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I·"''- ''-1 J '. \, Werribee Coastal Plan 1l It . 1 I A plan for the use and man4genzent of

If the coast of the .City of Werribee .... ~

I / . I : I ;'. Department of Conservation and Environment 'I City of Werribee date I I I I -I I .1 -\ I I 1 I -I -:-1 I I I "J I RMrD I -I -I I I 1 Page i 1 1 1- CONTENTS

1 LIST OF MAPS ...... ii LIST OF TABLES ...... ii SUMMARY ...... 1 l\1ajor Recommendations ...... 4 1- 1. INTRODUCTION ...... ' ...... 5 ,I 1.1 .Area of Concern ...... 5 1.2 Plan Process ...... 5 I- 1.3 Management, Ownerslllp and Land Use ...... 7 1.4 Policy Context ...... 7 1.5 Existing Zoning ...... 9 I 2. PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ...... 11 2.1 Coastal character ...... 11 2.2 Natural Environment ...... , ...... 12 2.3 Maintaining the Coastal Resource ...... ' ...... 17 1 2.4 Heritage ...... 18 2.5 Recreation and Tourism ...... 21 2.6 Point Cook RAAF Base ...... 28 I 2.7 Buildings and structures ...... 29 I.. 2.8 Industry and Commerce ...... 31 3. OVERALL APPROACH TO THE COASTAL PLAN ...... 32 1- - 3.1 Introduction ...... 32 3.2 Concentrating Facilities and Activities ...... 32 3.3 Conservation .Areas ...... 33 3.4 Landscaping ...... 33 I 3.5 Access ...... 33 3.6 Rural Character ...... 33 3.7 River-Coast Trail ...... 34 1 3.8 Boating ...... 39 3.9 Boat-sheds ...... 42 3.10 Coastal .Areas ...... 44 4. PROPOSALS FOR EACH SECTION OF THE COAST ...... 46 I 4.1 Cheetham Salt works ...... 46 4.2 Point Cook Park; north of the homestead ...... 47 4.3 Point Cook Homestead and surrounds ...... 48 I 4.4 Point Cook Park beach area ...... 48 4.5 RAAF base ...... 49 4.6 Optional Dress Bathing .Area ...... 50 I 4.7 Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach ...... 51 4.8 Baileys Beach to Duncans Road ...... 52 4.9 Duncans Road ...... ,...... 52 4.10 Duncans Road to O'Conno'rs Road ...... 53 1- 4.11 Werribee South and Werribee River mouth ...... 54 4.12 Grabams Land and the Werribee River ...... 55 4.13 Werribee River to jetty reserve ...... 56 1- 4.14 Jetty Reserve to Little River ...... 56

711.4209 00110059 I 9452 WER:W Draft Werribee coastal plan: a plan for the use and management of the coast of the City of I Werribee Werribee Coastal Plan , I I: I Page ii

I 5. 1\1anagement and Implementation ...... 58 5.1 Management Responsibilities ...... 58 5.2 Proposed Works ...... 59 I 5.3 Management Guidelines and Policies ...... : ...... 63 APPENDICES A. Summary of responses to the Broadsheet ...... 67 I~ B. Working Group Representatives ...... 69 C. Areas For The \\'erribee Coast ...... 70 I I. LIST OF l\1APS

I· Map 1, Overall Planning Approach ...... 3 1\1ap 2, The Study Area ...... 6 Map 3, Land Management Authorities ...... 8 I Map 4, Current Zoning ...... 10 Map 5, Areas of Significance for Birdlife ...... : ...... 13 Map 6, Areas of Vegetation Significance ...... 14 I Map 7, Water Quality Segments ...... : ...... 19 1\1ap 8, Access Routes ...... 27 Map 9, Mt:::tropolitan Open Space Plan 1988, Western Suburbs ...... 35 Map 10, The River-Coast· Trail ...... 38 I Map 11, Alternative Harbour Sites ...... 40 Map 12, Proposed Werribee Harbour ...... 41 I. ~ Map 13, Boating Controls ...... 43 Map 14, Proposed Coastal Areas ...... 45 1 1 LIST OF TABLES

I Table 1, Listed European Heritage Sites ...... ,' ...... : ...... 21 Table 2, Reason for Recreation Visit to Werribee Coast ...... 22 Table 3, Activities Pursued at the Werribee Coast ...... 23 I Table 4, Population Growth in the Western Region of Melbourne ...... 23 Table 5, Proposed Projects and Works ...... 59 I I· I- I

I Werribee Coastal Plan

I .~ .. · ".- 1

:1 Summary Page 1 ·1 I~ SUMM:ARY

- Grahams Land in Werribee South; and 1 This draft Werribee Coastal Plan is a framework for the - the foreshore and inshore waters fronting the MMBW future of the City of Werribee coastline and the Werribee Werribee Treatment Complex. River from the coast to Werrihee township. 1 Consideration is given to the opportunities and The most major of the recreation focal points is the constraints represented by: proposed Werribee Harbour, an integrated marine leisure landscape character; centre to be built partly on the foreshore, partly on natural environmental factors such as birdlife and reclaimed land and partly on private land at the end of 1 vegetation; Duncans Road. The complex is to include a safe harbour pre-European and European heritage; with marina moorings, boat launching ramps, new pedestrian and vehicle access; beaches, quay-side tourist facilities, accommodation and 1 recreation and tourism; and, sports facilities. This proposal was the subject of a land tenure. separate but parallel study and an Environment Effects From these an overall approach to plalming on the coast Statement and Planning Scheme amendment were is developed which seeks to build on the Werribee exhibited in October and November, 1988. coastline's existing qualities, the most important of which The historic focal points are: are: Point Cook homestead; tbe attractive locations for informai recreation and - the Point Cook RAAF base foreshore including the 1 beach activities and the suitability of the area for RAAF museum which should be relocated adjacent to boating and fishing; the historic flying boat jetty and associated buildings; the areas of conservation significance for birdlife, and vegetation, history and geomorphology; and, 1 - Werribee Park, on the Werribee River. tbe quiet, rural character and absence of urban development. adjacent to the coast. The recreation focal points are: - the major recreation focus at the proposed Werribee 1 The Plan proposes tbat the Werribee coast be further Harbour complex; developed as an area for natural and historic conservation Point Cook beach; and as a recreation resource for Werribee community and Campbells Cove optional dress beach; the population of metropolitan Melbourne. To this end 1 the end of Cunninghams Road and, in future, the area sections of tbe coast are identified for management in of Campbells Cove currently occupied by the different ways. boatsheds; 1 Significant areas are identified as being primarily the end of Crawfords Road; managed for conservation while a series of focal points the end of O'Connors Road; are identified where visitor facilities will be provided, Bellin Reserve at the Werribee River mouth; some of which will be developed and managed for their Jetty Reserve in the MMBW Werribee Treatment I heritage values. In order to conserve overall rural Complex; and character and areas of high conservation significance, the area in the Werribee Treatment Complex visitor facilities will not be provided other than at the immediately south of the Werribee Park golf course, I focal points, and residential development or other urban within the Werribee River meander. uses will not be permitted adjacent to the coast. Connecting between most of these points, a River-Coast The areas identified for different forms of management Trail for pedestrian use is proposed, following the 1 are shown on Map 1. The areas to be managed primarily Werribee River from Werribee township to Werribee for their conservation values are: South and continuing around the coast to connect to Cheetham Saltworks, the wetlands of which should be Altona. Landscaping will be undertaken in conjunction I acquired by the Government, and the adj~cent inshore with the trail using mainly native coastal species, while waters; Cypress will be used where appropriate due to their Point Cook Metropolitan Park; traditional use and contribution to the visual character of the RAAF Lake, which should become completely the Werribee coast. 1 under the control of the MMBW as part of Point Cook Metropolitan Park; I 1 Werribee Coastal Plan 1 Summary Page 2 1 ------Improved public car access is proposed at some of the focal points but the coast wiJl remain largely free of the impact of roads and the notion of an extended coastal 1 drive or boulevard is not supported. The plan sets out regulation on development of the coast 1° through a series of coastal "areas" which establish uses which are permitted and prohibited. The plan also recommends that boating activity adjacent to the shore be regulated to protect conservation values and to minimise 1 conflict between boating and other forms of recreation. A number of private boat sheds have occupied the coastal reserve at CampbeJJs Cove and Baileys Beach for many I years. The plan recommends that this private use of public land not continue in the long term and establishes a date by which occupation of the coast must cease. The 1- area occupied wiJl then be redeveloped for public recreational use. 1 1 I 1- - 1 1 1 I 1 1 1- 1

1 ------Werribee Coastal Plan 1 ~70~7TJ7.n~n7.n7~~======~~·~,

R.A.A.F. BASE

POINT COOK

Campbelfs Cove ., /' /

.'

REFE.RENCE

Major Recreation Focus _ Urban Development ,,' ! o Minor Recreation Focus Major Access Roads f]] Historic Focus -- Restricted Access Roads /~ ff{tJ Conservation Areas _."---- River-Coastal Trail ,~ @ ( \''- -" north Werribee Coastal Plan 1:50000 Map 1 o 1 O:verall PI'anning Approach I Summary Page 4

facility, will continue to be managed as a conservation area. I Major Recommendations ... A master plan will be developed for Grahams land ... Provision of visitor and recreation facilities along to allow for habitat preservation and controlled the Werribee coast will be at a series of "focal visitor access. points" identified in the plan and the intermediate ... Visitor interpretation facilities will be developed for areas will otherwise be left free from facilities. the major conservation areas as part of master plan ... A harbour complex will be developed at the end of formulation, while a number of individual sites on I Duncans Road as a focus for boating and other· the foreshore will also be provided with coastal recreation and tourism. interpretative material. I ... ImproVed beach recreation will be provided through ... A program of landscaping, weed control and new beaches to be built as part of the Werribee planting will be implemented. Exotic vegetation on Harbour, and through improved access to the coast the much of the foreshore will be progressively and through the provision of swimming jetties at replaced with native species, while historic areas I Point Cook beach and at Campbells Cove. will be planted and maintained in keeping with their heritage values. Stands of Cypress will be ... A River-Coast Trail will be built, linking Werribee maintained, replanted and extended as a landscape township to the coast and stretching along the coast feature. from the Werribee River mouth to Altona. ... The boatsheds at Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach ... Three historic sites are identified in the Plan: Point will be removed at or before the end of 1999 and in Cook Homestead area, Werribee Park mansion and the meantime conditions of occupation specified in I surrounds, and the Point Cook RAAF base. Point the Plan and the payment of market rental will be Cook and Wetribee Park are open to the public and enforced. master plans for their management will be prepared I in conjunction with the surrounding parks, while ... Coastal "areas" will be established on the Werribee this Plan proposes that the RAAF base foreshore be coast through the approval of an amendment to the opened to the public and the RAAF museum be Werribee Planning Scheme to specify uses and I relocated to one or mote of the coastal buildings. developments which are permissible and prohibited under the Planning and Environment Act, 1987. ... A landscape and townscape master plan will be formulated for Werribee South township including ... Boating controls will be introduced to reduce the I Price Reserve and the adjoining foreshore. potential for conflict between boats and swimmers and to provide protection of bird habitat. ... Specified areas will be managed as natural conservation areas due to their important plant and ... Management guidelines and policies are specified in I animal habitat and features of geological the Plan to ensure the ongoing control of: importance. occupation of the foreshore, archaeological relics, siting and design of structures, the occupation of the ... . The wetland components of Cheetham Saltworks, boatsheds, access and foreshore maintenance. I the most important of the conservation areas identified, should be acquired by the Government ... Expansion of the existing township of Werribee and any remaining portions of the works should be South will only be into areas already zoned developed is such a way that the conservation area is residential but as yet undeveloped. I protected from intensive uses such as housing. ... To keep the rural character of the Werribee coast, ... A detailed master plan for the development of the restrictions on urban development will be I saltworks as a wetland centre will be prepared in maintained ~der the existing zoning of the conjunction with the preparation of a master plan Werribee South intensive agriculture area. for Point Cook Park and in the context of the ... The water quality segments in the State . overall Western Wetlands program. I Environment Protection Policy (the Waters of Port ... Ownership of the RAAF Lake, which currently falls Phillip Bay) should be revised to relocate the into both the Point Cook RAAF base and Point boundary between the Altona and Werribee 1- Cook Metropolitan Park, should be transferred to segments from the Point Cook RAAF base to the the MMBW to enable its overall management for Werribee River. wildlife conservation. ... Water quality should be monitored at the Campbells ... The MMBW Treatment Complex foreshore, whilst Cove optional dress beach and ameliorative steps I recognising that it is a part of the sewage treatment taken if required. I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Introduction Page 5 I I 1. INTRODUCTION I~

Through this process it will be open to further public I 1.1 Area of Concern scrutiny and review. This plan covers the coast of the City of Wembee and A broadsheet was distributed setting out the issues which has been prepared in order to provide a direction for its were seen to be of concern and inviting comment on I management and use. these and any others considered to be important. A total of 43 submissions were received in response to the A number of different types of coastal activity have been broadsheet and these were analysed. A summary of the accommodated and a future direction is developed which response to the broadsheet appears as Appendix A. 1- it is hoped will allow for the best use of the coast while preserving coastal resources for the benefit of the A working group was set up to prepare the plan, community. In the plan emphasis is given to preserving including representatives from the City of Werribee and the natural and cultural heritage values of the coast and to Government Departments. The membership of the I providing for recreational use of the coast by Werribee committee is detailed in Appendix B. The committee met residents and the wider community of Melbourne and on 13 occasions and prepared this draft plan. The draft surrounds. has been circulated to the bodies represented for their comment prior to being finalised and placed on public I The City of Werribee coast extends from Skeleton Creek exhibition for a period of two months. in the north, the boundary with the City of Altona, to Little River in the south, the boundary with the Shire of Once public comments on the draft have been taken into I Corio. The Plan covers all this coastline, extending consideration, it will be exhibited for a period of one offshore some 600 metres from the low water mark and month with an amendment to the City of Werribee including land generally within 200 metres inshore from Planning Scheme. If necessary, the Minister for high water. The inter-tidal strip is included. The study Planning and Urban Growth will request that a panel be area is defined on Map 2. formed to hear objections from affected people. After any modifications, the plan will be approved and the At some points the study area has been extended further Planning Scheme amendment gazetted. I inland to include particular parcels of land which are of importance for overall coastal planning. In particular, This plan and its accompanying Planning Scheme the study area includes the Werribee River downstream amendment were developed in conjunction with planning I of the township of Werribee in the context of establishing for the Werribee Harbour and does not with the harbour an open space link from the town to the coast. Along proposal. most of the river there is only a narrow streamside reserve separating the river from the adjoining private I land except where the river adjoins Werribee Park. In general the Coastal Plan covers public land, that is land which is owned or managed either by the State of I Victoria through one of its agencies or Statutory Authorities, or by the City of Werribee. The coast of the Point Cook RAAF base is included in the study area but, I as Commonwealth Land, it is not controlled by Victorian planning legislation. Therefore the recommendations of the Coastal Plan are not binding on this land and it is not I included in the amendment to the Planning Scheme. I 1.2 Plan Process Public consultation was undertaken prior to formulating the draft plan and when finalised it will be exhibited with I an amendment to the City of Werribee Planning Scheme.

I I Werribee Coastal Plan /- I I. I I I I I "'~ROONO~H I I I

I PORT PHILLIP BAY

FRANKSTON

BASS STRAIT

Werribee Coastal Plan Map 2 The Study Area o 10 20 I ' '._ J I s.ccit of kilcme-tres PREPARED BY LAND INFOR .... ATION BRANCH, I .... INISTRY FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT. I 1 Introduction Page 7

Campbells Cove indicate that access is prohibited along the beach. 1.3 Management, Ownership and Point Cook Metropolitan Park extends north-east from the boundary of the RAAF base for 4 kilometres along Land Use the coast. The park is owned and managed by the A number of different authorities control the land on the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works for Werribee coast, as set out on Map 3. conservation and recreation and includes the historic Point Cooke homestead. The Board has title to the low Between Little_River and Werribee River, a distance of. __ water mark. Offshore from Point Cooke homestead is------I 10 kilometres, the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of the Point Cook Marine Reserve established for the Works is the landowner. This land forms part of the protection of marine habitat. Board's Werribee Treatment Complex, a large sewage treatment facility first established in 1892. The Board's Between Point Cook Park and Skeleton Creek, Cheetham freehold extends to the high water mark and the inter­ Salt Company owns the land extending to the high water tidal strip is Crown land, with the Board appointed as mark. The holding also extends north of Skeleton Creek --I Committee of management. Much of the complex is into the City of Altona. The site is a complex of lagoons occupied by paddocks used for sewage filtration and and wetlands used for salt production as well as some dry stock grazing, but most of the area adjacent to the coast is land. The company is winding down its operations at occupied by a system of sewage treatment lagoons. this site and at the time of writing the saltworks land bas -I been offered for sale. From Werribee River to Campbells Cove, a distance of 6 kilometres, there is a Crown foreshore reserve of varying -I width up to approximately 60 metres between the low 1.4 Policy Context water mark and the adjoining freehold land. The City of Werribee is appointed Committee of Management for the There are a number of Government strategies and policies reserve under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act. At which are relevant to the preparation of this plan. They 1 Campbells Cove and Baileys l3each there are a number of provide an overall context for its preparation and form a private boat-sheds occupying Crown land. - hierarchy of plans and policies at different levels of detail into which this plan fits. Behind the coastal reserve the private land is primarily 1 used for intensive agriculture, primarily vegetable At an overall level there are policies such as the State production with some cropping and dairying. The small Conservation Strategy which set the policy direction for village of Werribee South adjoins the coast at the mouth the whole State. The Coastal Policy for Victoria and the -:1 of the Werribee River. Port Phillip Plan (presently in Draft form), relate specifically to coastal planning matters at State and At Werribee South the Council-owned and managed Price regional level. This coastal management plan takes Reserve adjoins the coastal reserve. This reserve - planning and policy to the local level for the Werribee accommodates an oval, tennis courts and a council section of the. Port Phillip Bay coast. The plan also 1 caravan park. A privately owned caravan park adjoins conforms with a number of other .,plicies incl~ding: The the north eastern side of the reserve. Government's Metropolitan Policy; the Open Space Plan; Along the eastern bank of the Werribee River there is a the Western Region Strategy; the Wetlands Conservation 1 Crown frontage originally of 150 links (approximately 30 Program For Victoria; and the Western Wetlands metres) width extending upstream as far as Werribee Agreement. -Park. In Werribee South it is adjoined by 'Grahams 1 Land', a freehold area owned by the City ofWerribee, presently leased for grazing. On the western side of the river the Board of Work's ownership extends to the river 1 except for an area adjoining Werribee Park where the Zoological Board manages some Board land on the western bank. 1- North-eastof Campbells Cove is the RAAF Point Cook base which fronts the coast over 2 kilometres. The Base is primarily a flight training complex and the Commonwealth Government owns the land to the low water mark. Point Cook RAAF base includes the RAAF museum which is open to the public at specified times but otherwise the base is not accessible to the public. Signs 1 and fences at the boundary with Point Cook Park and at I Werribee Coastal Plan

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1 Introduction Page 9 I ------I 1.5 Existing Zoning The current zoning applying to the Werribee Coast and surrounds is shown on Map 4. 1- Between Little River and Werribee River, there is a Public Purposes Reserve number 18 to accommodate the Werribee Treatment Complex extending to the low water mark. I From Werribee River to the RAAF base the coastal reserve is a Public Open Space Reserve. The hinterland is mostly zoned Intensive Agriculture. At 1 Werribee South the Public Open Space Reserve includes Price Reserve and the township area is zoned Residential. Along the river towards Werribee Park, a Public 1 Open Space Reserve corresponds to the Crown streamside reserve on the east bank. It is backed by a Landscape Interest Area on the flood plain and I Intensive Agriculture Zone beyond. On the west bank the Board of Works Public Purposes Reservation extends to the waters edge. I The RAAF base is a Public Purposes Reserve No.1, while Point Cook Park is Reserved for Proposed Public Open Space. In both cases tbe reservation extends to the low water mark. I The part of the Cheetham Saltworks adjacent to the coast is also Proposed Public Open Space, while the 1- more western portion, and the area to the north and west of Point Cook Park, is Zoned General Agriculture. I I I I I I

I

I ------Werribee Coastal Plan , Ii I II.. '.' '.'

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::;:::.rfi!' REFERENCE ??

~ Public Open Space Residential Ippos) Proposed Public Open Space Intensive Agriculture Public Purpose , [!ill - Commonwealth Gov General Farming Public Purfose (]ill - Dept 0 Agricuture landscape Interest, Public Purpose IpP18) - MMBW , Werribee Harbour 'i IpP201 Public Purpose I ~\® - Other Uses Werribee Coastal Plan 1:50000 ~/ o 1 2 3 Map 4

Effluenloullall Effluentoutlall /~cale f k) J ! Current Zoning ...... I Ipm~0. __~_._~ __0~~;:~8m~~~ ___ ~~~~~~=~! I I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 11 I 2. PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES AND I CONSTRAINTS

I The market garden areas of the Werribee Delta are considered to be of State significance for vegetable 2.1 Coastal character production as the delta provides a great depth of high quality topsoil ideally suited to market gardening. The I 2.1.1 Context in Port Phillip Bay preservation of trus use has been recognised through the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme over many The western shores of Port Phillip Bay are generally less years and has been retained despite the allocation of other developed and less intensively used than the eastern areas in the City of Werribee to future urban I shores. Whereas most of the eastern side of Port Phillip development. is backed by urban development, much of the western coast is rural. Many areas are valuable for the A report commissioned by the Board of Works when it I conservation of flora' and fauna species or land forms. was the planning authority for the Melbourne area recommended that the Werribee South intensive The Werribee coast is readily accessible by car, being a agriculture zone area be maintained, based on an short drive from Werribee townsrup and being easily assessment of farm viability.1 I accessible to the western suburbs of Melbourne. Via the West Gate Bridge it is also a relatively short drive from The Government's planning policies reflected in Shaping many other parts of Melbourne and the roads are Melbourne's Future is that future urban gro ....1h will be I generally less congested than those leading to popular contained in identified corridors. The groMh of the eastern beaches. Werribee corridor will contribute to greater use of the Werribee foreshore but the corridor, wruch extends from WIllIe not generally as good for swimming and beach Laverton to Werribee and beyond, does not include the activities as the eastern shore, the western shore offers I Werribee South area.2 good boating and fishing as the water is generally more sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds than the Development of the foreshore or uses related to the I eastern shore and many of the Bay's best fishing areas are foreshore should not be allowed to compromise the nearby. The beaches themselves are less intensively used market gardens or lead to an incremental intrusion of ' than those on the eastern shore. residential or other activities into the market garden land. This not to say that the coast should remain without the The Werribee coast therefore offers easy access and the I facilities wruch help to make a visit to the coast easy and opportunity to enjoy sections of coast wruch are backed enjoyable, but that the land backing the coast should by agricultural land uses or natural areas rather than by remain in its current uses including highly productive housing and other urban development. It also offers agricultural land, parkland or sewage farm. Such an I areas of international conservation significance only a approach is compatible with the current zoning of the short distance from built up areas. Werribee South area and in accord with the planning I 2.1.2 Preserving tbe rural atmospbere approach taken in the area for a number of years. The only urban development adjacent to the coast in Werribee is the small town of Werribee South, adjacent I to the mouth of the Werribee River. WIllIe much of the coast is readily accessible from Werribee, the western 1. R N Phillips and associates Pty Ltd, and D Naughton suburbs of Melbourne and even some of the eastern and and Co, Werribee South Intensive Agriculture Study, south-eastern suburbs via the West Gate Bridge, it report to the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of remains predominantly rural in character and in places Works, Geelong, December 1979. remains in a quite natural form. This quality is noted in the Port Phillip Plan as being one to be preserved. 2. Shaping Melbourne's Future; The Government's I Metropolitan Policy, Government of Victoria August 1987. I Werribee Coastal Plan J I j 1 Page 12 1 Planning Opportunities and Constraints 2.1.3 Need for landscaping migratory species which breed in Siberia and Alaska, fly along the Western Pacific and through eastern Asia, to Most of the Werribee coast is characterised by a spend the southern summer in Australia. Some species generally flat hinterland which meets the water's edge in 1 are listed in international treaties such as JAMBA and low cliffs. However there are sweeping bay views to the CAMBA, agreements between Australia and Japan and Bellarine Peninsula, along the coast and landwards China, respectively, to protect migratory and birds. 1- towards the market gardens of the Werribee delta. The Cheetham saltworks is nominated in the Ramsar Melbourne skyline is visible along most of the coast. It convention on wetlands and theWerribee Treatment has an attractive,remote character which is not found in , Complex was declared as a "Wetland ()fJntemational . other parts of the Bay, but the foreshore itself is not Importance" by the International Union for the I attractively landscaped along much of its length, conservation of Nature in 1983. particularly in the most intensively used areas between the RAAF base and Werribee South. It has little These internationally important wetlands have recently I vegetation but is backed by windbreaks of Coprosma been included in the "Western Wetlands", an initiative Repens (Mirror Bush), Boxthorn or other species which announced by the State Government in June, 1987, which have been put in place to protect the market gardens. marks a new approach to wetlands management for bird. habitat and highlights the importance of wetlands Cypress are traditionally used in long avenues as preservation. windbreaks throughout the Werribee South area. They have been used along some stretches of the foreshore and Preservation of the areas suitable and significant for , I they are a partiCUlar feature of Point Cooke homestead birdlife is a high priority and the areas of greatest garden and the Werribee Treatment Complex. They significance are shown on Map 5., make a very positive contribution to the character and 1 appeal of the area and are visible from long distances. 2.2.2 Vegetation Additional planting of indigenous species along the The Werribee Coastline Proposed Management Plan foreshore reserve is central to the development of an includes a detailed analysis of the original and current attractive environment for informal recreation. vegetation of the Werribee coast based on a survey which I Additional planting will help to combat erosion, provide collected data on the structure and floral composition of a better appearance and provide shade. A great all vegetation.4 improvement in landscape quality along the reserve could The report Sites of Botanical Significance in the Western be gained by the replacement of the Coprosma and I Region of Melbourne identifies Point Cook Metropolitan box thorn windbreaks with native species or further' . Park as an area of State significance for vegetation avenues of Cypress. because it contains examples of four of the original I vegetation types in proximity.s The area of significance 2.2 Natural Environment includes parts of Cheetham Saltworks and the RAAF base in addition to the park as shown on Map 6. I 2.2.1 Birdlife The report recommends that the area should be managed for the conservation abd display of indigenous A number of areas on the Werribee coast are of high vegetation. It recommends that rehabilitation of conservation value, particularly for bird habitat. While degraded vegetation should continue. The drying pans of I most of the coastline and the immediate hinterland is the saltworks need not be greatly altered as they provide altered from a natural form, there are areas which remain . habitat for water birds and are gradually being reclaimed relatively untouched and some of the developments have by surrounding saltmarsh vegetation.6 I enhanced the potential for providing bird habitat. The Werribee Treatment Complex and the Cheetham . Saltworks provide significant areas of wetland habitat. 1 The importance of the Werribee coast for birds is outlined in Birds of Port Phillip Bay.3 4. Sargeant I J (ed) 1981 Werribee Coastline Proposed The Werribee Treatment Complex and its lagoons, Management Plan, School of Environmental Cheetham Saltworks, Point Cook Park and the adjoining Science, Monash University, Clayton 1981, pp.65- 1- 79. nearshore waters and the intertidal mudflats contain very important feeding, roosting and breeding areas for birds. s. McDougal K, Sites ofBotanical Significance in ;the 1- They include the rare Orange Bellied Parrot and Western Region of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 1987.

3. Lane B, Schulz M and Wood K, Birds of Port Phillip 6. Lane B, Schulz M and Wood K, Birds of Port Phillip Bay, Ministry for Planning and Environment, Bay, Ministry for Planning and Environment, 1 Melbourne, 1984. Melbourne, 1984.

1 Werribee Coastal Plan

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ach

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. - ru® Werribe.e Coastal Plan I 1:50000 ~ Map 5 I /: o 1 2 3 Areas of Significance for Birdlife I I I " ------:-:-:-: "-:-:--- BL,,(,C~,:

POINT COOK

( )

Werribee Coastal Plan I Map 6 '",t 2 3 J 3 I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 15 I Along the Werribee River and along the foreshore of the strip. Water Rat (Hydromys chrysogaster) also utilise the Wenibee Treatment Complex there are reed beds and area. I wetland vegetation which provides valuable habitat. There are also a number of stands of trees throughout the 2.2.4 ~1arine Flora and Fauna area which contribute to landscape value, such as the In 1982, an area of reef adjacent to the Point Cook trees surrounding Point Cooke homestead and the River 1- Metropolitan Park was proclaimed as the "Point Cook Red Gums along the Werribee River and other waterways Marine Reserve" to protect the marine environment, in the Werribee Treatment Complex. The cypress under the Fisheries Act 1968. The original proposal avenues of the area are also an important contributor to described the area as follows: I landscape values. "The shallow water area from Point Cook to just Other parts of the Werribee coast have been considerably west of the Homestead consists mainly of basalt altered since the arrival of European man and are not rock and sedimentary reef substrate and supports considered to have significant value for the conservation I diverse and abundant aquatic macrophytes, benthic of vegetation. There is little opportunity for areas of invertebrates, elasmobranchs and teleost fishes. natural vegetation to be maintained other than within the Despite its close proximity to the metropolitan narrow coastal reserve which is itself subject to great centre of Melbourne (approximately 18 kilometres 1 pressure from recreation use, vandalism and rubbish direct) the area appears to have remained dumping. relatively untouched by human activities, apart 1 Important areas of vegetation should be preserved and from some evidence of nutrient enrichment - replanting programs instituted to ensure their long term presumably as a result of dispersal of effluent future. Management of indigenous vegetation is needed from the nearby Werribee sewage treatment farm - including removal of weeds and other non-indigenous and also exploitation of abalone stocks by I vegetation as well as replanting. The large cypress need commercial divers and of scale fish by commercial to be inter-planted with young trees to replace old trees fishermen. "8 as they die. Other areas of the Werribee coast do not have the level of 1 Areas of the coast which are not of high vegetation significance of the Point Cook reef but some areas significance should also be replanted, using indigenous support large sea grass beds which provide for fish species where possible. Native species will be selected breeding and feeding, particularly adjacent to Point Cook I for particular locations or purposes such as windbreaks or Park and Cheetham Saltworks. Other areas have been shade trees. Cypress wilJ be used to reinforce the identified in the Environment Effects Statement for the landscape character of the area but will generally not be proposed Werribee Harbour and while none are in 1 planted on the narrow coastal reserve but used on the themselves particularly significant, they are valuable as a adjoining private land or in appropriate locations such as whole and should be preserved wherever possible. the garden at Point Cook. 2.2.5 Geology, Geomorphology and I 2.2.3 Terrestrial Fauna Landforms The main area of significance for native terrestrial fauna Of the 186 significant geological or geomorphological is Point Cook Park. Most other parts of the coast have features in the western region, six occur along the I been disturbed by farming and other activities and appear Wenibee coast or on the Werribee River downstream of to have little habitat value for native terrestrial fauna. Werribee township.9 Rosengren gives a detailed account of the grounds for establishing significance in his report Fauna Surveys conducted by the Victorian National Parks I and categorizes features as having International, and Wildlife Service at Point Cook Park in 1986 found National, State, Regional, Local or Unknown that reptiles are the most common species. They include significance.10 Management recommendations are also the Tiger Snake, Grass Skink, Eastern Blue-tongue I Lizard, White-lipped Snake, Garden Skink and Bullfrog.7 The only native mammal recorded in this survey,was the 8. Department of Conservation Forests and Lands Fat-tailed Dunnart which is considered to be rare. I Proposal for the Establishment of a Marine Reserve A Wildlife survey of the Metropolitan Farm showed that in Waters Adjacent to Point Cook, POri Phillip Bay. large aggregations of the Green and Golden Bell Frog exist in the small ponds and swamps along the coastal 9. Rosengren N J Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Western Region of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 1986, pp.4,5. 7. NPS, 1986: Fauna Surveys conducted by Vic~orian I National Parks and Wildlife Service between 6 10. Rosengren N J Sites of Geological and November and 11 December, 1986. Geomorphological Significance in the Western f I I ~. Werribee Coastal Plan I r 1 Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 16

1 given and these were referred to in drafting the iv) \Verribee River Terraces recommendations of the Plan. South of the Maltby By-pass in the area occupied by the i) Point Cook: Relict Spits zoological park, there is and area showing sediments, I abandoned channels and terraces of the valley of the Seaward of the Cheetham saltworks are a series of relict Werribee River. Its significance is local as the site spits which are now low sand and shell ridges having a illustrates stages in the development of the lower 1- form similar to the active sand spits seen north of Werribee River.14 Skeleton Creek in Altona. The wetland complex now used by the saltworks occupies a depression in the basalt v) Werribee River Delta Sediments surface which was breached and flooded by the rising The sediments of the Werribee River delta are exposed in I Holocene seas 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. Rosengren cliffs up to 10 metres high a short distance upstream from considers these features to have Regional significance, the coast, adjacent to the Werribee Park golf course. The saying: "The site is an example of several relict coastal delta is not a true sub-aqueous delta but is likely to have I landforms and forms and interesting comparison with the originated as a floodplain crossed by distributary streams. active coastal features to the north of Skeleton Creek. "11 Rosengren considers the site to have State significance, describing it thus: I ii) Point Cook: Parallel Sand Ridges "This site is the best natural section of the thick Southwest from Point Cook are a series of sand ridges alluvial deposits that characterise the agricultural built by past wave action which Rosengren believes to area southeast of Werribee. It is an outstanding have enclosed a former embayment or depression in the I record of the Late Quaternary history of the basalt plain. As the swales are higher than the water Werribee River. The meandering course (of the table there is no salt marsh development and they support river) and the alluvial island add to the interest of a dense growth of bracken and other species. Rosengren I the site. "15 considers the ridges to have Regional significance, saying: "No comparable sand ridges occur on the western vi) \Verribee South:Werribee River Delta coastline of Port Phillip Bay as these ridges are Sediments I substantially different from those at Skeleton Creek and Altona. They represent an unusual phase of coastal The delta silts have been exposed by wave action where progradation and are important in determining the they meet the sea. Rosengren nominates a site adjacent I sedimentary history of this part of the bay. "12 to the end of Cunninghams Road where the cliffs are 4 to S metres high as the best place to observe the formation. iii) Werribee Ri\'er Nick Point Although the lower 2 metres are now covered by a fitted boulder sea-wall, the structure of the soils and the thin Immediately south of Werribee there is an outcrop of I overlying sand bed can be clearly seen. As most of the basalt in the bed of the Werribee River which prior to the delta is in agricultural use this is one of the few places development of extensive water storage and diversion with road access where this structure is still visible and . works formed a nick point, causing rapids and the I Rosengren gives it Regional significance.16 wearing of the outcrop. Rosengren gives the site Regional significance as it displays aspects of the morphological and sedimentary history of the river and I the influence of channel form on rate of river flow.J3

Region of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, I Melbourne, 1986, pp.4,S. 11. Rosengren N J Sites of Geological and 14. Rosengren N J Sites 0/ Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Western Geomorphological Significance in the Western I Region of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Region of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 1986, p.44. Melbourne, 1986, p.1OS. 12. Rosengren N J Sites of Geological and 15. Rosengren N J Sites o/Geological and I Geomorphological Significance in the Western Geomorphological Significance in the Western Region of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Region ofMelbourne, University of Melbourne, 1- Melbourne, 1986, p.4S. Melbourne, 1986, p.10S. 13. Rosengren N J Sites o/Geological and 16. Rosengren N J Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Western Geomorphological Significance in the Western Region of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Region of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, I Melbourne, 1986, p.10S. Melbourne, 1986, p.108.

I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 17

1 Erosion along the Werribee Complex foreshore has been 2.3 l\1aintaining the Coastal generally minor although there have been some protecion works undertaken and coastal processes cause sand 1 Resource erosion and acretion at drain outlets. 2.3.1 Greenhouse effect While most of the foreshore between the Werribee River mouth and Point Cook has been stabilised with placed 1- It is forecast that increased concentrations of certain gases rock waIls there is a need to ensure further erosion is in the atmosphere, particularly carbon-dioxide, will lead prevented at Baileys Beach and Campbells Cove where to changes in climatic conditions world-wide. Scientists the coastal reserve could be completly eroded and the predict that this will increase the earth's temperature road threatened. Works should not be undertaken simply 1 which will cause sea levels to rise. In addition weather to protect the boat-sheds where they are threatened. patterns will change and, while the implications for local Amateur protection works should not be permitted and weather cannot yet be predicted, it is thought that existing amateur works removed. These works generaIly 1 extreme climatic events such as storms will become more only move the erosion problem along to the next shed. frequent and severe. Since 1942 when the earliest aerial photographs were Rising sea levels could lead to flooding around Port taken, a two kilometre length of coastline north of Point I Phillip Bay, including the Werribee coast, and accelerate Cook has receded about 150 metres. No protective coastal erosion. Opinion varies about the degree of sea works have been built, because the salt extraction level rise, but a range from 0.2m to an extreme of l.4m operations were not threatened. 1 by the year 2050 have been forecast. The Werribee Harbour Environment Effects Statement adopts an 2.3.3 Vandalism and rubbish dumping aIlowance of o. 3m for the 50 year design life of the There is ongoing vandalism of coastal facilities and project.17 No structures or works on or near the vegetation, and dumping of rubbish on the foreshore and 1 Werribee coast should be undertaken without a into the sea. Rubbish dumping includes numbers of car consideration of the implications of the greenhouse bodies, particularly adjacent to the end of Crawfords effect. 1 Road, and the use of the foreshore for dumping weeds 2.3.2 Coastal erosion control and excess crops by adjoining farmers. Depositing household or garden rubbish on the foreshore is a Werribee has a low energy coastline due to the generally particular problem because of introduced weeds and I restricted wave sizes and· in the absence of extensive wave garden plants. run-up, stabilizing vegetation can grow at low elevations Tipping of rubbish by the RAAF in the area south of close to the water's edge. However, erosion does occur RAAF Lake affects the lake, the significant vegetation and much of the eroded material is fine silt which is 1 which is in this area and the appearance of the coast. At carried out to sea rather than forming beaches which the time of writing the Werribee Coast Proposed might protect the foreshore from further erosion. Some Management Plan18 it was speculated that liquid wastes sand moves along the coast, generaIly from south to were being dumped by the RAAF and they could be 1 north, but there is insufficient material from this source leaching into the lake. There are also uncontrolled .to form wide protective beaches. vehicle tracks in this area which damage coastal 1 Erosion has therefore been a concern for some years and vegetation. the original foreshore reserve has been reduced in width. Regulations on dumping should be promulgated and Along much of the foreshore there are rock revetments to enforced, but the most effective way of dealing with prevent erosion but it continues in some areas. I vandalism and rubbish dumping is to ensure that an area Generally it is desirable to leave erosion unchecked so looks well cared for. If an area looks well maintained that the coast can, find its own equilibrium. However there is a greater tendency for people to keep it that way. when the coastal reserve is narrow and becomes It is also important to make it as easy as possible to do I threatened, or private land becomes threatened, there is the right thing by providing bins and readily accessible usually impetus to prevent erosion. Such has been the tipping facilities. case along most of the Werribee coast. Where erosion The first step should be to clean up all the existing I protection works are undertaken they should be designed rubbish and implement a program of landscaping and so that they do not increase erosion elsewhere. 1- beautifying the coast. An ongoing program of 17. Macknight Consulting Engineers and Gutteridge, Haskins and Davey, Werribee Harbour Environment 18. Sargeant I J (ed) 1981 Werribee Coastline Proposed Effects StaJement, prepared on behalf of the City of Management Plan, School of Environmental 1 Werribee, Melbourne, August 1988, p24. Science, Monash University, Clayton 1981 pp.l04.

I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 18 I maintenance is then required to ensure that rubbish is f) boating, fishing, wading and other secondary immediately removed, and an education program for contact recreation, adjoining landholders to enlist their aid in keeping the g) navigation and shipping, and I area free of damage. h) industrial water supply. 2.3.4 Vermin and weed control 1- In the Werribee Segment most of the same beneficial uses Control of vermin and control of weeds is needed both to are specified, except that 'production of fish and maintain habitat and vegetation values and to reduce ill crustaceans for human consumption' and 'bathing, effects on adjoining land. Control of weeds and vermin diving, water-skiing and other primary contact I is of paramount importance in conservation areas where recreation' are deleted, meaning that less rigourous invasive weeds can quickly erode the indigenous plant standards are specified. Much of the Bay adjoining the population and where vermin can be very damaging. For Werribee Treatment Complex is affected by the mixing I example rabbits compete with some native fauna species zones adjacent to the outfalls where water quality is not for food and their burrows can cause soil erosion. required to meet SEPP objectives. Hunting by foxes has a direct impact on native animals, A revision of the SEPP has been proposed which would especially ground dwelling birds. I place the dividing line between the segments at the 2.3.5 Water Quality Werribee River, recognising that the area between the river and the RAAF base is widely used for primary The main influence on water quality in the Bay adjacent contact recreation. The segments extend offshore to the I to the Werribee coastline is the Board of Works Werribee 10 metre depth line and thus fishing is also undertaken Sewage Treatment Complex. The complex discharges within the segment. Monitoring suggests that the water treated effluent into the bay at two points within quality north of the Werribee River mouth is adequate to I Werribee, as shown on Map 7. Water quality is also sustain these beneficial uses. affected to a lesser extent by the drains from the intensive It is therefore proposed that the State Environment agriculture areas. These release nutrient-rich water into Protection Policy (The Waters of Port Phillip Bay) be the bay but are unlikely to have a great impact on I revised to place that part of the Werribee Segment which bacterial levels which are the main determinant of water's is north of the mouth of the Werribee River into the acceptability for recreational use. Altona Segment. I Water quality objectives in Port Phillip Bay are established in the State Environment Protection Policy (The Waters of Port Phillip Bay), published in the 2.4 Heritage Victoria Government Gazette on AprilIO, 1975. Under I this State Environment ProtectiQn Policy (SEPP), the 2.4.1 Pre-history Werribee coast falls into two segments of the Bay, the At the time of European settlement the Port Phillip Bay Altona and Werribee segments, the dividing line being at coastline near Melbourne was occupied by the I the south boundary of the RAAF base. The SEPP Wurundjeri whose tribal territory extended north to . specifies water quality standards to be met in each Mount macedon, east to Mount Baw Baw and south to segment related to a number of criteria such as levels of Mordialloc Creek. The Wurundjeri lived in groups of dissolved oxygen, bacterial and toxicants as well as I 20-30 people each of which occupied, a defmed tract of temperature and salinity. The acceptable levels of these land. The Bay coastline and inland areas around the are related to wbeneficial uses W to be protected in the Werribee River provided a rich variety of food and various segments. I material resources which were exploited by the For the Altona Segment the beneficial uses to be Wurundjeri. protected are: I a) the maintenance and preservation of natural aquatic ecosystems and wildlife, b) the maintenance and preservation of foreshores, .. 1- littoral zones and their vegetation, .."'

I , c) the production of fish and crustaceans for human Infrastructure Library consumption, d) aesthetic enjoyment, ··'r·.·.. ,.0;...... '" e) bathing, diving, water-skiing and other primary I contact recreation, I Werribee Coastal Plan I I I

I I 1- I I :''''!lO·:;O·S ------t------___,., I .....0, I C~G'G. I . 'I I 1 I 1 I I

I I

P1 "'''pean

I Bass· Strait I I 1- 1-

Werribee Coastal Plan I Map 7 o 4 8 12 16 20 ~ Wate·r Quality Segments stele o. ~ilomelre8 1 i PREPARED BY LAND INFOR~ATlON BRANCH, I MINISTRY FOR PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT I ! 1 Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 20 I i) Archaeological Survey of the Werribee Anyone wishing to undertake a development which Coast affects Aboriginal places in contravention of Section 21U(1) is required to obtain· prior written consent, from An archaeological survey was undertaken of the Werribee I the local Aboriginal community. coast between Werribee River and the RAAF base as part of the preparation of this plan. Particular emphasis was 2.4.2 European Heritage 1- given to investigating the preferred site for the Werribee Harbour project. The survey aimed to: i) Sites of significance 1. identify areas of archaeological potential and to Throughout most of the nineteenth century, almost all the locate and record sites within those areas; 1 Werribee coast and its hinterland was owned by the 2. assess the impact that the proposed harbour Chirnside family and used primarily for farming. Thus development may have on the archaeological sites of the major nineteenth century buildings and works relate I the ~rea; and to the Chirnside occupation. Some shepherds huts and tenant farmers buildings may have been constructed near 3. provide management options and recommendations. the coast but little is known of the existence of such structures. I ii) Sites of Significance The report, Sites of Special Historical Significance in the The survey noted that previous archaeological studies had Victorian Coastal Region, one of a series of studies of identified 24 sites on the Werribee and Little Rivers, sites of special scientific interest on the Victorian coast I including one in-situ midden eroding out of the banks of prepared for the Town and Country Planning Board in the Little River, four scarred trees and 18 stone artefact 1978, identifies four sites on or near the Werribee scatters. A 1984 survey of Point Cook Metropolitan coast.J9 They are: I Park identified three large artefact scatters and eleven isolated artefacts. * Melbourne's original water supply tank, dating from 1854, now situated at the Werribee Treatment The study for this plan concentrated on the area most Complex. A steel tank on a bluestone base. I likely to be disturbed through the provision of recreation facilities. Only one site was identified, in the area * Werribee Park Homestead, 1869, constructed by the proposed as the site for the Werribee Harbour complex. Chirnside family, including the house, outbuildings (including the wool shed) and gardens. A detailed I iii) Implications for planning and analysis of Werribee Park and its significance is management available in Werribee Park Metropolitan Park Conservation Analysis. 20 I The archaeological sites in Point Cook Park are protected by a management emphasis on conservation and the * Point Cooke Homestead, 1857, also a Chirnside minimal disturbance involved. The scatter in the area property, including the stables and gardens. It may proposed for the Harbour was assessed in conjunction be that the remains of the jetty at Point Cooke also I with the local Aboriginal community and permission for date from the Chirnside occupation. Further its disturbance has been granted. information about the history of Point Cooke homestead is availab]e in Point Cooke, a history While no sites were located along the coastal reserve, prepared for the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board I artefacts could be revealed by work being undertaken to of Works by Jessie Serle.21 implement the plan recommendations. When items are discovered which/are thought to be archaeological relics, I the advice of the Victoria Archaeological Survey should be sought to confirm the find and its significance. Aboriginal sites are protected by the Aboriginal and 19. Sanders P and Snashall R, Sites of Special Historical I Torres Straits Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984. Significance in the Victorian Coastal Region, Town Section 21 U(I) of this act states: and Country Planning Board, Me]bourne 1978, p.70-71. • A person shall not wilfully deface, damage, I otherwise interfere with or do any act likely to 20. Allom Lovell Sanderson Pty Ltd, Conservation endanger an Aboriginal object or Aboriginal Architects and Jessie Serle, Historian, Werribee Park Metropolitan Park Conservation Analysis, place. • 1- prepared for the Me]bourne and Metropolitan Board This Commonwea]th legislation is based on the principle of Works, Melbourne December 1985 pp.4,5. that Aborigines should be the main decision makers in 21. Serle Jessie, issues involving the management of Aboriginal places, Point Cooke, a history preparedfor the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, I objects or other aspects of Aboriginal cultural heritage. Hawthorn, June 1983. I Werribee Coastal Plan I 1 Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 21 I ... RAAF Buildings at Point Cook base, Buildings 95, They are identified as being places for public education 104 and 210. Point Cook, located adjacent to the and enjoyment to be managed so as to ensure their water because of the use of sea-planes, dates from protection as heritage areas. The water supply tank at I the establishment of the Royal Australian Flying Werribee Treatment Complex is accessible by special Corps in 1914 and was the first home of the RAAF arrangement to those interested, but is not considered to 1- when it was established in 1921. RAAF Base Point be of general interest. Its role and importance should be Cook Heritage Study outlines the significance of the highlighted on public inspections of the Complex. base and structures.22 The Flying Boat Jetty, first constructed in 1916/17 in conjunction with the 2.4.3l\faritime Relics 1 Waterplane Hangar (building 95 SE), was extended in 1927/28 and more than doubled in size in i) Introduction 1937/38 in response to changing seaplane There are 600 known shipwreck sites along the Victorian technology. During the 1920's the jetty saw the coast, 49 of which are in Port Phillip Bay, none of which I commencement and completion of some of the most occur adjacent to the Werribee Coast. The majority of significant flights in Australian aviation history. It underwater sites are shipwrecks although they may be is the last example remaining in Australia and prehistoric settlements, sunken land sites or crashed possibly the last in the world and is of National I aeroplanes. significance.23 The Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 was Sites on or near the Werribee coast which are listed on proclaimed for all waters around Victoria not classified as I the Historic Buildings Register (HBR), Government "Internal Waters" in March, 1982. Parallel State Buildings Register (GBR), Register of the National Estate legislation, the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1981, was (RNE) or classified by the National Trust of Australia proclaimed for internal waters. Both Acts are (NTA) are noted in Table 1. The boat sheds at 1 administered by the Victoria Archaeological Survey Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach are not of historic or through the Maritime Archaeological Unit. architectural importance and their future is outlined in Section 4.5. Under the Acts sites can be protected as "Historic I Shipwrecks" where access by divers is permitted, or a HERITAGE SITE RNE HBR GBR NTA "Protected Zone" can be defined where access is prohibited without a permit from the Minister for I RAAF Base Point Cooke ... Planning and Environment. In Victoria there are a Point Cooke Homestead ...... number of historic shipwrecks declared under the Stables, Pt Cooke Homestead ...... legislation . I Werribee Park (& outbuildings) ...... Water tank, Werribee Complex ...... ti) Implications (or planning and management Table 1, Listed European Heritage Sites; I The legislation has implications for any site which may More information about these sites is provided in be found adjacent to the Werribee coastline. As well as Appendix D. the controls in the Acts to ensure protection of sites from damage, the Acts also specify the responsibilities of 1 ti) Implications (or planning and people who discover any shipwreck to notify the management Maritime Archaeological Unit. I The significance and value of the RAAF base, Point Cooke homestead and surrounds, Werribee Park and the original water supply tank at Werribee Treatment 2.5 Recreation and Tourism Complex justifies their preservation as historic relics or 2.5.1 Recreation I areas. Proposals for the management of Point Cook, Werribee i) Current use Park and the RAAF base are set out later in the plan. 1- Port Phillip Bay is perhaps the most popular recreation venue for residents of Melbourne and on the Werribee 22. Department of Housing and Construction (Vic.-Tas.) coast the most popular activities are boating, fishing and 1- RAAF Base Point Cook Heritage Study, Volume 1 informal recreation such as beach activities, walking and Building Analysis, Melbourne 1984. viewing the landscape. 23. Department of Housing and Construction (Vic.-Tas.) A visitor survey at the Werribee South foreshore was I RAAF Base Point Cook Heritage Study, Volume 1 carried out by the Port Phillip Authority on four weekend Building Analysis, Melbourne 1984 p.58. I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 22 I days in January and February, 1979. The findings of tbe h') Actiyities pursued on the foreshore survey were re-analysed and presented in the Werribee The most popular part of the Werribee coast is at Coastline Proposed Managemem Plan. 24 I Werribee South, from the river moutb to Duncans Road, tbe area surveyed by the Port Phillip Authority. At tbe ii) Place of residence height of summer there is considerable traffic on Beacb 1- The survey found tbat most (75 %) visitors interviewed Road and large numbers of people enjoying tbe beacb. came from Melbourne's western suburbs, and a furtber The boating facilities at Werribee South are popular 7 % and 6 % came from nortb-western and nortb-eastern throughout the year and at times there are long delays for suburbs respectively. Only 9 % came from inner, eastern boat launching and retrieval. 1 and soutbern suburbs, while 7 % came from country areas Other areas which are well used include Campbells Cove including Geelong. Of the visitors from the western and Baileys Beach, particularly by boat sbed owners. suburbs, nearly balf (4.8 %) were from Werribee and 28 % Recently the optional dress beach has started to become from nearby Sunshine.25 1 known and is becoming increasingly popular. Point Since tbe survey was conducted, tbe toll for use of tbe Cook Park is an area wbere there bas been considerable West Gate Bridge bas been removed, Point Cook Park investment in facilities, especially those at tbe beach area, 1 bas been opened to the public and Werribee Park bas and as tbey become better known tbe park will become become better known and more popular, meaning more progressively better used. visitors are being attracted to tbe area. However it is Due to restrictions on access there is little recreational expected tbat visitors still mostly come from Werribee ,I use of tbe coast adjoining tbe Werribee Treatment and tbe western suburbs. Complex or Cbeetbam Saltworks, aside from bird observers and some illegal intrusion by sbooters and trail iii) Reasons for yisiting Werribee Soutb 1 bike riders. The RAAF base coastline is used only by The higbest proportion (39 %) of tbe people surveyed base personnel. identified that being close to homc was tbc main reason The following table shows the activities pursued by the for coming to Werribee Soutb as sbown in tbe 1- respondents to the Port Phillip Autbority survey (more accompanying table. Good fishing was tbe next most tban one response from each person was permitted, so the popular reason at 19%. The 'other' category includes percentages do not add to 100). Of the respondents, 68 % being out for a drive, looking at the scenery and were male, meaning that, aside from walking for 1 watching tbe boats.26 pleasure, tbere were more males tban females participating in all activities.27 Reason for coming to WS % of visitors 1 Beacb activities, which were not further defined, were Close to home 39 tbe most popular on the days sampled, whilst sitting and Good offshore fishing 19 relaxing followed by fishing were tbe next most popular Just passing by 11 activities. There were a number of otber informal 1 Often/always come here 6 activities such as picknicking, walking and just sitting in Not crowded 4 the car. Fishing from boats and power boating were Good launching ramps 3 almost surely understated in this survey because people 1 Other 18 could only be sampled when they were launching and retrieving their craft. The time of surveying meant those Table 2, Reason for Recreation Visit to Werribee Coast participating in the early morning and late evening peaks I Source: Werribee Coastline Proposed Management Plan of boat launching and retrieval were not sampled. 1 24. Sargeant I J (ed) 1981 Werribee Coastline Proposed Management Plan, School of Environmental 1- Science, Monash University, Clayton 1981. 25. Sargeant I J (ed) 1981 Werribee Coastline Proposed Management Plan, School of Environmental 1- Science, Monash University, Clayton 1981 pp.15,16. 27. Sargeant I J (ed) 1981 Werribee Coastline Proposed 26. Sargeant I J (ed) 1981 Werribee Coastline Proposed Management Plan, School of Environmental 1 Management Plan, School of Environmental Science, Monash University, Clayton 1981 Science, Monash University, Clayton 1981 p.16. pp.17,18. 1 Werribee Coastal Plan 1 I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 23 I Activity Participation The gro~1h in population will lead directly to increased Female Male Total visitation to the Werribee coast. Road access from Melbourne to the Werribee coast has Beach activities 58 34 41 I improved recently due to the Westgate Bridge and the Sitting and relaxing 39 28 31 construction of slip roads allowing Princes Highway Fishing from boat 4 27 19 traffic to tum onto Duncans Road without going via I- Fishing from shore 21 16 18 Werribee township. The signposting of this intersection Pi cknjcking 16 10 12 will combine with the reduced travelling time and easier Power boating 41 3 10 access from the main built-up areas of Melbourne to Walking for pleasure 16 5 9 contribute to higher visitor levels at the coast. I Sitting in car 5 4 5 Sailing 0 4 3 Visitation is expected to increase due to the general trend Other 5 11 9 towards increased interest in outdoor activities such as I boating, walking, nature observation and beach activities. Table 3, Activities Pursued at the Werribee Coast Coupled to this is an increased interest in the Source: Werribee Coastline Proposed Management Plan environment, natural history and European and pre-European heritage. I v) Demand " A number of recent recreational trends must be A number of factors suggest that increased levels of taken into account by those planning, developing I visitation can be expected at the Werribee coast in and managing open space in metropolitan coming years. Melbourne. There is, for example, evidence of greater interest in unstructured outdoor activities The City of Werribee has recently experienced such as walking and cycling, and 'natural' considerable population growth, being one of the fastest I settings. These changing preferences have been growing areas of Metropolitan Melbourne. This growth accompanied by growing environmental awareness is expected to continue and will be encouraged under the within the community, and increased interest in Government's Metropolitan Policy which identifies I- indigenous landscapes, flora and fauna. At the Werribee as the centre of one of three corridors for future same time, outdoor social activities such as picnics urban expansion. The following table shows the high and barbecues have maintained their traditional anticipated growth in the outer suburbs of tbe Western appeal, particularly for family groups and I Region of Melbourne. organisations. "28 As well as the population growth in the overall catchment area for the western Port Phillip coast, the table vi) Opportunities I illustrates the rapid population growth in Werribee. It is The major recreation opportunities on the Werribee coast anticipated that Werribee will be the second fastest relate to boating, beach activities and nature study. growing Municipality with a growth rate of 4.4 % per I annum, taking the population from 53,900 in 1986 to Boating will be largely catered for through the 80,400 by 1996. . development of the proposed Werribee harbour. Facilities are needed for motorised craft and yachts. MUNICIPALITY 1986 1996 %p.a. Demand exists at present for facilities for small craft I (av.) which use the ramps in the river mouth or launch off the beach. There is also some storage of larger craft on Altona 34,000 37,000 1.0 moorings on the river, but it is expected that,the I Bachus Marsh 9,740 13,750 4.2 provision of high quality marina berths will attract more Essendon 56,100 53,700 -0.5 large craft. Footscray 48,700 44,500 -0.9 Coupled to the development of the harbour will be Keilor 96,400 118,700 2.4 I improved beach facilities. There is considerable Melton 29,700 49,000 4.9 opportunity to provide a better environment for beach Sunshine 97,800 101,600 0.3 activities such as swimming and sunbaking, and also Werribee 53,900 80,400 4.4 I- walking, picknicking and cycling. These activities can Williamstown 24,200 22,800 -0.5 be provided for throughout the length of coastal reserve between Werribee South and the RAAF base and also at I- Western Region 450,540 521,550 1.55 Table 4, Population Growth in the Western Region of 28. Melbourne's Open Space, The Metropolitan Open Melbourne Source: Melbourne's West, The Way Ahead, p.17 Space Plan, Government of Victoria, Melbourne, I August 1988, p.9.

I Werribee Coastal Plan

I ; I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 24 ·'1 the Point Cook Park beach area where consideration of the bay. The next nearest to the south is an informal should be given to providing improved access to the ramp in the Werribee Treatment Complex at the 55E line water. and there is a small ramp at Kirk Point in the part of the I Werribee Treatment Complex within the Shire of Corio. Nature study and quiet relaxation in the outdoors should To the north there is a popular ramp at Altona. not be forgotten, being important recreation activities for '1- some people. Parts of the coastal reserve are ideally Being inside the river mouth, the Werribee River ramps suited to activities requiring a minimum of facilities. are protected from bad weather for launching and More serious nature study, particularly bird observation, retrieval. However, the access <;hannelleading from the is available at Werribee Treatment Complex by permit open water of the Bay to the river mouth can be hard to I and is potentially available at Cheetham Saltworks. locate and use for the inexperienced, particularly in poor Others can pursue an interest in heritage at Point Cook weather. homestead and Werribee Park. There are a number of boat moorings in the river mouth, I 2.5.2 Tourism generally occupied by small fishing craft. These craft are moored without the payment of a fee and therefore make The Western Suburbs Tourism Strategy identifies a no contribution to the cost of dredging the access I number of features in Werribee which could be linked channel, which is required every two years. together to form an attraction to visitors.29 These A number of craft are kept at Campbells Cove and features include Werribee Park and its association with Baileys Beach, either moored in the shallows adjacent to Point Cook Park and homestead, the Point Cook RAAF the boat-sheds or stored in the sheds. I base and museum, and the rural coastline of the Werribee delta. A yacht club has been relatively recently formed and is currently restricted to off-the-beach craft or boats which The birdlife of the Werribee coast is also considered to be can be launched from the Werribee South ramps. The I a potential attraction for tourists including tourists from club has no storage area or facilities on the foreshore but overseas. The richness and diversity of birdlife seen in the past has run competitive events from Werribee especially in the Cheetham Saltworks and on the South using temporary facilities. I- Werribee Treatment Complex could be promoted for their tourist potential if adequa~e facilities are provided ii) Proposed Werribee Harbour along with appropriate environmental safeguards. The possible provision of a marina or safe haven in I The proposed Werribee harbour will also contribute 'to . Werribee was cited in the broadsheet which sought initial the tourist potential of the Werribee coast. It will community comment prior to the preparation of this plan. provide a focus for activities and the accommodation, Werribee was one of a number of locations identified by eating and retail facilities will provide for visitors. The I the Port Phillip Authority as being appropriate for harbour complex will allow visitors to have a base for boating facilities and was recently identified by the trips to the other attractions, whether they arrive in boats Government as one of four sites to be investigated under or by land. It is proposed that the harbour provide for a new two-stage approvals process (the other sites being I tourist related functions such as a ferry landing, car ~ire Queenscliff, Momington and Frankston). and boat trips along the river to Werribee Park. . A report prepared by the by the Port Phillip Authority in I 2.5.3 Boating 1984 highlighted the demand for boat launching facilities in Werribee South and noted the suitability of this i) Background location for a safe haven facility to provide a storm refuge for users of the north-western segment of Port I The Werribee coast is very popular for boating, Phillip Bay.30 The report questioned the demand for particularly for fishing. As well as a large amount of marina facilities but did not argue strongly against such a power boating, sailing is represented by the Werribee development and noted that if a marina was proposed, Yacht Club but at present little sailing. is done on a Duncans Road would be a more suitable location than I regular basis. within the river mouth. Present boating activity is primarily based around the The City ofWerribee recently acted as the proponent for two-lane boat ramp in the Werribee River mouth. It is I- the first stage study of a harbour and marina proposal, in one of only a few launching ramps on the western coast I- accordance with the Government's two-stage proCess. 29. John Henshall and Associates and Scenic Spectrums, Tourism Potential in Melbourne's Western Region. 30. Smith, Jeffrey M, Initial Feasibility Assessment of Report prepared for Western Region Commission, Boating Facilities at Werribee South, Port Phillip I Melbourne, 1986. Authority, Melbourne, 1984.

I Werribee Coastal Plan

I I. I I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 25 I An Environment Effects Statement (EES), aiming to the coast is one of the areas which can be considered determine the social and environmental acceptability and to be generally inaccessible to the public. the engineering and economic feasibility of building a Similarly the Cheetham Saltworks is private land and I harbour on the Werribee'foreshore was prepared in public access is not encouraged, although in the past parallel with the preparation of this plan. The EES and the company has allowed access along the network of an amendment to the Werribee Planning Scheme service tracks for people involved in bird observation (Number RL 44) concerning this proposal were placed on or scientific research. public exhibition on October 5, 1988.31 The RAAF base is also inaccessible to the general public except for visits to the museum. The Planning Scheme amendment for the Werribee Harbour zone was approved after consideration of public I ii) Car parking submissions by an independant panel, fixing the overall limits of the proposed harbour and opening the way for The provision of car parking can have a considerable development tenders for the site. The proposed harbour impact on the coastal resource. Most recreational trips to I complex is outlined in Section 4.4. the coast are made by car, but car parking can occupy large areas which could otherwise be used for 2.S.4Access landscaping or be kept in a natural state and can represent I a considerable visual intrusion.32 i) Road Access A particular problem is the manner in which beach use While there are large sections of the coast which are peaks on hot days in the summer. If provision is made I inaccessible by car, road access to the Werribee coast is for the required level of parking on these days, large ' available at a number of well distributed points. Map 8 car-parks remain unused and barren for the remainder of shows the major road access to the coast and identifies the year.33 The provision of car parking can be used as a I the areas which are most readily accessible. strategy in coastal planning to direct more intense levels The most commonly used access routes are Aviation of use to particular areas.34 Road from Laverton and Duncans Road from Presently car parking is provided adjacent to the Werribee. Werribee River mouth boating facilities, along Beach Now that slip roads allow direct access to Duncans Road and at the Point Cook Beach and homestead, while Road from the Princes Highway, Duncans Road is there are informal parking areas at various locations expected to carry more beach traffic. including Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach. I Beach Road occupies part of the coastal reserve between Duncans Road and Werribee South allowing The greatest demand for parking is from Duncans Road for scenic driving and cycling along the coast. to the Werribee River mouth, and it is here that the I Cunninghams Road gives access to the coastal reserve greatest problems of intruSion of car-parks into the at Campbel1s Cove and Diggers Road and O'Connors scenery and uncontrolled car parking are seen. Car-parks Road are alternative routes to Werribee South. in this area also provide the opportunity for viewing the Crawfords Road reserve extends to the coast but the coast from the car which can be an important coastal use, I last section is unmade and impassable when wet. particularly in inclement weather. Quoting an Access to the coast in Point Cook Park is available at unpublished research paper, Lucy and Walmsley noted the beach recreation area and at the homestead. that " ... scenic viewing from foreshore car-parks is an I Access to the west side of the Werribee River mouth is possible via Farm Road and 160 South Road through the Werribee Treatment Complex with a I permit issued under Board of Works By-Laws. Some other areas of the complex are also accessible upon application for a permit. Two levels of permit are 32. Lucy P and Walmsley D, Coastal Car Parking Within available. One is generally available upon application the Melbourne Metropolitan Area of Port Phillip I but the more restrictive permit allows access to areas Bay, Technical Report No.17, Port Phillip of greater habitat significance and is only av'!-ilable to Authority, Melbourne June 1983, p.33. bona-fide bird observers or people with similar 1- interests. Because of the need for permits, this part of 33. Lucy P and Walmsley D, Coastal Car Parking Within the Melbourne Metropolitan Area of Port Phillip Bay, Technical Report No.17, Port Phil1ip Authority, Melbourne June 1983, p.l. 31. Macknight Consulting Engineers and Gutteridge, 34. Lucy P and Walmsley D, Coastal Car Parking Within Haskins and Davey, Werribee Harbour Environment the Melbourne Metropolitan Area of Port Phillip Effects Statement, prepared on behalf of the City of Bay, Technical Report No.17, Port Phillip I Werribee, Melbourne, August 1988. Authority, Melbourne June 1983, p.l.

I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 26 I ------important form of recreation, particularly for middle I aged and older couples. "35 I­ I I I I I 1- - I I I I I I I­ I- 35. Lucy P and Walmsley D, Coastal Car Parking Within the Melbourne Metropolitan Area of Port Phillip I Bay, Technical Report No.17, Port Phillip Authority, Melbourne June 1983, p.3. I Werribee Coastal Plan

I .,... :, ... POINT COOK

,/ I

REFERENCE ),

Main Access Roads

Coastal Access Points

Areas with Car Access I.

~\@ Werribee Coastal Plan 1:50000 . Map 8 1 2 3 I 1 ! ·Access Routes , ' I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 28 I It is proposed that, rather than providing more and more iv) Implications for the Plan spaces in dedicated car-parks located on the foreshore, a Some lengths of the coast should remain inaccessible for number of other steps will be undertaken. I the general public, even on foot, to avoid disturbance of Where possible, parking will be provide in road reserves, areas of conservation significance. Ibis plan does not for example in Werribee South marked spaces could be recommend that the access provisions for the general provided in the roads leading to the coast where there is public to the Werribee Treatment Complex be altered, in space to provide angled parking, such as O'Connors the interests of both public safety and the preservation of Road. In many cases these spaces will be sheltered by wildlife habitat. The sewage treatment lagoons adjoining existing avenue planting' and further shade trees can be the coast are unfenced and adjoining land filtration areas I planted. are irrigated with sewage, grazed by cattle and sheep. Similarly it is proposed that access to the Cheetham When Crawfords Road is made through to the coast, as Saltworks be strictly controlled to avoid habitat recommended later in this plan, provision will be made disturbance. I for parking within the road and irrigation reserves, rather than on the narrow foreshore. Turning space at the beach Negotiations should be commenced with the end will be provided so that picnic gear and beach Commonwealth Government to obtain pedestrian access I paraphernalia can be dropped off before the car parked. to the RAAF base foreshore. Access from the foreshore into the base is not required but access along the In Werribee South the opportunity exists to provide for foreshore linking Campbells Cove to Point Cook Park is overflow parking in Price Reserve. It is not higbly desirable. I recommended that the reserve be converted into a car-park, but through attention to the layout of the For those sections of coast which are open to the public, reserve a large amount of parking could be provided and it is desirable that some be only accessible on foot. still be integrated attractively into an overall design. Opportunities for pleasure driving along the coast, while I Ibis would be primarily overflow parking and could be a valuable recreation experience for many people, are left unsurfaced and closed in winter. adequately provided for already. Most other parts of Port Phillip Bay which are close to population centres are In general, car-parks should be laid out and marked so I backed by busy coastal roads, while in Beach Road that car parking capacity is maximised for a given area. provides the opportunity to drive along the coast at However car parking areas should be broken up with Werribee South. Coastal drives also exist in other nearby areas of planting so that the large unbroken expanses of areas such as Altona, Williamstown and Port Melbourne. I car parking seen in shopping centres are not duplicated As a consequence the concept of providing for a greater on and near the coast. All weather surfacing should be length of coastal road or drive is specifically excluded provided in all car-parks, but gravel surfacing is from this plan. I preferred to bitumen in the interests of aesthetics in those which will be primarily used in summer. Close attention However, a trail should be constructed for pedestrians should be given to the control of run-off water to ensure and cyclists stretching from Werribee to the coast via I that erosion is avoided. Werribee Park and the Werribee River and then continuing along the coast to Altona. The proposed Guidelines for car-park design and layout are included in River-Coast Trail and guidelines for its location and Section 5, Management and Implementation. design is outlined in more detail in Section 3 of this I report. iii) Pedestrian Access Pedestrian access to the Werribee coast varies from place I to place. Access between Werribee South and the RAAF 2.6 Point Cook RAAF Base base along the coastal reserve is quite easy but without a A recent report on Defence facilities throughout Australia formed path. Within Point Cook Park, walking along the identified possible changes to the functions carried out at beach between the beach recreation area and the I Point Cook RAAF base and the closure of the base is one homestead is encouraged. However, north of the possible outcome.36 These changes would have homestead visitors are encouraged to keep to the paths implications for the future use of the site and its further inland to avoid disturbance to areas of natural relationship with the coast. 1- habitat. Access to the private Cheetham saltworks foreshore is restricted and no access is permitted to the The report identifies the future of the base as being either foreshore of the RAAF base. Access to most parts of the an increased officer training function (if the functions of Werribee Treatment Complex is prohibited, but access is available by permit at a limited number of points. 36. Cooksey Robert I, Review ofAustralia's Defence 1 Facilities, Report to the Minister for Defence, AGPS, Canberra, 1988. 1 Werribee Coastal Plan I I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 29 I Fairbairn were relocated to Point Cook) or the closure of location, such as bowling clubs, or are private such as the base other than the section of greatest historic bathing boxes. These should not be located on public significance. Given the complexity and interlocking coastal land. I nature of the various recommendations in the review and Facilities for the directly coastal related functions of their Australia-wide implications, it is also possible that coastal-dependant clubs, such as boat maintenance and another outcome may result. cQ-ordination of club activities, are acceptable on the Regardless of the future of the base, this plan endorses coast but large social facilities which exclude the public the Cooksey report recommendation that, should Point are not. Cook base functions be relocated, wthe historic buildings The Open Space Plan for Melbourne and Coastal Policy to the south of the airfield be retained as a commissioned I for Victoria have reiterated the Government policy that RAAF base and that the remainder of the site be disposed the coast be reserved for uses and structures which either of. w37 This recommendation recognises the base's depend on a coastal location to function or which make a historic significance as the birthplace of the RAAF. I significant contribution to the public'S enjoyment of the Buildings, structures and artifacts associated with the coastal environment. Locations on public land are not history of the RAAF should be retained and preserved. favoured for uses and structures which are exclusive in Most are located close to the coast because the base was their nature, such as private clubs. I first established for seaplanes. Aside from the boat-sheds and the historic buildings at This plan also recommends that public access along the Point Cook RAAF base and Point Cooke homestead, foreshore of the base be permitted to allow for viewing of there are no buildings such as club or commercial I historic areas and longshore access from Campbells Cove premises. It can be expected that in the future there may to Point Cook Metropolitan Park. More detailed be demand from groups for the use of public coastal land recommendations are included in Section 4, Proposals for and a policy is required which will restrict the intrusion Each Section of the Coast. I of unnecessary and undesirable buildings and structures on the coast. In general, buildings will only be permitted where there is a clear public benefit from their provision I 2.7 Buildings and structures and public access and enjoyment of the coast is enhanced. Werribee presently has few buildings or other structures Buildings which are private or exclusive in their nature occupying space on the foreshore other than the will not be permitted on public coastal land. boat-sheds at Baileys Beach and Campbells Cove which I The proposed Werribee harbour will be an exception to are discussed in a later section. Many other areas of the these general rules in some aspects. It is considered that Bay foreshore suffer the intrusion of numbers of at identified development points which prove to be buildings and other structures such as clubhouses, environmentally and socially acceptable through a public I commercial premises such as kiosks and storage consultation process, a wider range of facilities will be enclosures. allowed in order to develop an attractive and exciting I Many of these structures are of value in themselves but focus for tourist and recreation activities. The proposed have the cumulative effect of cluttering the coast with Werribee harbour is one sUch development. buildings, restricting public access and intruding into the While facilities such as shops and other services are to be visual environment, especially where they are placed at located on the public foreshore, they will all be related to I intervals along the coast rather than being clustered into the marine environment and functions of the harbour. identified areas. In some cases the presence of buildings Facilities which do not relate as closely to the harbour, has necessitated intervention into coastal processes to such as the proposed motel and sports facilities, will be protect structures from erosion, often causing ongoing I located on freehold land adjoining the coast which will be changes over an extended area. purchased for the purpose. All the facilities on the Some buildings and structures relate directly to their foreshore land and newly reclaimed land will be either I coastal location, such as life-saving rooms which require essential to the operation of the harbour or open to the their coastal location to provide a service to the general general public. Thus, should a club wish to establish public. Others, such as restaurants and cafes do not need exclusive premises, they must arrange to lease or 1- a coastal location but provide for greater enjoyment of purchase part of the freehold land. the coastal environment and are considered to be The issue of siting and design guidelines for those acceptable in suitable locations. However, other buildings and structures which are permitted near the buildings and structures have no relationship to a coastal 1- coast is addressed below.

37. Cooksey Robert J, Review ofAustralia's Defence 1 Facilities, Report to the Minister for Defence, AGPS, Canberra, 1988, p.263. 1 Werribee Coastal Plan I I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 30 1 2.7.1 Siting and design of structures Aesthetic: a structure should be sited and designed to visually complement the surrounding landscape; The coastal environment is very sensitive to visual and 1 impacts from the construction of buildings and works. A flat coast such as Wenibee's is especially sensitive to the Ecological: a structure should not cause intrusion of structures because they cannot be placed in undesirable changes to terrestrial and marine 1- the context of cliffs, hills or dunes and may be visible ecosystems in the locality. "39 from long distances. Thus any structures on this coast This plan recommends the adoption of these objectives are potentially very prominent when viewed from the and in Section 6, Management and Implementation, hinterland, from the water or when looking along the guidelines are outlined which aim to achieve them. I coast. The overall visual impact of buildings and structures is generally increased if individual buildings 2.7.2 Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach are placed at intervals along the coastline rather than Boat-sheds 1 clustered. The 150 boat-sheds at Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach Coastal buildings are subjected to generally stronger occupy a significant area of the Crown land coastal winds than inland and suffer the erosive effect of moist, reserve. They are not considered to be of architectural or salt-laden air and wind-blown sand or they may be 1 historical significance although their contribution to the vandalised. In some locations they are also subject to social life of their occupants is recognised. poor site characteristics such as an eroding coastline or low lying land offering poor drainage. Victorian Government policy has for some years been 1 against the occupation of public land, especially the A primary goal of coastal planning is to maintain and foreshore reserve, by private uses. The Coastal Policy improve visual appeal, an area where careful for Victoria has reiterated that Government policy is to consideration of buildings and structures is critical. 1 phase out such private uses, saying: "Existing uses not Planning for structures on the coast must address the requiring a coastal location like sports grounds, and question of whether they are necessary or desirable so private structures occupying the Crown foreshore such as I that unnecessary intrusion into the visual environment bathing boxes, wiII gradually be removed as and occupation of public land is avoided. There should opportunities arise. "40 - be a clear demonstration of the public benefit gained In deciding whether to allow an occupation of the public from the use of a coastal location for the structure before foreshore, an assessment has generally been made of the I the use is approved. An assessment should also be made contribution made to the overall public benefit. Those of whether the proposed building or structure will require uses which make little contribution to any but private the construction of further facilities. benefits and which exclude the general public from 1 Once the need for the building or structure is determined, enjoyment of the coastal resource have generally not been siting and design principles can be applied to maximise allowed. the public benefit and minimise the intrusion caused. Private bathing boxes and boat-sheds such as those at 1 Siting and design considerations will relate to the visual Wenibee contribute primarily to the enjoyment of the impact of the proposal, its affect on traffic and access, owners, their families and friends. They contribute in impact on the physical environment and its ability to only a limited way to the benefit of the general public withstand the rigours of the coastal environment. 1 and yet they occupy a considerable space on the The Port Phillip Authority prepared a guide-line foreshore, block access and are to many eyes unsightly. document covering the siting and design of coastal In many cases it is not only the sheds which are unsightly I structures in 1983 and many of its principles are but also the ramps and jetties extending into the water, reiterated and endorsed in this document as guidelines for the rubble walls built to protect the sheds from wave developments in Wenibee.38 action, the collections of machinery and other items around the sheds and the planting of the surrounds with 1 The report identifies three design goals: inappropriate exotic vegetation. "Functional: a structure should be sited and , designed to fulfil its purpose with sound use of 1- resources; 39. Tract Consultants, Siting & Design Guidelinesfor Structures on the Port Phillip Coast, report prepared for the Port Phillip Authority and 1- 38. Tract Consultants, Siting & Design Guidelines for Environmental Design Section of the Ministry for Structures on the Port Phillip Coast, report Conservation, Melbourne 1983, p5. prepared for the Port Phillip Authority and 1 Environmental Design Section of the Ministry for 40. A Coastal Strategy for Victoria, Government of Conservation, Melbourne 1983. Victoria, Melbourne, September 1988 p.29. 1 Werribee Coastal Plan I I Planning Opportunities and Constraints Page 31 I The age of the occupation and some of the administrative through landscaping and provision of public facilities. problems associated with their presence is illustrated by With the anticipated growth in visitor pressure on the the following quote: Werribee coast over time, there will be a need for further 1 areas for the general public. It is at such a time that the "Council (of the Shire of Werribee) , acting as occupation of this coast by private individuals should Committee of Management, granted approvals cease. 1- commencing in the 1930's for private individuals to erect boat-sheds on the Foreshore Reserves but Should storage for the shed owner's boats be required, no terms or conditions were apparently imposed there will be space in the proposed harbour for both wet by Council. This omission has created and dry storage. The clubs which occupy the sheds are 1 administrative problems in dealing with recommended to relocated their activities to the harbour outstanding rates and derelict buildings. "41 facilities. They will be able to use the commercially available facilities for boat storage and maintenance and The report goes on to state that the problems will be use the conference and other facilities for meetings and I addressed through the preparation of the Coastal Plan. social functions. Should a separate building be required, Regulations controlling the use, occupation, extension space would have to be leased from the freehold land and other aspects of the boat-sheds have been adopted by component of the site. I Council but these regulations do not address the question A revised set of regulations for the occupation of the of whether the boat-sheds should remain indefinitely. boat-sheds and guidelines for their management appear in However the regulations seem to assume that through Chapter 5. These regulations set the date, December 31, attrition they will gradually disappear. 1 1999 as being the date by which occupation of the In their submissions to the "Werribee Coast; Have Your foreshore by the sheds must cease. Say" Broadsheet the boat-shed owners highlighted a I number of factors in favour of their continued occupation of these sites. These factors included: 2.8 Industry and Commerce ... the benefits gained by the owners, their families and The largest representative of industry and commerce on I friends; the Werribee Coast was Cheetham Saltworks. Although - this operation has now ceased as a salt making enterprise, ... the contribution made to the upkeep of the area it is understood that the mill will continue to be used for through mowing and erosion control; and 1 processing and packing salt from other works. However ... the benefits to the general public such as the radio the mill is some distance from the coast and has no surveillance of boating activities . impact on it. Recommendations about the future of the saltworks are made in Section 6 of this report. .1 Many of the submissions highlighted the owners perception that the area was unsuitable for any other There is presently no commercial fishing fleet operating uses, the inference being that there was no need to from Werribee, but it is expected that commercial 1 remove the sheds unless another better use was found. fishermen will wish to use the proposed Werribee Harbour as a base for operations. The area occupied by the sheds is not well provided with beaches but the foreshore reserve is wider here than along There is no commercial sand or gravel extraction 1 most of the stretch from Werribee South to the RAAF undertaken on the Werribee coast, although it is base and would possess much of the same rural appeal of understood that in the past local landholders have other sections of the Werribee coast if the sheds were removed grit and gravel from the foreshore. This I removed. The width of the reserve makes it more practise is undesirable, having potentially damaging suitable than many other locations for the development of effects on coastal processes and the potential to lead to passive and active recreation facilities combined with a increased coastal erosion, and will not be permitted in 1 greater depth of landscaping. . future. Work could be undertaken to overcome many of the In the hinterland of the coast the main private use is disadvantages of the area highlighted in the shed owners' agriculture which dominates between the Point Cook submissions and to make it an attractive area for general RAAF base and the Werribee River. Much of the 1- use. However, the general demand for use of this part of remainder of the coast is taken up by institutional uses the coast does not yet justify the restoration of the area such as the RAAF base and Werribee Treatment 1- Complex. 41. City ofWerribee, Minutes of ordinary meeting of Council, 16 November, 1987, Public Health & 1 Environment Manager's Report Re. Boat-sheds­ Campbells CovelBaileys Beach. I Werribee Coastal Plan I 1 Overall Approach to the Coastal Plan Page 32 1 1 1- 3. OVERALL APPROACH TO THE COASTAL PLAN

A series of locations have been selected for development 1 with appropriate recreation facilities, set out along the 3.1 Introduction length of the coast. They are locations with good access having the capacity to provide for a concentration of The overall approach to the future planning and recreation facilities. Facilities and amenities proposed in development of the Wenibee coast seeks to build on its 1 this plan, and any facilities proposed in future,' will be existing attractive qualities and unique features. The located at an appropriate one of these focal points. aspects of the coastal environment considered most Map 1 shows the location of the focal points. The important are discussed in Section 2, Opportunities and intermediate areas will have imprOVed landscaping and I Constraints, and can be summarised as a combination of access where appropriate but facilities and amenities will the following factors: not be built. The Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach I * the attractive locations for informal recreation and boat-sheds will be removed as outlined in Section 3. beach activities and the suitability of the area for The focal points are the beach area at Point Cook Park, boating and fishing; the optional dress beach at Campbells Cove, the ends of I * the areas of conservation significance in relation to Cunninghams and Crawfords roads, Price Reserve and birdlife, vegetation, history and geomorphology; Bellin Reserve in Wenibee South and, in the Wenibee and, Treatment Complex, Jetty Reserve and the area immediately south of the Wenibee Park golf course the quiet, rural character and absence of urban I * within the Wenibee River meander. - development adjacent to the coast. A major concentration of boating-related recreation and In this section an overall approach to development of the tourist facilities will be located at the end of Duncans I Wenibee coast is outlined and a number of issues which Road where the proposed Wenibee harbour is to be built. are of particular importance to the plan or which do not The boating facilities are outlined in more detail in relate only to one section of the coast are also discussed. Section 3.4. Should the harbour not be built, this These are the provision of boating facilities, the future of I location will be another recreational focus like the other the Baileys Beach and Campbells Cove boat-sheds and points with facilities for informal recreation and beach the provision of the River-Coast Trail. use. The proposed zoning for the coast is outlined in I There are also three locations which have a historic Section 3, and in Section 4 the plan's proposals are emphasis, being Point Cooke homestead, the Point Cook outlined for each section of the coast. RAAF base and Wenibee Park, which is sited 6 I The allocation of a large proportion of the coast to the kilometres upstream from the coast on the Wenibee Wenibee sewage treatment complex is also recognised River. Management and future development of these and its role as both a conservation area and an operational sites will have an emphasis on historic conservation I facility will be protected. combined with providing for the enjoyment and historic understanding of the visitor. 3.2 Concentrating Facilities and Point Cook and Wenibee Park are open to the public and I master plans will be developed to guide further provision for visitors at the same time as preserving and Activities interpreting the sites' heritage values. The RAAF base is 1- In order to preserve the rural character and atmosphere of not presently open to the public, aside from visits to the the Wenibee coast, and to protect the areas with RAAF museum on two days per week. The museum is conservation value, future development of recreation some distance from the coast, but it is hoped that in the 1- facilities and amenities will be concentrated at specific future it will be relocated to the historic coastal buildings locations, rather than being allowed to stretch out along and greater public access provided. the coast or be located randomly. Proposals which are 1 incompatible with the plan will not be permitted. I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Overall Approach to the Coastal Plan Page 33 I There will be a number of roads and associated parking 3.3 Conservation Areas provided in the proposed Werribee harbour complex which will provide ready access for both the boating and The important conservation areas on the Werribee coast I general public. The last section of Crawfords Road will are identified and will be managed to protect and enhance be made and car parking provided to allow all weather their environmental values. Public access to these areas access the coast at this point. will be prohibited or carefully controlled to minimise disturbance to their environmental values, but most are New roads are also proposed from the beach area at Point readily observed from adjacent areas and interpretive Cook Park. One will run to the foreshore area of the facilities can be provided to enhance visitor enjoyment RAAF base to allow public access to the relocated I and understanding. museum, should this occur. The other would run to the Point Cook homestead, allowing for more direct access The areas of highest value are the Cheetham Saltworks within the park. This possibility will be addressed and the adjacent nearshore area, Point Cook Marine through the preparation of a master plan for the park. 1 Reserve, the sandhills and lakes of Point Cook Metropolitan Park, Grahams Land, the vegetation and No long-shore coastal road will be built, rather the habitat areas adjacent to the Werribee River in the existing and proposed roads will provide for point access. I Werribee Treatment Complex, and the foreshore and However, pedestrian access will be improved along the nearshore waters of the Werribee Treatment Complex coast, primarily by the construction of a River-Coast from Jetty Reserve to Little River. Management of Trail which will link Werribee township to the coast and 1 conservation in the Werribee Treatment Complex will be stretch along the coast from the Werribee River to in the context of its major function as a sewage treatment Altona. facility. The trail will allow for access between the locations I identified for the provision of recreation facilities and branch routes will allow access to particular points of 3.4 Landscaping interest. The proposed trail is outlined in more detail in In order that the Werribee coast better fulfils its Section 3.3. I recreation and conservation role, attention will be given through the plan to the improvement of access and enhancement of the attractiveness of the coast by planting 3.6 Rural Character and landscaping. Landscaping will be emphasised at the I The Werribee coast has as one of its most distinctive points selected for recreation development and also along features a rural character provided by its primarily the section of coast from Werribee South to the RAAF agricultural hinterland. Along large parts of the coast the base. 1 hinterland is in public ownership, such as Point Cook Species will be selected to create an attractive Park and the Werribee Treatment Complex, and in these environment for recreation, recognising that the original sections the retention of the rural character is assured. I vegetation of the area was generally low-growing. However, along the most easily accessible and intensively Preference will be given to planting species indigenous to used section of coast from Werribee South to the Point this part of the coast. Other native coastal species will be Cook RAAF base, the hinterland is in private ownership used where necessary. Cypress, which form a dominant and used primarily for market gardening. Occasional I landscape theme throughout the Werribee coast, will be requests for rezoning to urban uses in this area have so planted in appropriate locations to provide shade trees far been refused and such a policy should be steadfastly I and windbreaks .. maintained. In areas of natural conservation significance, greater In both the State Conservation Strategy and the emphasis will be given to the restoration of indigenous Government's Metropolitan policy there is support for vegetation and the enhancement and re-creation of the exclusion of urban development from the Werribee 1 habitat. Historic locations, such as Point Cook South intensive agriculture area. The State Conservation homestead, will be planted according to an appropriate Strategy states that "In and around Melbourne and other historic theme. ' cities, the Government will protect valuable agricultural I· and natural areas and important landscapes from inappropriate subdivision, incompatible development and 3.5 Access piecemeal rezonings. "1 The Metropolitan Policy 1- specifies that urban growth will be restricted to Most of the Werribee coast is readily accessible by road. The existing roads provide for access by car at a number of well distributed points and coastal driving is provided 1. Protecting the Environment, A Conservation Strategy 1 for by Beach Road. Relatively few alterations are for Victoria, Government of Victoria, June 1987, proposed in this plan. p.73 I Werribee Coastal Plan 1 1 Overall Approach to the Coastal Plan Page 34 1 designated corridors. The most important of these are At some points branch routes will be provided to take the Plenty and Berwick-Pakenham corridors, while the people to points of interest. These branches will 1 Werribee corridor will be less extensive. The Policy generally be for pedestrians only, as set out in the notes that "Metropolitan expansion places pressure on the following sections. green wedges separating the corridors. Protection of A detailed study will be required to resolve the details of these areas will continue as a fundamental aspect of 1- routing and siting of the River-Coast Trail. However, Melbourne's growth patterns .... Rural landscapes will the proposed route of the trail is outlined in general on be maintained by continuing agricultural use."2 The Map 10 and the constraints and siting principles related Werribee corridor does not include the area south of the to each section are set out below. 1 Maltby By-pass, thus excluding the Werribee South area from future urban development. The MMBW has investigated the provision of a trail from the mouth of the Werribee River to the Werribee Expansion of the existing township of Werribee South township and completed a concept which is adopted by will only be permitted to the extent that existing urban I this plan. The following notes provide a description of a zones are taken up, allowing some urban expansion into suitable trail and should Dot be seen as expressing any areas already zoned residential but as yet undeveloped. particular requirement. Some differences between the Higher density of residential development will also be I description which follows and the one which will allowed within Werribee South township. However, in ultimately be adopted, is possible. order to protect the visual and rural character of the area, a height limit will be implemented to restrict 1 development to the equivalent of two storeys.

1 3.7 River-Coast Trail The development of a trail along the Werribee River and 1- the Werribee coast is an important component of this plan. The trail will be an important recreational link between the focal points and is also an important link in an overall open space system for Melbourne. Its is a 1 component of the implementation of Melbourne's Open Space, The Metropolitan Open Space Plan, as shown on Map 9. 1 It is proposed that the trail extend from Werribee township, along the river to the coast and then will follow the coast to Altona where it will1ink to similar foreshore trails in Altona and Williamstown. The River­ 1 Coast Trail will provide a link between Werribee and the coast aDd will link the various centres of activity and 1 facilities distributed along the coast and the river. The proposed River-Coast Trail will provide a main spine of non-motorised movement and it is desirable that it be constructed at a standard suitable for access by bicycle. I However, it will not be a commuter route and so the standard of surfacing and construction need not be of the highest standard, provided that it is durable, and the trail 1 will be finished with materials which ensure that it does not present an incongruous. element in the landscape. Over some sections the trail will be subject to the 1- flooding of the Werribee River but it will not be a concern if the trail is unusable due to flooding for short 1- periods.

2. Shaping Melbourne's Future,' The Government's 1 Metropolitan Policy, Government of Victoria August 1987, p.37. 1 Werribee Coastal Plan 1 I ~ SUNBURY I

GELLIBRAtiO HILL PARK

ORGAN PIPES _ I NATIONAL PARK

I . ... .• -...... I ...... -. I I I POINT I SALT WORKS

POINT COOK WERRIBEE ~S8~~~ METROPOLITAN PARK I PARK I

EXISTING PARKLAND I PROPOSED NEW PARKLAND EXISTING BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN TRAILS 1- PROPOSED FUTURE TRAILS CURRENT PROJECTS WHICH WILL • ENHANCE OR CREATE OPEN SPACE

Werribee Coastal Plan Map 9 Metropolitan Open Space Plan 1988 WESTERN SUBURBS i PREPARED BY LAND INFORMATION BRANCH. ·1 MINISTRY FOR PLANNING & ENVIRON .... ENT 1 Overall Approach to the Coastal Plan Page 36 I 3.7.1 Werribee Township to Maltby By-pass It is understood that the Board of Works would like provision for the trail to be closed at dusk. As a The River-Coast Trail will commence in Cbirnside Park recreational rather than commuter trail there is no and follow the east bank of the river, within the I concern with this proposal and access could be limited to streamside reserve, to the Maltby By-pass. A number of the opening hours of Werribee Park. After hours, residential and light industrial streets connect to the cyclists would have to make their way by road. 1- reserve and will be able to channel people to the trail. Sign posts will be used to identify the trail and give 3.7.3 Werribee Park to Werribee South directions. The southern portion of the Werribee Park property is At the Maltby By-pass the trail will go under four I occupied by the Werribee Park Golf Club. The course bridges. They are the old sewage outfall to the Werribee occupies the area adjacent to the river so the trail will not Treatment Complex, the new outfall and the two road be able to be directly beside the river in the interests of bridges of the north and south bound lanes of the By­ safety and avoiding a conflict of use. Subject to more I pass. There is adequate clearance under all the bridges detailed investigation, it appears best if the trail leaves for the trail. the Werribee Park mansion surrounds along the south The old outfall bridge is an attractive arched brick drive and follows K Road for a short distance until the I structure and interpretative material relating to the history trail can rejoin the streamside reserve along the river just of the bridge and sewerage system will be provided. The south of the golf club. outfall reserve provides the opportunity for a connecting The trail could then follow the route of the unmade track I trail from Laverton as shown on Map 9. Between which runs generally south from K Road to where the Duncans Road and Werribee River the outfall reserve is land drops down to the floodplain. A new trail would be marked by an attractive avenue of large cypress. I required along with restoration of this area. Once the 3.7.2 Maltby By-pass to Werribee Park land drops down to the flood plain, the trail can continue along the streamside reserve to Grahams Land. The The River-Coast Trail will connect to the Werribee Park alignment of the trail through Grahams Land will need to I Mansion and the surrounding attractions. However, be co-ordinated with the overall layout of this area. between the By-pass and the mansion is the open-range The trail will give access to good fishing spots along the zoo operated by the Zoological Board. The trail will river and provide attractive views across the Werribee need to detour around the animal paddocks and will not Treatment Complex. As parts of the trail will be on the I be able to follow close to the river. However, it will floodplain next to the river it will be unusable during follow an attractive route, preferably giving some floods. I opportunity to view the zoo animals along the way. Subject to detailed investigation it appears that the best 3.7.4 Werribee South to Point Cook RAAF route would be to take the trail along beside the By-pass, Base following the route of an existing maintenance access Between Werribee South and the RAAF base the trail can I which is separated by fences from the animal paddocks, follow the coastal reserve. However care will be taken until it reaches the alignment of the old driveway from throughout this section to ensure that the trail does not Werribee township to Werribee Park. The driveway affect the usability of the reserve for other forms of beach alignment at present provides for maintenance access I recreation. Between Werribee South and Duncans Road through the zoo and is also fenced out from the animal it will be sited on the beach side of Beach Road. paddocks. The trail could simply follow this drive until I it joins up with the public entry road to Werribee Park. If the proposed harbour is constructed at the end of Interpretative material could highlight the historic nature Duncans Road, it will be a condition of the approval that of this approach to the mansion. the coastal trail be included in the layout to allow for an easy and attractive trail connection. 1 An alternative is to make a fenced route for the trail over the short distance between the By-pass bridge and the Until such time as an overall landscape plan is developed shearing shed which is in Board of Works control on a for the Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach area, the trail 1- tongue of land jutting into the zoo area. can follow the existing dead-end road which carries a small amount of slow-moving traffic. Some attention to As bicycles are not permitted in the formal gardens signs, road marking and surfacing will be required to surrounding the mansion, the route will not go directly to ensure that this is safe. 1- the mansion but will go around the mansion surrounds on the western side. Provision will be made for bicycle A potential contlict has been identified between users of storage to allow bicycles to be left while people view the the trail and users of the Campbells Cove optional dress mansion and other features. beach. Until access is negotiated through the RAAF base I there is no need to construct a trail at this point. I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Overall Approach to the Coastal Plan Page 37 I However, once this access is permitted the trail will be 3.7.6 Cheetham Saltworks to Skeleton Creek sited at the landward side of the coastal reserve_ The The suggested route for the path through Cheetham reserve is sufficiently wide here to allow for separation of I Saltworks would provide for the shortest possible length the two user groups. Planting will be u.<;ecJ to increase of track within this sensitive area and therefore minimise the sense of separation of the trail from the optional dress the intrusion and effects on habitat values. It will be area. 1- subject to revue when a master plan is drawn up for the In the future it may be possible to relocate the optional management of the area. The suggested route crosses dress area to a position where there is the space to allow Skeleton Creek at the existing weir. From here it could for better separation of uses. follow around the perimeter of the new housing area and I be directed towards the Queens Street bridge over 3.7.5 Point Cook RAAF Base to Cheetham Laverton Creek. Saltworks The trail will be sited and landscaped so that users are I It is very desirable that access for the trail be secured past given an outlook towards the saltworks but so that the RAAF base. It is envisaged that it would follow protection of habitat values are safeguarded. immediately along the foreshore and give access to the I RAAF museum, should it be relocated to the coast. A bridge over the Number One Drain will be required to allow access to the RAAF foreshore. I In order to provide for base security fencing could parallel the trail but this is considered undesirable. An alternative would be to allow use of the trail during I daylight hours when it can be readily patrolled and to secure it at each end at dusk. The Board of Works wish to close entry to Point Cook Park at dusk and SO ibis whole section could be closed to public entry when the I Park is closed. The trail will also be closed when the RAAF firing range is in use. I Signs will be required to indicate an alternative route to Laverton via Cunninghams Road and Aviation Road, for the occasions when the trail is closed. I As the trail nears Point Cook Park it will stirt to veer away from the coast so that it connects with the Point Cook Park beach access road. From here it will take a path that is inland from the sand dune area on the open I paddocks leading to the outskirts of the Point Cook homestead. It is Understood that this general alignment may be used in future for a new road providing a more I direct route from the beach area to the homestead. The road and trail could be a shared facility. The trail will not attempt to give access directly to the I homestead as the intention is to provide only pedestrian access to this area. Provision will be made for bicycle storage to encourage visitors to leave their bicycles and I branch off to the homestead on foot. The trail will remain inland where it runs north ~ward Cheetham saItworks. It should avoid going close to 1- Lignum Lake or the coast to avoid interference to the habitat values of the area. A suggested route is to follow the existing drive alignment from the homestead to Point 1- Cook Homestead Road. It could then follow an easement created along a property boundary to head north, connecting to Cheetham Saltworks as shown on Map 10. This easement would have to be negotiated with the I landowners. I Werribee Coastal Plan I 1- POINT CC

.".. __ . Mc:ine Reserve

R.A.A.F. BASE

POINT COOK

.1 ~;

.., ,.~ \ ,. / I I • J / .~

~\@ . Werribee Coastal Plan

1:50000 ~ Map ·10 i.1 o 1 2 3 I The River-Coast Trail /·1 I I . , ill . PREPARED BY LAND INFORMATION BRANCH, MINISTRY FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT tu .~ . _.. .. ::~i I Overall Approach to the Coastal Plan Page 39 I areas and plazas will be provided in the layout of the complex. 3.8 Boating I The harbour complex will be accommodated partly on the 3.8.1 The two-stage approval process foreshore reserve, partly on adjoining private land and partly on reclaimed land. The private land will An integrated harbour complex has been proposed for a incorporate uses such as the motel which should not site on the Bay foreshore at the end of Duncans Road, to occupy public coastal land due to their lack of need for be developed in conformity with the requirements of the water frontage and their predominantly private use. The "Werribee Harbour Zone" under the Werribee Planning harbour complex will be self-contained and has no need I Scheme. Approval was sought through a "two-stage" for further development of commercial or residential process established by the Victorian Government in 1988 areas outside the proposed site to become viable. It is for the approval of coastal proposals such as major expected that patronage of the complex will corne from a I boating facilities. The approval of a planning scheme wide area of Melbourne and nearby residential amendment represents the end of the first stage, leaving development is not required to enhance its viability. the detailed design of the complex to the developer who Landscaping and building setbacks will be used to ensure successfully tenders for the project. Guidelines in the that the impact on the surrounding properties will be I Environment Effects Statement (EES) and the approved minimised and a series of design and management Planning Scheme amendment ensure that the development guidelines protect other aspects of the environment such is of a scale and character which is socially and as water quality. environmentally acceptable. I All the facilities generally provided by boating clubs are The Werribee Harbour EES included an assessment of a included as part of the proposed complex, such as chart· number of alternative locations and outlined the rooms and locations for organising and supervising races. I development at the favoured site, being just to the north­ The facilities provided will be able to be shared between east of the point where Duncans Road reaches the coast. different users and should a club wish to centre its Map 11 shows the locations of the alternative sites activities at the harbour, it is envisaged that it would use I considered and a plan of the harbour proposal is shown as the facilities for administering boating activities and the Map 12. public restaurant and conference facilities for functions and social activities. Similarly members would be able to 3.8.2 The Proposed Werribee Harbour use the commercial marina berths and other boat handling I facilities. Thus a club would be able to function as a The proposed harbour will provide a focus for boating body to organise activities and functions without the need and other recreation activity in Werribee and will to invest in the construction and operation of expensive represent the major activity node. It will have value to facilities or have an exclusive building. Should a club I the wider community by providing a destination point for wish to build exclusive club rooms, they should be people sailing on the Bay as well as for tourists visiting located within the proposed Werribee Harbour Zone, but Werribee by car and people using the River-Coast Trail. should be sited within the freehold part of the site and not I It will provide an easily accessible safe harbour, a four on existing or reclaimed Crown land. lane boat ramp providing protected launching and easy access to open water, haven areas for stonn refuge and Those readers interested in further information about the I space for off-the-beach launching for small craft. There proposed harbour and analysis of possible environmental will also be the space and facilities for boat storage and effects are directed to the EES report, Werribee Harbour maintenance. Environment Effects Statement. I The River-Coast Trail will be included in the layout of the facilities and the proposal includes the creation and maintenance of a large area of new beach which will I more than compensate for the loss of the small beach which presently occupies the site. The new beach to the south west of the harbour will be exclusively for. swimming while the beach on the north east side will 1- provide for off-the-beach craft such as sail boards and small yachts. Social and tourist activities will be provided for through facilities such as a motel, restaurant and shopping facilities for marine related goods like boat fittings, sail I boards and the like. Public spaces such as landscaped I Werribee Coastal Plan I 1--· -~------:-ro---."..!

I .',.•. ,. :.': I·. .' 1~ . " .t~ 1

.. _._ .'~.J- - -J .

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I I :-1 1 --+I -1.! -1 1 I AREA I 1--]--1- ~. : ~Tf+--f-+ ~ i.' - I ~"f,++t;:: .. ~ ..·)¥DUNCANS ROAD (EAST) SITE 'rrt-+~A+-t-7~~·,'"'?~·~·.. ,.~~;~2:lD"UNCANS ROAD (WEST) SITE

(1!-++-I-l -i ..•.. I Werribee Coastal Plan Map 11 Alternative' Harbour Sites

~km @B9) h10cknighf I I 1. BREAKWATER 2. MARINA BERTHS (300) 3. BOAT LAUNCH RAMPS 4. TRAVEL LIfT 5. SAfE HAVEN 6. fERRY TERI/IINAL (fUTURE) 7. BOAT STORAGE BUILDING 8. HARDSTAND BOAI STORAG: BAY I p\-\\lUP 9. MARINA CONTROL CEI'HRE PORT 10. flRSI AID & AMBULANCE 11. MARINE TRADES & SERVICE R 12. YACHTING & MOIO BOAIll" I ACIIVIIY CEN1RE 13. SUPPORT SERVICES 192m ( Approx.) , 14. 1.J,ARINE ASSOCIA1ED N ACCOll/lMODAlIO ,5. MAJOR 10URISI fACILlIY I- 16. REST AURANI 17. SPOR1S CEN1RE 18. PASSIVE RECREAIION I 19. NEW BEACHES 20. HARBOUR SQUARE. .

21.01HER C1A I 22. MARINE ASSO lED COMMERCIAL 23. CAR PARKING I 24. CAR & IRAILER PARKING 25. OfF~BEACH RIGGING LANE & RAMP I 26. lRANSPORI IERMINAL 27. ROADS & ACCESS WAYS 28. UNDERGROUND IRR\GA"ON I CHANNEL DIVERSION & OUTFI I 29. fUEL BERIH i- g;;;33 PROPOSED BUILDINGS .' ... ,_ E)(IS1ING FORESHORE RESERVE BOUNDARY I __ ORIGINAL SHORELINE . HIGH WAIER MARK (APpro ., •••••• PEDESIRIAN ACCESS I __ DRAINAGE RESERVE BOUNC I ,,,,,,,, SIIE BOUNOAfW

I werribee. . coastal rl~ ...... aap 1" 1 : .. 'IVI ~ ~'" proposed werribeeHarbOUI\ I­ .. ,~" . r )1- ,. I

!, ~~.IL ~------I Overall Approach to the Coastal Plan Page 42 I 3.8.3 Water activity areas carefully policed and those sheds which do not conform to regulations will be removed and their sites restored. Under the Boating Acts, areas of water can be designated I for different levels of boating access. Most of the At present the shed owners pay a Municipal rate which nearshore waters on the eastern coast of Port Phillip covers rubbish removal from the site. However no rent (generally within 200 metres of the low tide line) have is paid for the use of the sites themselves. As each shed been designated as being "No Boating Areas" or areas represents an exclusive use of public foreshore land, a where boat speeds are restricted to 8 kmh. These areas fair rental for the site should be paid, based on the are usually designated in the interests of providing for market value of the sites occupied. The Valuer General safety for swimmers and general control of boats in the will be requested to determine market rental, which I nearshore area. should be collected by the City of Werribee acting as Committee of Management. Rent will be payable on an On the Werribee coast these controls do not exist except annual basis in advance so as to avoid excessive in the case of the Point Cook Marine Reserve where 1 administration costs. boating is prohibited under other legislation. This plan proposes that controls be introduced so as to reduce the Under the Crown Lands Reserves Act, the funds potential for conflict between boat traffic and other users collected can only be spent within the reserve. Thus the 1 of the nearshore waters, and to provide for protection of funds can be used to implement parts of this plan such as bird habitat. The different levels of control are set out on the landscaping of the foreshore and construction of Map 13. informal recreation facilities. Through this mechanism a public benefit can be derived from the private occupation 1 Most of the coast is proposed to have a boat speed limit of part of the coast. of 8 kmh within 200 metres of the shore. A no boating area is designated at the most popular swimming area While the sheds may remain until the date set for their 1 between Duncans Road and O'Connors Road. The removal, preference may still be given to alternative uses nearshore waters adjacent to the Cheetham Saltworks is which provide for. greater public benefit. Thus the also designated as a no boating area up to and including occupation of any or all of the sheds could be terminated the Point Cook Marine Reserve in order to prevent at any time at the discretion of the Council. disruption to habitat. - With the introduction of further boating facilities and the 1 expected influx of population to the Werribee area, it might be expected that in suitable weather there will be demand for water skiing. The Werribee coast is quite suitable for this activity due to its gently shelving inshore I . areas giving shallow water some distance from the beach. Water ski access lanes allow higher boat speeds close to shore for picking up and dropping off skiers. A water 1 ski access lane has therefore been designated adjacent to the end of Crawfords Road. It is specified in this location so that it will not cause disruption to swimmers 1 and yet be close to the proposed harbour. I 3.9 Boat-sheds This Plan proposes that all the owners and occupiers of the boat-sheds at Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach be 1 notified that their occupation must cease on or before December 31, 1999. This measure recognises that private occupation of the foreshore will not be permitted 1- but it gives generous notice to the boat-shed owners and . occupiers to cease their occupation. Prior to this date a plan for the restoration, landscaping and development of the area will be prepared in response to overall . community demands and needs at the time so it can be implemented with minimal delay. . In the meantime the regulations establishing the I conditions of occupation, as set out in Section 6, will be I Werribee Coastal Plan· 1 I' • amp ells Cove· II'" .;' ./ / ~

~: .. ( ~) ,0/- (

REFERENCE )

~ No Boating ~one

11111111111, Boat.speed restricted to Bkm/h ¢ 0 Water Ski access lane 1:::::::::::1 Proposed Marina

~\@ h Werribee Coastal Plan I, I 1:50000 .~/ Map"13· Ii o 1 2 3 /1 I J ' Boating Controls.

PREPARED BY LAND INFORMATION BRANCH, MIIJISTRY FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT I 1 Overall Approach to the Coastal Plan Page 44 1 3.10 Coastal Areas A series of Coastal Areas or zones have been formulated and will be established on the Werribee coast through the 1- approval of an amendment to the Werribee Planning Scheme. The areas reflect the type of overall management emphasis considered suitable for each section of the coast and identify the types of development I which are permitted and prohibited. Accompanying each area is a table of uses which are 1 permitted and prohibited in each area under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The table of uses also shows which uses and developments require the permission of the responsible planning authority. The are!ls RDd the.ir I use tables are set out in detail in Appendix E. The proposed coastal zoning is set out on Map 14 and in Section 4, Proposals for Each section of the Coast, the I designating of each section is discussed in detail. Areas have been allocated on the basis of the intended primary use of each area. The areas range from the Special 1 Conservation Area used to protect the nearshore waters adjacent to the Cheetham Saltworks to the special development pwvisiuns uf the Werribee Harbour Area 1- which has been exhibited for the area of the proposed Werribee Harbour. In most cases the areas extend over both the foreshore I and nearshore waters and in all cases the limit of zoning is 600 metres offshore from the low water mark. Generally the areas used onshore extend out over the sea to a distance of 200 metres from the low water mark. I Beyond this the influence of land is Jess and the Open Water Area applies, to 600 metres from Jow water mark. Physical features and changes of ownership and use I generally determine the inland extent of the areas. I I I 1- '. 1- 1 1 Werribee Coastal Plan I \ ., ------~

i REFERENCE ri Special Conservation Area _ General Recreation A~ea / Conservation Area. Wmmmi Open Water Area _ Nature Recreation A-rea ~i;iii:ii!:fi!iifiiiiiiiil Werribee Harbour .. ~.

I \~ ~ \@" " Werribee Coastal Plan I 1:50000 " " north "" Map 14 /; o 1 2 3 I 4 ! Proposed Coastal Areas',; scale of kilometres

PREPARED BY LAND INFORMATION BRANCH, MINISTRY FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT .'1",' I I Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 46 I I- 4. PROPOSALS FOR EACH SECTION OF THE I COAST

I It is understood that there is considerable potential for bird observation to be the catalyst for visits to Australia 4.1 Cheetham Salt works by international tourists. I Trail bikes can gain access to the saltworks from Altona 4.1.1 Significant Features causing damage through the effects of noise and intrusion Cheetham Saltworks has international significance as on birdlife, damage to vegetation and erosion. The habitat for migratory wading birds. There are onshore problem of overall management and control of access will '1 roosting and feeding areas, the nearshore area is used for worsen as the saltworks operations diminish, if feeding on the mud and sand flats which are exposed at appropriate management is not undertaken. low tide, and the shallow inshore waters are used for I feeding by seabirds. 4.1.3 Overall Approach. Valuable and interesting geomorphological features occur In public ownership, the wetland bird habitat will be in the form of active recu-rving sand spits in the north and developed further, as part of the Western Wetlands. It I · remnant recurving sand spits in the south. Most of the will provide a focus for the interpretation of the wetlands salt pans occupy an area which was a coastal swamp of the western region, be a centre for research and could ~ having a basalt floor broken up with shelly ridges. become internationally known for observing waders and other species. I Parts of the saltworks are valuable for their remnant vegetation, particularly because of the proximity of the Limited public access to view birdlife will be provided vegetation associations in the Point Cook Park. Between and active management used where necessary to enhance I them, the saltworks and the park include a significant its role as bird habitat and restore the native vegetation. number of the original vegetation associations of the Carefully designed and sited visitor facilities will be used western Melbourne area. It is also interesting for its to focus interest in the area and provide interpretative cultural heritage in the form of the works associated with information. I salt production. 4.1.4 Zoning The area has considerable potential to attract national and international tourism in relation to its concentration of A Special Conservation Area is proposed, to provide' I birdlife. maximum protection. Offshore, the Area applies to all the inter-tidal area and extends 600 metres sea-wards I 4.1.2 Issues from the low tide line. The future land ownership and management of this area is It is not proposed to alter the zoning of the saltworks a critical issue. Salt is no longer harvested and the land until its ownership is resolved. Once this occurs an Area is for sale. At the time of writing the Government is can be adopted which reflects the conservation emphasis I understood to be negotiating the acquisition of all or part required for the area's management. of the saltworks site. 4.1.5 Actions 1- While the aesthetic quality of the landscape may not be high by conventional standards, it has considerable Part of the saltworks is reserved under the Werribee appeal related to its large size, undeveloped nature, Planning Scheme as Proposed Public Open Space. An I~' extensive wetlands and sandy beaches. Much could be initial task is to assess the remaining land to identify the done to remove the Jess attractive results of years of parts which should be acquired. Steps are being taken to human occupation and industrial use. Much could also ensure that acquisition occurs as soon as possible. be achieved through careful restoration of natural plant Any portions of the works which are not reserved for associations where they have been damaged to enhance a~uisition by the Government will be designated for 1 conservation values for vegetation and bird habitat. I Werribee Coastal Plan

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: I Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 47 uses and developed in a manner which will provide a which are examples of the natural vegetation of the area. buffer between the conservation areas and more intensive The sand dunes which cover the area are ilJustrative of I uses such as housing (the current zoning is shown on the coastal processes which have affected the formation Map 4). of this part of the coast. Lignum Lake, a small intermittent water body on the western edge of the sand A detailed master plan for the development of the dunes, is an important habitat. I" saltworks as a wetland centre will be prepared in conjunction with the preparation of a master plan for 4.2.2 Issues Point Cook Park and in the context of the overall Western Wetlands program. It will address the folloWing PlariIiing' isSues include the preservatioriof the remote ~I factors: character and maintaining the integrity of the adjoining visitor interpretation facilities; bird habitat areas in Cheetham Saltworks and restricting an interpretation program highlighting the birdlife, the invasion of exotic plant species. I the vegetation 'of the land and inshore waters, the industrial history and coastal geomorphological 4.2.3 Overall Approach processes. The interpretation program will also Environmental conservation and limited provision for highlight the relationship between human impacts and 1 passive recreation based on observation and enjoyment of the natural environment; the natural environment and remote character. pedestrian access from Point Cook Park to an Management of the area wiIJ emphasise the preservation observation area adjacent to the wetlands near the and restoration of the natural plant communities. No I coast. This will allow for views over the nearshore works will be allowed which could affect coastal feeding areas and the inland roosting and feeding processes and the maintenance of the recurving sand spits areas and allow appreciation of the whole complex. to the north. I Similar access to a bird observation area will be provided from the north, in conjunction with Altona 4.2.4 Zoning Coastal Management Plan. The bird observation I- areas may need to be elevated to provide good The zoning for this area emphasises conservation. vantage points or take the form of blinded walkways; Offshore the Special Conservation Area includes the provision for the River-Coast Trail between Point Point Cook Marine Reserve. Inland of the low water Cook and Altona. It will be sited inland, away from mark, the area is to be in a Conservation Area extending I sensitive habitat areas and be located and designed to as far as the fence line which runs roughly north-south, minimise impact on the natural environment and just to the west of Lignum Lake. disturbance to birds; I revegetation where necessary with appropriate 4.2.5 Actions indigenous species in conjunction with a weed control Prepare a master plan for the future development of the program; whole of the Point Cook Metropolitan Park. areas to be left undisturbed will be identified; I changes on the coast which could affect the processes Preserve the remote.character through minimising facility which create and maintain sand spits; provision while proJiding pedestrian access to the south preserving significant relics of the industrial history; end of the saltworks for bird observation. This will I control of trail bike access to the saltworks area is a allow pedestrian access from the Point Cook homestead critical factor and will be provided in conjunction to the proposed observation points overlooking the inland with Altona Coastal Management Plan. Fencing may area of Cheetham Saltworks and the offshore bird habitat be necessary, as well as regular patrols to ensure that areas and wiJI be placed inland so that visitors are I fences are not breached; and attracted away from walking along the foreshore. A boating in the nearshore area will be prohibited. branch path will take visitors to Point Cook. I . Vegetation management wiIJ include removing exotic 4.2 Point Cook Park; north of the plant infestations and rehabilitating natural vegetation communities. Unnecessary tracks will be closed and 1- homestead revegetated. 4.2.1 Significant Features 1'- This area has a relatively undisturbed natural environment and a remote character coupled with sweeping views towards the Melbourne city skyline .. The vegetation communities form part of the complex of I vegetation associations through the Point Cook area I Werribee Coastal Plan

I .~ , .. ... , .. , .... I Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 48 I discouraged from having self-contained picnics in the 4.3 Point Cook Homestead and surrounds, without the use of barbecues. 1 Provision will be made for car parking at a distance from surrounds the homestead. People will be encouraged to walk from 4.3.1 Significant Features the car-park to enjoy viewing the homestead, 1- outbuildings and surrounds. The Point Cook homestead and surrounds is managed as Interpretation programs are essential to the enjoyment a historic area. As well as the homestead and and management of the area. Features which will be outbuildings there are trees and other landscape and covered in such programs include: the history of 1 garden features which relate to its long occupation. The occupation and use; the buildings, both existing and large trees make a prominent landmark visible from many those which have been demolished; the Marine Reserve; points along both the western and eastern shores of the and coastal and marine processes. 1 Bay. Management of the vegetation is critical to the area. A strong character is provided by the mature trees, rural Planting has already been undertaken to ensure that the backdrop and Bay frontage. From the shoreline there are existing ageing trees have younger replacements growing views over the Bay to the City skyline and south-eastern 1 up. Planting will be consistent with the history of suburbs. The Point Cook Marine Reserve covers the occupation or with the type of planting undertaken in the reefs adjacent to the homestead. period when the Homestead was in its heyday. Exotic 1 4.3.2 Issues vegetation which would not be suitable for other coastal locations is appropriate here if it conforms to the historic The major issue for the area is the retention of its historic character of the site. Management may be required to 1 character, buildings, artifacts and associations with the control garden plants which self-seed beyond the garden. Chirnside family while aIlowing for public access and enjoyment. Management of the surrounding vegetlltion and ensuring the protection of the Marine Reserve is also 4.4 Point Cook Park beach area I important. 4.4.1 Significant Features 4.3.3 Overall Approach This area of Point Cook Park has been developed for I The overall approach is one which recognises the historic beach recreation. It has a narrow sandy beach and there significance and attractiveness of the area through are car-parks, toilets and visitor facilities in place. preserving existing features and avoiding elements which Visitor facilities include barbecues and picruc shelters, I are out of character. windbreaks, grassed areas, a playground and an interpretation centre. The natural character of the area Public access is permitted, but cars are an incongruous coupled with the easy access and good facilities is very element and wiIl be kept distant from the homestead unusual on Port Phillip bay. I along with visitor facilities such as toilet blocks. The developed beach area has been created within a s~ries Signs will be used to discourage intrusion into the marine of parallel sand ridges which run between and Point reserve. Interpretation facilities will be used to assist in Cook homestead and the RAAF base. These dunes are of I management of the area and to provide information to the geomorphological significance and support significant visitor about both the historic and natural environment. vegetation commuruties.

I 4.3.4 Zoning 4.4.2 Issues The zoning for this area emphasises conservation to The creation of grassed areas and facilities at the beach accommodate the historic conservation concerns of the area has intruded into the sand ridges, requiring I homestead area and the natural conservation values of the alteration of landform and removal of natural vegetation. Point Cook Marine Reserve. Inland of the low water mark is a Conservation Area, while the Marine Reserve One of the problems seen on this coast in relation to is included in a Special Conservation Area. swimming is that weed is commonly washed ashore where it banks up unattractively. The problem is 4.3.5 Actions worsened here because there is an offshore bar and the weed builds up in the dip between the bar and the beach. No works will be undertaken in or around the area The dip is also a sea-grass bed. Hence swimming is without consideration of the impact on historic character made unappealing by the need to wade out through and authenticity. Picknicking facilities will not be seaweed to clean water. I provided near the homestead, although people will not be I t Werribee Coastal Plan I I t I Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 49 I Further landscaping is needed to soften tbe impact of Throughout the dune system tracks will be revegetated providing the visitor facilities in this environment. with the natural species. No walking or vehicle tracks will be provided through the dunes, however signposts Interpretation of natural features and processes is desired, 1 can be used to encourage walking along the beach to the including information about the sand dunes in relation to homestead. Alternatively people will be able to walk to their role as reptile habitat, their vegetation community the homestead via the River-Coast Trail which will be 1- and the processes which formed them. Interpretation will SIted inland of the dunes. A road inland of the dunes also address the factors leading to the seagrass beds and connecting the beach area to the homestead surrounds weed deposition. would be acceptable and should incorporate the River­ I 4.4.3 Overall Approach Coast Trail. The beach area will continue to be managed as a beach­ related recreation area. However, further expansion of 4.5 RAAF base 1 clearings in the sand dunes or the creation of similar new areas will not be permitted. 4.5.1 Significant Features 1 Elements unrelated to beach use or conservation will not The Point Cook RAAF base was the first home of the be introduced. The sand dunes on each side of the beach RAAF. It has a number of historic structures associated recreation area will be retained as natural areas with the history of aviation in Australia including some highlighting the vegetation and wildlife. Interpretation of the hangars near the beach and the flying boat jetty 1 programs will relate to beach dynamics and the dunes which juts into the bay. It is now the home of the RAAF environment. academy and includes the RAAF museum which occupies a number of buildings within the training college campus. 4.4.4 Zoning 1 The base is closed to the public aside from access to the The zoning for this area includes both conservation and museum on two days per week. Public access along the recreation areas. The sandbills are included in a base foreshore is not permitted and the public is notified 1- Conservation Area, while the beach and water up to 200 by signs where the base boundaries cross the foreshore at metres offshore from the low water mark is designated Campbells Cove and Point Cook Park. Nature Recreation Area to reflect the intended use as a The Cooksey report recommends either an increase in low-key beach recreation area. Beyond 200 metres the I functions at Point Cook or its closure aside from Open Water Area applies. In the area which has been retaining the area adjacent to the coast for its historical developed for recreation and beach access and extending associations.} Should the main part of the base be 200 metres offshore from low water mark, a General closed, the coastal area should be retained as a historic 1 Recreation Area applies allowing for the provision of area, as recommended. The remainder of the base should beach recreation facilities. not be used for purposes which could lead to residential 1 4.4.5 Actions expansion into the area. Institutional uses may be appropriate, bu~ residential subdivision, for example, . The beach area will be further landscaped to ensure its would not. attractiveness for beach recreation and to offer protection 1 from wind and sun. Native vegetation will be used for 4.5.2 Issues all landscaping. Areas of open grass will be left to The most significant issue for coastal planning is the provide for sunbaking as the beach is narrow and often restricted accessibility of the base to the public, covered with sea weed. I particularly in relation to access along the foreshore A boardwalk will be built from the beach to allow between Campbells Cove and Point Cook Park. swimmers to get to the clear water beyond the first There is a possibility that the RAAF museum will be sandbar. This boardwalk needs to be only narrow and I relocated to the buildings adjacent to the coast. However just above the level of high tide and should drop down some of these buildings and the jetty in particular are in into the water at the first sandbar. Its design should not poor condition. consideration is required of tbe future of encourage diving and will need to be capable of 1- the jetty as a historic relic. withstanding wave action. The RAAF Lake is partly within the base and partly An interpretation program will be developed concerning within the Point Cook Park. The lake is of no benefit to 1- the onshore and offshore natural features such as the seagrass beds, dune vegetation, wildlife and the coastal processes which have lead to the present landform and conditions. }. Cooksey Robert], Review ofAustralia's Defence 1 Facilities, Report to the Minister for Defence, AGPS, Canberra, 1988. I Werribee Coastal Plan 1 1 Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 50 I the RAAF ba..c;e and it should be managed as a unit for its Housing and Construction.2 The RAAF museum should wildlife value. The area of the base to the south of the be relocated to the coastal buildings and the historical RAAF lake is used for rubbish dumping by the RAAF, associations of the base enhanced. A road should be built I damaging this part of the vegetation community also from Point Cook Park beach recreation area to the found in Point Cook Park. Further damage is being museum to allow public access from the Park rather than 1- caused by uncontrolled vehicle movements. through the active part of the RAAF base. 4.5.3 Overall Approach The overall approach to the base in this plan includes a 4.6 Optional Dress Bathing Area 1 recognition of its present status as an active RAAF base. 4.6.1 Significant Features However, it is highly desirable that public access aJong the foreshore be provided for, regardless of whether An area adjacent to the west boundary of the RAAF base 1 Point Cook continues as an operational base. is prescribed under the Nudity (Prescribed Areas) Act 1983 for optional dress bathing. Under this Act people l! is also desirable that the area of the base adjacent to the may, within a prescribed area (marked by signs), take the coast be developed for greater public use in the context of option of swimming and sunbaking in the nude without its association with the history of aviation. It is very 1 fear of prosecution for offensive behaviour. Otherwise desirable that the museum be relocated to form a historic normal standards of behaviour still apply. focus. Should the museum be relocated to the coast it I may be appropriate to develop an access road independent It is part of the coastal reserve which is backed by market of the main base entry. The access would be best from gardens and abuts the RAAF base. the adjacent Point Cook Park, ensuring that access was I restricted to the hours of opening of the park. 4.6.2 Issues It is recognised in this plan that a National Aeronautic There is only a narrow beach and the backshore area is Museum has been considered for the Laverton airfield. quite degraded with weeds, rubbish and uncontrolled However, the two museums could' be complementary and vehicle tracks. Swimming conditions near the shore are it is desirable that the RAAF museum be tied to the first poor as there are rocks and shallow water. Water quality RAAFbase. is poor due to drain effluent from the number 1 drain and the proximity of the RAAF base sewerage treatment I 4.5.4 Zoning works. No alteration to the Public Purposes reservation applying The RAAF base rifle range is close by and the to the RAAF land is proposed. Offshore from the high overshooting area covers the beach and backshore area. I water mark a Nature Recreation Area will apply, reflecting the recreational use of the bay made by base 4.6.3 Overall Approach personnel. Beyond 200 metres from the low water mark, Although the area is unattractive at present, it has the Open Water Area applies. I potential for improvement and will be landscaped to be 4.5.5 Actions imprOVed and made more suitable for sunbathing and general passive recreation use. Improvement of 1 Access for the public along the base foreshore should be swimming conditions would be difficult as there is the negotiated to allow for the provision of the River-Coast combined problem of poor water quality and beach Trail from Campbells Cove to Point Cook Park. conditions. I Provision should be made for base security. 4.6.4 Zoning To ensure the management of the RAAF Lake as a wildlife resource, the boundary of the base and Point A General Recreation Area will cover the foreshore 1 Cook Park should be altered to include all of the Lake reserve and extend 200 metres offshore from the low and the area to the south of the lake within the Park. water mark, reflecting the recreational nature of the These areas are apparently not essential to the operations proposed use and development of this area. Beyond 200 1- of the RAAF base but would be better managed by the metres the Open Water Area will apply. Board of Works as part of the park. Negotiations would be required between the State and Commonwealth 1- Governments to achieve this. A program to preserve and restore the flying boat jetty and the associated structures should be initiated, based on 2. Department of Housing and Construction (Vic.-Tas.) the conservation analysis prepared by the Department of 1 , RAAF Base Point Cook Heritage Study, Volume 1 Building Analysis, Melbourne 1984. 1 Werribee Coastal Plan 1 1 Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 51 1 4.6.5 Actions area to the general public as at present many of the sheds are poorly maintained and the surroundings unkempt. A landscape plan will be prepared and implemented I. which provides for the following: Once the boat-sheds have been removed, the generally broader coastal reserve could allow for a wide range of ... defined road access and car parking at the edge of coastal recreation such as informal recreation, the area; 1- picknicking, barbecues and the like, and also more active ... vegetation planting in the backshore area using pursuits such as off-the-beach yachting. At the same time indigenous species where possible to provide for the broader reserve could allow for a greater depth of 1 windbreaks, shade and greater attractiveness; planting and landscaping: ... the River-Coast Trail will be routed along the The water quality and sea-floor characteristics may landward edge of the coastal reserve and mitigate against use of the water for swimming, but this complementary planting carried out to maximise possibility will be investigated. Beach nourishment may I separation from the bathing and sunbaking area; provide for better swimming conditions, subject to and, detailed assessment of environmental effects. ... 1 grac;;sed areas for sitting and sunbaking . 4.7.3 Overall Approach Monitoring of water quality should be undertaken and In the long term the boat-sheds will be removed and steps taken to improve it if required. Interpretative signs provision made for passive recreation. Upon the removal relating to the history and functions of the RAAF base of the sheds the area will be landscaped and planted to 1 wiIl be provided. provide for coastal recreation such as picknicking, A boardwalk will be provided to give access to clearer general beach use and off-the-beach boating. Some parts 1 water beyond the first sandbar, similar to the one of this area provide good swimming conditions now and proposed for the beach at Point Cook Park, subject to the renourishment with sand to provide better beaches and water quality being adequate. Alternatively beach protection of the coast from erosion will be undertaken 1- nourishment could be used to improve swimming subject to environmental investigation. Cunninghams conditions, subject to environmental constraints. Road allows for easy access and off-the-beach boating Renourishment of this beach would get lower priority will be provided for. than the renourishment of other beaches for general use. In the time prior to the removal of the sheds it is I proposed to provide for better landscaping of the area, particularly in parts not occupied by the sheds. Rubbish, 4.7 Campbells Cove and Baileys weeds and exotic vegetation will be removed and strict 1 conditions on the boat-shed occupation will be enforced Beach to improve the appearance of the area and maximise 1 4.7.1 Significant Features access for the general public. As discussed earlier in this report the coast from the 4.7.4 Zoning optional dress bathing beach through to Shag Point is Being an area intended for recreational development, this currently occupied by a large number of private area is included in a General Recreation Area which 1 boat-sheds in two groupings, a smaller group at Baileys includes all the foreshore reserve and extends 200 metres Beach and the bulk at Campbells Cove. The future of the offshore from the low water mark. Beyond this the Open boat-sheds in relation to alternative uses is the major Water Area extends applies. I issue for this part of the coast. This part of the coastal reserve is wider than many other 4.7.5 Actions parts along the coast between Werribee South and the The boat-sheds will be removed at the end of 1999 in 1 RAAF base and offers greater potential for providing accordance with the policy spelt out in Section 3. In the passive recreation facilities and landscaping. There is meantime owners will be compelled to comply with the good access via Cunninghams Road and the narrow conditions of occupation spelt out in Section 5. 1- sealed road following the foreshore behind the sheds. The coprosma and boxthorn hedges which provide a 4.7.2 Issues windbreak between the coastal reserve and adjoining farmland will be progressively replaced with native A policy for the sheds which will lead to their removal species. Exotic vegetation throughout the area wil1 be by the end of 1999 is discussed in Section 3. Guidelines removed and planting will be undertaken with indigenous for their management up until this time are outlined in species. Section 5. In the meantime a number of steps could be I 1 ~ taken to increase the usability and attractiveness of this .. 1 Werribee Coastal Plan t 1 I I Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 52 I In the short term, landscaping will be carried out in the is also desirable to create a focal point for enjoyment of area between the Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach this section of the coast. sheds opposite the end of Craw fords Road. It will be There is a need for imprOVed landscaping and I made attractive for informal recreation by planting and revegetation and removal of dumped rubbish including a provision of picnic facilities. number of car bodies. Adjacent farmers apparently use 1- Essential coast protection works will be carried out to the coastal reserve for dumping weeds and other rubbish. protect the coastal reserve. These works will not be done to protect the boat-sheds if by allowing erosion to 4.8.3 Overall Approach continue a new, stable coastline would be formed The approach to this strip of coast is to maintain its I naturally. The use of beach nourishment is recommended present character while providing improved longshore to provide protection from erosion and better recreational access and landscaping. An access point with limited beaches, subject to detailed assessment of environmental facilities will be developed at Crawfords Road. I effects. As part of the River-Coast Trail, provision will be made 4.8.4 Zoning for pedestrian and bicycle access through the area. This section will be a Nature Recreation Area between 1 At the end of Crawfords Road there is a site nominated in the end of the road leading to the boat-sheds and the the report Sites of Significance in the Western Region of Werribee Harbour Zone, aside from an area extending for Melbourne as one of the best for observing the Werribee 50 metres either side of Crawfords Road where a General I delta silts and interpretative material relating to the silt Recreation Area will apply. These areas extend for 200 formations will be provided.3 metres offshore from the low water mark to where the Open Water Area extends for the remaining 400 metres. Nearing the time for removal of the boat-sheds an 1 assessment will be carried out of the community'S needs 4.8.5 Actions, to provide information concerning the best way of developing the area for future recreational use. It could The unsealed portion of Crawfords Road will eventually .1 include the provision of opportunities for off-the-beach be sealed to allow access through to the coast. Car yachting and other coastal activities as well as parking can be provided within the road and drain landscaping and facilities for informal recreation and reserves to avoid intrusion of car-parks onto the narrow beach use. coast reserve. Provision will be made for passive I recreation centred on the road, including direction signs to the small pocket beaches. 4.8 Baileys Beach to Duncans I The River-Coast Trail will be constructed along foreshore Road and the foreshore landscaped and revegetated, using indigenous species where possible. The lines of wind 4.8.1 Sig'nificant Features breaks and hedges of exotic species such as Coprosma 1 and Box Thorn which are between the coastal reserve and This is a narrow strip of coastal reserve backed by market market gardens will be progressively replaced with gardens which is not developed with any facilities. It has appropriate native species or with cypress to reinforce the I some small pocket beaches and a remote, rural visual character of the area. atmosphere. Access by road is available at Baileys Beach Access by trail bikes to the coast will be controlled and and Duncans Road. The Crawfords Road reserve reaches policed and rubbish will be regularly cleaned up to the coast midway between these points but the road is I remove the expectation that the area is a dumping unmade for the last section and hence is impassable when ground. Adjacent landholders will be prevented from wet. using the coastal reserve as a dumping area. I 4.8.2 Issues Pedestrian access along the shore will be provided as part 4.9 Duncans Road 1- of the River-Coast Trail, connecting the proposed boating facilities at Duncans Road with Campbells Cove. The 4.9.1 Significant Features eventual improvement of road access at Crawfords Road The point where Duncans Road reaches the coastline is 1- the most easily accessible point of the Werribee coast as the road is the main access route from Werribee to the 3. Rosengren N ] Sites of Geological and Werribee South area. Duncans Road now has exit ramps Geomorphological Significance in the Western from the Maltby By-pass allowing easy access from I Region of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Melbourne and the western suburbs. Melbourne, 1986, p.l08. I Werribee Coastal Plan 11 ;J ------I Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 53 I The preferred site for the proposed Werribee harbour is Some facilities will be incorporated in the harbour just to the north-east of where Duncans Road meets the complex to remove them from other parts of the coast, coast and Duncans Road will be the harbour complex's such as the Coastguard facilities which wiII be relocated I main access route. from Price Reserve. Suitable facilities for the boats presently kept at Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach will 1- 4.9.2 Issues also be included in the complex. The planning and environmental issues surrounding the Extensive landscaping will be included in the development of the boating facilities are addressed in development using native coastal plant species as well as detail in the Werribee Harbour Environment Effects Cypress, to reinforce the existing vegetation character of I Statement, exhibited from October 5 to December 5, the Werribee South area. Areas for informal recreation, 1988.4 Below are a number of issue of importance to relaxing and viewing of boating activities will be overall foreshore planning which are addressed in the provided. A sandy beach will be formed running from I Environment Effects Statement: the harbour towards Werribee South and another beach ... provision of long shore access past the harbour, will.be formed on the northern side. The southern beach ... provision of sand by-pass to ensure the continuity of will be exclusively for swimming and beach activities beaches to the north-east of the harbour and while the northern beach will be primarily for off the I ... provision of facilities for informal beach users and beach craft such as small yachts and sail boards. off-the-beach yachting. The design and layout of the facilities will include an I The harbour proposal is discussed in more detail in attractive location for the River-Coast Trail. The car Section 3. entry points to the development from Duncans Road will be located and designed to provide for safe access to and 4.9.3 Overall Approach from the complex and all car parking will be I accommodated within the development. Subject to the assessment of the Environment Effects Statement IIlJd Government approval of the proposal, this site is considered suitable for the development of a large boating facility. It will include a marina in an enclosed 4.10 Duncans Road to O'Connors basin, safe haven areas, boat ramps and an off-the-beach launching area. It is to include marine related facilities Road I and services such as accommodation and marine 4.10.1 Significant Features associated shopping and light industry to ensure that it is an attractive tourist and boating destination. It wiII also This is presently the most intensively used part of the I include provision for the non-boating public by inclu~ing Werribee Coast. There is easy access to the beach from features such as new beaches and passive recreation Beach Road which follows the coast from Duncans Road areas. to Werribee South township and on good beach days the area is heavily used. This area is also characterised by a I 4.9.4 Zoning rural atmosphere provided by the farms backing onto the coastal reserve. . The area of the Werribee Harbour wiII be zoned into the Werribee Harbour Zone as defined in amendment RL 44 This section of the coast is characterised by a wide sandy I to the Werribee Planning Scheme. This zone includes a beach which is maintained through the placement of sand number of special provisions to control the type of from the biennial dredging of the Werribee River mouth. development to proceed at this location, should it be The beach wiII be enhanced by the development of the I approved by the Government. Outside this zone the proposed harbour at Duncans Road because it wiII be Open Water Area will apply to 600 metres offshore from built up and stabilised at the Duncans Road end. low water mark. I 4.10.2 Issues 4.9.5 Actions Conflicts occur between foot and car traffic when the A number of specific actions and inclusions are proposed beach is busy, requiring the rationalisation of traffic 1- for the site to ensure that the harbour will provide demands with beach use. Pedestrians are put in danger maximum benefit to the general public as well as when crossing the road from cars parked on the landward providing for boating interests. side. There is a need for enhancement of landscape quality 4. Macknight Consulting Engineers and Gutteridge, particularly through additional planting. Provision for Haskins and Davey, Werribee Harbour Environment informal recreation is needed, without allowing the area I Effects Statement, prepared on behalf of the City of to be overrun with car-parks and structures. .. Werribee, Melbourne, August 1988. I Werribee Coastal Plan I 1 Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 54 I Future planning should consider the possibility of ramps, jetty and moorings in the river mouth which give aquiring additional public open space to provide an access to good fishing. The jetty and the beach adjacent I appropriate corridor and space for passive recreation. to the river mouth are also used for fishing from the shore. There are attractive views of the Werribee 4.10.3 OveraU Approach Treatment Complex over the river and upstream the views extend to the You Yang mountains. 1- The overall approach will be enhancement of the area for beach use with improVed landscaping, visitor facilities 4.11.2 Issues and traffic control. As with the section of coast stretching to Duncans Road, I 4.10.4 Zoning traffic management and parking control are contentious issues. Traffic hazards and a shortage of parking are Reflecting its important recreation focus, the General evident at busy times. There is the potential to integrate Recreation Area will apply to the area between the Price Reserve with the foreshore by the redirection of I Werribee Harbour Zone and Grahams land, including the Beach Road and to use part of Price Reserve for foreshore reserve and extending offshore for 200 metres additional parking capacity. from low water mark. An Open Water Area applies to 1 the water beyond 200 metres offshore. Once the boating facilities are constructed at Duncans Road, there remains the question of whether the boating 4.10.5 Actions facilities in the river and dredging of the mouth should be maintained. 1 A wide sandy beach will be provided in conjunction with the development of the proposed harbour which will The character of Werribee South itself needs to be stretch towards Werribee South. Landscaping of the protected and enhanced. Overly tall structures would be 1 coastal reserve will be improVed with shade trees, shelter inappropriate to this coastal and rural location while the belts and open areas for passive recreation, using attractiveness of the village could be considerably iniligenous specieE where po!>!>iblo. On the landwat'd siJe enhanced through planting and street design. 1- of Beach Road the distinctive Cypress windbreaks will be maintained through replanting and tree care in 4.11.3 Overall Approach conjunction with private landholders. The approach will primarily be to maintain the present I As part of the provision of the River-Coast Trail, role of providing for fishing, boating and informal beach pedestrian and bicycle access will be provided along the use. A master plan will be prepared for the foreshore foreshore reserve. To improve safety, parking areas will and Price Reserve to integrate the reserve with the be provided and parking along the roadside restricted to foreshore, reduce the impact of the road and improve 1 the beach side of the road. parking provision. Improved landscaping and planting and retention of the sporting facilities will be part of the Picnic and other passive recreation facilities will be built master plan. at the Duncans Road end of this sector as part of the I harbour development. There will be further such The landscaping and layout of the overall area will be facilities provided at Werribee South. Toilets will be improved and the townscape of Werribee South better available at the harbour and exist at Price Reserve. integrated with its frontage to the sea and Werribee River I However, toilets and facilities other than small scale while retaining the quiet village atmosphere. The boating structures will not be built in between these locations. facilities in the river mouth will be maintained although their management will be integrated with the proposed I harbour, as recommended in the Werribee Harbour 4.11 Werribee South and EnvironmenT Effects Statement.S 1 Werribee River mouth 4.11.4 Zoning The foreshore adjacent to Werribee South will be . 4.11.1 Significant Features included in a General Recreation Area. The area covers 1- This section of the coast is backed by the small coastal all the car-park area adjacent to the boat ramps in the village of Werribee South and is sited at the mouth of the river mouth and the river up to the boundary with Werribee River. 1- Informal recreation facilities are provided on the foreshore and there is a wide sandy beach. Werribee S. Macknight Consulting Engineers and Gutteridge, South includes Price Reserve which is a municipal Haskins and Davey, Werribee Harbour Environment reserve including an oval, tennis courts and a caravan Effects Statement, prepared on behalf of the City of 1 park. There are existing boating facilities including Werribee, Melbourne, August 1988, p.11S. 1 Werribee Coastal Plan I ---~---~~ 1 1 Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 55 Grahams land. It does not include any of the land on the Wenibee Treatment Complex bank of the river. 4.12 Grahams Land and the I No other changes are proposed to the zoning ofWerribee South, other than to introduce a height control to restrict Werribee River the height of new buildings to the equivalent of two 4.12.1 Significant Features 1- storeys. Grahams land is an area of river flat owned by the City 4.11.5 Actions of Wenibee. It has a cover of floodplain and other vegetation and has potential habitat value. However, it is A master plan will be prepared to enable Price Reserve to 1 presently quite degraded by grazing, weed infestation and be redeveloped as a coastal park integrated with the erosion caused by off-road vehicle use. It has foreshore and river mouth. Two alternative approaches considerable potential as a readily accessible and are suggested. Either Beach Road will be redirected so I attractive natural area. that it runs around the north side of Price Reserve or design and landscaping treatments will be used to A Crown land river frontage reserve extends from downgrade the impact of the road and tie the layout of Grahams land to Werribee Park. The river is navigable I Price Reserve to the coastal reserve. as far as Wenibee Park and provides an attractive cruise from the bay. The boating facilities in the river mouth will be maintained once the harbour facilities are available but 4.12.2 Issues I they will not be expanded and parking will be restrict~ to marked bays. No new moorings will be allowed in the The two main issues are the restoration of Grahams land river mouth and mooring fees will be introduced as a for its natural values and appreciation of the natural I contribution toward the cost of dredging the river environment and the provision of pedestrian access to entrance. Werribee Park and Wenibee township. 1- In the coastal park, facilities for picknicking, beach use, 4.12.3 Overall Approach informal recreation and shore-based fishing will be provided. The existing sports facilities at Price Reserve The overall approach will be the restoration of Grahams will be retained but access, parking and landscaping will land as an intermittent wetland habitat with provision for be improved to improve its overall attractiveness and the public access, fishing and appreciation of the natural sports facilities may be rearranged. Vegetation selected environment. Coupled to this will be provision for the for landscaping will be either native coastal species or River-Coast Trail to Werribee via Wenibee Park. Cypress to complement the existing Cypress avenues of 1 the area. 4.12.4 Zoning The fencing around Price Reserve will be removed and Grahams land will be included in a Nature Recreation I additional parking for beach users will be provided, Area which will replace the existing combination of integrated with the overall layout. Provision will be areas. The Nature Recreation Area also extends over the made for the car parking to be closed when not needed river estuary and onto Jetty Reserve. No change is and used for recreation. Careful attention to landscaping proposed to the areas upstream of Grahams land along the I and access to parking areas will be required to ensure that Wenibee River. Price Reserve does not become an unattractive car-park. 4.12.5 Actions The Coastguard facilities currently in Price Reserve will I be relocated to the proposed harbour. Safe pedestrian A master plan will be prepared to steer the development access will be provided from the foreshore to Price of Grahams land for its conservation values. Sensitive Reserve and its facilities, should Beach Road remain in public access will be provided with walkways and I its present location. interpretative facilities to allow for appreciation of the environment. Height controls will be introduced to ensure that, the 1- character of the existing Werribee South township is not Access upstream for fishing will be provided and the area lost. A program of townscape improvements will be within the river meander, just south of the Werribee Park initiated to improve the overall appearance of the golf course, will continue to be available for nature township. The goal of the improvements will be to appreciation. Also, the River-Coast Trail will be included 1- enhance the appearance of the township when viewed in the design. from critical points and to more strongly direct views The river cruise will be highlighted as a boating from the town to the Bay and river mouth. attraction from the proposed harbour and the provision of I a commercial ferry cruise up the river is desirable.

i,· I I: Werribee Coastal Plan 1 If I I Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 56 I 4.13 Werribee River to jetty 4.14 Jetty Reserve to Little River reserve 4.14.1 Significant Features 4.13.1 Significant Features The area of the farm which is of concern to this coastal I· plan is the narrow strip of land between the sea and the A part of this area of the Werribee Treatment Complex sewage treatment lagoons. The Board of Works has title was once used for sewage treatment. It has potential for to the land to the high water mark, below this is Crown use as coastal park overlooking the bay and the Werribee land with the Board being Committee of Management. I River mouth. The whole Treatment Complex is a highly significant bird habitat area and the coastal strip is an important I 4.13.2 Issues component of this, as are the shallow inshore waters. The water quality offshore is not suitable for primary Two *EPA licensed outlets from the complex cross the contact recreation such as swimming and so the area has foreshore and each has a 2 kilometre radius mixing area greatest potential as an informal recreation area. The area associated with it, meaning most of the shoreline is I is prone to flooding by the river so structures are within these mixing areas. generally inappropriate. An intermittent wetland is located within the area of concern which could be 4.14.2 Issues enhanced for its habitat and scenic values. Any. I At present there is limited access to the coast for the development of the area must be compatible with the public because it is restricted by permit, to bona fide bird maintenance of the attractive views of this area from observers and naturalists, although operation of the Werribee South. 1 Treatment Complex requires that a road be maintained At present access by road through the Werribee along the coast following the top of the wall of the most Treatmeut Culllplt:!x is not available, but a pedestrian sea-ward lagoons. There is a small ramp at the 5SE line I· bridge over the river could provide a connection to which is used to launch small boats for water quality Werribee South. Access for the public at present is by monitoring and which is also used by the public. Some permit issued by the MMBW under by-laws. problems are experienced by the Board in ensuring 1- security of the Complex foreshore, especially as they do 4.13.3 Overall Approach not presently have the power to control intruders below the high water mark. The area will be developed as a park with low-key recreation facilities and an emphasis on conservation. Maintenance of the Complex' s sewage treatment function I is a primary concern and as a sewage farm it ensures the 4.13.4 Zoning retention of a large tract of rural land and important conservation values. I This area will be included in a Nature Recreation Area. The area will also extend to 200 metres offshore from the .Due to the presence of the open lagoons and the length of low water mark, with a Open Water Area beyond. coast involved there is considerable difficulty in providing safety and supervision for the public. The sea 1 4.13.5 Actions water quality offshore not suitable for primary contact recreation, particularly adjacent to the outfalls from the The area will be revegetated using indigenous species and treatment system. The area is also prone to smells from emphasising the re-creation of habitat, especially in the the adjacent sewage treatment lagoons and is generally I intermittent wetlands. Due to the low-growing nature of unattractive in conventional terms. There is therefore the indigenous plant species, the open landscape character limited potential for recreation development. will be maintained. A sheltered picnic area will be 1 provided adjacent to the existing large exotic trees at 4.14.3 Overall Approach Jetty Reserve and interpretative facilities will be developed concerning factors such as the functions of the The overall approach will involve little change to the 1- Treatment Complex, the coastal environment, birdlife present management pattern. The restrictions on public and geomorphology of the Werribee delta. access will be maintained to ensure safety, the security of Board of Works operations and the preservation of bird If a pedestrian bridge is built over the river to Werribee habitat. Those seeking access for bird observation will 1- south, it should allow for the passage of small boats be catered for through the current permit system. upstream. Due to the danger of coastal erosion the Board of Works plan to restructure the lagoon systems over time to move 1 them further away from coast,increasing width of the I I Werribee Coastal Plan I l I Proposals for Each Section of the Coast Page 57 I ------coastal strip. With rehabilitation, conservation values I should be enhanced by the wider coastal strip. 4.14.4 Zoning 1- This part of the coast will managed for conservation in the context of its role as a sewage treatment facility. From Jetty Reserve to Little River the coast will be designated as Conservation Area. The area will extend 1 from the top of the lagoon wall to include all the immediate foreshore and the inter-tidal strip. The area will extend over the nearshore waters to 200 metres from the low watt?r mark. Beyond this an Open Water Area I will apply, extending to 600 metres offshore. 4.14.5 Actions I Indigenous coastal vegetation will be conserved and maintained through replanting. This will enhance habitat values and will assist in coastal erosion control. 1 The Board of Works will continue to allow access for bird study and will develop a simple interpretative program concerning sewage treatment functions, coastal 1 processes and birdlife in conjunction with the Jetty Reserve area. Landing from boats will be restricted to the small Jilll!p at the 55E line. However, this ramp will 1- not be upgraded or its use by the public further encouraged. Board of Works officers should be given the power to I control access and the behaviour of visitors. 1 1 1

1 i :-" 'Infrastructure Library I I 1- 1- I

I ------Werribee Coastal Plan I: I I 1 I Management and Implementation Page 58 1 1- 5. MANAGE:MENT AND IMPLE:MENTATION

Responsibility for construction and maintenance of the 1 Trail should rest with the agency taking this 5.1 Management Responsibilities responsibility along the foreshore reserve to Werribee South, whilst the road should be the responsibility of the I 5.1.1 Recommended Changes Board of Works. Few alterations to management responsibility are 5.1.2 Sources of Advice proposed in this plan but they are recommended in order I to improve overall management of the Werribee coastline In general, advice about matters concerning the coast and to protect areas or features with conservation or should be obtained from the management body recreation potential. Aside from these changes, which responsible for the relevant section, as identified in are outlined below, no other changes are recommended to Section 1 of this report and in the above section. 1 the management responsibilities outlined in Section 1 and Some items of concern will relate to particular areas of shown on Map 3. expertise and advice should be sought from the agencies identified below. 1 i) Cheetham Saltworks As outlined above, the plan proposes that the saltworks i) Government Policy Concerns land be purchased by the Government or a Government 1- Questions relating to overall Government policies such as agency in order that it be managed for its conservation the State Conservation Strategy, Coastal Policy for values. Its overall management should rest with the Victoria, Open Space Plan or Port Phillip Strategy, Board of Works as a part of the Point Cook Metropolitan should be addressed to the Environment Division, Park, although the management objectives will differ I Department of Conservation and Enviroment. from other areas of the park. il) Planning Information il) RAAF Lake 1 The first contact for information relating to planning The plan recommends that the RAAF Lake be managed matters, such as permit issuing or future strategies for the as a unit, rather than the present situation which sees the City of Werribee is the planning department of the City. 1 boundary between the Point Cook Metropolitan Park and the RAAF base being across the centre of the lake. iii) Significant Vegetation or Wildlife Management responsibility should rest with the Board of Works and it is recommended that negotiations The Geelong Regional Office of the Department of 1 commence with the Commonwealth Government with the Conservation and Environment will be able to provide objective of having ownership of the area vested in the information about the vegetation and wildlife of the area, Board. This transfer should include the area to the south both maritime and terrestrial, and also about vermin and I of the Lake which is nominated as part of the area of weed control. Particular questions may be redirected to vegetation significance which extends into the specialist branches of the Department. Metropolitan Park. I iv) Archaeology iii) RAAF Foreshore Questions concerning the aboriginal history of the area As public access to the foreshore of the RAAF base is should be directed to the Victorian Archaeological recommended, consideration must be given to the Survey. The Survey should also be informed of any management of the area. Aside from the areas nominated artifacts found which may have a connection to aboriginal above, it is unnecessary to transfer ownership or control heritage. of the foreshore. However, responsibility for 1- The Survey is also responsible for maritime heritage such construction and maintenance of the proposed River­ as shipwrecks. Coast Trail and the proposed access road to the relocated museum from Point Cook Metropolitan Park should not I rest with the RAAF_ I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Management and Implementation Page 59 I ------v) European Heritage Matters relating to European heritage such as the history I of the area and historic buildings, places and artifacts should be referred to the Heritage Branch, Department of 1- Planning and Urban Growth. vi) Water Quality The Environment Protection Authority is the body 1 responsible for monitoring and controlling pollution of water and air in Victoria. They should be contacted in relation to water quality in general, while the Board of Works should be contacted in relation to water quality I adjacent to the Werribee Treatment Complex. 1 vii) Boating Information concerning boating such as regulations and control of moorings should be directed to the Senior Marine Officer, Coastal Operations Division, Port of 1 Melbourne Authority.

1 5.2 Proposed Works The attached table outlines the works and prqjects 1- proposed to implement the recommendations of this plan. The projects are grouped according to the priority they are given (1,2 or 3) and according to their location. The Authority most likely to be responsible for carrying out 1- the project or works is also listed as are the month and year by which it is desirable they are completed. The estimated cost of the project is also identified. However, it should not be assumed that funding for the 1 nominated projects is available or committed to the project. However the information can be used to support funding applications and is included to give an indication of the 1 relative priorities attached to the projects and their anticipated costs: Costings are approximate and have not 1 been developed in detail. I I 1- 1- I

1 ------Werribee Coastal Plan I 1 "1 80 I No Pr'y Project Location Authority 1 1 D~TAILED LXI OUT RIVER-COAST TRAI~ ~ERRIEEE - ~ERRIBEE SOUTH KPE 2 1 DETAILED LAYOUT RIVE~-COAET TRAIL WERRl1EE SOUTH - ALTONA KPE 1- 3 1 CONSTRUCT RIVER-COAS? TRAIL RER~l;EE - RE~~]3SE SOUTH X?E/~~E~/~CC 4 1 CONSTRUCT RIVER-COAST TRAIL ~ERRIEEE SOUTE - ILTONA MPE/~~3~/~CC 5 1 ~DATING COKTROLS EKTIRE LSKGTB OF COAST ?~A 6 1 ~ASTER PLAN HRP.lEE PBK M~3W ·1 7 j PROFERTY PUr.CH~SE CHEETEA~ SALT~ORKS MP!/CFL/K~B~ 8 1 CONTROL TRAIL BIKE ACCESS CBEETnAr. SALT~ORKS CFL/Y.~BW 9 1 MASTER PLHi CHf~TEAK SlLT~ORKS ~PE/CFL/~~E~ 10 1 MASTER PLAN POINT COOK PARK 1':MBW I 11 1 BOARD~ALK FOR S~I~KERS POlKT COOK BEACH r.MBW 12 1 AY.END BOUNDARY POINT COOK PARK/RAIF BlSE K~BW/~PE/C'~Te 13 1 CO~SERVATION STUDY RAAF ElSE JETTY ETC MPE/C'~TH I 14 1 EKFORCE CONDITIONS OF OCCUPATION BOITSHEDS WCC/CFL 15 1 L~NDSCAPE PLAN OPTIOKJ.L DRESS BElCH WCC 16 1 MAINTAIN COAST PROTECTION WORKS CAKPBELLS COVE/BAILEYS BEACH P1':A I 17 1 Y.ASTER PLAN eAMPBELLS COVE/BAILEYS BEACE WeC/~RC/KPE 18 1 DE~OLISH REMlINIKG BOATSHEDS CAMPBELS COYE/BAILEYS BEJ..CE HC/CiL ~:'C99 19 1 EARBOUR FACILITIES DUNCHS F.OlD WCC/!(PE/DEVLPP.S .J..Y90 20 1 LANDSCAPE PLAN BAILEYS BEACH - DUNCANS ROAD WCC/WRC!MPE JAK90 I 21 1 REMOVE RUBBISH AND WEEDS BAILEYS BEACH - DUNCANS ROAD ,CC/CFL OKGOG 22 1 CONTROL TRlIL FIKE ACCESS BAILEY! E~ACH - DUSCANS ROAD wce 23 1 Y.ASTtR PLAN GRAHA~S LAND .Re I­ 24 1 TOWNS CAPE/MASTER PLAN .ERRIBEE SOUTH/PRICE RESERVE ~CC/WRC/KPE ® 1 LI.NDSCAPE PLAli DUNCANS ROAD - WERRIBH SOUlE HC/WRe 26 1 HEIGHT CONTROLS HRRIBLE SOUTH \'CC 27 2 REVISE SEPP SEGMENT BOUNDARY FRO~ RllF TO iERRIBEE RIVER EPA I 28 2 REVEGETATION PROGRAM CEEETEA~ SALTWORKS CFL/MK3W 29 2 OBSERVATION POINTS CHEETHAM SlLT~ORKS SGUiH COlST CFL/KKBW 30 2 VISITOR CENTRE CHEETEA~ SA~TWORKS CFL/~~BW I 31 2 INTEF.PRETATIO~ PROGRAr. POINT C00~ EA CF. r.r.EW 32 2 REVEGETATE TRACKS POINT COOK DUES I':r.;~' 33 2 Cl~?lRR!NG POIKT COCR E[~~STEAD r.~BW I 3( 2 V~GE:I~IOK KANIGE~EN7 POlK? (C(~ !\G~T:' r.r.3~ 35' 2 VEGETATION ~h~AGEK~KT ?2IST C0C! ~0~~STEAD r.~3i 36 2 KOVE MUSEUM TO COASTAL BUiLDiNGS HAAF ElSE e'WTH 37 2 RE~OVE RUBBISH lND iEEDS CAM?BE~~S COVE/BAILEYS EEACE Wee/CFL osc1G I 38 2 RECREATION AREA END OF CU/il;INGHAMS RO~.D ~CC KOV 9 39 2 BtACE NOURISHMENT CAKPBELLS COVE/BAILEYS EElCE PMA ~O 2 KONI~OR ~ATER QUALITY OPTIONlL DRESS BEACH EPA I 41 2 ~OAD &PICNIC/RECREATION lREA CRHFOF.DS ROAD '~CC 42 2 CONTROL PARRING EEACH ROJ.D HC 43 2 RELOCATE COASTGUARD FACILITIES FROM PRICE RESERVE TO HARBOuR ~CC 44 2 FLINTING JETTY RESERVE K~BW I 45 2 PICNIC FACILITIES JETTY RESERVE MMBW 46 2 INTERPRETATION FACILITIES , JETTY RESERVE MMBW I-~ 47 2 RIVEGETATE iITE INDIGENOUS SPECIES WERRIBEE FAP.M COAST ~MBW 48 3 Y.1IKTAIN &REPLANT CYPRESS AVEKUES WERRIBEE 5TH - CAKPBELLS COVE WCC/O~NERS 49 3 REPLACE COPROSKl/BOXTBO?N EEDGES WE?RIBEE STB - CAM?BELLS COVE ~CC/CFL/O~NERS 50 3 ROAD FROM BElCH TO HOMESTEAD PT COOK PARK Y.r.BW I- 51 3 ROAD FRO~ PT COOF. EEACH TO KUSEU~ POINT CCOK FARE/RAIF BASE C'WTH/MKBW 52 3 BOARDWALK FOR S'IKKERS OPTIONlL DRESS BEACH WCC/CFL 53 3 IN:!~PRETATION OF wERP.I3EE SILTS BAILEYS BEACH \'CC/CFL 54 3 INTERPRE7ATION FACILITIES CAMPBELS COI'E WCC/CFL I 5S 3 PEDESTRIIK ONLY PATH JETTY EESERVE - ~ERRI!EE FA~K K~5W o ,.~

TABLE 5, Proposed Projects and Works /~ ___ AI. I (//-~~ ~~ ~1I~~eJ.i I J ,.£ I· -t I Management and Implementation Page 62 I 5.3.3 Siting and Design of Coastal Structures 1 5.3 Management Guidelines and i) Functional Guidelines a) Structures must be dependent upon a coastal Policies location. 1- 5.3.1 Occupation of the Foreshore b) Where possible, developments and structures within developments should be concentrated at particular i) Public Benefit locations. 1 a) All permanent and temporary commercial c) Structures should be located as far as practicable enterprises which seek to occupy public land on the from the shoreline foreshore must provide a clear and desired public d) All developments should be sited close to and benefit. I accessible to existing supplies of water and b) All occupations of the foreshore must comply with electricity or gas, if required, and to storm water the guidelines for Siting and Design of Coastal drains and sewers where practicable. Structures. I e) All sewage should be discharged to adjacent sewers c) Occupations of the foreshore must only be located at or provision made for disposal by an approved one of the recreation development points identified method. 1 in this Plan. t) Developments should not place undue strain on ti) Tenure vehicular traffic and parking provision in the locality. 1 a) All commercial occupiers of the foreshore will pay a g) Structures should not impede public access to and site rental fee commensurate with market rental. along the shoreline. The Valuer General's valuations shall be used as the 1- basis for fee setting, as recommended by the h) Developments should provide planned and Department of Conservation and Environment. For controlled pedestrian access to the shoreline. non-commercial tenures, the Department's i) Structures should be designed to minimise recommendation that rentals be set at 2-3 % of the maintenance, particularly having regard to the I unimproved site value, shall be implemented. special nature of coastal areas. b) The allocation of rights to commercial occupation of j) All materials and finishes should be durable in the the foreshore, including itinerant trading rights, 1 coastal environment. shaH be by public tender. k) Structures should be designed to satisfy the ill) Access engineering constraints of the special wind and soil 1 conditions of the coastal environment. a) No occupation of the coast by a commercial venture, club or service organisation, or the like, I) Buildings should be sited and designed to ensure shaH block or prevent access along the·coast by the good thermal performance and to utilise natural 1 general public, except to the extent necessary for light. public safety. m) Structures should be sited and designed to take into b) No occupier of the foreshore wiH be allocated any account the possible effects of rising sea levels and I area of the foreshore for dedicated car parking, increasingly severe climatic events as a result of the except for provision of exclusive parking for greenhouse effect. approved emergency vehicles. I ti) Aesthetic Guidelines 5.3.2 Archaeological Relics a) The form of structures should maintain and enhance 1- a) When works, including vegetation clearance, are· the coastal landscape character of the area as undertaken on the foreshore or nearshore areas, expressed in the dominantfonns, line or linear consideration shaH be given to the existence of relationships, colours and textures found in the 1- archaeological relics. surrounding environment. b) If items are located which are thought to be b) Structures should not impair existing views to the archaeological relics, the advice of the Victoria water and should enrich views to and from the Bay. 1 Archaeological Survey shaH be sought. 1 Werribee Coastal Plan 1 I Management and Implementation Page 63 I c) Where possible, the design of structures, outdoor building materials and other materials by the furniture, signs and utilities within a locality should occupiers upon this date. No compensation will be I be visually co-ordinated. payable by Councilor any other body. d) Signs should be clear and informative but generally c) Occupancy of all si tes from January 1, 1990 will be unobtrusive. subject to the payment of a site rental at the market rate, as established by the Valuer General. Rents e) Utility services should be unobtrusive and, are to be paid to Council annually, in advance. wherever possible, underground. d) No further sites or replacement sites will be f) Landscape design should maintain and enhance the allocated. I coastal landscape character of the area as expressed by existing landforms, vegetation and materials. ii) Transfer of Ownership g) Landscaping (predominantly through vegetation and a) Any application for transfer of ownership of the I grading) should be utilised to visually integrate sheds may be refused for any reason, at the development into the site. discretion of Council acting as Committee of h) Landsc.aping should be utilised to screen Management. I inappropriate existing structures. b) Applications for transfer of ownership of sheds are i) Landscaping should be utilised to direct views and to be made by both vendor and purchaser and a I improve amenity. transfer fee of $50.00 paid. Inspection of the site will be arranged with the Council Health Surveyor iii) Ecological Guidelines acting as Crown Land Bailiff and a complete list of matters requiring attention will be prepared. On a) Siting, design and construction of any structure I Council's acceptance of the transfer, such matters should result in minimal change to the drainage will become transfer conditions. pattemf> of the Mell. or the quality of run-off water. c) All transfer fees, current and arrears of rates, rental b) Natural vegetation should be disturbed as little as and other fees and interest if any shall be paid possible. before transfer of ownership is approved. c) Natural regeneration should be encouraged and d) No transfer of ownership of sites will be approved extensive planting of indigenous species should I until all conditions of occupancy have been occur around developments. complied with. d) Siting, design and construction of any structure I should + result in minimal disruption to soils. iii) Control of Use and Occupation e) Permanent structures should not be located on or a) No shed or other structure may be added to, adjacent to unstable or mobile soils. extended or altered structurally in any way without I the receipt of Planning Permission from the f) Siting, design and construction of any structure Responsible Authority. should minimise changes to the natural patterns of movement and supply of marine sediments. b) Any boat-sheds or other buildings destroyed will I not be permitted to be reconstructed. g) Development should result in minimal deterioration of Bay water quality. c) In the case of partial damage to any shed, the shed I may not be restored if the cost of repair represents 5.3.4 Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach more than 50 % of the value of the structure and will Boat-sheds be subject to the permission of the Responsible Authority. Those more than 50% damaged must be I i) Occupancy of Sites removed and the site rehabilitated. a) The future occupancy of sites on the foreshore may d) The site shall not be used for any living purposes be terminated at any time by Council acting as whatsoever and any facilities capable of rendering Committee of Management, upon 2 (two) calender the structure suitable for living purposes shall be months notice. Any rent outstanding will be levied. removed. Any rent paid in excess will be reimbursed, less an e) A fire extinguisher of not less than 2.2 kilograms amoUnt required to rehabilitate the site. capacity and of a BCF type shall be securely fixed b) The occupancy of all sites will cease at December to the wall adjacent to the main external doorway. I 31, 1999. Sites are to be cleared of all buildings,

I Werribee Coastal Plan .1 I Management and Implementation Page 64 I Such extinguisher shall be located so that its top is c) Overspill and temporary car parking areas should be not more than 1.2 metres above the floor. identified and managed to accommodate peak demand. I f) All buildings and surrounds are to be kept tidy and in good repair. d) Parking outside areas designated for car parking will be controlled. g) Kerosene fuelled refrigerators, lighting, heating or other appliance shall not be used or stored on the e) Careful attention will be given to surfacing site, but a small gas or electrically powered materials, layout and inclusion of planting areas to refrigerator may be used while the premises are in minimise the unattractive intrusion of car-parks into I use. the landscape. h) Private pan closets and septic waste systems shall f) The design and layout of car-parks shall take into not be constructed or retained at any site, but account the need for pedestrian safety and I ·Porta-potti· types of temporary sarutary facilities circulation. are permitted, conditional on all wastes therein g) Clearly defined and safely located entrances and being removed from the site and disposed of in a exil~ will be provided. I proper manner subject to approval of the:: Council Public Health and Environment Manager. h) New ~d existing car-parks should be provided with marked spaces to maximise capacity. i) The number of the site shall be prominently I displayed on the front and back of the building. i) Run off water will be collected, controlled and discharged in a manner which will not cause erosion j) The area around the site shall be well maintained to of the foreshore or pollution or siltation of the provide fire breaks to the satisfaction of the Council waters of the bay. I Public Health and Environment Manager. j) No spaces in car-parks will be allocated for the k) Liquid Petroleum Gas cylinders shall not be stored exclusive use of individuals or orgarusations, except within any building or between one building and the I­ for recognised emergency vehicles by permission of adjacent building. the management authority.

5.3.5 Access iii) Service Access I i) Pedestrian Pathways a) The number and length of service roads and access ways should be minimised. a) The Werribee coast is to be seen primarily as a I pedestrian place and pedestrian access will be given b) Access ways will be sited so that visual intrusion is preference over vehicle access. minimised. b) Pathways will be sited, graded and surfaced, and c) Access ways should be sited, designed and managed I run-off water controlled to minimise erosion and to minimise unauthorised use. siltation and pollution of the waters of the Bay; d) Access ways will be sited, designed and managed to c) Pathways will be sited arid constructed in a way minimise erosion. I which minimises the need for vegetation clearance e) No continuous or near continuous roadway will be and damage. constructed within the foreshore. d) Pathways will be not be sited through areas having f) No access ways will be constructed where use can I significant or rare vegetation and habitat values. be made of existing public roads. ii) Car parking g) Where and when necessary, the proposed River-Coast Trail can be used to provide access for 1 a) New car-parks should not be placed on the coastal management and emergency vehicles. reserve or immediately adjacent to the coast, except as part of a major change to coastal conditi~ns, such 5.3.6 Foreshore Management 1- as at the proposed Werribee Harbour or at the site of major beach renourishment. i) Vegetation Planting b) Car parking in road and irrigation reserves which a) Except for the provision of note b) below. lead to the coast will be maximised. vegetation selected for planting on th~ Werribee coast will be, in order of preference: (1) indigenous I to the area, (2) indigenous to the Port Phillip

I Werribee Coastal Plan I "I I Management and Implementation Page 65 I / coastline, (3) native to Victoria, (4) native to g) All signs of vandalism will be repaired or removed Australia, or (5) not native to Australia. Only when at the earliest opportunity so that the coast does not no suitable plant for the purpose required (for look like a place where vandalism occurs. I example shade trees, windbreaks or erosion control) is available in a category will a plant from the next v) Coastal Erosion category be selected. a) Coastal erosion works will be undertaken to ensure b) Plants which are not native to Australia will only be that major capital works are protected, provided used in areas where they conform to, reinforce or long term protection can be ensured and the impact restore historic or traditional planting patterns, for on the adjoining coastline is acceptable. I example Cypress windbreaks. b) Coastal erosion works will not be undertaken or c) Planting will be undertaken to progressively replace permitted to protect the private boat-sheds at Baileys inappropriate plants, such as Coprosma or Boxthorn Beach and Campbells Cove. I hedges with species selected according to the above c) Amateur coastal erosion works will be removed. criteria. d) Coastal erosion works will not be undertaken in d) Private lando ....'Tlers will be e.neouraged to adopt locations where, without inteIVention, a stable or I these principles in selecting species for landscaping very slowly eroding coastline would be formed. and windbreaks adjoining the coast. e) In implementing coastal protection works, beaches e) The guidance of the Department of ConseIVation suitable for recreation will be created and I and Environment will be sought in planning the maintained wherever possible. method and timing of any planting program. f) All coastal erosion works will take into account sea I ti) Weed Removal level rise and other possible impacts of the "Greenhouse Effect". a) An ongoing program for the control and re.moval of I­ noxious weeds .....-ill be maintained. b) An ongoing program aimed at replacing other exotic species with more appropriate plant species will be I maintained. iii) Vermin Control I a) An ongoing program aimed at controlling vermin and pest animals will be maintained. I iv) Vandalism and Rubbish Dumping a) Early steps will be undertaken to remove all rubbish from the foreshore. I b) Litter collection facilities will be provided and maintained in Intensive and General Recreation Areas. I c) Adjoining private landholders will be discouraged from dumping unwanted rubbish and plant material on the foreshore.

I d) If necessary By-laws will be used to control rubbish dumping. 1- e) All structures and furniture used on the foreshore will be designed and selected to be vandal resistant. f) Regular foreshore patrols should be used to monitor 1- and discourage vandalism and rubbish dumping. I

I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Appendices Page 66 I I I- APPENDICES I I I I I I" I I I I I I I" I" I ------I Werribee Coastal Plan

I - .' .,". . -~-----'-~"~"""...... ~ .. - ----..."" ""'"'-""----- I Appendix A Page 67 I I A. Summary of responses to the Broadsheet

I­ Total Werribee not Werr Werribee sth shed owner not shed 0'

Indiv 33 14 19 9 17 16 Orq'n 6 3 3 0 2 4 I Gov't 4 0 4 0 0 4 I Total 43 17 26 9 19 24 TABLE 1, Origins of Submissions Received. I Total Werribee (Werribee sth) Not werribee

I for boat haven 19 12 (7) 7 against boat haven 3 1 (0) 2 I TABLE 2, Submissions commenting on Boating Haven.

I Preferred Location Number

Grahams Land· 5 I Duncans Road East 4 Duncans Road West 3 Point Cook 2 I Werribee Farm 2 Campbells Cove/Baileys Beach 4

TABLE 3, Submissions Supporting I Particular Location For Boat Haven. I shed owners not shed 0' Total I retain boat sheds 19 4 23 remove boatsheds 0 1 1 I reasons for keeping sheds visual/cultural appeal 4 1 5 value to owner/family 9 1 10 I" area unsuitable other use 12 3 15 rate contribution 5 2 7 I" maintenance of area 12 0 12 TABLE 4, Submissions Referring to Boatsheds. I

I Werribee Coastal Plan I I I Appendix A Page 68

1 Issues raised Total

traffic/parking 9 1- conflict with agriculture 2 provide coastal trail 6 Point Cook beach 3 fishing quality 8 I foreshore erosion 3 for beach nourishment 4 against beach n'ment 4 I heritage issues 3 retain rural appeal 4 hinterland environment 5 I cost of boating facils 2 boating safety 7

TABLE 5, Other Issues Raised in 1 Submissions. 1 1- I­ I I

I 1- \ .

Werribee Coastal Plan I , I I I (4 ° 1 Appendix B Page 69 I ------I B. Working Group Representatives I" l\fiNlSTRY FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT Dr Colin Leigh, Chairman I Will McCutcheon, Project Co-Ordinator, later Chairman Gary Barnes Sonia Rappell I Marianne Richards Alison Natt I CITY OF WERRIBEE Greg Aplin I Anne-Marie Spincks Ross Bardin I PORT OF MELBOURNE AUTHORITY John Jones I- WESTERN REGION COMMISSION Jacy Critchley I- Jill Burness DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION, FORESTS A1\TJ) LANDS I Mike Goode MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS I Terry Scott RobiIi Crocker I Paul Schleiger El\rvIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY I Carsten Osmers George Dodds I I­ I· I

------I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Appendix C . Page 70 I ------I c. Areas For The Werribee Coast I- I I I I I I- I- :1 I I I I I, I- I ------I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Appendix C Page 71

ill) Secondary Purposes 1. Coastal General Recreation Area * To permit ancillary facilities only to the extent that the associated intensity of use is not too high. I i) Description To limit car parks to specific areas and prevent their The General Recreation Area will be applied to areas * incremental expansion. 1- which have a physical environment ranging from the semi-natural to predominantly man-made and have * To encourage the provision of temporary beach­ moderate to good access. The area will generally related facilities to cater for peak summer demand. encompass a larger area than Intensive Recreation Areas. To encourage the protection and re-establishment of 1 Facilities and amenities wiIJ be provided to cater for * natural coastal vegetation and historic planting beach related and general passive recreation activities but schemes. there will be less provision of facilities and amenities, I fewer numbers of people, and less commercial activity * To encourage the undertaking of works to ensure than in the Intensive Recreation Area. the stability of the coastal environment. Priority should be given in the area to the retention or re­ 1 establishment of natural coastal vegetation or, where appropriate, to the preservation of historic planting schemes. Terrestrial and marine structures and works 1 designed to prevent coastal erosion are generally compatible with the area, with preference being directed to those works which enhance the recreation potential of I the beach. Informal recreation activities such as beach use are r.ompatible with the area, and informal activities 1- requiring greater facility provision, such as cycling, can also be compatible. While quite intense use will be experienced on peak summer days, care should be taken 1- to ensure that the provision of amenities such as car parks does not overwhelm the environment sought by the beach goer. Some other types of facility such as food and drink outlets could be provided on a temporary basis during the 1 summer season and removed when not in use. Commercial recreation facilities are only appropriate if they are coastal-related, and on a small scale. Thus, 1 facilities such as watercraft hire establishments may be permitted but not larger scale or commercial facilities such as water slides or marinas, which would attract large numbers of people and require the further development of I supporting facilities and amenities. Boating activities wiIJ generally take second priority to I direct water-contact activities such as swimming. In spite of this, both swimming only areas and boating only areas may be considered appropriate in a General Recreation I Area, depending on the nature of the locality. ii) Primary Purposes I- * To provide areas for medium intensity coastal recreation. * To encourage the provision of facilities and settings 1- for a wide range of compatible coast-related activities. I

I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Appendix E Page 72

I SECTION 1: PERMIT NOT REQUIRED I USE CONDITION access stairway or ramp beach facilities 1- information and direction sign ... '- path (pedestrian) vegetation planting (indigenous) any works or developments included I in the works program of an approved Coastal Plan

I SECTION 2: PERMIT REQUIRED I USE CONDmON beach nourishment boat launching facilities boat storage I business sign cafe camp ground (formal) I camp ground (informal) car park club facilities 1- concession dredging dredge spoil disposal 1- erosion structure (marine) erosion structure(terrestrial) fence interpretation centre 1 kiosk floor area must not exceed 50m2 landscaping life saving club facilities monument/statue 1 mooring (pen) mooring (swing) path (bicycle) . 1 path (shared footway) pier or jetty picnic area I playground equipment public amenities public utilities road (public) 1 road (service only) sea baths search and rescue facilities 1- storage facilities vegetation planting (native) vegetation planting (other) vegetation removal (indigenous) vegetation removal (native) 1 vegetation removal (other)

1 Werribee Coastal Plan I 1 Appendix E Page 73 I ------viewing facilities water craft hire any other coast-related works or 1 development any works shown in section 1 which 1- do not conform to the specified conditions 1 SECTION 3: PROHIBITED USE

boat building I commercial amusement facility commercial premises (coast-related) commercial recreation complex 1 eXhadive industry grazing or animal husbandry mariculture marina 1 marine produce processing-plant port facilities reclamati on/filling 1 restaurant temporary carnivalicircus any othef liuu-uJas{-rdated works 1- or development any works shown in Section 2 which do Dot conform to the specified conditions 1 1 1 I I 1-'

I~ I ------1 Werribee Coastal Plan I I Appendix E Page 74 I ... To protect areas of scenic interest. 2. Coastal Nature Recreation Area iii) Secondary Purposes I i) Description ... To restrict facility provision to a minimum and to The Nature Recreation Area will be used to provide for a ensure that those which are provided are visually 1- passive recreation experience emphasising appreciation of unobtrusive. natural coastal features. It will be applied to coastline ... To maintain and, where necessary, restore the characterised by an environment which has extensive natural resources of the area. areas which are predominantly natural or which is to be 1 restored to a natural form. These areas are physically ... To promote an awareness and understanding of the capable of supporting onJy passive, low intensity values and significance of the area. recreation uses, as they are likely to be damaged by more ... To provide a buffer area, where relevant, for natural intensive use. I areas of conservation significance. Emphasis will be given to the maintenance and restoration of the natural environment and to the I preservation of areas of high visual quality. The area can . be used as a buffer between areas of intense development and Conservation or Special Conservation Areas. Environmental interpretation programs and facilities are 1 compatible with the primary purpose of the Nature Recreation Area and where appropriate can relate to the features of an adjoining Conservation or Special I Conservation Area.

Vehicular access will be lim.ited, in order to ensur~ an 1- appropriately low level of visitor use and preserve the natural environment. Roads and car parks are therefore not considered appropriate under most circumstances where they do not already exist. Pedestrian access is to I be encouraged although some control may be needed to limit environmental damage. Recreation activities requiring few associated facilities are appropriate. Amenity and facility provision will be minimised. I Restricted camping may be appropriate in non-urban areas, but only informal camp grounds will be permitted. I Motor boating at less than 8 kilometres per hour is compatible with the primary purpose of the area, but boats travelling at greater speed would detract from the peaceful character of the area. Thus water skiing, which I requires travel at faster speeds, is not appropriate. Those terrestrial recreation activities not requiring the use of motorised power, such as cycling, are compatible with I the area, and paths for that purpose can be provided . subject to careful siting and construction designed to minimise environmental impacts such as vegetation I removal and erosion. Horse riding may also be appropriate, depending on the sensitivity of the natural environment concerned. \

ii) Primary Purposes ... To provide areas for passive recreation in a natural 1- setting. 1 ... To protect the natural environment.

I I Werribee Coastal Plan I I. I I Appendix E Page 75 I SECTION 1: PERMIT NOT REQUIRED I USE CONDITION information and direction sign ... 1- path (pedestrian) vegetation planting (indigenous) vegetation removal (other) any works or developments included I in the works program of an approved Coastal Plan I SECTION 2: PERMIT REQUIRED USE CONDITION

I access stairway or ramp beach nourishment camp ground (informal) concession I erosion structure (marine) erosion structure(terrestrial) fence I interpretation centre landscaping munument/statue 1- mooring (swing) path (bicycle) path (shared footway) picnic area public amenities public utilities road (service only) 1 vegetation planting (native) vegetation removal (indigenous) vegetation removal (native) I viewing facilities water craft hire any other coast-related works or development I any works shown in Section 1 which do not conform to the specified I conditions SECTION 3: PROIllBITED I USE beach facilities 1- boat building boat launching facilities boat storage business sign 1- cafe camp ground (formal) 1 car park 1 Werribee Coastal Plan I I Appendix E Page 76 I club facilities commercial amusement facility commercial premises (coast-related) I commercial recreation complex dredge spoil disposal 1- dredging extractive industry grazing or animal husbandry kiosk life saving club facilities I mariculture manna marine produce processing-plant I mooring (pen) pier or jetty playground equipment I port facilities reclamation/filling restaurant road (public) I sea baths search and rescue facilities storage facilities I temporary carnival/circus vegetation planting (other) any other non-coasH-elated "Wurlu; I­ or development any works shown in Section 2 which do not conform to the specified I- conditions I I I

I

1-- I I Werribee Coastal Plan I Appendix E Page 77 I * To restrict the provision of facilities to the absolute 3. Coastal Conservation Area minimum required for activities compatible with conservation. 1 i) Description * To exclude damaging or intrusive activities. The Conservation Area is applied in order to protect To develop public understanding of the values and significant coastal ecosystems and species, or features of * 1- functions of natural ecosystems and other natural, historic or pre-historic value. The areas to be conservation features via the use of information and protected can be marine, terrestrial or inter-tidal. The interpretation services. significance of plant or animal species or other features I may be due to their scientific, recreational or commercial importance. The area is capable of supporting very low intensity I recreation use, but levels of access and development must be controlled in order to maintain the stability of the environment and protect sensitive species or features. I The particular type of habitat or the sen!;itivity of other features to be protected will dictate the types of low intensity recreation activities which are compatible. Where the area contains natural, historic or pre-historic I features, the items of concern will generally be sufficiently stable or secure to allow for low levels of access for recreation andlor education. Provision of I sympathetically designed and located access may be appropriate. Restoration of the features of any r.(ln~.rvl\tion area ,bould be done with care to en!;ure authenticity and compatibility with the environment I concerned. Facilities and amenities must be restricted to a minimum. 1- However, information and interpretation services are desirable and should be provided through signs. Although it may be appropriate to provide an interpretation centre to explain the values being I protected, it should be generally be located in the adjacent appropriate area.

I ii) Primary Purposes * To conserve biologically important and I environmentally sensitive areas of habitat. * To conserve areas baving significance for their natural, historic or pre-historic values. * To maintain areas suitable for the study and appreciation of the natural processes, history and pre-history of the Victorian coast.

I iii) Secondary Purposes * To maintain and where necessary restore the natural 1- resource base for important plant and animal species. * To establish areas suitable for the study and I appreciation of plant and animal species native to the Victorian coast. I

I Werribee Coastal Plan I I Appendix E Page 78 I SECTION 1: PERMIT NOT REQUIRED I USE CONDITIONS information and direction sign ... any works or developments included 1- in the works program of an approved Coastal Plan I SECTION 2: PERMIT REQUIRED USE CONDITIONS

1 access stairway or ramp beach nourishment erosion structure (marine) I erosion structure(terrestrial) fence interpretation centre in keeping with historic conservation kiosk in keeping with historic conservation I landscaping monument/statue path (pedestrian) 1 pier or jetty in keeping with historic conservation public amenities public uLiliLit:.S 1- road (service only) vegetation planting (indigenous) vegetation planting (native) I" vegetation planting (other) -' vegetation removal (native) vegetation removal (other) viewing facilities 1 any other coast-related works or development any works shown in Section 1 which I do not conform to the specified conditions I SECTION 3: PROHIBITED USE

I beach facilities boat building boat launching facilities I boat storage business sign cafe 1- camp ground (formal) camp ground (informal) car park club facilities I commercial amusement facility commercial premises (coast-related) I commercial recreation complex I Werribee Coastal Plan

• !,f

_I :-:.: I Appendix E Page 79 I concessIOn dredge spoil disposal dredging 1 extractive industry grnzingorwllrrmlh~bwdry life saving club facilities 1- mariculture marina marine produce processing-plant mooring (pen) I mooring (swing) path (bicycle) path (shared footway) I picnic area playground equipment port facilities I reclamation/filling restaurant road (public) sea baths I search and rescue facilities storage facilities temporary carnivaJ/circ~ I vegetation removal (indigenous) water craft hire noy other non-cDast-rclated works 1- or development wy works shown in Section 2 which do not conform to the specified 1- conditions 1 I I I I 1- I I ------"- I Werribee Coastal Plan I Appendix E Page 80 I ... To exclude human activities and facilities 4. Coastal Special Conservation Area detrimental to the features the area seeks to protect.

1 i) Description The Special Conservation Area is used to protect features I- or areas of State, National or International significance because of their biological, natural, historic or pre­ historic values. I The area will be particularly applicable to areas of biologically healthy habitat containing species or ecosystems of State, National andlor International significance which are relatively isolated from human I settlements. The area will generally be large enough to house a significant proportion of those sections of habitat crucial to the welfare and abundance of important I species. The habitats covered by this area are more significant or fragile than those in the Conservation Area and, as with the Conservation Area, the areas of habitat 1 to be protected can be marine, terrestrial, or inter-tidal. The area will also be applicable to areas which include physical, historical or pre-historical features which are of 1 State, National or International significance andlor which are particularly fragile. Consistent with the primary purpose of the area, human I- uses are generally not considered appropriate. Most human activities and facilities could be detrimental to the ~ viability of the ecosystem, or to the preservation of I- significant features and should be excluded. Some restricted access and use will be appropriate for most Special Conservation Areas, however these will have to be considered in relation to the nature and sensitivity of I the features being preserved.

il) Primary Purposes 1 ... To protect and perpetuate biologically important and sensitive ecosystems, andlor individual plant or animal species of State, National andlor 1 International significance. ... To protect areas which have State, National andlor International significance for their natural, historic I or pre-historic values . • ill) Secondary Purposes I ... To preserve an ecosystem's capacity to feed, house and protect significant plant and animal species. '. ... To ensure unimpeded access to the necessary habitat I· by these significant species and their food sources. ... To protect and restore native vegetation consistent I with the habitat requirements of resident species. ... To establish reference areas representing significant I flora, fauna and habitat of the Victorian Coast. I Werribee Coastal Plan ~I I Appendix E Page 81

I SECTION 1: PERMIT NOT REQUIRED I USE CONDITION any works or developments included in the works program of an I- approved Coastal Plan.

SECTION 2: PERMIT REQUIRED

I USE CONDITION

access stairway or ramp I fence information and direction sign ... public utilities I vegetation planting (indigenous) vegetation planting (native) vegetation planting (other) vegetation removal (native) I vegetation removal (other) any works shown in Section 1 which do not conform to the specified I conditions I' SECTION 3: PROHIBITED , USE " beach facilities I" beach nourishment boat building boat launching facilities I boat storage business sign cafe camp ground (formal) I camp ground (informaJ) car park club facilities I commercial amusement facility commercial premises (coast-related) commercial recreation complex I concession dredge spoil disposal • dredging erosion structure (marine) I erosion structure(terrestrial) extractive industry g~goranimalhusbandry I interpretation centre kiosk landscaping I life saving club facilities mariculture I marina I Werribee Coastal Plan

I ------~-----~--'------'-----'-~-- I Appendix E Page 82 I marine produce processing-plant monument/statue mooring (pen) I mooring (swing) path (bicycle) path (pedestrian) path (shared footway) picnic area pier or jetty I playground equipment port facilities public amenities reclamation/filling I• restaurant road (public) road (service only) I sea baths search and rescue facilities storage facilities temporary carnival/circus I vegetation removal (indigenous) viewing facilities I water craft hire any other coast-rel~ted works or development ~ any other non-coast-reJated works I or development ____ L_~--_--any-works shown in Section 2 which. ". do not Conform to the specified I . conditions I I I I I I

I Werribee Coastal Plan I Appendix E Page 83 I 5. Open Water Area

I i) Description The Open Water Area is for application to Victorian I- waters beyond the immediate influence of shore-based activities. It is intended to be put in place beyond the limits of the other areas which can be expected to extend I a relatively short distance from the shore. It is envisaged that few structures would be developed in this area, although examples of those which could be constructed include navigation equipment and mussel rafts. The activities occurring in the area would be those which occur beyond the immediate area of influence of - the shore, hence swimming is unlikely but all types of I boating would be accommodated. Commercial and amateur fishing are appropriate and also other forms of marine industry. Emphasis will be given to the effective I resource management consistent with achieving sustainable yields and integration with near-shore and shore-based activities and facilities.

I ii) Primary Purposes * To provide for the use of the ope.n wRte.r beyond the I' immediate influence of the land for a variety of commercial and recreational pursuits. !'. * To allow for safe and effective shipping and the 1-, provision of appropriate navigation aids.

~ iii) Secondary Purposes I * To ensure that fishery and other maritime resources are managed for the long-term benefit of the people ,of Victoria. I * To ensure that activities conducted on the open waters of Victoria are conducted safely and without I compromise of the amenity of users of the coast. I' • I I I I

I Werribee Coastal Plan I Appendix E Page 84 I SECTION 1: PERMIT NOTREQUIRED I USE CONDITION vegetation removal (other)

SECTION 2: PERMIT REQUIRED

USE CONDITION

I cafe concession dredge spoil disposal , dredging erosion structure (marine) extractive industry I rnariculture mooring (swing) public utilities restaurant I search and rescue facilities vegetation planting (indigenous) vegetation planting (native) I vegetation planting (other) vegetation removal (native) vegetation removal (other) any other coast-related works or development any works shown in Section 1 which do not conform to the specified I conditions I SECTION 3: PROIllBITED USE I boat launching facilities business sign commercial amusement facility commercial recreation complex I marina marine produce processing-plant monument/statue I mooring (pen) ., pier or jetty port facilities I reclamation/filling sea baths water craft hire any other non-coast-related works t or development any works shown in Section 2 which do not conform to the specified I conditions I I Werribee Coastal Plan