fronted tern, King penguin, Macaroni penguin, Rockhopper penguin, Fiordland penguin, Snares crested penguin, southern elephant seal, Leopard seal and Leatherback turtle.

The key threats to all endangered species include loss of habitat through land clearing, human activities that increase sediment pollution, litter and rubbish, marine pollution and net fishing debris, poor placement of boat anchors and net fishing, illegal collection, random shooting, loss of mature trees that assist breeding and impact on food supply. Birds are especially affected by collisions with cars, windows, fences or other structures and availability of nesting hollows. Some species are persecuted by shooting or poisoning and can be intimidated by human activities during the mating season which all add to their demise.

As a community we need to become better informed about how our actions impact on the natural world and add enormously to the threats of species extinction.

Figure 7 New Zealand elephant seal11

11 http://www.doc.govt.nz/pagefiles/3572/elephant-seal-565-5.jpg

Demographic Profile

Bruny Island has a resident population of around 711 according to the 2011 Census data with approximately 237 living on North Bruny. They are generally much older than the rest of the Kingborough municipality and Tasmanian in general. 12

The number of residents aged less than 30 are relatively low with around one third of the permanent population being retirees. It has been noted recently there has been a significant growth in the number of children in the 5-14 age groups.

On Bruny the median age is 55 where as it is 40 for Kingborough and Tasmania providing an indication that the main demographic characteristic of Bruny Island is older people.

Figure 8 source Bruny Island Tourism Strategy (2011 Census data)

In 2005 the Department of Infrastructure Energy and Resources (DIER) commissioned a report into the future management of the Bruny ferry service which found the population on the island swells to about 2,000 during peak periods and with increasing tourism interest in the island this is likely to increase further and likely double. It seems the government is aware that numbers could be in excess of 5,000 in peak periods which could be the case now.13 The seasonal changes in population can have significant impacts upon the resident population, services and infrastructure.

12 Draft Bruny Tourism Strategy 2014- Kingborough Council 13 ibid

HISTORY

Aboriginal History

Aborigines have lived in Tasmania for an estimated 35,000 years equating to 1500 generations. It is believed they survived through the last ice age when temperatures were on average 6⁰C lower than today and rainfall was around 50% of today’s values. The sea was around 120 metres lower than today and the coastline was about 20 kilometres southeast of Tasman’s Head.

The lower Derwent was then a shallow river meandering across coastal plains on what is now the bottom of Storm Bay. The area around the present-day Dennes Point would have been rolling hills flanking a small creek which flowed as a tributary down to the Derwent River.

Kelly’s Point and Tinderbox opposite wold have been covered in grasslands, across which Aborigines likely hunted and gathered on their way from the sea into the southwest Tasmania.

After the ice age, the temperatures rose to present day values and the sea level rose dramatically, up to a metre a century, until the D’Entrecasteaux Channel formed. Bruny Island split from Tinderbox about 8,000 years ago and the present day sea level was attained around 6,000 years ago. Grassy woodlands became predominant and the island became an estate for an Aboriginal band approximately 40 strong.

An Aboriginal midden on Kelly’s Point dates from 6050 years ago, contemporaneous with the stabilisation of the sea. It is the earliest site yet known on Bruny Island. Another midden in the Dennes Point Township dates from 5235 years ago.

Aboriginal artefacts are a testament to a continuity of a traditional lifeway over six millennia. 14

George Augustus Robinson in 1829 was engaged by the Van Diemen’s Land Government to set up an Aboriginal mission on Bruny Island to attract Aboriginal people to become settled farmers and stop raiding the new settlers.

It is thought that convicts were used to construct buildings including a residence for Robinson, a convict dormitory, a dormitory for Aboriginal children, one for Aboriginal adults and a storehouse. In the process it is believed Robinson cleared land for paddocks, developed a garden and sawpit. The mission was not a success and was abandoned after nine months. Initially attracted to the concept by tea, sugar and flour given to the Aboriginal people it turned out a disaster for them as they began to die from European diseases for which they had no immunity.

The site of the mission is now part of Murrayfield but its exact location or traces of it have not been able to be found despite modern technology it is assumed that the wooden buildings were so transient all signs of them have been lost except for some slightly depressed hollows in a paddock where the Mission was thought to exist from archival material, journals and letters.

14 Aboriginal History Notes supplied by Don Ransom January 2016

Murrayfield is rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage with many recorded sites and artefacts. “There are shell middens, possible camp locations, tools and mine sites for tool materials and ochre.” 15

In September 2015 representatives from the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) handed the 4,000- hectare coastal property back to the Weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation making this one of the largest ever hand-backs of land in Tasmania. Not only have more than 1,500 Aboriginal artefacts been located the land is crucial habitat for a number of endangered species including the swift parrot and the forty-spotted pardalote.

The ILC through the National Indigenous Pastoral enterprises, (a subsidiary of the ILC) continues to lease the commercial sheep station from the Weetapoona Corporation which currently produces 40,000 kilograms of fine wool and 2,000 prime lambs per year.

A new partnership has also been developed between the State Government’s Parks and Wildlife Department and the weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation where the Aboriginal community would share their knowledge about the land and develop skills to take advantage of economic opportunities 16.

Aboriginal people today on Bruny Island are undertaking agricultural and land management training as well as hosting Aboriginal cultural workshops and providing accommodation for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

The shearers’ quarters’ on Murrayfield is available for visits from larger groups with an interest in cultural and environmental heritage. School groups, scout groups and environmental/cultural workshops can be all hosted at Murrayfield.

Figure 9 Murrayfield shearers' quarters 17

15 http://www.murrayfield.com.au/Home/Aboriginal-European-history accessed 20/4/2016 16 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-18/bruny-island-land-hand-back-to-tasmanian-aboriginal-community/6787346 17 Image Jasper Ludewig

Settlement History

Tasmania’s early explorers included the Dutch explorer Abel Janzoon Tasman in 1642 and later in 1773 the English navigator Tobias Furneaux anchored off Adventure Bay for several days collecting wood, water and seeds. Captain James Cook, in 1777 also moored in Adventure Bay needing fresh supplies wood, water and grass for cattle. They need to make ship repairs and while cutting wood were surprised by a group of Aboriginal people who ‘had walked up to them without weapons or any sign of fear or hostility.” 18

Figure 10 George Tobin's painting of European and Aboriginal contact (1793) 19

William Bligh on the Bounty in 1789 is known to have planted apple and fruit trees in Adventure Bay. But it was the French in two ships the “Recherche” and “Esperance” under Rear Admiral Bruny D’Entrecasteaux whose place names remain. Bruny Island was named after the Admiral and many place names around Tasmania have French placename origins despite later English explorers renaming some of the sites.

The French explorers carried out detailed explorations for five weeks, finding waterways and estuaries in the area anchoring in a bay D’Entrecasteaux, named Recherche Bay in 1792. They established that Adventure Bay was part of an island and separated from the mainland by a channel (D’Entrecasteaux Channel).

18 http://www.tasmaniantimbers.com/explorers.html accessed 21/4/16 19 http://www.brunyislandferry.com/about.html accessed 21/04/16

Nicolas Baudin entered D’Entrecasteaux Channel in 1802 deciding to anchor at Port Cygnet where they encountered Aboriginal people who found “the pale white skin of the Frenchmen and their longboat” 20 intriguing. The French ate with the Aborigines, traded gifts and entertained them and it was reported that the French were going to establish a settlement on the Derwent. This knowledge reached Governor King who dispatched the HMS Cumberland to King Island where the French were anchored.

Tasmania’s whaling industry encouraged early settlers to Bruny Island “with many small whaling camps along its shores not long after the foundation of Hobart.” 21 In 1897 a coal mine operated at Adventure Bay and continued into the nineties run by M Zachackner. Captain James Kelley, famous for sailing around Tasmania in 1815-16 and discovering Port Davey and Macquarie Harbour settled on land in Dennes Point in 1819 where he maintained a farm until 1851.

In 1825 Mr R Roberts established a soap and salt factory at Barnes Bay and an early ferry service was set up by George Davis from South Bruny to Gordon/Three Hut Point, while a major whaling station was established at Trumpeter Bay in 1826-one of eight established on Bruny at the time. One of Australia’s earliest pilot stations was established at Variety Bay by Captain W Lawrence as a base for pilots to guide ships into the Derwent and Hobart.

Figure 11 Map of North Bruny’s early settlers and burial sites

20 ibid 21 The Bruny Island Story - Basil Rait 1973

During the 1900s many small holdings were farmed to support the growing community. “when the first settlers built their homes on North Bruny it was the custom to plant a few pear trees, seedling apple trees, a walnut, a mulberry or and elder bush.” 22

Around 1910 there were several sizeable orchards of apples, pears and apricots on Bruny and this has continued today with the large cherry farm on North Bruny. In the early days Bruny exported thousands of tons of wood in the form of firewood, palings and shingles providing work for all residents on Bruny.

“The question might be asked, how did people live in those days? Bread was no problem. Every household had a small clearing. Seed wheat was ‘chipped’ in with hoes. At maturity, the wheat was harvested with sickles, by hand, bound into sheaves, and shocked up, until dry enough to thresh. When bagged, it went by barge to Hobart Town, was ground, and returned to the sender.” 23

Since the 1920’s the island has become known as a holiday location with surfing beaches, National Parks and historical sites. More recently tourism has been a major attractor for many reasons. Bruny Island is classified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area supporting the world’s largest population of the endangered forty spotted Pardalote and Swift parrot.

North and South Bruny have growing food, wine and tourism businesses including a cheese factory, oyster farm, vineyards, smokehouse, oldest continuous lighthouse (Cape Bruny lighthouse) and the island offers a wide range of tourist adventures which attract local, national and international visitors. North Bruny has five populated centres including Apollo Bay, Barnes Bay, Dennes Point, Great Bay and Killora.

Figure 12 Historic Kelly's Point- tip of North Bruny

22 Further recollections of North Bruny Island F Oliver Gray p34 1985 23 Ibid p41

BRUNY ISLAND COMMUNITY GROUPS

Bruny Island Community Association (BICA)

The Bruny Island Community Association was established in April 1980 and incorporated in June1980. By October 1980 the first edition of Bruny News was published giving a voice to the Association.

In 1986 amalgamation with the Bruny Tourism Group resulted in the renaming of the Association as the Bruny Island Community and Tourist Association. During the early 90’s the community association was very involved in fighting Council amalgamations and by 1994 the association ceased as an incorporated body but still some members continued to publish the Bruny News and by 1997 enthusiastic members revitalised the Association and incorporation was again established.

The following table was compiled by the Bruny Island Community Association to help clarify the roles of two of the major community groups their roles and responsibilities.

BICA BIAC Bruny Island Community Association Bruny Island Advisory Committee What A grassroots community association for the A Kingborough Council Committee which is a exchange of ideas, opinions and information to conduit for ideas, opinions and information develop a community voice. between the Council and Bruny Islanders. Who Any resident, ratepayer, family and visitor. $2 The Council calls for nominations and selects annual membership. members for 2 year terms. How BICA is incorporated, has a constitution and Chaired by a Councillor supported by a Council elects a president, office bearers and committee officer and operates under Council guidelines. annually. When General meetings second Sunday of each month, Meets second Thursday of each month at Alonnah with venues rotating. council office. Observers welcome. What next BICA decisions from any meeting are directly BIAC makes recommendations to the acted upon by DICA office bearers. Kingborough Council for their consideration. Where to BICA can lobby State and local politicians, BIAC recommends that KC intercede with government departments and the Kingborough Government agencies on infrastructure matters Council as directed by the membership. Some often resulting in direct contact with Government issues are referred to BIAC for them to pursue officers. further. Communication BICA produces the Bruny News, and has a Minutes of meetings are available at the Council fledgling web site, and uses these for reporting Service Centre. and minutes. Bonuses BICA supports other organisations on Bruny With no Councillors resident on Bruny Island, Island by providing low cost printing and financial BIAC ensures the Bruny Island voice is heard. support for community projects. Figure 13 Roles and responsibilities of BICA and BIAC

Currently two organisations exist seeking to further the interests of the island as a whole – Bruny Island Advisory Committee (BIAC) under the auspices of the Kingborough Council and the Bruny Island Community Association.

Both organisations existed prior to the establishment of Friends of North Bruny (FoNB). Both organisations are based on individual memberships. There are no formal methods for community based organisations such as FoNB to have input into planning for Bruny Island as a whole or addressing island-wide issues other than making representations to Council.

Bruny Island Environment Network

Formed in 2009 Bruny Island Environment Network (BIEN) is a network of individuals and groups interested in the protection and celebration of Bruny Island’s natural environment. 24 BIEN aims “to promote the biodiversity, environmental and cultural heritage of the whole island, and to generate resources and support for their protection. It seeks to support economic activity on Bruny that is ecologically sustainable, generates sustainable livelihoods and enhances its values.”

Members of BIEN are active in a wide range of community forums and undertake practical environmental activities including “shorebird nesting site protection, weed removal, revegetation projects and beach clean ups”. Two of the three editors of ‘Birdsong’ are North Bruny residents.

The group engages in fundraising activities that “support research and projects that improve breeding success of endangered species.”

Currently the group is fundraising for the biennial Bruny Island Bird Festival and are currently selling “BIRDSONG – A Celebration of Bruny Island Birds”.

Figure 14 Promotional books by BIEN to raise funds

24 http://www.bien.org.au/accessed 3/5/2016 25 [email protected]

Friends of North Bruny

Friends of North Bruny (FoNB) were established in October 2008 and is an active community group covering North Bruny. The group has matured as an organization and has successfully undertaken a range of community projects and obtained grant funding to progress projects within the area.

The working relationship between the FoNB and the Kingborough Council is considered to be both important and productive to the aims and the area that FoNB represents.

FoNB has been a member of the Kingborough Council Consultative Forum (KCCF) since 2009 and has found the forum of significant value to the operation of FoNB within the context of municipal actions and planning relevant to North Bruny. The forum essentially is an information forum and does not advise Council on matters as does BIAC.

PLANNING AND NORTH BRUNY SETTLEMENT AREAS

Kingborough Interim Planning Scheme (KIPS) 2015 Kingborough Council is responsible for the administration and implementation of the Kingborough Planning Scheme and responsibilities under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1999 throughout the Kingborough Municipality which includes Bruny Island. Council is currently working under the Kingborough Interim Planning scheme (KIPS) 2015. The intention of the current State Government is to introduce a State-wide single planning scheme for all Tasmanian Councils in the near future.

Planning in Kingborough Development and planning is managed by Council through the Kingborough Interim Planning Scheme (KIPS 2015). All Tasmanian Planning Schemes are available at www.iplan.tas.gov.au

Zones All zones within the planning scheme have purpose statements and local area objectives and desired future character statements to guide development, conservation and protection of the environment. Under each zone there are use standards and tables with objectives again to guide human activities and ensure minimal conflicts between different user groups. There are 23 zones in KIPS2015.

Figure 15 KIPS 2015 zones

KIPS 2015 part E Codes

Figure 16 Part E Codes

There are 25 Codes within the planning scheme with specific purposes to ensure that use and development is appropriately designed, located, serviced, constructed or managed minimising risk or damage. Each code outlines its purpose, application, definition of terms, requirements or use standards.

KIPS 2015 part F Specific Area Plans There are four areas Kingborough Council has nominated for Specific Area consideration and these include: Kingston Green Specific Area Plan Margate Marina Specific Area Plan Former Kingston High School Site Specific Area Plan Wellington Park Specific Area Plan

Planning Scheme Maps A series of maps provide further information about zones and overlay maps with scheme and zone boundaries that apply to any property within the municipality.

There are six low density settlement areas on North Bruny selected in this report to raise awareness about and establish an understanding as to how the community wishes future development to proceed. The community values protection of the existing quality of life, protection of environmental values, current land use and respect for conservation of high value habitats. All these needed to be protected and strengthened by future quality development projects.

Residents of North Bruny also value the agricultural and mixed farming aspects of the island and wish to retain and protect these working farms that not only produce and provide employment but provide a strong sense of place through productive land use.

Along with tourism farms and other small industrial or cottage industries like cheese and wine making add economic values and provide job opportunities to Bruny residents.

Murrayfield is a wonderful example of a working farm, employing residents and place of history and tourism as well as protective of Aboriginal heritage.

Figure 17 Murrayfield entry

Dennes Point-Small Township of coastal lots with large mixed farming.

Figure 18 Dennes Point from Tinderbox

Dennes Point is a thirty minute drive from the ferry at Roberts Point and was an important site for the Nuenonne people before European settlement and part of an extensive trade route for the aboriginal nations. It was the site where D’Entrecasteaux and Baudin met with local indigenous tribes.

Dennes Point was originally known as ‘Kelly’s Point’ after Captain James Kelly, Pilot and Harbourmaster well known for his circumnavigation of Tasmania in the whaleboat ‘Elizabeth’. Captain Kelly has a land grant from 1818 until 1845, when it was purchased by Mr Anthony Smith Denne, who built the “Woodlands” homestead.26Kelly was the first man to circumnavigate Tasmania in an open whale boat.

In 1830 the Dennes family settled on Woodlands as farmers and established the first ferry service from Dennes Point to Tinderbox. It was also the site of the first jetty on Bruny Island and was a regular stopping place for Channel ferries and other vessels.

26 Guide to Bruny Island History B Davis Bruny Island Historical Society 1988 ISBN 0 947228 00 4 p3

Figure 19 Historic Woodlands property

Dennes Point is a mixture of shack development mixed agricultural activity, orcharding and light grazing. Figure 18 shows Kelly’s Point from Tinderbox and the rural sense of place that is retained today on North Bruny.

Dennes Point has smaller lots along the coastal strip comprising of recreational shacks, tourist accommodation and some permanent residents. This is the more protected side of Dennes Point facing the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and once the site for ferry travel from Hobart. Farming and agriculture occur on the larger lots with wooded steep hills providing a positive balance between community’s needs. The Dennes Point population expands exponentially during the holiday seasons with visitors and shack owners.

Woodlands provide the perfect rural idyll making Dennes Point an attractive place for visitors and local residents. At Dennes Point future development is contained by low residential, Rural Resource and Rural Living Zones. It is the most northern water access point for Bruny Island and only a 20 minute trip from Hobart.

Barnes Bay–Larger lots, mixed farming, historic industrial landuse

Barnes Bay was called ‘McClures Bay’ by Hayes in 1793, after John McClure, a Bombay marine officer. However John Barnes owned property there in 1828 and the name ‘Barnes Bay’ is referred to in Ross’ Almanac for 1829. 27 It seems the name change occurred due to the influence of John Barnes.

Barnes Bay provides a safe anchorage off the D’Entrecasteaux Channel between Roberts Point where the ferry docks and Shelter Cove and incorporates Quarantine Bay, Sykes Cove and Simmonds Bay and was the location of the first vehicular ferry-service to Bruny Island. In 1954 the ‘Melba’ ran a service from Kettering to Barnes Bay.

Figure 20 Barnes Bay from the jetty

It was once known as Lennon Ward when Bruny Island operated its own Council. Before the 1850’s it was reserved for a township to be called ‘Lennon’. The oldest house “Lennonville” still standing on Bruny Island was built by Major Lennon in 1833.28 Lennonville continues today as a working cherry farm. The main zones within Barnes Bay are Rural Living and Rural Resource with Low Density Residential Zone maintained within the settlement hub which will assist to contain future low density residential building.

27 Guide to Bruny Island History B Davis Bruny Island Historical Society 1988 ISBN 0 947228 00 4 28 Guide to Bruny Island History B Davis 1988 p13

BARNES BAY

Figure 21 Barnes Bay in relation to the current ferry crossing

The first soap making business was established at Barnes Bay in 1823 by R.A. Roberts29. Other industries established there included salt and timber servicing the new colony of Hobart Town. With increasing numbers arriving on private boats, campervans and cars attracted to the natural beauty of Barnes Bay and its rich history this is an area in need of improved public facilities and services. Visitors are interested in the historic Quarantine Station which was established in 1883 and managed by the Commonwealth Government since 1901. Australian troops returning from WW1 and the crews on ships bringing them home to Tasmania were quarantined in order to prevent an epidemic of the Spanish Flu Pandemic which was sweeping the world in 1919. From 1955 it was used as a plant quarantine station until closure in 1986. The local community and friends of the Quarantine Station assist Parks and Wildlife to manage the site.

Figure 22 Soldier’s camp at the station

The site is significant as a rare Tasmanian example of a late 19th century quarantine station for people demonstrating their institutional attitudes towards social class and health. It has high cultural

29 The Bruny Island Story Basil Rait 1988 p4

significance at the State level.30 In 2003 it was proclaimed as a State Reserve and managed by Parks and Wildlife Southern Region.

Friends of Bruny Island Quarantine Station (FOBIQS) were formed in 2011 to support management, conservation and public appreciation of the site. In 2013 a self-guided walk was established at the site and a volunteer summer caretaker program began in 2013 and is proving very successful. The site is open on Sundays and Saturdays all year round due to demand.31

Barnes Bay is ideal for a circular figure tourist route up to Dennes Point but the gravel roads on North Bruny need to be better maintained.

Signage is needed and information at the Ferry Crossing point to inform visitors of this opportunity.

Figure 23 Workshop comments

30 http://www.bica.org.au/brunyquarantinestation/accessed 15/3/16 31 http://www.bica.org.au/brunyquarantinestation/FOBIQS.html# 15/3/16

Apollo Bay - Mixed sized residential and agricultural landholdings

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Apollo Bay was named after the brig ‘Apollo’ (105 tons) built in 1826 for Captain J Laughton and which was sadly wrecked in 1827 at the north end of Maria Island.32

Apollo Bay has two major zones Environmental Living and Rural Resource where existing natural and landscape values are to be retained. The Environmental Living zone contains areas not suitable or needed for resource development or agriculture. It is characterised by native vegetation cover or areas where services are limited and residential amenity may be impacted on by nearby or adjacent rural activities. Previous development in Apollo Bay has encouraged residences not easily viewed from the road but the new large areas being opened up within Apollo Bay are located in open landscapes and more visible. Future development of Apollo Bay must balance the range of constraints including water availability, landscape protection, bushfire protection, habitat protection and coastal protection vs development.

The majority of land in Apollo Bay is owned by the weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation as shown by the red outline below (figure 23). Private residential and smaller agricultural landholdings are located along the slopes facing D’Entrecasteaux Channel, providing a supply of lots for residential development overlooking Apollo Bay and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel with close proximity to the ferry at Roberts Point.

Figure 24 Apollo Bay and land owned by the weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation

32 Guide to Bruny Island History B Davis Bruny Island Historical Society 1988 ISBN 0 947228 00 4 p 1

Figure 25 New Apollo Bay home under construction

The coastal strip along the Channel in Apollo Bay is where active residential building currently exists. Active residential building is occurring off D’Entrecasteaux Drive where land was part of the Grunseth Lennonville subdivision. This subdivision has been approved with several attached covenants to the title which cover access, building envelope and materials.

For example Covenant 1 requires that any dwellings and outbuildings constructed of brick have a rendered finish: Covenant 2 not to take, keep or store caravans, campervans, boats or the like on to a lot unless housed in an outbuilding; and: Covenant 3 not to pitch tents or the like on a lot for the purpose of accommodation. Further covenants refer to the building footprint and limitations on other site buildings outside the approved envelope and only in designated areas.

Figure 26 Building envelop covenants for the subdivision

This is a clear example of Council trying to protect and control future building on subdivided land and attempting to preserve the natural bushland around future development. The planning

scheme KPS2000 and Environmental Management Zone assisted Council at the Tribunal to achieve positive outcomes for this area by allowing limited subdivisions within identified areas that had environmental values on the basis that the much larger balanced lots were protected by covenants (Part 5 Agreements) that ensured there would be net conservation benefits. This particular subdivision required a huge amount of negotiation and Council persistence with the planning scheme and Tribunal hearings resulted in the eventual outcome33

Currently under the Kingborough Interim Planning Scheme KIP’S, Apollo Bay is regarded as highly significant coastal forest habitat and lots are limited to 1 lot per 20 hectares. For land now to be subdivided the lot size would need to be 40 hectares. This affords the environment and conservation values some protection. In the new proposed statewide planning scheme the zone of Environmental Living is to be discarded.

Council in approving development within this area has been able to protect and respect the bushland and preserved the landscape values. The Lennon Road mail boxes provide evidence of residences/accommodation sites which are substantially set back from the road within Apollo Bay helping to retain the bushland setting.

Figure 27 Apollo Bay mail boxes

33 Personal comment from Tony Ferrier 2016.

Killora - Residential ribbon development set back off road with mixed lot sizes.

Figure 28 Killora on the west coast of North Bruny

This area was originally known as ‘Rat Bay’ until 1914 when residents successfully petitioned the Council for a name change to ‘Killora’.

The majority zone within the area of Killora is Environmental Living (KIPS 2015) surrounded by Rural Resource zone which will contain the level and spread of future development. Many of the settled properties are set back from the road and much of the vegetation along the road is intact providing a strong rural and natural bushland sense of place.

The smaller lots along the road occur above an embankment allowing the residential/shack developments to be hidden from passing traffic. Vistas to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel through the wooded landscape make this location special for visitors and residents.

Figure 29 The List Topo base map Kingborough GIS

Killora pine trees as an issue was raised at the community workshop and has been an issue under negotiated by two Council departments. The assessment of the pine trees has been discussed with residents and various landowners.

Council engaged an arborist to report on the Greys Road pine trees and found the majority of trees along the road are within private property. There was no safety risk and at this point in time the healthy trees would remain so for at least another 5-10 years. Greys Road and Killora Road pine trees are stable at the moment. If the situation was to escalate Council would undertake further investigation.

A local property owner undertook a risk assessment of the pine trees on an adjacent property that was causing concerns with other residents and established a Forest Practices Plan (FPP) but has decided not to go ahead at this time due to the high risk levels involved with implementing the FPP at this stage.

Council has no authority to insist on any pine tree removals on private property. As only 1% of the pine trees are within the road reservation Council will continue to monitor and manage the situation as risk management.

Great Bay - Small and larger lots with mixed use settlement pattern.

The Great Bay area is historically significant due to industrial and recreational pursuits occurring there from the 1830s. Salt Water Creek in the 1850’s was the site of a racecourse. Drains were dug in the 1830’s to carry water from the lagoons into Great Bay where much of the land was used for grain production. Lime pits and a kiln were used when shell was being crushed for agricultural lime. Making lime mortar from burnt shell was another local industry. Great Bay is also the location where Bruny residents once procured pipeclay to whiten fireplaces. Today it is the location of the island’s only air strip. Great Bay is a mixed use area where local businesses like Bruny Cheese, Get Shucked Oyster Bar, Bruny Island Game Meat, Bruny Hardware, Island Scenic Flights and tourist accommodation locate among existing shacks and residents. Many small and larger lots exist but there is no visual township of Great Bay. The road through Great Bay passes through Environmental Living and Environmental Management zones as well as Rural Resource areas. North Bruny Island’s visual landscape is one of the main attractions for tourists and is highly valued by residents who seek support from both State and Local Governments to ensure planning controls protect both the conservation values, heritage values as well as economic values of a productive agricultural sector on the Island.

Tidal crown land

DPIPWE (environmental management)

Figure 30 Great Bay KIPS zone map

The large area zoned Environmental Management is owned by Department Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) and includes the area marked tidal crown land. Other major zones are Rural Resource and Environmental Living. There were no representatives from the Great Bay Area but the following comments were made regarding this area by the group.

Priority actions raised in 2014 community workshop were:

• Too many advertising signs.(near hardware store) • More Council support for weed control especially radiata pine spread.

Murrayfield - Large agricultural holding with mixed farming activities

The rural character of North Bruny is considerably reinforced and defined by small agricultural holdings, Murrayfield and land owned by the Parks and Wildlife (PWD), the Crown and Forestry are crucial to protecting important habitat and managing agricultural activities as well as future development. This land ownership contributes to containing residential and subdivision within existing low density settlement zones.

Murrayfield although not a designated settlement is a large working mixed farm and is singled out as an area of importance because it has a significant role in North Bruny. It is the largest agricultural property on North Bruny comprising approximately 4,100 hectares extending from Barnes Bay to the Bruny Island Neck reaching at its widest point the whole width of North Bruny Island from D’Entrecasteaux Channel to the edge of Storm Bay.

The Rural Resource zoning and extent of Murrayfield minimises future subdivision development and assists in containing growth to existing settlement nodes within North Bruny Island. It is a highly important visual backdrop to other adjacent land uses.

Small agricultural holdings

Murrayfield

PWD PWD

Figure 31 Red denotes the extent of ILC holdings on North Bruny

Murrayfield is a combination of rural properties that were previously owned and farmed as separate holdings which in 2001 were acquired by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC). Murrayfield has large tracks of native vegetation, heath, bracken fern and shrub land with dominant forest species,

peppermint gums, stringybark, blue gum and swamp gum. Murrayfield has a memorandum of understanding with weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) to assist the management of the cultural, social and environmental heritage of the site and to develop opportunities to derive benefits from the property for the Aboriginal community.34

Murrayfield is not easily accessible to the general public as it is a working farm it is ‘by appointment’ only and has future key potential for tourism should the weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation choose to engage or follow that direction.35

Murrayfield has over 260 sites of Indigenous cultural importance and has implemented a residential employment-focussed training project funded from its employment and training land management program. Murrayfield includes a merino sheep business producing high yielding wool, and an additional business that focuses on supplying lamb to local restaurants striking a balance between commercial farming operation requirements and providing training and employment to Indigenous Tasmanians.36

The Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) is an independent Australian Government statutory authority established under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (the Act). ILC’s primary objective is to support and assist indigenous people to achieve economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits. The ILC acquires and grants land to Indigenous corporations under its Land Acquisition Program to provide social and/or economic benefits to indigenous people, particularly through training and employment.37

Figure 32 Main strategies of the NILS policy document38

34 http://www.murrayfield.com.au/Home/Aboriginal-European-history (accessed 4/11/2015) 35 Comment Tony Ferrier 2016 36 Ibid 37 TAS Regional Indigenous Land Strategy 2013-2018 38 Ibid

Figure 33 Murrayfield grazing

Murrayfield is most important to north Bruny in many areas, firstly its aboriginal heritage and significant sites, European heritage sites, conservation values of the land and environmental values as well as coastal interactions.

The vastness of Murrayfield protects and dominates the rural qualities and agricultural economics of north Bruny.

COMMUNITY PRIORITIES AND VALUES

In 2005, Kingborough Council received a petition form 258 Bruny Island ratepayers calling for a ‘Future Vision Plan’ for Bruny Island. The petition expressed concerns that ‘insufficient attention’ was being paid to the ability of the Island’s infrastructure to cope with increases in population. The Future Vision Plan was sought to ‘provide a balance between the permanent population and the supporting infrastructure while preserving the appealing uniqueness and non-suburb like character of Bruny Island’.

In 2006 Kingborough Council with support from Bruny Island Advisory Committee pursued community input on a ‘Future Vision for Bruny’39. Key major issues identified from Council’s consultation were;

• Environment and life style issues • Future development • Road maintenance and safety • The Ferry service • Local services and infrastructure

A similar community survey was then repeated in 2013 with a 28% response rate and a comparison of the two surveys can be found in Appendix 1 and 2. Since the first survey was received a new community health centre was constructed and Main Road in the Great Bay area sealed and Main Road repaired in the Alonnah and Lunawanna areas addressing a few of the concerns raised in the first survey. The two surveys had little difference in community views although the more recent survey expressed increased concerns about environmental protection and appreciation of Bruny Island’s quieter and more peaceful lifestyle with public infrastructure improvements high priority for all. High priority community concerns continue to be about

• the ferry service,

• road conditions and

• public toilets.

Future development on Bruny must be tempered by the need to protect the environment and current lifestyle of residents. This can be achieved by supporting low-key sensitive development in urbanised areas of Bruny while protecting the natural character of rural Bruny.40

Bruny has a self-sufficient and supportive collection of settlements with each area having distinct likes and protections and Council continues to work actively to ensure these individual community

39 Kingborough Council Survey of Bruny Ratepayers-2006 Tony Ferrier-www.kingborough.tas.gov.au. 40 Ibid

40 values are supported. It is important to also note Bruny is a popular destination for Tasmanians and visitors both national and international and this situation is escalating.

The priority is to maintain a balance between agricultural, marine and farming interests, tourism and eco-tourism interests, small business, cottage businesses, permanent residents and the visiting population and new settlers.

It is worth noting here the variety of primary industry endeavours that exist on north Bruny.

• Animal Husbandry Sheep – (meat and wool); Beef cattle; Pigs; • Fruit Cherries; Olives Berries and Vineyards; • Apiarists Bruny Honey; • Bruny Island Game Meats • Marine Oysters ; Fish Farms (Salmon); Abalone; Rock Lobster; • Forestry • Mining Quarry

In 2014 Bruny Island livestock producers met to explore farm biosecurity and its role in reducing the risk of introducing new pests, diseases and weeds to the island. Livestock Biosecurity Network held workshops to provided information on how individual farm biosecurity plans could link with existing quality assurance requirements.

A working group was formed on Bruny to develop a regional biosecurity plan for the benefit of primary producers and the local environment by recommending biosecurity practices which could be adopted through the regional plan by the island’s sheep and cattle owners.

In July 2016 Village Well Consultants engaged by the Tasmanian State Government undertook a Tasmanian wide community consultation about the tourism experience. From that process a pilot study was launched to establish the Bruny Island Placemaking and Experience Strategy.

This project has a steering group represented by Regional Tourism Organisations, State Government and Tourism Tasmania. The findings of the report will provide a wealth of information to assist North and South Bruny Island’s future directions and development.

NORTH BRUNY KEY COMMUNITY ISSUES

In 2014 Council facilitated a community workshop at the Dennes Point Community Centre where the following issues were raised and priorities established for Council to action.

Figure 34 Nebraska Beach Dennes Point

1. Development and Planning. Should respect history, scale and new buildings should respect local context.

Tourism is driving change and residents are concerned that all future development respects the Island.

2. Foreshore erosion along the northern end of Nebraska Road south of Boulder Point. Current Council interventions on foreshore erosion.

3. Ongoing improvements to the Dennes Point Community Centre are needed. Improvements include hall acoustics and out of hour’s hall access for local residents.

4. Water Environment Access by water and quality waterways.

5. Expand pedestrian links and walking trails. The community is keen to promote historic walking trails. Promote long and short walking routes with signage and interpretation.

6. Weed eradication program should be more active. Outline of current NRM activities at Dennes Point and North Bruny. Pine trees in Killora and north Bruny.

7. Improve beach access and facilities. The Community desire for improved parking, signage and facilities.

8. Improve facilities at Kellaway Park for the community and visitors. Community would like to see some major improvements to this site to protect habitat and increase recreational on site facilities.

9. Improve interpretation, information and signage. There is a strong community desire for improvements to assist visitors and residents.

10. Bull Bay lookout or pull off area with safe parking. Background and project status update. Ongoing negotiations by Council with StateGrowth and private land owners.

11. The Ferry Service Community concerns about the ferry service for tourists and residents.

12 Gravel Roads Community concerns about road maintenance and ensuring all gravel roads are well maintained.

These issues will now be addressed individually including a summary of the current Tasmanian planning process which is now under review and may substantially impact on Council’s ability to implement local area planning guidelines and controls as the community wishes.

The State Liberal Government was elected to power in 2014 with an election promise to provide a statewide planning scheme and remove ‘red and green tape’. This is currently being drafted and will radically change local planning schemes statewide.

1. Development and Planning

Development and planning in southern Tasmania operate within the guidelines produced by the Southern Tasmanian Regional Land Use Strategy 2010-2035 and under local government planning schemes. The State Liberal Government is now preparing a statewide planning scheme to cover all development within Tasmania but until that is proclaimed local government is working primarily under Kingborough Interim Planning Scheme (KIPS) 2015.

Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy 2010 – 2035

This document was the culmination of work providing the first significant regional planning exercise in southern Tasmania for over three decades. Southern Tasmania is a regional planning unit for the purposes of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.

This policy document was written to facilitate and manage change, growth and development within Southern Tasmania with a 25 year time horizon.41 The document has been declared by the Minister for Planning pursuant to Section 30C of the Land Use Planning & Approvals Act 1993.

The Strategy sets out ‘10 strategic directions’ for the region:

• adopting a more integrated approach to planning and infrastructure • holistically managing residential growth • creating a network of vibrant and attractive activity centres • improving our economic infrastructure • supporting our productive resources • Increasing responsiveness to our natural environment • Improving management of our water resources • supporting strong and healthy communities • making the region nationally and internationally competitive • creating liveable communities

Note the Strategy recognises climate change as a significant challenge and provides for this as an 42 overarching consideration.

The southern Tasmanian Regional Land Use Strategy informs strategic planning in southern Tasmania and used in the development of current interim planning schemes by Councils.

41 KIPS 2015 240715. Pdf Page 5 accessed from Kingborough Council website 12/11/215

42 Ibid page 6

North Bruny

North Bruny residential areas are zoned Low Density Residential with a minimum lot size of 2,500sq.m for a single dwelling. (Bruny Island is in Area A under the scheme)

• Within this zone tourism and holiday accommodation are permitted. • Tourist accommodation is discretionary if it does not involve an existing building. • Conversion of existing buildings into tourist accommodation is permitted and construction of additional buildings on a site is permitted but both require a planning permit and are advertised. • Bruny Island Low Density Residential Zone is all Area A and if a retirement village was proposed in this zone within North Bruny it would be discretionary.

KIPS 2015 presently does not single out any settlement area within North Bruny only Alonnah and Adventure Bay on South Bruny. Council received a public submission from Friends of North Bruny requesting for a similar Local Area Objective be included for Dennes Point. Council believed the inclusion of a local area objective and desired future character statement into the KIPS 2015 for Dennes Point was appropriate as it would assist to retain a distinct seaside character in addition to servicing and location constraints.

Figure 35 Country character at Dennes Point

Council submitted the following consideration for Dennes Point to the State Planning Authority as an amendment to be included in KIPS 2015. Local Area Objective Dennes Point is to be maintained as a small seaside settlement for residents, shack owners and visitors using short term holiday accommodation in and around the village precinct. Implementation Strategy: • Future developments and buildings in Dennes Point are to be designed to reflect the existing low-key character of the location. Desired Future Character Statement • Future development within Dennes Point should maintain residential amenity and encourage high quality accommodation. Implementation Strategy • Residential amenity is to be maintained through sensitive and contemporary building design, larger lots and vegetated screening.

These statements have limited impact as they are broad and do not provide detail guidance to lead future development and do not adequately support community concerns. Kingborough Council’s planning department is of the opinion that the new statewide planning scheme will not include desired future character statements for smaller townships or settlements within the Kingborough municipality or local area objectives.43

This is of great concern for residents of Bruny Island and the Kingborough municipality generally where supporting low-key sensitive development in urbanised areas of Bruny while protecting the natural character of rural Bruny is a high priority.

Many north Bruny residents seek council establishment of design guidelines that would assist future development by providing visual interpretations of building designs and material that would ‘fit’ into the Bruny landscape and settlement areas. This guide would sit in front of the planning scheme and would voice community concerns about height, setbacks, materials, scale and massing.

An opportunity exists for council to work with the community to develop this document but it should involve a whole of island approach to be effective. Each island community or settlement could be involved in its preparation to be effective and be widely circulated to the community for input as well as other major island stakeholders during compilation.

43 Personal comment from D Cowen.

2. Foreshore Erosion northern end Nebraska Road, south of Boulder Point.

Council is undertaking emergency stabilizing works and has engaged a specialist engineer from the University of New South Wales WRL laboratory to undertake site investigations and provide expert advice.

The engineer visited the site and will provide ongoing monitoring and a report on various options for long term stabilization. Council has two sites currently requiring design and stabilisation works and so these sites will be combined in a design consultancy during the 2016/17 financial year so capital funding can be sourced in the following financial year for implementation.

In the meantime Council will continue to increase site inspections and augment works when required until long term research and design actions are received and inform capital works funding.

Figure 36 Nebraska road erosion under monitoring

3. Ongoing Improvements to the Dennes Point Community Centre.

Recent renovations at Dennes Point Lennon Memorial Hall have increased community facilities substantially for both residents and visitors. Further minor works are required to improve community access to the Hall afterhours when the cafe and gallery are not open. Hall acoustics is another issue holding back greater use of the Hall, improvements would increase the variety of users and events able to be conducted in the Hall space. The 2014 community survey supported increased resident use and requests for new community programs. This has been reinforced by the hall committee approaching Council for capital works funding. Before additions the Lennon Memorial Hall and fire station were the main public facilities in Dennes Point.

Figure 37 Lennon Memorial Hall 2009

Figure 38 Fire station now relocated adjacent the CWA Hall

Lennon Memorial Hall, Gallery and Café within the North Bruny Community Centre provide a strong community focus for residents and visitors to Dennes Point. The hall is the major meeting place for locals.

The removal of the front doors facing the road in order to provide much needed storage space within the hall created very poor community access at night when the Café and Gallery are not operating. In 2013 the Hall and Community Centre can be seen in figures 40 and 41.

Figure 39 Hall entry removed 2013

Figure 40 the centre is highly used

A major community concern raised in the 2013 Community Recreation Survey was difficulty in accessing the hall using the side entry doors where there is difficult access, no wet weather cover or lighting and limited signage for visitors.

Telstra informed Council five years ago that they wished to remove the phone box as it was not frequently used. Community and Council concern and lobbying ensured the phone box remained for safety reasons due to poor broadband and phone connections on Bruny. The location of the phone box conflicts with out of hour’s access and needs relocation.

Reopening discussions with Telstra will be required to reposition the phone and improve after-hour access.

Figure 41 Telstra phone box impeding access

The following concept is submitted for consideration. It includes relocation of the phone box, post box and litter bin and installation of clear roofing over the entry corridor with roof water directed into existing tanks.

Works also include the installation of a landscaped screen to hide the utility sections of the site and an artistic public bench seat in front of the screen. See figure 43.

The entry would have compacted blue gravel consistent the finish in front of the gallery/café section of the building and lit with an external movement sensor light.

Improved out of hour’s access for local residents it may be possible to encourage greater participation in the various programs currently being undertaken at the hall

In the 2013 Dennes Point Recreational Survey the community sought more activities at the hall during the summer and holiday period as well as during the quieter winter months for local residents and visitors.

Upgrading the acoustics of the hall will also assist increasing venue hire and support local business operators by attracting events to Dennes Point.

Figure 42 Proposed out of hour’s hall entry

Since the public meeting in November 2014 signage has improved with the Kingborough Council standard hall sign being fixed to the wall and the erection of the North Bruny Community Centre sign.

Figure 43 Centre signage

4. Water Environment

Dennes Point and North Bruny residents are keen to see improvements to the current jetty allowing visiting vessels to moor alongside a floating pontoon or similar structure able to withstand the weather and tides. For emergency services to have better access to Dennes Point alterations to the jetty would allow Police access as well as water taxi, the Peppermint Bay ferry or similar vessels to extend visitor time in the area enabling them to explore the heritage walk, visit the gallery, café and beaches.

Council and Marine and Safety Tasmania need to investigate possible options and discuss with the community. There is a strong water link between Tinderbox Jetty and North Bruny and improving mooring and access between the two sites may have long term benefits for all.

Figure 44 Dennes Point Jetty

When the sea plane operated from Sullivan’s Cove Hobart it would land in the bay and patrons were met by Bruny Island tour operators who then took them over Bruny Island by car/bus.

The seaplane is not currently operating but in the future other seaplane operators or tourism boats may seek to reconnect to Dennes Point. Greater use of the river with ferry and water taxi services to North Bruny is an opportunity for short stay visitors in Hobart to visit. This would provide additional support for tourism in Dennes Point and other Bruny Island businesses.

Some recreational boat users have issues with the access ladder and water levels at the jetty that make it impossible for them to anchor. The access ladder does not conform to current standards.

A 1.5M minimum draught below low tide is a requirement by MAST for all jetty construction. To increase use of this jetty construction of a floating pontoon or similar structure may increase visitor numbers and recreational boat use at Dennes Point.

Figure 45 Ladder access does not conform to current standards

Figure 46 Jetty Beach where some vessels moor and explore Dennes Point

In 2012 an application was made to MAST to upgrade the boat ramp on Nebraska Beach on behalf of the Dennes Point community.

Council provided joint funding in 2013 of $22,000 for an upgrade to be completed by MAST after a successful application to the annual Recreational Boating Fund.

By 2013 the boat ramp on Nebraska Beach had been installed with an understanding that it would remain single lane access with improved gradient and surface finish. However usability at lower water levels was unachievable due to the lack of water depth, which is a common issue for beach ramps. See figure 48. The works however ensured compliance with most aspects of AS3962 (2001) except for the minimum water cover (0.60m – 1.0m) over the toe of the ramp at low tide.

The ramp has had mixed success as parking of cars and trailers on the beach or adjacent to the beach still cause concerns with local residents and visitors. Improved parking should be considered as a future action to minimise beach user conflict.

Residents have commented on the design of the new ramp and feel the beach has been ‘divided by this concrete mass’ that has only partially addressed boat launching and access issues while heavily impacting upon beach amenity and access north along the beach.

Figure 47 Nebraska Beach boat ramp

Water access at Dennes Point is complex referring to recreational beach access for people with their variety of boats as well as visitors arriving by water either on the beach or at the jetty.

A thorough investigation and assessment should be undertaken by Council and other stakeholders consulting with users to ascertain the best cost effective outcomes for all. This assessment should include trailer parking, boat storage and beach access by vehicles.

5. Expand Pedestrian links and Walking Trails

Residents and visitors to North Bruny enjoy walking and cycling and use the beach and road networks as limited trails. Further development of walking tracks and trails is a high priority for the community as well as development of historic interpretation panels at selected sites. North Bruny has a rich heritage and residents would like to see their stories told through well located and designed interpretation panels.

Friends of North Bruny have been successful in obtaining funds to engage professionals to develop interpretation panels around Kelly’s Point. Figure 49 shows the desired track to showcase North Bruny environs and history. The track is noted on Council’s GIS to highlight the track location should land become available from future property subdivisions or gifts. This public access route is part of Council’s long term tracks and trail planning.

Kelly’s Point

Figure 48 proposed North Bruny walking trail

Encouraging and attracting longer stay visitors and encouraging residents to explore the northern end of Bruny Island on foot/mountain bike was seen by workshop participants as a desirable. More short walks opportunities need research for day visitors and older residents.

The workshop raised a concept to promote a circular drive outlining areas of significance and high interest for visitors to north Bruny. It was commented that many visitors to Bruny Island leave Roberts Point and head south and never experience the natural beauty and local points of interest North Bruny offers.

Development of tourism facilities at Roberts Point would enable more information being available as new visitors explore the island. This route could also promote the Quarantine Station and strengthen the need for more visitor facilities including public toilets at Barnes Bay.

To support this idea appropriate signage and tourism information is required and easily available for visitors ensuring their journey around Bruny provides the best possible experience.

The online Bruny Island Tracks Trails Walks site provides up to date information on walks and also provides images of the walk, proximity to toilets and level of difficulty for walkers. Nebraska Beach walk and Cape Queen Elizabeth Walk are the only North Bruny walks listed reinforcing the need to develop more trails and short walks on North Bruny in the future.

Track Detail/Maps $ Comments

Alonnah Sheepwash Toilet Alonnah Service 1 Hour return Easy Excellent Bay Track Centre Cape Queen 4 Hours return No toilets Moderate Elizabeth Clennett's Top Mill 10 Minutes Old mill site interpretive No toilets Easy Site return walk Cloudy Bay Lagoon Park entry fees Not a formed track in 2 Hours return Toilets at car park Moderate Inlet apply places Toilets at car park and East Cloudy Head Park entry fees 4 Hours return Cloudy Corner Challenging Good Track apply Campground Fluted Cape 3 Hours circuit Challenging Good. Beware of casuarina nuts on steep Park entry fees Toilets at Adventure Bay section apply Hall Grass Point 90 Minutes Easy Ok return Tas Parks Track Detail Labillardiere 5 Hour circuit Moderate grade Good. Section adjacent Toilets near car park. Peninsula with short steep to Great Taylors Bay Park entry fees No drinking water 90 Minute sections upgraded early 2012 apply available at car park or Luggaboine circuit Moderate Good on track. Tas Parks Track Detail 30 Minutes Toilets at Adventure Bay Mavista Nature Walk Easy Good return Hall 90 Minutes Toilets at Adventure Bay Mt. Mangana Moderate Ok return Hall 3 Hours one Toilets at Adventure Bay Ok, but lots of ferns and Murray's Track Challenging way Hall leeches Nebraska Beach Toilets near Dennes Beach walk to Bligh 1 Hour return Easy (at low tide) Walk Point Jetty Rocks Vegetation and land slide 3.5 Hours one Toilets at Adventure Bay towards southern end Slide Track Challenging way Hall may create difficulties. Leeches. 15 Minutes Challenging Truganini Lookout Toilets at car park Excellent return stairway Figure 49 Bruny Island Walks online44

44 http://www.bica.org.au/brunytrackstrails/Index.html

Figure 50 Walkers using Nebraska Road as a walking trail

FoNB request that along with improving walking access they also see the need for a review of speed limits on all Bruny roads with a view to pedestrian and cycling friendly strategies. This could be a point of difference for Bruny Island encouraging visitors to slow down and adapt to ‘islander life’ by enjoying a slower pace and having the roads safe for walkers and cyclists.

The workshop participants also raised the issue of road safety, gravel road maintenance and road speeds on gravel roads. There was discussion about lowering the speed especially on the gravel roads on north Bruny which are curvy and narrow and some participants called for minor works to occur along specific sites to improve road safety for drivers, walkers and cyclists.

6. Weed Eradication Program Should be More Active

The National Weeds Strategy definition of a weed is

“A weed is a plant which has, or has the potential to have, a detrimental effect on economic, social or conservation values.”45

Figure 51 2007 priority weed location Bruny Island46

In 2006 a range of stakeholders attended a meeting convened by Kingborough Council to discuss weed management on Bruny Island and from that the Bruny Island Weed Management Strategy was completed in 2007 by Beth Chamberlain, an environmental consultant.

In Tasmania the Weed management Act 1999 provides the main legislative framework for weed management. Its purpose is to provide for the control and eradication of declared weeds and to promote a strategic and sustainable approach to weed management in Tasmania.

A copy of the strategy is available from Council but it is being reviewed and a new municipal weed strategy will be adopted in the near future.

45 Bruny Island Weed Management Strategy Tasmania Beth Chamberlain May 2007 46 ibid

Council’s Natural Resource Management Coordinator, has provided the following summary on current weed management and control activities on North Bruny.

Roadside Work

Roadside work on North Bruny is often carried out when requested or in response to a specific weed infestation, there is currently no systemic approach to weed management. This may change when the new municipal weed strategy is adopted. There are, however, certain areas in which a week long focused roadside control attack has been regularly carried out including:

• Power Road/Wisbys Road area for gorse • Cox Drive area for pampas • Apollo Bay area for Spanish heath and ragwort • Simpsons Bay area for boneseed • Great Bay area for Spanish heath

Until recent amendments made to the No Spray Register Council was unable to treat a significant portion of the gorse infestation on North Bruny as whole roadsides were listed on the register. These recent amendments have made it possible for the weed crew to continue to work in the area.

Killora Pines

At the community workshop many voiced concerns about the spread of pine tree seedlings along Killora Road and Grays Road in particular. Council has had the pine trees assessed by a qualified arborist and found that:

• The assessment revealed the trees are in reasonable health with a further life expectance of 10-20 years; • Due to low traffic volumes the risk profile associated with the trees has been rated as acceptable; • Many of the trees are on private property and the management of these would sit with the property owner; • The bushfire risk in the area would be associated with all the trees contained both on private property and the road reserve. • Removing trees within the road reservation would have limited benefit from a bushfire management perspective unless the trees on private property nearby are also removed. • Council has no powers to enforce removal of trees on private property.

Council has decided not to remove the trees within the road reservation but will maintain a monitoring role including the monitoring and removal of any detritus build up in the drains to ensure they are operating effectively.47

47 David Reeve Executive Manager Engineering comment 22 August 2016

Private Land

The weed crew has invested significant time in the form of advice to private landowners for a range of weed related issues. In addition to this particular areas and strategic weeds have been the focus of a compliance regime with weed notifications and/or requirement notices issued for the following:

• Apollo Bay area for ragwort • Whaymans Road for ragwort • Wisbys Road for Patterson’s curse • Dennes Point area for boneseed • Great Bay area for Spanish heath and boneseed

The Bruny Island Ragwort Program has not only involved control and enforcement components, but provided free ragwort disposal for Bruny Island residents. Although the bin has been located on South Bruny (where the main infestation occurs), residents of North Bruny have been able to utilise this amenity. Discussions are underway about relocating the service to the North Bruny Waste Transfer Station in an effort to reduce significant costs associated with this service.

Figure 52 Ragwort can be found at Apollo Bay area and Whaymans Road

Council Owned Land

Weed control has also been undertaken within (but not limited to) the following Council owned sites;

• Revegetation maintenance in Rat Bay • Bull Bay Quarry rehabilitation site • Apollo Bay Foreshore reserve (predominately ragwort and Spanish heath control)

North Bruny Waste Transfer Station

Weed control has been carried out on site with a primary focus on pampas, although other woody weeds have been targeted on occasion. During the transition period of Council management to KWS management of the site, (when Bachelors had some involvement), weed control activities were

reduced due to some obscure associated requirements with the transition arrangement. This has now been resolved and weed control activities will be resumed.

Department of State Growth Roadsides

Some confusion exists around the contract between Council and State Growth in terms of road side weed control. Council is currently contracted to maintain the roadsides as far as boom spraying and slashing goes, however it appears that this does not extend to strategic weed control within the rest of the road reserve. Enquiries are still being made by Council in an attempt to have this interpretation confirmed. Council actively engages and informs StateGrowth of any priority weed infestations that occur on State Growth owned land.

Education Programmes

Council staff assisted in providing the following education and information programs for Bruny (which have involved the residents of North Bruny);

• Biological control agents information day (Sponsored by Tas Landcare) • Weed identification and management day held at Dennes Point • Roadside signage program targeting ragwort.48

Figure 53 Boneseed can be found at Dennes Point

48 Liz Quinn NRM Coordinator Kingborough Council 49 https://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1582&bih=905&q=bones eed+plant&oq=Boneseed&gs_l=img.1.0.0l3j0i30j0i24l4.3579.5465.0.8897.8.8.0.0.0.0.829.1635.6- 2.2.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..6.2.1633.m6dQowrqpcQ#imgrc=HDiQRRyxjkQfiM%3A accessed 23/03/2016

Bone seed has the ability to grow and spread quickly germinating in autumn. It is known to reduce regeneration of native trees and shrubs. One plant can set up 50,000 seeds per year. Hand pull small plants and dispose safely in bins. For larger plants cut at ground level and treat stump. Removal and disposal of foliage is essential.

Reactivation of Dennes Point Land and Coastcare community group and Killora Coastcare group will provide an opportunity for the community to become more active in planning and tackling weed eradication in conjuction with other stakeholders with support from Kingborough Council.

7. Improved Beach Access and Facilities

NEBRASKA BEACH

Nebraska Beach is a popular holiday destination for local residents and visitors to Dennes Point. It provides easy access from Tinderbox Beach and a boat ramp facility for those choosing to cross the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. The beach is popular for small sail boats on trailers, small dinghies and vessels able to moor at Dennes Point jetty.

Public toilets and picnic tables are available on the beachfront but they are in need of refurbishing and upgrading to ensure visitors and local residents have quality recreational facilities at Dennes Point. The local community assisted Council in 2014 by rendering and painting the toilet block with materials supplied by Council reinforcing the high level of community engagement and support for local improvements to enhance the Dennes Point experience.

Figure 54 Existing BBQ facilities at Dennes Point

Car trailer parking, parking and signage on the edge to Nebraska Beach require a design to maximise available parking places for peak times and encourage limited short time access to the beach for boating and yachting enthusiasts. Parking on the beach should not be allowed.

Any infrastructure placed in this area must be designed and located to withstand occasional tidal surges. The current picnic area is located on a mound above the beach but its location adjacent the road lowers its attractiveness. Further investigation is required in consultation with FoNB into possible locations for new facilities. Residents of Dennes Point can provide valuable information on the vagaries of weather and tides specific to the area.

The coastal strip of land from the bbq shelter along Nebraska Road retains a freehold title linked to an adjacent property on the other side of the road. Further investigations as to the viability of this arrangement are required.

Public toilets on Kingborough Council land.

Boat sheds and BBQ/picnic facilities on land owned by Mrs J M Barrow.

Proposed car/trailer parking.

No interference with the dunes should occur here.

Figure 55 Proposed car and trailer parking area

BARNES BAY

New public toilets at Barnes Bay is a high priority due to increasing visitor numbers and tourists seeking these basic facilities.

JETTY BEACH

Improve pedestrian access to Jetty Beach from Bruny Island Main Road to minimise vehicle conflict and lower erosion of the bank.

8. Improve Facilities at Kellaway Park Recreation Ground

On the 23 April 1988 the North Bruny Sport and Recreation Committee was appointed by Bruny Island Council to manage the development of reserve at Dennes Point known as Kellaway Park. The land was donated by Percival Wallace Kellaway for recreational use for the people of North Bruny and named Kellaway Park as a mark of respect. It was used as a cricket oval until the late 1950s when it became disused.

Community fundraising working bees and Council support have resulted in the development of the recreation ground facilities which now include a tennis court, clubroom and cricket pitch. Originally upkeep of the grounds was undertaken by the community but as this became difficult Council included the park in their maintenance program.

Figure 56 Kellaway Park

The club room is still used for meetings and euchre evenings by members of the Bruny Tennis Club which helps to pay running costs. The Committee still has some of the original members and they would welcome Council improvements to the tennis court facility and ground improvements especially access and parking.

“We would welcome an upgrade of the tennis court and installation of playground and bbq facilities, as it is long overdue.”50

In 2012 a group of Dennes Point residents contacted Council seeking action on developing the Kellaway Park Recreation Ground to suit current community needs and aspirations.

“The Dennes Point community is keen to see the Council reserve at Dennes Point (old recreation ground) developed with some play equipment and barbecue. I held an initial meeting with a group of residents some months back to advice that Council has no plans at this time to dispose of the land and generally seek the views of the residents in attendance.

50 Bruny Island Tennis Club letter dated 3/7/14

The residents have been advised that any development would need to be a long term project and the residents do appreciate this and would like to be involved in the project.”51

In 2013 a community recreation survey was undertaken with residents of Dennes Point. The survey was sent to all property owners and to members of Friends of North Bruny seeking comment and understanding about local recreational needs with the preferred location of high use activity areas defined.

Many respondents stated that they had not visited the park. This may be due to the limited options provided at Kellaway Park, difficult access limiting community activity or lack of knowledge that the park exists.

Figure 57 visitations to Kellaway Park by survey respondents

The survey provided strong community support for Council to consider making improvements to Kellaway Park to provide more family friendly recreational facilities and improved vehicular access. Recently 40m of Sports Road has been sealed.

One local resident of Sports Road provided a design concept respecting the high environmental values of the site vegetation or endangered birds.

It was noted that regular Council slashing of the reserve was limiting the regrowth of the white gums that provide habitat for the endangered Forty Spotted Pardalote. As there is a covenant (see figure 57) on his land regarding this vegetation is seemed logical for Council to consider partitioning part of the site to allow for natural regeneration of this vital habitat. This would save Council maintaining the area and be a low cost regeneration project.

The concept plan submitted and worthy of further Council attention to provide a staged process of regeneration, improvement and provision of much needed recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors.

51 Ian Holloway KC email 7 Nov 2012

Figure 58 Special areas vegetation covenant52

When there is a south westerly wind the beaches at Dennes Point are very exposed with local residents and visitors have difficulty finding a place to picnic/play at Dennes Point. This concept, if developed by Council would provide improved recreational facilities for residents and visitors as well as having positive environmental outcomes.

Elements of the concept include

• Fencing and establishment of shade trees/other vegetation which could start by simply guarding the many small white gum seedlings that can be found sprouting around the Ground. • Improving the access road and providing car parking. • Provision of picnic tables and electric bbqs and • Construction of a children’s playground.53

The tennis court needs resurfacing and perhaps the addition of a basketball key within the court or as an addition to the court would provide additional recreational opportunity.

Currently the park offers shelter from onshore winds but little else for the community.

By allowing revegetation of part of the site and increasing shade, shelter and improved public facilities an alternative public recreation space can be provided for community use within Dennes Point.

52 Kingborough Council GIS 53 Jim Mulcahy letter January 2013

Figure 59 Design concept submitted by Jim Mulcahy

Natural revegetation of the site would improve amenity of a currently unused hot dry and dusty. This action would also improve habitat for the Forty Spotted Pardalote and save Council maintenance costs in the long-term. There is substantial community support for improvements to be made to Kellaway Park as shown in the survey response to the question “What potential uses would you like to see at Kellaway Park?”

Figure 60 Community ideas on Kellaway Park

Majority community support is for a playground, picnic area and barbecues. Camping on the site area was supported but not caravans or mobile homes as the access road would not support these vehicles and the site is adjacent residents. It would be prudent to only view this site as a day use recreational space.

Bruny Tourism Strategy 2014 outlined Kellaway Reserve improvements in a table for priority actions to upgrade this reserve as ‘worthy of high consideration’.

First priority should be an engineering assessment of Sports Road to ensure safe vehicle and pedestrian access. Further assessment of the proposed concept and community consultation should be undertaken to ensure local support.

When developed Dennes Point visitor accommodation businesses could provide guests with information about facilities for family groups on their websites and through pamphlets this would assist efforts to increase local tourism yield from visitors.

Kellaway Reserve can offer habitat, interpretation, possible bird sightings, recreation and picnic facilities all adding value to the visitor experience and lengthening tourism visits which would assist economic growth on North Bruny.

Figure 61 Kellaway Park current status

9. Improve Interpretation, Information and Signage

Background There is strong community desire to improve signage, interpretation and information for visitors and local residents and to remove illegal signs that clutter roadsides. This action was also supported by the Draft Bruny Tourism Strategy 2014, Bruny Island Community Association and Friends of North Bruny.

In 2000 the Tasmanian government revised Tourism Signing Guidelines as part of an integrated approach to the dissemination of visitor information including signage.54 The aim of the statewide guidelines was to develop tourism signage across Tasmania in a ‘consistent manner’ integrating colour and a set of principles and standards to ‘minimise confusion and maximise effectiveness’ without impacting on road user safety.

The manual emphasizes that road signs should never be used as the principal or only means of promoting the location of a business or activity to customers and visitors. It also suggests that “the development of appropriate promotional material, involvement with multiple distribution networks including visitor information centres, and involvement with themed routes and the like will always be more successful in attracting customers”55. Signage in the manual focusses on three elements, guide signs, operator signs and administrative/legislative reform which address key needs around the state. Of particular interest in the manual for Bruny Island are the guidelines for tourism information signs, service information signs, community facilities signs and rural area signs.

Council has prepared a draft Tourism signage proposal for Bruny Island realising that “a project that provided improved tourism signage on Bruny Island would greatly enhance the visitor experience and be well supported by local business operators and the broader community”56.

This report suggests initial investigations are undertaken by a steering committee charged to carry out further public consultation with regard to project objectives and concerns and prepare a project plan incorporating all the subsequent project components, carry out a sign audit of all roadside signs and review existing brochures and other tourism information to identify potential inconsistencies with actual road conditions or accuracy of information.

The sign strategy should also locate possible sites for interpretative signage for local resident consumption as well as having a tourism bias. Bruny residents have stories to tell and a wealth of history to share with each other and visitors to Bruny.

FoNB are currently involved in an interpretation and walk at Kelly’s Point with volunteers and the community group working together supported by Council community funding. The interpretation involves both Aboriginal and European history at the site.

54 http_www.transport.tas.gov.pdf 55 ibid 56 Draft Tourism Signage Proposal for Bruny Island – Tony Ferrier 2016

Figure 62 Welcome to Adventure Bay sign

Kingborough Council recently embarked upon a sign strategy to consolidate township signage throughout the municipality and included Bruny Island settlements in this program.

The concept promotes a welcoming message at entry to a township with an iconic image relevant to the area and a drive safely message. Adventure Bay was the first Bruny settlement to receive a sign and other signs will be installed as the program unfolds in consultation with local communities.

Bruny Island Promotional Partnerships

Huon Trail

Since 2005 Bruny Island has benefitted from a partnership between Kingborough and Huon Valley Councils embarking upon a marketing strategy encouraging visitors to the sites south of Hobart and tapping into the increasing level of tourism in Tasmania.

The Huon Trail has interpretation signs located along the route encouraging visitors to stop and investigate important historic and natural sites, visit fine food and wine producers. Online visitors are encouraged to drive on the scenic routes to experience Tasmania’s natural beauty.

Destination Southern Tasmania (DST) is a regional tourism authority and The Huon Trail is now part of a greater social media marketing project within Destination Southern Tasmania where self-drive itineraries provide tourists with ideas about where to go what to see where to stay.

There are several interpretative Huon Trail signs on Bruny. Whether these signs will be upgraded as part of the new DST initiative is unknown at this moment. Promotion of DST appears to be highly

digital appealing to visitors who use the internet to plan visits prior to visiting. The project appears to be app based so that imagery, text and video will be used to showcase the breadth of regional experiences.

Destination Southern Tasmania (DST)

This now is the regional tourism authority for southern Tasmania. Incorporating 11 Council partners, industry membership and a partnership with Tourism Tasmania, DST is ‘focussed on increasing visitation, increasing yield and increasing regional dispersal.’57

Figure 63 Current membership of DST

Bruny is attracting high levels of visitors including local, interstate, nationally and internationally but the infrastructure is not coping with increased demands. The success of the digital age has increased awareness of this special island and Council and State Government Departments must begin to action many of the findings of reports and strategies including those pertinent to signage, interpretation and directional.

To ensure a positive visitor experience council, government and business must respect the rural idyll, conservation values and natural aspects, the island provides and not have inappropriate signage detracting and destroying the visual experience.

57 http://southerntasmania.com.au/ accessed 12/04/2016

At the Apollo Bay and Great Bay poor quality advertising signage litters the roadside and the implementation of a signage strategy for all Bruny would be a positive step to improve the visitor and local resident experience.

Figure 64 Inappropriate signage welcomes visitors

Kingborough Draft Bruny Signage Strategy (4) Proposal

Kingborough Council has a draft Tourism Signage Proposal prepared by Tony Ferrier with the following objectives:

• to prepare a comprehensive tourism signage strategy for Bruny Island that forms the basis for the necessary subsequent on ground works; • to provide tourism information to visitors to Bruny Island in the most accessible, interesting and useful way possible; • to encourage visitors to explore the Island, enjoy their visit and understand more about the many different interesting places they see; • to provide roadside signage throughout Bruny Island that is attractive, informative and complements the existing natural environment; • to support the local tourism businesses by ensuring that visitors are aware of their location without compromising the roadside visual amenity; • to provide associated roadside infrastructure, facilities and laybys that enhance the visitor experience; • to utilise other communication opportunities and technologies that complement and add to the roadside signage; • to implement a coordinated signage project that supports the tourism marketing strategy for Bruny Island; and • to develop an integrated tourism signage project that can inform other potentially similar projects elsewhere.58

58 Draft Bruny Signage Strategy Proposal (3)

A summary of the different types of signs is as follows:

SIGN TYPE STANDARD ISSUES

Directional White on green These are standard signs for the whole State and cannot be deviated from (no branding or other logos).

Tourism Blue on yellow These are to be in accordance with the Tasmanian Roadside Signs Manual. A Bruny brand or logo could be included. Obsolete white on brown signs are to be removed.

Advertising Compliant with Planning permits are required unless exempt. Illegal planning scheme signs are to be removed.

Information Nil Although these signs will take many different forms, we should be consistent in regard to particular types – eg town entrance signs, an interpretive trail round the Island, road conditions, travel times etc.

Figure 65 summary of sign types

A project steering committee is yet to be formed to oversee this project in collaboration with representatives from all stakeholders, agencies and organisations related to Bruny Island.

It would be highly desirable that illegal signage is removed and replaced by quality information at Roberts Point.

10. Bull Bay Lookout or Pull off Area with Safe Parking

There have been a number of community requests for Council to assist in securing a safe pullover location for vehicles On Bruny Island Main Road overlooking Bull Bay. Visitors can stop and photograph the outstanding views north towards Betsy Island and the Iron Pot.

Known as the Bull Bay Lookout project Council has made some onsite assessments to see if available road widths exist to provide vehicle pullover sites (on north and one south). Local vehicles are known to gather to view yachts entering the Derwent rounding the Iron Pot during the Christmas New Year holiday period causing traffic hazards for other drivers. Bruny Island Main Road (C265) is a State road maintained by Council and so any works require StateGrowth approval.

Figure 66 Location map showing viewing sites

Figure 67 Bull Bay lookout view lines

Council approached an adjacent landowner with regard to locating a lookout on privately owned land but the request was declined. A second approach was made to Parks and Wildlife to develop a site on Bruny Island Main Road that would provide good sight lines but this was also rebuffed on the following grounds:

• A tourist layby would extend beyond the road footprint and into the Dennes Hill Nature Reserve. • Visitor facilities legally cannot be constructed in nature reserves particularly if the facilities aren’t related to the reserve values and the purpose for which the land was purchased and reserved. • Management objectives for nature reserves do not have to encourage tourism, recreational use and enjoyment consistent with the conservation of the reserve’s natural and cultural values. This issue was tested in the courts some years ago. • Threatened Species Unit voiced concerns that it potentially compromises the reserved white gums and forty spotted pardalote habitat. • There is no point in completing an RAA as it would be knocked back on legal grounds.

In 2015 council officers from Engineering and Works explored a number of sites along Bruny Island Main Road from the Wardle rural property to the Schmidt’s holding on the north eastern coastline.

Investigating locations predetermined by a GIS review were found to not have enough width to safely locate a northern or southern layby within the existing road reservation.

Officers came to the conclusion that the existing road reservation along this section of land does not provide adequate sight lines either way nor adequate space to afford either a northern lay-by or a southern lay-by without support and willingness from adjacent land owners to relinquish land to provide the necessary road widths.

Figure 68 North Bruny Main Road 2015

Council is continuing to progress discussions and options with a local landowner.

11. The Ferry Service

History First movement of people between the Tasmanian mainland and Bruny Island would have been undertaken by the Nuenonne tribe on Bruny ferrying people in bark canoes which were 4-5 metres long and able to carry up to six people at a time. Depending on seasons the Nuenonne would live either on Bruny or the mainland. The main quarry for their stone tools has been found near Kettering so they would take tools over to campsites on Bruny by canoe. “The unique construction of these canoes, long strips of buoyant bark bound together in three independent hulls, meant they could not capsize even in rough weather.”59

Figure 69 Bark canoe used by the Nuenonne people.60

Channel Ketches and Ferries

To access and settle Bruny Island the first Europeans required transport and in the nineteenth century the only means was by boat.

James Kelly was the first European to make a permanent home on Bruny Island. The first ferry jetty was built on Kelly’s Point. It became a regular stopping place for Channel ferries and other vessels.

In the 1820’s ketches provided access for people and goods to and from Bruny Island and many small jetties in sheltered bays were made to accommodate community need. By the 1850’s Bruny was settled and productive.

Channel ketches operated as ferries for most of the 19th century. The introduction of steam allowed more reliable passage to and from Bruny for passengers and cargo. Most of the traffic was between Hobart and Bruny Island but other ferry services operated between communities along the edge of D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

59 http://www.brunyislandferry.com/about.html 60 ibid

Bruny Island Vehicle Ferries

The first full time vehicle ferry service to Bruny Island was the S.S. Melba, a cargo steamer, linking Kettering and Barnes Bay in 1954. In 1961 this was replaced by the Mangana that used the same route until 1983 when it too was replaced by the Harry O’May. With a new vessel came a new route which was shorter cutting the time for the trip in half. The new landing platform was constructed at Roberts Point. This ferry operated until 1991 when it was replaced by the Mirambeena.61

Figure 70 Mirambeena on route to Roberts Point62

With increasing numbers of residents and tourists visiting Bruny Island and high levels of produce leaving the island from expanded aquaculture and agriculture, a ground swell of discontent about access along Ferry Road, frequency of the Ferry particularly at peak periods and facilities on the island has initiated some improvements.

Ferry Road has been reconfigured providing a waiting lane for ferry access during peak periods and a second ferry is now in operation during the summer season. These measures have helped but long waiting times at Christmas, Easter and during school holidays are still to be expected.

When the second ferry is being used to transport only fish stock the Mirambeena is working at capacity with more tourists and visitors heading to Bruny during the school holidays. Long waiting times and queues at both Kettering and Roberts Point are consequently exacerbated.

61 ibid 62 Photo by G Bannister 2013

Bruny Island’s burgeoning tourism industry will slowly increase in the coming years. The need is great to provide improvements to infrastructure at Roberts Point and on the Island before the situation becomes unworkable. The social and environmental impacts of tourism on Bruny Island can only be effectively managed if public infrastructure has the capacity to accept peak tourism pressures.63

Kettering facilities have been improved with the Mermaid Café able to service demand but the public toilets are in need of an upgrade.

At Roberts Point facilities for visitors is minimal and the public toilets are in need of refurbishment. The tourist experience on arrival at Roberts Point is very basic and with the release of the Bruny Island Strategy in 2014 there is community feeling that improvements are long overdue.

Figure 71 Roberts Point queuing for the ferry

Tourism statistics reveal that business activity on Bruny Island is dominated more by tourism than any other area in southern Tasmania.64 Bruny residents/shack owners are concerned the potential growth of tourism and increased visitor numbers will threaten existing lifestyles and current capacity of infrastructure to cope in particular ferry access.

Kingborough Council has undertaken two community surveys in past years, one in 2006 and a follow- up survey in 2013. There was not a great deal of difference in community views over time although the 2013 survey indicated a greater concern about environmental protection and appreciation of the

63 http://www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Bruny%20Tourism%20Strategy%20- %20July%202014.pdf 64 Ibid p25

Island’s quieter and more peaceful lifestyle. Concerns about public infrastructure still focus on the ferry, road conditions, waste disposal service and public toilets.65

2006 Community Response 2013 Community Response

Figure 72 Comparison of responses from community surveys on infrastructure.

Figure 73 Tourist information at Roberts Point provided by the community.

The result of the State Government’s tourism pilot project covering Bruny Island and the renegotiation of the ferry contract may provide positive outcomes for residents and visitors to the Island.

From October 2016 until March 2017 two ferry’s will be on the Kettering to Roberts Point link with the Tasmanian State Government investing $95,00066 to improve the ferry service during the peak holiday season.

65 Ibid p30-31

12. Gravel Roads

North Bruny and Bruny Island as a whole have several stakeholders responsible for provision of local services and infrastructure. Kingborough Council is the local municipal authority of the island with Parks and Wildlife and StateGrowth being major contributors. Private aquaculture and agriculture businesses have invested in the Island as have many new business enterprises involving food, wine and produce. All are stakeholders who should be involved in discussions about major infrastructure issues.

For the quality of the visitor experience not to be diminished by poor infrastructure and local services the Draft Bruny Island Tourism Strategy 2014 suggests addressing social and economic sustainability issues because although the Island’s population is relatively stable there is an “ageing demographic and increased dependence on a rate-base from absentee landowners.”67

The Draft Bruny Tourism Strategy 2014 also states that there is limited opportunity to develop sufficient economic activity to employ members of the younger generation who want to stay on the Island. As a consequence tourism, some agricultural and aquaculture and value-added food production activities are where potential economic benefits may come in the future could provide the turning point for the island. Encouraging visitors to stay longer and the targeting of off-peak periods as special events are measures that will also support the economics of the island but improved infrastructure and facilities is vital. The Draft Bruny Island Tourism Strategy 2014 provided a list of public infrastructure projects requiring upgrading to enhance the visitor experience. These are listed as ‘most mentioned in the community surveys’.

• Provide services and infrastructure that enables increased environmental protection • Improve ferry and public transport facilities and services • Upgrade and improve main road and local roads • Improve health and emergency services • Improve the waste disposal services • Provide more roadside footpaths • Upgrade public toilets • Increase the police presence • Upgrade community halls and playgrounds • Provide better tourism information services

Some projects listed above do not correspond with Bruny Island resident and workshop participant views. These include the upgrade and improved main road and local roads and more roadside footpaths. The fear being that Bruny will lose much of its character. Workshop participants and residents do however seek lower speeds, better maintenance and cycle infrastructure or safer roads for pedestrians and cyclists. Developing local government and state government partnerships to achieve movement on tackling this list should be a high priority for Kingborough Council.

66 ABC news 29/09/2016 67 Ibid

Action Plans for North Bruny

The following actions have arisen from community discussion and research and will add to the current list of actions by other draft reports and studies.

Currently the Tasmanian State Government is compiling an infrastructure strategy for Bruny that focuses on all State Govt roads (Main Road, plus Forestry and Parks roads), the new ferry contract, ferry terminal facilities, plus other related matters (eg coordinated provision of public toilets on Bruny, upgrade of the Neck etc.).

It is important that a high level of coordination occurs between State Government and Local Government and the Bruny Island community in reaching shared goals and addressing shared concerns and issues.

North Bruny List of Actions

ACTIONS DETAIL BY WHOM 1. Bruny Island requires planning and design Bruny Island – frameworks in order to inform development as to Tasmanian Government, the community wish to protect and encourage respectful Kingborough Council quality low key and environmentally compatible North Bruny Community development outcomes. Tourism is driving change and residents are concerned that all future development respects the Island. 2. Compile design guidelines that inform Planning development and protect the character and form Kingborough Council of new buildings on North Bruny. (This could be North Bruny Community guidelines developed Island wide.) o 3. Investigate the ability for a variety of boats to Dennes Point utilise the jetty, ensure compliance with current Kingborough Council standards and encourage visitors to Dennes Point. MAST Jetty Upgrade, Action on coastal erosion and improved beach erosion and facilities and improved access for residents and access visitors 4. Remove cars and trailers from the beach by Nebraska Road – providing trailer parking on Nebraska Road. More Kingborough Council parking is needed at Dennes Point for visitors, carpark beach and boat activities. 5. Improving the quality of the gravel roads requires Upgrade Gravel funding and this should be reviewed as visitor Tasmanian Government, numbers increase. All gravel roads on Bruny Island Kingborough Council Roads have ongoing maintenance issues. FoNB Road safety and speed limits is an area needing BIAC review. Residents wish to lower the speed limits. 6. Consult with communities and settlement areas Welcome signs about placement of Welcome signs at the entry Kingborough Council and exit points. Bruny communities . 7. Implement the Draft Sign Strategy on Bruny Island Sign Strategy by initially undertaking a sign audit and prepare Tasmanian Government, costings for a future implementation roll out. Kingborough Council This is a whole of Bruny Island project.

ACTION DETAIL BY WHOM 8. Day visitor Improve day visitor facilities and interpretation at Kingborough Council each of the urban settlement areas on North FoNB facilities and Bruny to improve visitor experience. interpretation • Barnes Bay • Dennes Point • Pedestrian and cycling friendly strategies. 9. Continue negotiations with local land owners to Bull Bay Lookout develop an option to provide a layby on Main Kingborough Council to Road North Bruny to enable vehicles to safely pull liaise with private

off the road and take in the scenic view. landowner and StateGrowth. 10. Kellaway Park Council to prepare a development and costing Kingborough Council plan for Kellaway Park and Sport Road upgrade to North Bruny community improve facilities, regeneration and access. 11. Barnes Bay public Investigate and prepare design, location and Kingborough Council costing for the installation of public toilets at FoNB toilets Barnes Bay.

12. Foreshore Continue to monitor foreshore erosion until Kingborough Council specialist report is received and actioned by External Consultant erosion and Council. FoNB access to Investigate options to improve facilities and beach Nebraska Beach access at Nebraska Beach. 13. Parking facilities Investigate upgrading visitor facilities and parking Kingborough Council at Nebraska at Nebraska Beach for trailers and cars to limit FoNB cars on the beach. Beach 14. Dennes Point Prepare design and costing for improved out of Kingborough Council hour’s access to the hall. Consult with the hall Hall Committee Community committee to finalise the design. FoNB Centre

15. Expand long and Investigate opportunities to sign existing walking Kingborough Council routes and develop other possible short walks to FoNB short walking special places in consultation with FoNB. routes 16. Weed eradication Continue to support Council in implementation of Kingborough Council the new Bruny Island weed strategy. FoNB BIAC 17. Caravans and Investigate access issues and possible sites for Kingborough Council overnight stays for caravans and motor home on FoNB motor homes. North Bruny. 18. Robert’s Point Continue to lobby for infrastructure improvement Tasmanian Government, to facilities at the Robert’s Point landing site. ferry facilities and Kingborough Council • Toilet/Café facilities FoNB information • Tourism information BIAC • Improvement to Ferry queues

Conclusion

There is a growing need for positive change on Bruny Island to accommodate both resident and visitor needs and to protect the qualities that have made Bruny Island a destination on the international stage. This report highlights local issues relevant to residents of North Bruny.

Many reports and investigations explored by Kingborough Council over the years and ongoing community consultations and discussions appear to call for the same list of requests and concerns. They include infrastructure developments that add to the quality of life for residents, and improve the visitor experience. They encompass better road maintenance, health facilities, waste management, weed control, information signage, tourism and directional signs and controls, access to and from the island, public conveniences and internet/communication improvements.

The list of relevant reports and studies include:

• Bruny Island Weed Management Strategy Tasmania - Beth Chamberlain May 2007 (currently under review) • Adventure Bay Foreshore Management Plan - Inspiring Place.- 2007 for FAB • Bruny Interpretation Plan 2008-2011 Kingborough Council – Anna Housego - 2008 • Community Recreation Survey – Dennes Point – 2013 Kingborough Council • Draft Bruny Tourism Strategy – Kingborough Council and Inspiring Place 2014 • Draft Bruny Signage Proposal (4) 2015 - Tony Ferrier Kingborough Council • DST Marketing Plan 2016 StateGrowth • Bruny Island Tourism and Infrastructure Framework – State Growth - 2016 (currently underway.)

Friends of North Bruny suggest that the time for action is now as Bruny Island is the most visited site in southern Tasmania and is in dire need of an injection of funds which cannot be the responsibility of Council alone. There are many stakeholders on Bruny each with their own competing priorities they include:

• Residents and shack owners (BICA, BIAC, BIEN, FoNB etc.) • Tourism related businesses (BITA) • Department of State Growth • Kingborough Council • Parks and Wildlife Service • Destination Southern Tasmania • Murrayfield

Kingborough Council is not solely responsible for infrastructure maintenance, management and implementation of new works on Bruny Island. Each government agency, Council and private landowners and tourism business operators undertake their projects in isolation with minimal communication and discussion other than legal planning requirements.

It can be difficult for large projects to be coordinated, funded and supported by the key stakeholders without some overarching future vision which compels those projects to respect island values and character so highly valued by the community.

The community workshop at Dennes Point established twelve main areas of concern, many were local but others were major and involved access to the island, major infrastructure and community health services. The call for development guidelines and controls has not been able to be adopted within the current planning scheme however Kingborough Council did respond to a community request for local area objectives and desired future character statements for Dennes Point. This was sent to the State Planning Authority as an amendment in the current Kingborough Interim Planning Scheme 2015.

Unfortunately the new statewide planning scheme will not include desired future character statements for smaller townships or settlements within the Kingborough municipality or local area objectives and this is a great disappointment to Friends of North Bruny.

Councils will be directed by the State Planning Authority to prepare Local Planning Schedules which are essentially zoning maps and any necessary Specific Area Plans and schedules that would be included in some of the Codes. There are Local Area Objectives in the new scheme but these are restricted in their application and hardly worth including. They are used in limited zones such as Urban Mixed Zone, the three Business Zones, Commercial zone, and the two industrial zones and the Major Tourism Zone and can only be referred to when assessing “use” aspects of particular discretionary applications. It refers to the proposed use of the land being appropriate to the locality and not the form of the development.68

Friends of North Bruny have suggested to Council they would like to see the preparation of character statements for the five small settlements on Bruny Island and this can be achieved but there would be no surety that they would be able to be enforced in any way through the planning scheme.

With regard to coastal protection the new planning scheme and KIPS2015 have Codes to deal with coastal erosion and inundation as well as natural assets and scenic protection and they will be applied across the whole state in a standard manner when the single planning scheme is adopted. There will be no allowance for local issues at this stage.

When Council prepares the Local Planning Schedule, in the new scheme the zoning of land will be undertaken to protect local values while ensuring further developments do not adversely compromise the character of established areas of high community value and interest.

Foreshore erosion along Nebraska Road is being addressed by Council and monitoring regularly while and interstate consultant undertakes modelling and research. If the monitoring suggests interventions are necessary council will act accordingly.

Dennes Point Community Centre is in need of capital works to provide out of hours access to the Lennon Memorial Hall and acoustic improvements. A budget bid needs to be successful for works to be undertaken and this report outlines a concept requiring further detailed design and costings.

68 Comments by Tony Ferrier 2016

Water access at Dennes Point has been limited by the current state of the jetty and further investigations and design concepts are required to improve the variety and size of vessels able to visit this most northern point of Bruny Island. It is the closest link to Hobart and an upgrade to the jetty would provide an opportunity for business and tourist operators to make day trips to Dennes Point viable.

Nebraska Beach during the holiday season is active with visitors using the beach for recreation, fishing and boat access. The parking of vehicles on the beach has not been solved by the new concrete ramp which has had mixed success. Parking of cars and trailers on the beach diminishes the beach experience for many and the provision of car and trailer parking on Nebraska Road would provide a positive alternative. Improvement to visitor facilities at the beach is another issue that can be easily addressed by a costed design concept and future capital works budget application.

There are only two designated walking tracks on North Bruny and yet there is an opportunity for many more long and short walks to be established. Further work on designating walking tracks is a desirable outcome for residents and visitors to North Bruny. Coupled with story boards and historic interpretation not only increased local interest it also informs visitors to important sites. Encouraging walking and cycling on north Bruny is a positive issue raised by the community but this must be accompanied by the lowering of speed zones for safety and to encourage visitors to Bruny to adopt the slow lifestyle local residents seek to preserve.

Weeds are an important island wide issue and this is being addressed by Kingborough Council’s weed strategy. In particular workshop attendees raised Killora Pines and the spread of tree seedlings along Killora Road and Grays Road. Council will maintain a monitoring role regarding the pine trees on the two roads and remove any detritus build up in the drains to ensure they are operating effectively.

Development of Kellaway Park recreation ground into a positive recreation space with added facilities such as picnic tables and electric bbqs to increase day use and local facilities for residents would be a positive step for Council to undertake as there is strong community support for this work. The community have provided a very considered concept design and this should be implemented as facilities in the Dennes Point area are minimal for visitors and residents.

Interpretation, information and signage are whole of island issues but north Bruny appears to miss out on visitations due to a lack of signage and information that clearly shows available facilities in a well-considered and well-designed way. Kingborough’s Bruny Signage Strategy (4) should be adopted and a comprehensive tourism signage strategy undertaken and a project steering committee appointed in collaboration with representatives from all stakeholders, agencies and organisations related to Bruny Island.

The Bull Bay lookout is being investigated and can only proceed with support from local land owners and StateGrowth. There are physical constraints with the road making it impossible without private land acquisitions to proceed.

Ferry access to the Island will be improved during the 2016/17 summer holiday period with an injection of State Government funding for two ferry crossings from October 2016 until March 2017.

Improved local services and infrastructure on Bruny Island are linked with economic growth and activity and currently tourism, agricultural and aquaculture value-added food production activities are improving Bruny’s economic status. These activities could provide the turning point for the island as employment opportunities open up and more families seek to permanently live and work on the island.

If the resident population increases steadily as well as tourism visitations and longer stays then services will also increase as the demand increases. For Bruny islanders the question will be can the character, natural beauty and environment and lifestyle so many people seek to protect be accommodated by the change. If done well the answer is yes.

Appendix 1 Response evaluation future vision plan 2006

EVALUATION OF RESPONSES Tony Ferrier

A FUTURE VISION PLAN FOR BRUNY ISLAND

A total of 185 responses were received, from a mail out of 1255, a 14.74% response rate, which gives legitimacy to the results of the questionnaire.

These responses have been evaluated by collation of the results under common themes where possible, using terms and phrases used by the respondents. If fewer than four responses were received on a specific issue, these are noted as other factors. The number of responses received for each issue is noted as (X).

1. What do you see as being Bruny Island's main "strengths" or the advantages in living on Bruny Island? These also could include those assets that you see as being worth protecting or things about Bruny that you really value. 2. General comments which occurred under this question included the need for balance between development and our current lifestyle. Coastal access must be maintained, with urban sprawl avoided. Many commented that, as it took a definite choice to live here, many of the disadvantages are accepted within that choice of lifestyle. Preservation of the environment and heritage was very important, as were aspects such as ‘dog-friendly” beaches. Over- governance was to be avoided.

(i) ENVIRONMENT (131). Respondents commented on the unique beauty, scenic coastline, wilderness, native flora and fauna, clean beaches, forests, and generally pristine environment and the importance of this to their continued way of life. (ii) LIFESTYLE AND PACE OF LIFE (67). The relaxed life style, and peace and quiet which accompanied this, was the second most common response. (iii) SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY (65). Phrases and descriptions of the Islanders used phrases and words such as friendly, respectful of others, talented, eclectic, and diversified. (iv) ISOLATION (56) was perceived as a positive feature of life on Bruny Island, although it was noted by some respondents that access was easy. (v) HERITAGE VALUES (25). These included the sense of history which is largely unchanged, the importance of Aboriginal heritage on the Island, and the evolvement of the current lifestyle which is important to maintain. (vi) SIZE (24). Small was seen as beautiful. (vii) LACK OF VISUAL POLLUTION, OVERCROWDING, NOISE AND TRAFFIC (22) included limited development and the ability to ‘star-gaze’. (viii) DIVERSITY (21) between rural and village, which co-exists in harmony, was important. (ix) OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, ACTIVITIES AND RANGER PROGRAMS (18) were seen as a major factor in the life style of the Bruny Islander. (x) A SAFE ENVIRONMENT (18). Comment was made on low crime rates and children’s safety. (xi) BASIC FACILITIES (16). The presence of essential services, including good school, health services, police and PWS was seen as a positive aspect. (xii) LACK OF COMMERCIAL OUTLETS (15) was perceived as a bonus. (xiii) CLOSENESS TO A MAJOR CITY (10). Respondents felt the ability to access services of a major centre with relative ease was a positive feature.

(xiv) CREATIVE PURSUITS (9). The opportunity to become involved in artistic and creative pursuits was perceived as a result of the talented people now living on the Island. (xv) SELF-SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY (7). (xvi) AVAILABILITY OF LOCAL SUPPLIERS / BUSINESSES (6). (xvii) WORK OF COMMUNITY GROUPS AND VOLUNTEERS (5). (xviii) OTHER FACTORS: Reduced cost of living (3); cooler climate (2); tourist attractions creating employment (3); state of the roads (3); social life (4); cottage industries encouraged (2); and the ‘shack’ culture (2).

2. What are the "weaknesses" or the negatives about living on Bruny Island?

The responses in this section were more diverse, possibly representing individual perceived needs.

(i) FERRY SERVICES (98). These responses were further broken down to specific issues, such as • Summer timetable and difficulty in accessing ferry during peak times (45) • Ferry Costs (34). Comment was also made of the cost of the ferry to families of residents, who do not get assistance. • Lack of a night ferry (13). • Need for a booking system (6). (ii) ROADS (72). This was widely commented upon, with specific comments within this relating to safety issues and the potential for a major accident; poor condition of both gravel and sealed roads; the need to seal roads (11); damage caused to vehicles by road condition; the need to revise speed limits; holiday traffic hazards; and the width of the road when considered with the increasing motor homes which visit. (iii) LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT TOURISTS AND VISITORS (22). This included toilets, camping areas, pedestrian access and walkways, rubbish bins, and dump sites. (iv) FUEL COSTS (22). (v) HEALTH ISSUES, INCLUDING EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS (20). (vi) INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT AND SUBDIVISION (16). (vii) WASTE DISPOSAL (15). Comments included lack of recycling, no provision for green waste, and lack of rubbish bins. (viii) LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE SUCH AS SHOPS ETC. ON NORTH BRUNY (15). (ix) LACK OF TOLERANCE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS OTHERS’ VIEWS (13). This included comments about parochialism and insularity. (x) CONTINUED LOGGING ON ISLAND (12). (xi) LACK OF PERMANENT DOCTOR (11). (xii) INTERRUPTIONS TO POWER SUPPLY (11). (xiii) LACK OF ACTION BY CONTROLLING BODIES (12). Comments were made on a failure to follow up irregularities in buildings and caravans, and road safety breaches; and limited resources for the enforcement of coastal policy, parks, vandalism, and road and water degradation. (xiv) LACK OF FACILITIES (10) such as chemist, butcher, hairdresser etc. (xv) TOO MANY VISITORS (9). (xvi) LACK OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT ON ISLAND (7). (xvii) LACK OF MODERN COMMUNITY & SPORTS FACILITIES (6). This included a pool and golf course. (xviii) NO PERMANENT WATER (6). (xix) LACK OF VISION FOR THE ISLAND (5).

(xx) UNTIDY, INAPPROPRIATE ROAD SIDE CLEARING (5). This included comments on weed management and roadside ditches. (xxi) TELECOMMUNICATION PROBLEMS (5). (xxii) OTHER FACTORS: Lack of entertainment, particularly North Bruny (4); lack of confidence in Council re response to complaints (4); isolation (4); exploitation of natural resources (4); negative feelings towards progress and tourism (4); inadequate PWS control of coastline and penguin rookeries (4); lack of appreciation of natural qualities (3); lack of veterinary services (2); marine pollution (2); fish farms (2); lack of marine reserves (2); lack of employment (2); lack of commercial facilities (1); lack of visitor / resident quota (1); lack of signage (1); excessive signage (1); not enough volunteers (1); poor planning and coastal management (1); few public employees (1); too many people (2); inadequate public jetties (2); aging population (2); lack of elderly accommodation (1); road kill (1); inappropriate cleaning of fish near beaches (1); lack of population (1); public phone at Roberts Point only uses phone card (1); authorities pander to minority groups (1); beach cleanliness (1); lighthouse should reopen (1); no holistic marketing for businesses and National Parks (1); and Fire Brigade not resourced enough (1).

3. What do you see as being some realistic "opportunities" for Bruny Island? How can we do things differently in ways that will improve living conditions on the Island?

(a) TOURISM

(i) ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE LOW-KEY, ECO TOURISM (53) (ii) PROVIDE TOURIST INFRASTRUCTURE (21). (iii) ENCOURAGE / PROVIDE NATURE-BASED ACTIVITIES (12), including walking trails (which could be staged) and bicycle tracks. (iv) ENCOURAGE LONGER STAYS FOR TOURISTS (6). (v) OTHER COMMENTS: visitor levy to pay for infrastructure (2); healthy lifestyle accommodation (2); marketing of low-key lifestyle (1); clear information for tourists (1); and a balance between tourists and residents (1). (b) DEVELOPMENT (51). Comments included: this must be sympathetic to landscape; controlled, larger blocks; protect the environment; maintain visual appeal and coastal access; and limit spread.

(c) INCREASE MAINTENANCE / SEAL ROADS (41). Included in this were comments on road safety, signage, speed limits, speed humps on Neck, and bicycle lanes. (d) IMPROVE FERRY SERVICE (22), including more ferries, fast ferry to Woodbridge, late ferry Friday nights, second ferry at peak times, and free travel for residents in a standard car. (e) PROMOTE AND PROTECT ISLAND HERITAGE / CULTURE AND HISTORY (18). (f) ENCOURAGE LOCAL INDUSTRY (18), including cottage industries, a Bruny Island Brand, and a specialised timber industry. (g) IMPROVE HEALTH FACILITIES (17). This included the provision of more doctor time, chemist, dental, optometrist, care of the elderly and publication of emergency numbers for visitors and residents. (h) IMPROVE WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICES (13), including increased rubbish bins, and education. (i) NO CHANGE (13)

(j) PROMOTE THE ARTS (13). Suggestions included functions for day-trippers and a permanent gallery. (k) ENVIRONMENT. (i) STOP CLEARFELLING AND LIMIT LOG TRUCKS. (12) (ii) ERADICATE WEEDS AND FERAL ANIMALS (6) (iii) ENCOURAGE TRADITIONAL FARMING, HORTICULTURE ETC. (5) (iv) OTHER ISSUES: reduce fish farms (3); protect fishing reserves and ban jet skis (3); encourage organic farming (2); plastic bag free zone (1). (l) IMPROVE LOCAL FACILITIES. (i) SHOP ON NORTH BRUNY (9). (ii) DINING OPPORTUNITIES (9). (iii) SPORTING FACILITIES (9), including pool, hydrotherapy, gymnasium, youth facilities, golf course, and diving school. (iv) TELECOMMUNICATIONS (7). (v) PUBLIC TRANSPORT (7). (vi) SERVICE TASMANIA / TRANSACTION CENTRE (6). (vii) OTHER SUGGESTIONS: Availability of water (3); library (3); children’s playground at Roberts Point (2); increased boating facilities (2); increased police presence (2); parking (1); Aurora services (1); veterinary services (1); secondary school (1); firefighting amenities (1); and support road house facility at Roberts Point. (m) COUNCIL ACTION. (i) DEVELOP LONG TERM VISION AND COORDINATED STRATEGIES (6). (ii) INCREASE ISLAND INPUT INTO COUNCIL DECISIONS (6). (iii) OTHER: Improve communication between Council and Islanders (3); separate council for Bruny (2); increase employment e.g. weeds clearing under Council supervision (2); and learn from other Island communities (1).

4. What are the main "threats" to the existing conditions on Bruny Island? What could go wrong in the future that would actually make it worse than it currently is?

(i) INAPPROPRIATE / EXCESSIVE DEVELOPMENT (142). This included comments about no large commercial development (27), the need for balance; no urban sprawl; the maintenance of the skyline; support for agriculture; and over-commercialisation. (ii) LOSS OF HERITAGE AND NATURAL RESOURCES (57). This included lack of recognition of our uniqueness; endangered wildlife (12); and loss of access to coastal areas and coastal degradation (16). Conversely, (1) respondent noted too much attention to heritage. (iii) ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS. FORESTRY PRACTICES (31)

PEST INTRODUCTION (10) including quolls, possums, cats, dogs and rabbits.

POLLUTION (6) including oil spills in Channel and noise pollution.

THREATS TO WATER SUPPLIES (6)

OTHER ISSUES: climate change (4) with resultant rise in sea level & bushfires; exploitation of off-shore waters (2); land clearing (2); inadequate litter and weed control (1); and fish farming (1).

Conversely (2) respondents commented on too much attention to conservation.

(iv) POPULATION CHANGE (39). Issues such as an increase in population, particularly in the elderly (28); newer residents requiring suburban facilities (6); non-resident owners (2); stagnating population (1); loss of diversity of population (1); and increasing tension between old and new residents (1). (v) THREATS ASSOCIATED WITH ROADS (42). Comments concerned improved roads being detrimental to road safety due to increased speed (21); increased holiday traffic leading to decreased road safety (14), and heavy vehicle traffic (7). (vi) TOO MUCH RELIANCE ON TOURISM, WITH INADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT THIS (32). A suggestion was made that those who benefit from tourism could contribute to infrastructure upgrade (1). (vii) LACK OF ATTENTION FROM COUNCIL & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO REGULATIONS, (16) such as effluent run-off. (viii) FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CURRENT SERVICES / INFRASTRUCTURE (12). This included road maintenance (5); infrastructure not adequate for population (3); insufficient PWS staff and resources (2); inadequate resources to fight bush fires (1); and no hospital for emergencies. (ix) ACCESS TO ISLAND. ACCIDENT OR REDUCTION TO FERRY SERVICES (6), with concern re lack of back up ferry. OTHER ISSUES: provision of bridge (3); loss of isolation (2); higher ferry fares (2); increase to service or cheaper ferry fares (2); physical isolation (1); and fuel prices (1).

(x) OTHER PERCEIVED THREATS: increasing property prices (2); poor practical management by Council (1); inappropriate alcohol outlets (1); excessive rules (1); lack of facilities (1); lack of a long term vision (1); lack of information of sustainability (1); non-update of communications (1); and non-involvement in the community (1).

5. Do you feel that Bruny Island can sustain an increased permanent or holiday resident population without compromising the Island's important values?

Support increase in population: 103 respondents.

Of these: No qualification: 60

With specific ecological planning: 6

Permanent residents: 12

Holiday residents: 10

Moderate or small increase: 14

Small increase in tourists if managed: 1

No support for increase in population: 62 respondents

Of these: No qualification: 42

Resident only: 8

Holiday residents: 3

Tourists: 9

If population does increase, what infrastructure issues (e.g. transport, health, community etc.) need to be urgently addressed?

(i) IMPROVE HEALTH AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (74) including aged care facility (4). (ii) MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE ROADS, including signage (70). (iii) IMPROVE FERRY SERVICES (64). This included comments on the need for extra ferries at peak times, improved marshalling, priority for residents, a faster service, and service to Alonnah. (iv) IMPROVE COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE / ASSETS (31). (v) STRINGENT DEVELOPMENT PLANNING (30). (vi) PROVISION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT (29). (vii) IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY (16). (viii) IMPROVED SEWERAGE (15). (ix) IMPROVE GARBAGE/ WASTE DISPOSAL (14). (x) INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE (11). (xi) INCREASED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (11) including control of campsites. (xii) SHOPPING FACILITIES (11) including shop at North Bruny. (xiii) IMPROVED EDUCATION (6). (xiv) IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS (5), including on line, e-commerce etc. (xv) OTHER ISSUES: increased tourist accommodation (4); specific statistics on effect of increase (3); fire protection (2); alternative energy supply (2); repair boat ramp and parking, Adventure Bay (2); Service Tasmania outlet (2); elect own council (2); community co-op (1); pest control (1); better access to beach at Dennes Point (1); support for small scale wood carvers (1); ban 4WDs (1); limited forestry (1); increased coastal access (1); eco-tourism (1); increased employment (1); ‘Arts’ officer (1); controlling tourists vehicle numbers (1); care of wildlife (1); and improved power supply (1).

6. List what you believe are the top 5 priorities for Bruny Island. These might be a particular service that needs to be improved, an environmental issue that needs to be addressed, a public facility provided, a commercial development, information provided or anything at all. Once again these were diverse, and have been grouped under general headings.

(a) ROADS.

(i) MAINTAIN / SEAL ROADS (82) (ii) IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY (32), including safe stopping places and improved signage, particularly for wild life protection (8); improve parking at the Neck and in Adventure Bay (5); reducing overall speed limits (4); improve signage at Adventure Bay turnoff (2); and speed bumps at the Neck (2). (b) DEVELOPMENT.

(i) CONTROLLED DEVELOPMENT (71). This included comments on the need to consider the social and economic aspects, coastal development, and rural v urban development (51); the maintenance of current lifestyle values (10); the need for proper strategic planning (7); no subdivision of rural land (3); no development in

suburban style (1); maintain skyline (1); and commercial development away from populated areas (1).

(ii) SHOP, CAFÉ, AT DENNES POINT (22) (iii) MOTEL / HOTEL (7). (iv) OTHER COMMENTS: prevent development (3); shopping villages (2); redesign Alonnah (1); improve oval (1); café / restaurant at Adventure Bay (1); stop foreshore development (1); and maintain stability (1). (c) FERRY SERVICES.

(i) IMPROVE SERVICES (62), including priority for residents; second ferry at peak times; improved facilities; a ferry to South Bruny; concessions for family members of residents. (ii) OTHER SERVICES including late night water taxi to Hobart (1) and a commuter service from Hobart or Tinderbox (2). (d) HEALTH SERVICES.

(i) IMPROVE HEALTH SERVICES, including increased doctor time, and a new facility (46). (ii) OTHER COMMENTS: disabled facilities and access (3); develop facility for evacuation from Dennes Point (1); pharmacy (1); and support for elderly (1). (e) TOURISM.

(i) ENCOURAGE ECO-TOURISM (10) AND LOW IMPACT TOURISM (camping) (6) (ii) INCREASE TOURIST INFORMATION (10) particularly at ferry and Information Centre, Roberts Point. (iii) INCREASE CARAVAN PARKS (5), including the Channel area and North Bruny. (iv) OTHER COMMENTS: regulate visitors (4); open and develop quarantine station (2); develop integrated tourism plan (2); discourage day-trippers (2); include North Bruny in Huon Trail (1); and separate Bruny from Huon Trail (1). (f) ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT.

(i) IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (29) (ii) STOP (20) / LIMIT LOGGING (5) (iii) IMPROVE PEST CONTROL (14) (iv) NO INCREASE IN FISH FARMS (7) (v) INCREASE WALKING TRACKS (6) (vi) OTHER COMMENTS: improve beach access (4); increase marine reserves and national parks (3); expand funding for park rangers (3); stop culling of wildlife and use of 1080 (3); free access to national parks for residents (2); selective logging (2); stop fishing (2); nutrient management strategy for the Channel (2); ban jet skis and regulate ocean use (2); enforce regulations re fishing (2); stop burning off (2); develop firebreaks that incorporate bush walks (1); ban 4WDs (1); no wood off island – impose levy (1); rehabilitation of cleared areas with native species (1); limit moorings (1); encourage organic farming (1); and clean septic tanks (1). (g) COUNCIL SERVICES.

(i) DEVELOP TOURIST INFRASTRUCTURE / PUBLIC TOILETS (28) (ii) PERMANENT / ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY (14) (iii) WEED ERADICATION (14) (iv) IMPROVE RUBBISH / WASTE SERVICE (13) (v) BETTER COUNCIL REPRESENTATION AND CONSULTATION (6)

(vi) OTHER COMMENTS : sullage dumps of campers and boats (3); increase autonomy (2); free garbage service (1); ensure self-sufficiency in water (1); and joint staffing / training for Council and PWS personnel (1) (h) SUPPORT PUBLIC TRANSPORT (15).

(i) SUPPORT ARTS, E-COMMERCE, CRAFTS & SMALL BUSINESS (15). (j) GENERAL SERVICES. (i) IMPROVE EMERGENCY SERVICES (11): fire, police and planning. (ii) INCREASE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES (9) including a secondary school (1) (iii) PROVIDE SOCIAL AMENITIES (8). (iv) IMPROVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS (7). (v) OTHER COMMENTS: Aurora ‘pay as you go’ facilities (4); improve community education (3); boat ramp for Dennes Point (2); library (2); community pool (2); increase the population (2); laundrette (1); regular trade services (1); upgrade post office (1); extra marina at Alonnah (1); study climate change (1); collate statistics (1); provide children’s facilities (1); coordinate community groups (1); public facilities for boats at Barnes Bay (1); sound system and car park lighting for Adventure Bay Hall; and increase employment opportunities (1).

7. Reflecting on what you have already said in response to the previous questions, have a go at stating what your "vision" is for Bruny Island. Doing this in a few words or phrases that state your most important values may be one way of doing this.

Phrases and concepts used by respondents have been utilised when collating the following statements.

(1) Maintain the Island in its naturally beautiful, unique, clean state, keeping it balanced and in harmony between rural and urban settings. (85) (2) Retain a sense of community which recognises tolerance and caring by friendly people who are perceived as vibrant, creative and diverse. (52) (3) Ensure environmental responsibility, including care for the marine environment (50) (4) Proactively provide the supportive infrastructure to meet the basic needs of residents and visitors (43), including roads and road safety (15). (5) Preserve the unique quality, serenity, old world charm and pace of life on the Island (35) (6) Support low-key, sensitive development in urban areas which retains the current character, and preserves rural areas. This is done by controlled, long term planning which recognises the uniqueness of the Island. (35) (7) Encourage low-key, responsible tourism, with a balance between residents and visitors, and provide information to support their experience. (32). (8) Do not change what we have here (22). (9) Recognise and maintain the cultural and historic values of Bruny Island (12), perhaps including an Aboriginal cultural and an interpretative centre.

(10) Use the developed vision as a model for others (11) (11) Encourage small scale local produce (11), leading to a self-sufficient, sustainable population (9) (12) Improve basic services, including health and emergency services (9) and transport (3). (13) Maintain a sense of ‘smallness’ (8). (14) OTHER: ban / discourage intrusive industry and commercialism (4); increase communication with Council (4); resident priority on ferry (3); increase employment (2);

increase primary production (2); enforce the planning scheme (2); café (1), vet (12); tighter gun control (1); blend modern technology (1); screen (hide) commercial undertakings (1); decrease weeds (1); reduce feral animals (1); discourage day trippers (1); no bridge (1); own council (1); encourage alternative lifestyles (1); and control camping sites (1).

8. Can you suggest some short-term measures that would assist in moving towards your “vision" of what is needed for Bruny Island? Try to make these practical and cost-effective.

(a) ROADS.

(i) ROAD MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY (43), including upgrade, reduced speed limits, slow pull out lanes, sealing. (ii) ROAD MAINTENANCE LINKED TO WEED CONTROL & BUSH CARE (7) (iii) OTHER SUGGESTIONS: walkways / bicycle ways in built up areas (4); wild life road signs (3); speed bumps on Neck and built up areas (2); penguin tunnels on neck (1); improve location & number of guideposts (1); road signage to encourage courtesy (1); regular community-driven roadside clean ups (1); and no maintenance (1). (b) REVIEW OF FERRY (31), including booking system for residents in peak season, second ferry at peak season, signage uphill re queuing.

(c) DEVELOPMENT. (i) CONTROL DEVELOPMENT (20) including preventing large development (8); no large subdivisions (3); no subdivisions on rural land (4); limit small subdivisions (6); and no commercial on North Bruny (1). (ii) PRIORITIZE NATURAL VALUES OVER CONSUMER VALUES (7), including adoption of environmental zoning (2); visual pollution clampdown (1), reduce the potential for subdivision in high conservation areas (1); maintain heritage values (2); and moratorium on coastal development (1). (iii) PLANNING SCHEME: rewrite planning scheme with specific consideration for Bruny (8); respect the objectives of the planning scheme (1); and enforce the rules appropriate to planning (1). (iv) NO CHANGE ‘LIKE IT OR LEAVE IT’ (7) (v) OTHER COMMENTS: Develop restaurants / shopping village (4); consider majority view on development (3); develop Roberts Point road house (2); new shop Dennes Point (1); managed growth and development (1); fish cooperative (1); upgrade Dennes Point Community Hall (1); and market high quality providers for Bruny (1). (d) TOURISM.

(i) INCREASE AVAILABILITY OF TOURIST INFORMATION (8) (ii) ENCOURAGE ECO TOURISM (6) (iii) SURCHARGE FOR VISITORS (5) (iv) OTHER: lobby State Government for funds for tourist infrastructure (3); increase publicity for Bruny (2), seek a dive charter (1); sell Bruny vision as model tourist vision (1), consider tourism development philosophy (1); reduce charter boats (1); and limit motor homes and caravans (1). (e) COUNCIL SERVICES

(i) LONG TERM APPROACH TO PLANNING / SERVICES (13) (ii) CONTINUE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION (12) (iii) IMPROVE PUBLIC TOILETS AND FACILITIES (10)

(iv) IMPROVE RUBBISH / RECYCLING MANAGEMENT (5) (v) IMPROVE CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA AND SPORTS FACILITIES (5) (vi) OTHER: public water supply (3); rate subsidy for environmental sustainability (3); upgrade boat ramp and parking Adventure Bay area (2); learn from other island communities (2); increase information from Council (1); emergency plan for residents in case of bushfire etc. (1); Council staff more accountable (1); residential / work for the dole work force through Council contracting with PWS, Forestry for Island Care (1); Caravan Dump; Open Captain Cook Creek when necessary (1); and enlarge BIAG (1). (f) ENVIRONMENTAL

(i) FORESTRY PRACTICES (9) including limit clear felling (5); phase out logging and replace with viable alternatives (2); evaluate forestry (1); and levy on fares / products sold to be used to replace logging profits (1). (ii) OTHER ISSUES: improve environmental awareness and protection (4); management plan for marine waterways (3); improve environmental regulations (3); planting regime for native species (2); prevent tree felling on private property (2); discourage high speed water craft by zoning (1); proclaim marine reserves (1); allow blue gums to grow on road side (1); initiate climate change study (1); ban cars on beaches and 4WD bush bashing (10); ban jet skis (1); limit salmon farming (1); subsidize wildlife alarms (1); and enjoy the outdoors. (g) SERVICES.

(i) UPGRADE HEALTH SERVICES (12), including increased doctor with pharmacy at peak times (4), and elderly units (1). (ii) PUBLIC TRANSPORT (6), possibly with volunteer drivers.

(iii) OTHER ISSUES: increase PWS and police presence on roads and water (2); increase funding for ambulance, police, fire etc. (2); develop telecommunications plan (3); support school (1); improve friendliness of PWS; develop a transaction centre (1); and seek money from MAST to fix emergency evacuation from Dennes Point (1).

(h) GENERAL. (i) COMMUNITY FUND / LAND BANK (6) for Island related projects. (ii) OTHER FACTORS: promote small business / mentors (3); consider Bruny Island brand (3), improve community unity (2); community working bees (2); respect others (1); support the arts (1); encourage self-sufficiency (1); people power (1); consider a toll bridge; Adventure Bay jetty public use only (1); and survey results made public (1).

9. Are there any other matters that you feel are not covered by these questions but that you wish to say about Bruny Island?

(i) The emphasis for the future needs to be on the current beauty, balance and lifestyle, recognising the unique and intangible values which make Bruny the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Kingborough (60). (ii) Progress needs to be controlled, with better, long term planning and the removal of inconsistencies (31). (iii) Congratulations and thank you to Council for this opportunity (17). (iv) Continue public consultation, and act on results of survey (19). (v) Improve infrastructure (10).

(vi) Look at road safety issues, especially dust (6). (vii) Ensure coastal access and boat ramps (3). (viii) Praise for volunteers (3). (ix) Other: Council rebate for wildlife protection on property (2); transfer location of waste station, and rubbish collection (2); timely weed control (2); seek grant for alternative culture development (2); seal Lockleys Road below Mavista (1); no development (1); control visual pollution (1); Council consultations at night (1); increased tourist information (1); rid Island of introduced species (1); dump spot (1); designated areas for campers (1); increase young population (1); responsible logging (1); no logging (1); no fish farms (1); use Adventure Bay Church as café and gallery (1); and praise for residents for monitoring unsuitable developments e.g. Friends of Simpsons Bay (1).

Appendix 2 Bruny Island Survey Results 2013 BRUNY ISLAND SURVEY RESULTS 2013 308 returned surveys 50 surveys completed online

Question 1 – What to you see as being Bruny Island’s main ‘strengths’ or the advantages of living on Bruny Island? Tick top three.

A The unique natural environment 228 B The relaxed lifestyle 201 C A supportive community 70 D The isolation of living on an island 112 E The Aboriginal and European heritage 14 F Absence of pollution, overcrowding, traffic and noise 176 G The outdoor recreational opportunities 79 H Living in a small diverse community 47 I A safe environment with little crime 104 J Essential services and public facilities are available 32 K Other 7

250

200

150

Question 1 100

0 A B C D E F G H I J H

Main thread of additional comments:

• The Island’s natural environment/beauty main asset. • The Island’s uniqueness. • Peace and quiet.

Question 2 – What are the ‘weaknesses’ or the negatives about living on Bruny Island? Tick top three.

A Problems with the ferry service 208 B Poor quality of road 161 C Lack of tourism and visitor infrastructure 77 D Fuel costs 67 E Health related issues (lack of services) 55 F Inappropriate development and subdivision 87 G Inadequate waste disposal services 77 H Not enough shops or other such services 52 I Lack of tolerance within community to alternative views 82 J Lack of action re illegal activities or development 68 K Other 11

250

200

150

Question 2 100

0 A B C D E F G H I J K

Main thread of additional comments:

• Unsealed Bruny Main Road to Dennes Point. • Lack of services on North Bruny. • Lack of fuel outlets. • Lack of walking and cycling facilities. • Ferry service – residents should have priority. • Not enough footpaths and bike tracks.

100

Question 3 – What do you see as being some realistic ‘opportunities’ for Bruny Island? Tick top three.

A Encourage low key, eco-tourism activities 150 B Provide more tourism/visitor infrastructure 88 C Improve quality of development 36 D Improve quality of local roads 150 E Provide additional ferry services 164 F Promote and protect Bruny Island heritage 69 G Encourage local industry 90 H Improve health facilities 31 I Improve waste disposal facilities 63 J Promote the arts and local craft and culture 57 K Provide additional services (ding, sporting, youth etc) 42 L Other 7

Question 3 180 160 140 120 100 80 Question 3 60 40 20 0 A B C D E F G H I J K

Main thread of additional comments:

• Increase bushwalking opportunities. • Promote Bruny Island produce. • Public transport on the Island. • Priority on ferry for residents. • Promotion of Island’s agriculture. • Bike trails on Island.

101

Question 4 – What are the main ‘threats’ to the existing conditions on Bruny Island? Tick top three.

A Inappropriate or excessive development 167 B Loss of natural heritage and environmental degradation 130 C Demographic change – an ageing population 47 D Pollution, weeds and feral pests 157 E Unsustainable population and visitor numbers 90 F Forestry practices 84 G Road safety 94 H Inadequate tourism infrastructure 89 I Government authorities not enforcing regulations 37 J Inadequate maintenance of existing infrastructure 105 K Other 21

Question 4 180 160 140 120 100 80 Question 4 60 40 20 0 A B C D E F G H I J K

Main thread of additional comments:

• Day visitors undertaking illegal activities. • Over regulation. • Lack of ‘tourist levy’. • Lack of younger volunteers for emergency services. • Lack of employment opportunities. • Lack of accommodation to cater for increase in tourism. • Feral animals and weeds.

102

Question 5 – Do you feel that Bruny Island can sustain an increased permanent or holiday resident population without comprising the Island’s important values and how important is this for the continued provision of essential services?

Approximately 75% of respondents considered that the Island Council support additional population.

Of the positive respondents, 60% of those respondents that there was a need to increase the infrastructure / services to cope with an increase in population. The main thread was the need to improve the ferry service.

Additional comment was that an increased population would make the shops on the Island more viable

Of the 25% not in favour of an increase in population the main comment was that they wished the Island to remain “as is”.

103

Question 6 – What particular items of public infrastructure issues need to be upgraded or provided? Tick top three.

A Improved health and emergency services 88 B Upgrade and improve road conditions 64 C Improve ferry services 69 D Upgraded community facilities (e.g. heal, playgrounds) 48 E Provision of public transport 77 F Reticulated water and sewerage services 19 G Improved waste disposal services 79 H Increased police presence 59 I Increased environmental protection / enforcement 107 J Provide more roadside footpaths 79 K Other 13

Question 6 120

100

60 Question 6

0 A B C D E F G H I J K

Main thread of additional comments:

• Improved roads. • Better ferry service. • Strong support for improvement in public toilets across Island. • Provision of public transport on the Island. • More walking and cycling tracks. • Shop at Dennes Point. • Better recycling facilities.

104

Question 7 – List what you believe are the top five priorities for Bruny Island. List five top priorities.

A Improved road condition and safety measures 208 B Future development designed to suit Bruny character 205 C Improve ferry services 205 D Improved health and emergency services 95 E More tourism activities and information 103 F Improved environmental management and pest control 148 G Public toilets and other visitor amenities 179 H Improved waste services 78 I More support for small businesses, local arts and crafts 155 J Most public recreational facilities 70

Question 7 250

200

150

Question 7 100

0 A B C D E F G H I J

Main thread of additional comments:

• Roadside advertising a problem. • Resident doctor required. • Improve ferry services. • Ensure that any future development is sensitive to the Island. • Better boating facilities to encourage tourism via boats. • Support for local crafts/cottage industries.

105

Question 8 – Reflecting on what you have already said in response to previous question, please state your ‘vision’ for Bruny Island.

Main thread of comments:

• Retain as destination of world heritage. • Good clean environment. • Bruny Island is unique with natural beauty. • A natural peaceful Island. • Keep as low key tourism destination. • Leave as is.

Question 9 – Can you suggest some short-term measures that would assist in moving towards your vision?

Main thread of comments:

• Advertising signage should be more tightly controlled. • Improved ferry service. • Priority for residents on ferry. • Better boating facilities. • Upgrade / improve public toilets. • Encourage small emerging businesses.

Question 10 – Are there any other matters not covered by these questions?

Main thread of comments:

• Ferry services including priority for residents/shack owners. • Better off without tourists. • Improve bushwalking / cycling facilities. • Don’t destroy uniqueness of the Island.

106

Appendix 3 Comparison of both surveys by Tony Ferrier

In 2005, Kingborough Council received a petition from 258 Bruny Island ratepayers that called for a “Future Vision Plan” for Bruny Island. The petition expressed concerns that “insufficient attention is being paid to the ability of the Island’s infrastructure (ferry, roads, ambulance, SES & fire, telephone, waste disposal & recycling, post, energy, water and community health) to cope with increases in population.” It was suggested that the Future Vision Plan should provide “a balance between the permanent population and the supporting infrastructure while preserving the appealing uniqueness and non-suburb like character of Bruny Island”.

In 2006, Kingborough Council circulated a survey form to all Bruny Island property owners. There was a mail-out of 1255 and 185 responses were received – a 15% response rate. The survey sought the views of the Bruny Island community on what people saw as being the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in relation to living on Bruny Island. A similar survey was then repeated in 2013 and there were 358 responses – a 28% response rate. The responses from the two surveys were quite similar and are as indicated in the table below:

2006 SURVEY RESULTS 2013 SURVEY RESULTS The main “strengths” or advantages in living The main “strengths” or advantages in living on on Bruny Island were described as being the Bruny Island were described as being the natural environment, the more relaxed natural environment, the more relaxed lifestyle, lifestyle, a supportive community and the absence of pollution, overcrowding, traffic and isolation of island life. noise, the isolation of island life and a safe environment with little crime.

The “weaknesses” or negatives about living The “weaknesses” or negatives about living on on Bruny were described as being the Bruny were described as being problems frustrations associated with the ferry service associated with the ferry service, poor quality (particularly during peak times), the standard roads, inappropriate development, intolerance of roads and inadequate infrastructure for within community to alternative views, lack of tourists and visitors. visitor infrastructure and inadequate waste disposal services.

The “opportunities” to improve living The “opportunities” to improve living conditions conditions on Bruny Island were described as on Bruny Island were described as being being the encouragement of low-key tourism additional ferry services, the encouragement of activities and improving tourist infrastructure, low-key eco-tourism activities, improved road ensuring future development is sympathetic conditions, further encouraging local industry to natural values and improving the roads and providing more tourism/visitor infrastructure. and ferry service.

The “threats” to the existing living conditions The “threats” to the existing living conditions on on Bruny Island were described as being Bruny Island were described as being inappropriate or excessive development, the inappropriate or excessive development, loss of natural heritage, environmental pollution, weeds and feral pests, the loss of impact, the ageing population, road safety natural heritage, environmental degradation, and inadequate infrastructure to support inadequate tourism infrastructure and existing/future tourism levels. maintenance, and road safety.

Most people felt that Bruny Island could Most people felt that Bruny Island could support support an increase in population (103 an increase in population (75% of people stated people stated this, compared to 62 who said this, compared to the rest who wanted the Island they would not support an increase). to remain “as is”).

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The main infrastructure issues (particularly if The main infrastructure issues were listed as population did increase) were listed as being being the need to better protect the natural the need to improve health and emergency environment, more roadside footpaths, and services, maintain and improve the roads, improved or increased waste disposal, ferry, improve ferry services and improve a broad road, public transport and police services. range of other local community services and infrastructure.

The top 5 priorities for Bruny Island appeared The top 5 priorities for Bruny Island appeared to to be (1) improving the standard of roads and be (1) improving the standard of roads and provide improved road safety, (2) controlling provide improved road safety, (2) ensuring inappropriate development and encouraging development is designed to suit the Bruny commercial development to support local character, (3) improving the ferry services, (4) community needs, (3) improving the ferry providing better public toilets and other visitor services (by giving priority to residents, amenities, and (5) supporting local businesses providing a second ferry at peak times, and (such as arts and crafts) – plus improving improved shore facilities), (4) improved environmental management and pest control. health services, and (5) improved environmental management.

A “vision” for Bruny Island included phrases A “vision” for Bruny Island included phrases that that emphasized the protection of Bruny’s emphasized the protection of Bruny’s unique unique natural values, the strong sense of natural values (retain as destination of world community, good quality public infrastructure, heritage, good clean environment, natural preserving the existing slower pace of life, beauty is unique), a slower more peaceful supporting low-key development and lifestyle, a low-key tourism destination, and the responsible tourism, balancing the needs of need to essentially leave the Island as it is. residents and tourists and the need for effective long term planning.

The main suggestions for practical, cost- The main suggestions for some short-term effective short-term measures included measures included a greater control of improving the road conditions, reviewing the advertising signage, upgrading existing public ferry service, controlling development and toilets, improving the ferry service (eg giving upgrading health services. priority to residents) and encouraging the emerging businesses on the Island.

It should be noted that since the first survey was done, the new community health centre has been constructed (in 2009) and the Main Road has been sealed (in the Great Bay area) and repaired (in the Alonnah and Lunawanna areas). These actions addressed a few of the concerns mentioned by respondents in that first survey.

There is not great deal of difference in community views between the two surveys. The more recent survey did indicate a slightly greater concern about environmental protection and an appreciation of the Island’s quieter and more peaceful lifestyle was raised more often. In regard to public infrastructure, the focus is still mainly on the ferry, road conditions and public toilets. Similar surveys will be conducted in future in order to monitor the changing community views.

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Appendix 4 Biosphere Overview

At the workshop an introduction to the concept of a Biosphere for Bruny Island was introduced and briefly discussed. This is a whole of island issue and needs more community discourse and information sharing about the positives and negatives.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: A quick overview

WHAT IS A BIOSPHERE RESERVE?

1 .Biosphere reserves (BRs) address one of the most challenging issues we face today: how to maintain the health of natural systems while meeting needs of communities.

2. Biosphere reserves are: • sites of excellence where new and optimal practices to manage nature and human activities are tested and demonstrated; • tools to help countries implement the results of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and, in particular, the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Ecosystem Approach; • learning sites for the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development.

3. Biosphere reserves are sites established by countries and recognised under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science.

4. They are places that explicitly seek to reconcile conservation of biological and cultural diversity and economic and social development through partnerships between people and nature.

5. They are places to test and demonstrate innovative approaches to sustainable development from local to international scales.

HOW MANY ARE THERE?

6. There are currently 631 Biosphere Reserves in 119 countries. Australia currently has 14 Biosphere Reserves: • Barkindji Biosphere Reserve, New South Wales • Croajingolong National Park, Victoria • Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia • Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve, Queensland • Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park, Victoria • Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales • Mornington Peninsula and Western Port, Victoria • Mamungari Conservation Park, South Australia (Previously "Unnamed Conservation Reserve") • Noosa Biosphere Reserve, Queensland • Prince Regent River Nature Reserve, Western Australia • Riverland Biosphere Reserve, South Australia • Calperum and Taylorville Stations • Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory

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• Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria • Yathong Nature Reserve, New South Wales

HOW ARE THEY MANAGED / GOVERNED?

7. A biosphere reserve nomination proposal is brought forward by community in partnership with local institutions and state government endorsement. Biosphere reserves rely on community leadership and championing, in partnership with formal institutions like local government that might provide much needed in-kind support and assist with potential funding.

8. After their designation, biosphere reserves remain under national sovereign jurisdiction, yet they share their experience and ideas nationally, regionally and internationally within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). The Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) allows the Federal Environment Minister to cooperate with a State or self- governing Territory on Biosphere Reserves while the EPBC Regulations contain principles for the management of Biosphere Reserves.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?

9. Some of the most successful Australian biosphere reserves are: Mornington Peninsula – Western Port Bay BR (VIC); Noosa BR (QLD); Great Sandy BR (QLD); Barkindji BR (SA). • Mornington Peninsula – Western Port BR http://www.biosphere.org.au/aboutus.html

• Noosa BR http://blog.noosabiosphere.org.au/

• Great Sandy BR http://www.bmrg.org.au/our-programs/community/great-sandy-biosphere/

• Barkindji BR http://www.platform09.com/bbs_site5/home.html

Some of the best examples of international biosphere reserves that are relevant to the Australian context can be found in Canada and Germany.

10. When appropriate, a biosphere reserve's community will take the lead on major projects that are of wide interest to the community. The activities listed below are examples of the tools by which sustainable development is achieved in Canadian biosphere reserves. The list below provides some ideas as to what might be achieved, but initiatives are only limited by the imagination of the biosphere reserve's local people and their willingness to work together to achieve their goals. Ecosystem and habitat management: Floodplain, drainage and erosion control; corridor restoration and native tree planting; shoreline reviews; voluntary fire bans; voluntary vessel speed reduction; strategies to minimise visitor impact. Wildlife management: Natural pest control; reduction of animal-human conflicts; improvement of migration sites and routes. Research and monitoring: Research on species numbers and movements, human-wildlife interactions and agricultural techniques such as the use of natural fertilizers. Agriculture: Development of a solid understanding of how local food is produced; assessment of the interaction between agriculture and environment, non-native species control and ecological goods and services

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Mapping: Creation of electronic atlases that feature local ecological riches, land use and endangered species, and that allow conservation and sustainable development projects under development to be visualized. Monitoring: Assessment of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem plots, climate change, and regional recovery from pollution, fire and natural disasters. Tourism: Formulation and implementation of strategies for commercial tourism; promotion of ecotourism and sustainable tourism. Education: Development of education centers and educational programming, partnerships with universities, school curriculum and teacher training, conferences, workshops and publications. Culture: Monitoring of cultural and historic regional features; coordination of cultural activities related to nature and historical land use. Park creation: Support of proposals for new parks. Regional interaction: Development of regional cooperative and sustainable communities plans; provision of advice and input on government policy and bills. Creating local forums for different stakeholders to meet and discuss biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. International cooperation: Participation in best practice and information exchanges; twinning arrangements

Further information

1. Paper prepared by Bob Graham, Convenor, Bruny Island Environment Network, March 2013

2. http://simpleshow.com/de-en/use-cases/biosphere-reserves/ (a fun and short video that explains Biosphere reserves)

3. http://www.environment.gov.au/node/20937 (Australian Federal government website on Biosphere Reserves)

4. http://www.unesco.org/mabdb/br/brdir/directory/contact.asp?code=AUL (UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserves directory: Australia)

5. http://www.dfat.gov.au/intorgs/unesco/ (Australian National Commission to UNESCO)

6. http://www.noosabiosphere.org.au/facts-vision/ausmab#about (AusMAB: Alliance of Australian Biosphere Reserves)

7. http://biospherecanada.ca/en/ (Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association)

8. http://www.unesco.de/91.html?L=1 (Biosphere Reserves in Germany)

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Appendix 5 Bruny Island Community Groups (July 2016)

Bruny Island Respite & Community Sheryl Lampkin 6260 6346 [email protected] House Inc. (BIRCH) Bruny Island RSL Sub Branch Trevor Adams OAM 6293 1225 Bruny Island RSL Sub Branch Beryl Smith 6293 1321 Womens Auxiliary Bruny Island Sew 'n' Sews Cynthia Turnbull 6293 1493 6293 2055 Bruny Island SES Bob Jager [email protected] 0427 725 285 Bruny Island Tourism Inc. David Gunton 6293 1271 [email protected] Bruny Island Ukulele Strummers John Barnaby 6293 1242 Bruny Island Volunteer Ambulance 6293 2055 Jenni Jager [email protected] Group 0409 979 377 Bruny Island Woolcraft Group Diane Byrne 6293 2041 Dennes Point Coast Care Terri Rattray 6260 6270 [email protected] Dennes Point Hall Committee Kate Coombe [email protected] Friends of Adventure Bay Charles Turnbull 6293 1493 [email protected] Friends of Bruny Island Quarantine Kathy Duncombe 6260 6287 [email protected] Station (FOBIQS) Friends of North Bruny Chris Viney 0419 871 187 [email protected] Killora Coastcare Group Anna Williams 0419 238 085 [email protected] Lunawanna Badminton Club Keith Smith 6293 1156 Lunawanna Memorial Hall Bill Hughes 6293 2052 Committee Lunawanna Memorial Hall Bookings Bruny Service 6293 1139 & Enquiries Centre North Bruny Badminton Club Lynda Davis 6260 6258 North Bruny Community Centre 6260 6245 North Bruny Tennis Club Jacqie Barrow 6260 6278 North Bruny Volunteer Fire Brigade Karen Luke 6260 6450 South Bruny Volunteer Fire Brigade Mark Brinkman 6293 1045

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Appendix 6 Correspondence between Council and FoNB

Hi Alex

Krissy has asked me to forward a response to your suggestions for the NBM&FDP. I’ll focus on the planning scheme aspects as I think it is necessary to understand the current situation in regard to how well the scheme can accurately reflect local needs (re protecting local character etc.).

We are currently going through a period of relatively rapid change in how planning schemes can adequately protect local character. The previous Kingborough Planning Scheme 2000 (KPS2000) was a ‘pure’ performance based scheme with very few zones and use classes and a reliance on “desired future character statements” for local areas. These character statements were more effective for urban areas, rather than rural areas. However, they were never really as effective as people would have liked as they were only called up for discretionary applications – and because they were expressed in a fairly general manner they were difficult to use as the sole basis for a refusal (the Tribunal and the legal fraternity hated them because they were too open to different interpretations). Nevertheless they were popular within the community and we (within Council) were able to apply them in a useful manner (eg as the basis for conditioning permits and limiting the adverse impacts of development proposals).

A year ago this scheme was replaced by the new KIPS2015, which is the current scheme that is now in place. This is based on a very different format – one that has been universally applied by all Councils in Tasmania and mandated by the State government. This format greatly reduced the effectiveness of the desired future character statements. They can only be applied when they are directly referred to in the development control provisions. The new format is a more traditional zone-based scheme, which is quite different to the previous KPS2000 performance-based approach. It relies on the application of zone boundaries to reflect desired land use and development (23 zones replaced the previous 6 zones in the scheme).

More recently, the State government has released draft State Planning Provisions (SPP) and the Tasmanian Planning Commission is half way through a schedule of public hearings. You can view all of the submissions that were made into the draft SPPs on the Commission’s website. These SPPs will be the same for every planning scheme in the state and contain all of the development controls for each Zone and Code (almost all of the written part of the scheme). Once they have been determined, the councils will be instructed to prepare Local Planning Schedules – essentially the zoning maps, but also including any necessary Specific Area Plans and schedules that need to be included in some of the Codes (eg a local heritage list).

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It should be noted that these SPPs do not provide for any inclusion of desired future character statements. They do provide for what are “Local Area Objectives”, but frankly they are so restricted in their application, that they are hardly worth including.

Local Area Objectives are only to be used in the following zones – Urban Mixed Use Zone, the three Business zones, Commercial zone, the two Industrial zones and the Major Tourism Zone – noting that we have usually used desired future character statements to protect the character within residential areas (where people live), though this does not appear to a consideration in the new planning scheme format. The Local Area Objectives can only be referred to when assessing “use” aspects of particular discretionary applications – that is, would the proposed use of the land (not the form of the development) be appropriate in this particular locality. Note that none of these Zones are currently or likely to occur on North Bruny.

There are some other zones that include development provisions that require having “regard to the character of established properties in the area”. However there is no ability to describe this “character” within the SPPs and in fact the specific provisions only relate to compliance with side and rear boundary setbacks.

On North Bruny, the future planning scheme’s zones will be Low Density Residential, Rural, Landscape Conservation and Environmental Management. How these zones are applied spatially will be the most effective way of protecting local character (through the appropriate restriction of inappropriate development as defined by the development controls within each of these zones). There really isn’t any other way – though it should be acknowledged that these zones could be very effective in allowing or preventing development as is deemed to be appropriate. Nevertheless, the desired “character” is not able to be described within the scheme itself – once the zone boundaries are set then any future development application is assessed against the provisions of the scheme that are applied consistently for the whole of Tasmania – they are “state planning provisions” with no capacity to incorporate local needs like previous planning schemes could do (other than the abovementioned Local Area Objectives).

An important exception in this regard is that the SPPs do allow for the creation of Specific Area Plans (SAP). These are prepared for defined parcels of land or localities and contain use and development provisions that over-ride the equivalent provisions in the zones and codes. We currently have SAPs for the proposed future development of the former Kingston High School site, the Margate Marina and Kingston Green (the second two resulting from the need to bring forward provisions from KPS2000).

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The government has not been particularly clear on the criteria for future SAPs. To date the indication is that they would like us to use them sparingly as they are a diversion from the desire for State-wide consistency – particularly if every local community will want their different planning controls as could be provided by these SAPs. We are considering SAPs in future to deal with specific issues like the landslip problem at Taroona and inundation at Kingston Beach (from a combination of river flooding, sea level rise and storm surge). The most vocal community in our municipality who is seeking a SAP for their area is at Blackmans Bay and they want to control the extent of infill and loss of residential character (through unit developments). We don’t envisage SAPs for all local villages as exist on North Bruny (if we did, we’d have to be doing them everywhere and the Commission would soon put a stop to that).

You have suggested the preparation of character statements for the five small settlements on Bruny Island. This of course can be done, but there should be no expectation that they will be able to be enforced in any way via the planning scheme.

In regard to coastal protection, the planning scheme is relevant in regard to how the land is zoned – for example Crown land foreshore reserves are zoned Environmental Management. There are Codes that deal with coastal erosion and inundation, plus natural assets and scenic protection. However, as stated above, all of the use and development controls are to be applied across the whole state in a standard manner. There is no allowance for local issues to be specifically dealt with.

We are still coming to terms with what this all means and we await the outcomes from the current round of Commission hearings. Once the SPPs are adopted then we will know how to best respond with the preparation of the Local Planning Schedule – how we will be zoning the land in a manner that best protects local values, while still allowing further development that does not adversely compromise the character of these local areas. In doing so, it is acknowledged that the zones (and development controls that are the same across the whole state) are a fairly blunt instrument and there will inevitably be planning decisions made that don’t fit well in a local sense (as a result of applying standard rules to many different local circumstances). Our challenge will be to allocate the new zones in a way that minimises these situations.

I hope that provides a helpful background to the current situation. If you do have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to ask.

Kind regards,

Tony

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Appendix 7 Habitat Types on Bruny Island

North Bruny is mainly Dry Forest and Woodland Habitat Type.

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References

The Bruny Island Story Basil Rait 1973

Recollections of North Bruny Island F Oliver Gray 1978

Guide to Bruny Island Bev Davis 1988

Tasmanian Roadside Signs Manual - Department of State Growth – TAS Government

Adventure Bay Foreshore Management Plan - Inspiring Place - 2007 for FAB

Bruny Island Weed Management Strategy Tasmania – Beth Chamberlain - 2007

Bruny Interpretation Plan 2008-2011 Kingborough Council – Anna Housego - 2008

Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy 2010 – 2035

Community Recreation Survey – Dennes Point – 2013 Kingborough Council

Draft Bruny Tourism Strategy 2014 – Kingborough Council

Draft Bruny Signage Proposal (4) 2015 - Tony Ferrier Kingborough Council

Kingborough Interim Planning Scheme 2015 (KIPS)

Websites

Destination Southern Tasmania Marketing Plan http://southerntasmania.com.au/

Bruny Ferry History www.brunyislandferry.com/about.html

Murrayfield TAS Regional Indigenous Land Strategy 2013-2018

Aboriginal History www.murrayfield.com.au/Home/Aboriginal-European-history

Bruny Quarantine Station www.bica.org.au/brunyquarantinestation/FOBIQ

Kingborough Council Survey of Bruny Ratepayers-2006 Tony Ferrier-www.kingborough.tas.gov.au

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