OLD MANS VALLEY COMMUNITY LAND
Draft PLAN OF MANAGEMENT January 2012
Old Mans Valley. The study area sits above Hornsby Quarry and below Hornsby Park within close proximity to the CBD, residential areas and Berowra Valley Regional Park.
Prepared under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 Parks and Landscape Team Hornsby Shire Council
Old Mans Valley draft Plan of Management
Foreword
PLAN OF MANAGEMENT Council has prepared this Plan of Management (PoM) for the open space area known as Old Mans Valley (OMV). OMV forms part of a valley to the west of the Hornsby Town Centre. OMV occupies Lots 1 and 2 of Plan Number 169188 and Lot 1 of Plan Number 114323, which is community land owned by Hornsby Shire Council. It occupies an area of approximately 12.5 hectares, the majority of which has been modified by the activities of early European settlement including logging and farming, followed by impacts associated with quarrying on the adjoining former Hornsby Quarry land to the west.
Quarrying resulted in deposits of overburden being placed in OMV, augmented with additional filling with a view to establishing playing fields in OMV. These field construction works remain incomplete and recreation use of the site is limited to unstructured activities. The site has potential for well used recreation facilities when developed.
The OMV site is proposed to be developed for structured and unstructured recreation, which will be outlined in this PoM. OMV adjoins Hornsby Park on its eastern and southern boundaries and the former Hornsby Quarry site on its western boundary (see aerial photo in Figure 1). The lands sit within a valley extending west of a ridgeline which has the Pacific Highway running along it. The valley forms a tributary to Berowra Creek in the Hawkesbury River Catchment.
This PoM will serve as an interim plan. It is expected that in the future a new PoM will be prepared to address this land and adjoining open space areas under Council’s care, control and management, including Hornsby Park containing the Aquatic Centre and the former Hornsby Quarry land. The subject site will herein be referred to as ‘Old Mans Valley’ or ‘OMV’. To reiterate, for the purposes of this PoM, the subject site is not to be taken to include Hornsby Park or the former Hornsby Quarry lands.
COMMUNITY INPUT INTO THE PLANS OF MANAGEMENT The Local Government Act 1993 requires that all Plans of Management covering community land are placed on public display for a minimum period of 28 days. A minimum period of 42 days after the draft is placed on exhibition is allowed for written submissions to be made to council (s.38).
Submissions allow the community (including residents, interest groups, sporting clubs and Government agencies) to provide information, suggest alternatives and express opinions in relation to the proposed management of community open space within Hornsby Shire.
After consideration of all submissions received, council may decide to amend the draft plan of management, or adopt it without amendment. If council decides to amend the draft plan, it must publicly exhibit the amendments in accordance with the above requirements until such time as the draft can be adopted without further amendment (S.40).
A Public Hearing is required to be held in respect of a draft Plan of Management only if the proposed Plan would have the effect of categorising or recategorising the community land in accordance with S.40 (3) of the Local Government Act 1993. The proposed categorisation introduces an ‘Area of Cultural Significance’ and further defines area for ‘Sportsground’ and ‘Park’ and ‘Natural Area’ including subcategories for ‘bushland’ and ‘watercourse’. Accordingly, a Public Hearing will be required to take place in respect of this draft PoM.
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CONTENTS PAGE
FIGURE 1 – Old Mans Valley and adjoining sites – Community Land 1 1 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW AND POLICY FRAMEWORK 2 1.1 What is a Plan of Management? 2 1.2 Why prepare an Old Mans Valley Plan of Management? 2 1.3 Development Allowable under this Plan of Management 2 1.3.1 Local Government Act Requirements 2 1.3.2 Classification and Categorisation 3 1.3.3 Core Objectives 3 1.3.4 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 3 1.3.5 Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan 1994 3 1.4 Relevant Legislation 3 1.4.1 Commonwealth Legislation 3 1.4.2 NSW Legislation 3 1.5 Relevant Council Policies 4 1.5.1 The Planning WebTM and The Social Plan – A Strategic Direction 5 1.5.2 Heritage Review 5 1.5.3 Sports Facility Strategy 6 1.5.4 Unstructured Recreation Strategy 6 1.5.5 Housing Strategy 7 1.5.6 Hornsby Leisure Strategic Plan 7 1.5.7 Council’s Specific Bushland Management Aims 8 1.5.8 Aboriginal Heritage Study 8 1.5.9 Conclusions 9 1.6 Previous Studies 9
2 SITE DESCRIPTION 11 2.1 Context 11 FIGURE 2 OMV Context Plan 11 2.2 History 12 PHOTOS - History 14-15 2.3 Condition of the Land and of any Buildings or other Improvements on the Land 15 2.3.1 Catchment Context 15 2.3.2 Topography 15 2.3.3 Geology 16 2.3.4 Hydrology and Water on Site 16 2.3.5 Vegetation 16 FIGURE 3 – Bushland and Drainage Lines in OMV 18 2.3.6 Fauna 19 2.3.7 Landscape Character 19 2.3.8 Items of Cultural Significance 19 PHOTOS - Context and Site Features 20 PHOTOS - Heritage Items 20 2.4 Key Features of Old Mans Valley 21 TABLE 1 Key Features & Opportunities 21
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2.5 Issues for Old Mans Valley 22 2.5.1 Quarry Proposals 22 2.5.2 Land Stability 22 2.5.3 Site Access & Legibility 23 PHOTOS - Access to OMV 23 2.5.4 Relationship with Berowra Valley Regional Park & Hornsby Town Centre 24 2.5.5 Mountain Bike Trails - Environmental Impacts and Safeguards 24 2.5.6 Noise 25 FIGURE 4 Quarry / OMV / Hornsby Park Masterplan 26
3 CONSULTATION AND MASTERPLAN DEVELOPMENT 27 3.1 Introduction 27 3.2 Community Consultation 27 TABLE 2 Extract from Twyfords Report - 'WANTS' for OMV 28 TABLE 3 Response to 'Wants' criteria 28 3.3 Refined Masterplan 30 FIGURE 5 Option 2 – Indicative Concept Plan 31 FIGURE 6 Refined Open Space Masterplan 32 3.4 Objectives and Performance Targets of the Plan 33 3.5 Development Proposals 33 3.6 Scale and Intensity of Use and / or Development 33 3.6.1 Mountain Bike Trail facilities 33 3.6.2 Specialty Park facilities 34 3.6.3 Sportsground facilities 34 FIGURE 7 Indicative Mountain Bike Trails Plan (includes OMV and Hornsby Park) 35 FIGURE 8 Changes to Mountain Bike Trails Plan – Short and Long-term 36 TABLE 4 Staged Implementation of Developments in Old Mans Valley 37 3.7 Explanation of Categorisation Mapping 37 FIGURE 9 Proposed Categorisation Mapping 38 3.7.1 Land categorised as ‘Sportsground’ 39 3.7.2 Land categorised as ‘Natural Area’ 39 3.7.3 Land categorised as ‘Park’ 39 3.7.4 Land categorised as ‘Area of Cultural Significance’ 39
4 OPERATIONAL PROPOSALS 40 4.1 Maintenance 40 4.2 Leases and Licences 40 4.2.1 Leasing and Licensing of Sports Facilities 41 4.2.2 Licences for Special Events 42 4.2.3 Leasing and Licensing of Park Facilities 42 4.2.4 Leasing and Licensing in Natural Areas 43 4.2.5 Other Leases and Licences 43 - Page iii -
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5 ACTION PLAN 45 1.0 ACTION PLAN FOR ALL CATEGORIES OF COMMUNITY LAND 46 1.1 Operating Standards 46 1.2 Equity and Access 49 1.3 Anti-social behaviour 50 1.4 Reserve Naming and Dedications 51 1.5 Protecting Fauna and Fauna Habitats 51 1.6 Conservation of Resources 52 1.7 Heritage Listings 52 1.8 Impacts of Developments and Activities 52 1.9 Leases and Licences 53 1.10 Communications Towers 54 1.11 Volunteer Insurance 54 1.12 Funding 54 2.0 ACTION PLAN FOR PARKS AND SPORTSGROUNDS 56 2.1 Notifications 56 2.2 Protecting the Natural Environment 57 2.3 Availability of Facilities and Grounds 58 2.4 Maintenance of Facilities and Grounds 59 2.5 Risk Management 64 2.6 General Use: Dogs, Fireworks, Fairs 64 2.7 Use for Access or Storage for unrelated purposes 65 2.8 Community and Neighbour Issues 66 3.0 ACTION PLAN FOR NATURAL AREAS 67 3.1 Bushland and Biodiversity Protection 67 3.2 Community involvement and awareness 71 3.3 Boundary Management 72 3.4 Domestic and Feral Animal Control 73 3.5 Bush Fire Management 74 3.6 Walking and Recreation 75 3.7 Interpretive Signs 77 3.8 Watercourses 77 3.9 Authorities’ Works and Projects 78 3.10 Strategic Planning and Assessment of Developments 78 3.11 Funding 79
BIBLIOGRAPHY 80 APPENDIX 83 Twyfords Report – Engagement Process for OMV Masterplan Park Rules
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Old Mans Valley draft Plan of Management
FIGURE 1. Old Mans Valley – Community Land (shows the adjoining Hornsby Park / Aquatic Centre and the former Hornsby Quarry lands, which are not subject of this Plan of Management). - Page 1 -
Old Mans Valley draft Plan of Management
1 - PLAN OF MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW AND POLICY FRAMEWORK
1.1 What is a Plan of Management? A Plan of Management (PoM) is a document that provides a means to control the future use, development and maintenance of Community and / or Crown Land under Council’s care, control and management. This Plan of Management will identify issues relevant to the future management of the Old Mans Valley site, including the accomodation of various proposed and existing features of the site. The PoM will establish Council’s Goals, Strategies and desired Outcomes for Old Mans Valley that will guide the timing, shape and nature of developments.
1.2 Why Prepare an Old Mans Valley Plan of Management This PoM is supported by a Concept Masterplan which has been developed for the site through consultation and public forum, accompanied by recommendations for the staged implementation of proposals for parkland developments. This Plan of Management has been prepared in accordance with and seeks adoption under the Local Government Act 1993.
The preparation of this Plan of Management is intended to represent the culmination of Council’s investigation and community consultation aimed at determining an appropriate character and scale of development and management for Old Mans Valley (OMV).
There is an increasing need to meet the expectations of existing and potential user groups in the vicinity of the Hornsby Town Centre where a large and increasing population exists and where existing open space and recreation opportunities are limited. The proposals within this Plan aim to deliver additional facilities within OMV in the short-term, without being delayed by proposals in adjoining lands. The proposals for the subject site have been discussed and developed by the community and Council over many years.
The preparation of this Plan enables Council to strategically address recreation needs in a staged manner. This plan will enable commencement of the development of open space facilities on the OMV site and will identify a program of development and maintenance works with full consideration of site potentials and in relation to adjoining sites.
Following determination of land uses for adjoining sites, a comprehensive Plan of Management is expected to be produced to cover all lands under Council’s care, control and management within this valley, including Hornsby Park, OMV and the former Hornsby Quarry lands.
This Plan of Management for OMV is required to: Enable developments in accordance with proposals which are described in this PoM; Initiate long-awaited action for the benefit of a growing population in the population centre of Hornsby; and Provide strategic direction to the further development of the park into the future, including developments that will form a strong relationship with adjoining future developments.
1.3 Development Allowable under this Plan of Management 1.3.1 Local Government Act Requirements This Plan of Management covers only OMV, which includes bushland and open space area classified as Community Land. OMV is Council-owned land so this Plan has been prepared to comply with the Local Government Act 1993. The following information is provided as background to the development of management objectives for OMV.
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1.3.2 Classification and Categorisation The entire OMV site is classified as community land in accordance with Chapter 6, Part 2, Division 1 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Community land within OMV is proposed to be categorised as sportsground, park, natural area (bushland and watercourse) and area of cultural significance, as mapped at FIGURE 9 – Proposed Community Land Categorisation on page 36 of this PoM. Categorisation has been determined in accordance with the guidelines in the Local Government Amendment (Community Land Management) Regulation 1999 (6B-6JA). The Categorisation Mapping (and the Refined Open Space Masterplan it relates to) reflects a balance of the accomodation of community wants and needs for recreation and the retention and enhancement of environmental qualities on the site.
1.3.3 Core Objectives The Local Government Act establishes core objectives for all categories of community land. The significance of the prescribed core objectives is to ensure that any activities or uses of the land are consistent with the core objectives for the prescribed land categorisation.
1.3.4 Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 The Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan (LEP) 1994 was made under section 70 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. OMV is zoned Open Space A (Public Recreation - Local) in the Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan 1994 (HSLEP).
As a public reserve under Council ownership, following adoption of a Plan of Management, the most relevant planning instrument governing any proposed development and activities in OMV is the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (the Infrastructure SEPP).
1.4 Relevant Legislation 1.4.1 Commonwealth Legislation Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html
1.4.2 NSW Legislation Local Government Act 1993 http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/lga1993182/ Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/epaaa1979389/ State Environmental Planning Policy No 19 -- Bushland in Urban Areas http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/seppn19iua573/ Rural Fires Act http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/rfa1997138/ Noxious Weeds Act 1993 http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/nwa1993182/ Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/cmaa2003316/ Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/tsca1995323/
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The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, provides for the protection of native plants and animals identified as threatened species in NSW. Old Mans Valley does not contain any endangered ecological flora communities but contains potential habitat for threatened fauna species. Associated with all developments, protection of good quality indigenous vegetation, preservation of buffers to development, retention and development of habitat linkages and vegetation corridors, the enhancement of vegetation communities and fauna habitats through bushland management, regeneration and weed control, and sensitive landscaping using locally indigenous species is proposed for Old Mans Valley. Refer to Section 2.3.6 for fauna information.
1.5 Relevant Council Policies Social Plan http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/about-council/corporate-documents-and-reports/social-plan Delivery Program and Operational Plan http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/about-council/corporate-documents-and-reports/delivery- program Community Plan http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/about-council/corporate-documents-and-reports/community-plan Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan 1994 http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-controls-and-studies/local- environment-plan-1994 Heritage Studies including the Heritage DCP http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-controls-and-studies/heritage Sports Facility Strategy http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/about-council/corporate-documents-and-reports/strategies/sports- facility-strategy Unstructured Recreation Strategy http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/about-council/corporate-documents-and- reports/strategies/unstructured-recreation-strategy Leisure Strategic Plan http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/about-council/corporate-documents-and- reports/strategies/leisure-strategic-plan Biodiversity Conservation Strategy http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/about-council/corporate-documents-and- reports/strategies/biodiversity-conservation-strategy Sustainable Total Water Cycle Management Strategy http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/environment/water-catchments/sustainable-total-water-cycle- management-strategy Tree Preservation Order http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/services/trees/tree-preservation-order
Old Mans Valley lands provide an opportunity to develop a range of open space facilities based on known recreation and population demands and in accordance with aims and objectives that are identified in current Council documents. A review of all current documents including but not limited to the above can be undertaken on-line at http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ using ‘word’ search or via ‘pull-down menus’ and ‘tabs’. A review of some of these documents follows below.
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1.5.1 The Planning WebTM and The Social Plan – A Strategic Direction Council’s Planning WebTM is a framework developed to synergise Council’s various planning activities and is linked with other planning documents, including the Social Plan. The Planning WebTM has five strategic elements uniting efforts towards sustainable practices in the areas of: Society and Culture, Ecology, Economy, Human Habitat, and Governance.
The Social Plan was designed to assist in planning for future services and facilities as well as looking at community life in Hornsby. A key aim of the Social Plan 2010-2014 is to “increase social capital and social sustainability within Hornsby Shire”, which refers to facilitating connections and fostering relationships within local communities which can cross over from personal to business and other relationships and networks.
Statement of intent: The proposal for Old Mans Valley is to incorporate a range of facilities, promoting use by people from a range of backgrounds, interests and age-groups, promoting social interaction, drawing users from across Hornsby Shire and beyond. The development of the proposed range of facilities will foster increased levels of participation, coordination and interaction between users and between community groups and local service providers, with positive implications for levels of social capital and social sustainability within the local community.
1.5.2 Heritage Review A comprehensive study of the heritage items across Hornsby Shire was prepared in 2008. Provisions included in the Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan (HSLEP), 1994 enable the effective management of the heritage resources of Hornsby.
A Heritage Development Control Plan (DCP) has also been developed and applies to heritage items, conservation areas and lands as identified under the HSLEP. The purpose of the DCP is to provide guidance and outline specific Proposals for development relating to heritage items and heritage conservation areas.
Where development is proposed for community land identified as having historic significance, applications and work will be implemented in accordance with the requirements of the Hornsby Shire Heritage Development Control Plan 1995.
Statement of intent: Part of Old Mans Valley is identified in the Hornsby Shire LEP as having State Archaeological Significance. The OMV site contains evidence of a cool room to one of the homes of the Higgins early settler families and a sandstone receptacle carved into a sandstone outcrop. While not subject of this PoM, the former Hornsby Quarry site contains the site of the original Higgins Homestead, Family Cemetery and Memorial, and Hornsby Park contains sandstone steps built by the Higgins family, all of which items will be protected into the future. Landscape developments in OMV will preserve heritage items and enable the development of an interpretive signage strategy to explain and highlight these aspects of site history.
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1.5.3 Sports Facility Strategy The Sports Facility Strategy highlights specific gaps in the availability of active sports facilities in the Shire, particularly sportsgrounds for cricket, soccer and softball codes. It also identifies potential sites where additional sports facilities could be developed within the Shire. Opportunities for new sports facility sites are limited to: Sportsgrounds where a shared agreement can be reached with a local school to use school land outside school hours, New sports facility sites that are north of Berowra, and Old Mans Valley (OMV).
Statement of intent: OMV is the most conveniently located site to serve the sports needs of Hornsby Shire.
1.5.4 Unstructured Recreation Strategy The Unstructured Recreation Strategy provides for the planning of a range of unstructured recreation activities undertaken for pleasure, outside of organised use. These include, among other things: BMX and mountain biking, Walking for recreation, Dog socialisation and exercise, and Playgrounds.
Statement of intent: OMV and the surrounding study area provide a good opportunity for accommodating various forms of recreation, including cycling and walking, dog socialising and exercise and playground or park facilities. Council’s adoption of the Unstructured Recreation Strategy formalised investigation of the feasibility of mountain bike trails at appropriate locations in Hornsby Shire. A report was prepared by World Trail in 2009 which identified Old Mans Valley and the Hornsby Quarry lands as having “outstanding recreation potential, including as a mountain bike venue”. Council recently gave in-principle support to further pursuing mountain bike facilities generally, and resolved to include the potential for a mountain bike track and trailhead location within the Masterplan process for OMV. Trails that are proposed to be developed in OMV include mountain bike single trails, bitumen cycle paths and walking trails. Mountain bike trails are mainly proposed to areas external to the open space and predominantly through degraded bushland (refer to Figure 8 in Section 3.5 of this PoM for short and long-term proposals). Each of the various trails (for varied uses) will be distinct in form, designed to clearly indicate intended use both in terms of form and finish, and with the assistance of signage. Mountain bike trails will not be promoted for use by pedestrians. Other pathways will be designed to be shared, for the use of pedestrians and leisure cyclists. The incorporation of trails will not compromise the development of the site for other recreation facilities. Some part of the mountain bike trails initially implemented are proposed to be removed to accommodate long-term recreation goals for the site. Trail alignments in areas that will be altered, for instance to accommodate the sportsground or roads, will need to make allowance for the construction of walls and batters. All trail developments will consider issues associated with road crossings and environmental flows. Mountain bike trail design has been undertaken to ensure minimal impact on high quality environments or ecological communities.
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1.5.5 Housing Strategy The Housing Strategy gazetted on 2 September 2011 and to come into effect from 15 September 2011 identifies opportunities for the development of an additional 2690 dwellings across Hornsby Shire, including precincts to facilitate a mix of townhouse, five-storey and eight to ten-storey residential and mixed-used developments in parts Asquith, Beecroft, Carlingford, Hornsby, Mount Colah, Normanhurst, Pennant Hills, Thornleigh, Waitara and West Pennant Hills, to be implemented over a ten year time frame.
It is anticipated that approximately 21% of the population growth is expected to be in the Hornsby and Waitara area and a further 25% in Asquith. Projected population growth will generate demand for additional sportsgrounds and specialty parks, especially in the vicinity of Hornsby.
Statement of intent: It is considered significant that the OMV lands are adjacent to Hornsby Town Centre and within 1 kilometre of the Hornsby Railway Station and Bus Interchange and are therefore highly accessible. OMV represents the best opportunity for development of facilities that the community wants and needs in a location that is accessible to Hornsby Shire residents living near or further away from the CBD.
1.5.6 Hornsby Leisure Strategic Plan The Hornsby Leisure Strategic Plan (LSP) was prepared for Hornsby Council by Recreation Planning Associates and was adopted by Council in November 2002. The LSP builds upon existing policies and programs such as the Hornsby Open Space Plan 1997 and proposes strategies ‘to best align service and facility provision with the identified leisure needs of Hornsby’s present and future populations’. The aim of the LSP is to provide ‘the basis for long-term leisure planning and services and facilities provision for the Hornsby community’.
An extract from the LSP defines the purpose of asset management: ‘to provide needed assets at the lowest possible life cycle cost consistent with the required levels of service and control of exposure to risk and loss.’
Statement of intent: Old Mans Valley is identified in the Leisure Strategic Plan as a site to provide new sport and leisure facilities. The open space assessment relevant to Old Mans Valley concludes the following: A community desire for greater diversity of recreation opportunities in the parks system; and A significant demand for additional opportunities including leash-free dog areas, cycling and walking opportunities, more diversity in playgrounds and improved access to recreation for older people. The Plan identified service gaps for both existing and projected populations. Service gaps identified and relevant to Old Mans Valley include: A need for greater diversity of recreation opportunities. (Community consultation as part of the Twyfords Community Engagement study identified a community desire for a sportsground for structured team sports competition and training, community garden, dog ‘off-leash’ area, cycling and walking trails); A need for more linkages and linear parks with walking and cycle routes; and A need for more variety in play facilities. Council is committed to the aim of maximising its capacity to meet community needs through effective and efficient management practices. Council will seek to optimise funds through grants, user fees, sponsorship, S94 levies and general revenue sources.
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1.5.7 Council’s Bushland Management Aims The following specific aims have been developed for bushland management: Aims Protect conserve and enhance the Shire’s unique natural flora and fauna; Protect and conserve biodiversity within the Shire including threatened animal and plant species and vegetation communities; Ameliorate threatening processes; Preserve our natural and cultural heritage including Aboriginal sites and historic features; Protect, conserve and enhance the aesthetic and scenic qualities of the bushland environment; Provide the community with well maintained bushland for recreational activities; Promote scientific and educational inquiry into the bushland environment; and Manage and protect bushland on a total catchment basis, with a regional perspective. Council’s Bushland Restoration Strategy With the large amount of natural areas within the Shire and the limited resources available, Council has developed the following criteria to assist in prioritising bushland regeneration and restoration works: Conservation of core bushland areas which are the largest, the least disturbed and zoned appropriately for their protection; Protection/restoration of bushland areas considered to be of high conservation significance and of state and regional significance, including threatened species or plant communities; Conservation of fauna habitat especially where there is core bushland and bushland corridors; Eradication of serious noxious weeds required to be controlled under the Noxious Weeds Act (1993); Bush regeneration on a catchment basis so as to address areas at the headwaters of the catchment and drainage lines that are likely to be a source for further weed invasion; and Bush regeneration in areas with active community Bushcare involvement.
Statement of intent: Bushland areas of high resilience will be preserved in OMV. Emphasis on maintenance and the enhancement of environmental flows in watercourses and connection with adjoining bushland areas will influence aspects of all the developments proposed for OMV. Old Mans Valley contains Blackbutt Gully Forest, which does not represent an Endangered Ecological Community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act. Bushland restoration will follow the Strategy as outlined above.
1.5.8 Aboriginal Heritage Study An Aboriginal Heritage Study was commissioned in 1996 to undertake a survey and provide management recommendations for aboriginal sites within the Shire. Aboriginal sites are protected through a number of legislation and planning instruments.
Statement of intent: There have been no aboriginal sites identified within Old Mans Valley however evidence of habitation and hunting in the area is conclusive within adjoining parts of the valley including in the nearby Berowra Valley Regional Park. This fact is proposed to be illuminated through interpretive site signage.
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1.5.9 Conclusions Council has limited capacity to afford the acquisition of numerous or large landholdings capable of meeting additional open space requirements. Other options for the upgrade of existing sportsgrounds such as conversion to synthetic playing surfaces may alleviate some of the pressures likely to be experienced with increased population, however OMV in close proximity to the Hornsby CBD represents a preferred option for such developments.
The Old Mans Valley lands provide an opportunity to develop a range of open space facilities based on known recreation demands that are identified in current Council documents. This includes uses that require large areas of open space such as sportsgrounds, parklands and playgrounds, and walking and mountain bike trails.
The Mountain Bike Feasibility Study for Old Mans Valley found that this site is “the single most valuable site for the mountain bike trail concept” in Hornsby Shire and as such is worthy of inclusion within the open space and recreation masterplanning process. Alternative sites within Hornsby Shire where such large scale open space facilities may be developed are limited. If the trails, sportsground and combined recreational facilities are not accommodated in Old Mans Valley, Council will have difficulty accommodating these activities in venues elsewhere.
Park developments will include site interpretation including of those aspects of site history relating to Aboriginal habitation and use of the land, European early settler history and features of the agricultural, mining and extraction history of the site, and landscape and environmental qualities and design response to these. Signage will also be used to manage various site uses and to direct users to venues and features of interest.
The above Strategy Reports can be viewed on Council’s website at www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au and following the tabs About Council > Corporate Documents and Reports > Strategies. The Housing Strategy is found under the Planning and Building tab.
1.6 Previous Studies The following is a brief summary of recent proposals, decisions and consultations regarding Old Mans Valley and related projects that may impact:
In 1989/90 Coffey and Partners were engaged by Council to undertake a geotechnical and drainage review of the site. Recommendations were made in relation to stability, compaction and drainage of the previously completed landfill works relating to Hornsby Quarry and Old Mans Valley.
In 1997 Council engaged Environmental Partnership Pty Ltd (Landscape Architects & Urban Planners) to prepare a Plan of Management (PoM) for Old Mans Valley with a draft completed in April 1998. In June 1998 Council resolved to defer exhibition of the PoM and it was never adopted.
Following acquisition of Hornsby Quarry, Council engaged Parsons Brinckerhoff to prepare a technical study for the Old Mans Valley and Quarry sites. The Land Capability Study and Masterplan, completed in August 2004, sought to identify important issues for consideration when planning for rehabilitation and management of the former quarry, OMV and surrounding lands. The study examined constraints and opportunities of the sites and provided volumes of technical information that has done and continues to inform the Masterplanning and consultation processes for future developments.
In August 2006 the Higgins family cemetery was listed on the State Heritage Register.
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In 2006 Pells Sullivan Meynink Engineers (PSM) were engaged to undertake a geological survey of the Quarry and Old Mans Valley. This report was completed in February 2007 and made recommendations about how the quarry and adjoining lands could be stabilised and used in the future. A subsequent more detailed review of the Old Mans Valley lands by PSM (June 2007) confirmed that additional works are required.
In September 2007 Council engaged Twyfords consultants to undertake community consultation regarding the future use of the Hornsby Quarry and environs and assist in setting assessment criteria for a separate public Expression of Interest process. In February 2008 Council received a series of Expressions of Interest for the use of Hornsby Quarry and Environs. In July 2008 Council resolved that land in the Hornsby Quarry and Old Mans Valley precincts will be used principally for public recreation and open space, supporting structured and unstructured uses.
In August 2009 Council resolved that, subject to the requirements for environmental assessments and approvals, the quarry shall be filled with virgin excavated natural material (VENM). Council also resolved that the preparation of an overall Masterplan for the quarry and Old Mans Valley lands shall commence, having regard to the potential filling of the quarry and Council’s reiteration of the in-principle decision that the two areas be principally developed for public recreation and open space.
In early 2010 Council entered into public consultation for the development of a Masterplan for OMV. In 2010-2011 Council prepared proposals for the development of mountain bike trails in Hornsby Park and OMV. The Masterplan and mountain bike trails work is further discussed in Section 3 Consultation and Masterplan Development.
In August 2011, Council resolved to make a planning proposal to re-classify community land in OMV and the adjacent quarry lands to operational land under the Local Government Act. Council subsequently resolved to revise this planning proposal to confine the re-classification to such portion of the land as may be required to provide alternative road access (a corridor only) to the adjacent quarry land for the purpose of proposed future land filling operations. The proposal to reclassify a portion of OMV is subject to a separate approval process and does not form part of this PoM.
Hornsby Quarry (adjoining site): An update of work related to the adjoining Hornsby Quarry is maintained on Council’s website. Technical data including the reports of Parsons Brinckerhoff and Pells Sullivan Meynink Engineers as well as other advice and documentation is able to be found and downloaded from Council’s website at www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au. ‘Hornsby Quarry’ is found under the ‘Planning and Building’ tab.
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2 SITE DESCRIPTION
2.1 Context The Old Mans Valley site (OMV) is zoned Open Space A (Public Recreation – Local) in the Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan (LEP) 1994. The Park containing Lots 1 and 2 of Plan Number 169188 and Lot 1 of Plan Number 114323 is Community Land, owned by Hornsby Shire Council. The site represents an opportunity to provide significant additional recreational opportunities in close proximity to the densely populated areas in Hornsby Shire.
Berowra Valley Regional Park
Old Mans Valley
Hornsby Station
FIGURE 2 – OMV Context Plan. Old Mans Valley sits within one kilometre radius (shaded area) of the Central Business District and Hornsby Station and in the vicinity of residential and industrial areas on the western side of the railway line.
OMV adjoins residential properties on northern and northeastern boundaries. It adjoins Hornsby Park, the Hornsby Aquatic Centre and the Northern Sydney Institute of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) on the southeastern and eastern side, as well being in close proximity to a civic precinct that includes the Hornsby Shire Council Chambers, Police Station and Courthouse, Post Office, and the light industrial and commercial precincts on the western side of the railway interchange at Hornsby. The subject site is located approximately 440 metres to the northwest of the Hornsby Station Transport Interchange and is accessible via pedestrian pathways and the Quarry Road entrance to the site at a distance of approximately 830 metres from the station.
In September 2011, the Hornsby Shire Housing Strategy was gazetted, which allows an increase in densities in several precincts from Waitara, through the eastern side of Hornsby and extending along the Pacific Highway to Asquith. When taken up, this will provide housing for several thousand additional residents in high and medium density dwellings in these areas.
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OMV does not have a street frontage. The site is accessible at its southeastern corner from Hornsby Park, which fronts the Pacific Highway and Quarry Road. An historic staircase descends from the northern end of the Aquatic Centre in Hornsby Park and a public road branches off Quarry Road through Hornsby Park on the southern boundary of the site. There is a parcel of Council-owned land (categorised as Operational and not subject of this PoM) adjoining part of the eastern boundary of the OMV site which contains a fire trail access to OMV. This fire trail links the site to Bridge Road in Hornsby near the intersection with the Pacific Highway, adjacent to the RTA Building and light industrial area on the western side of the railway line.
OMV shares its western boundary with the former Hornsby Quarry site. Further west beyond the quarry, the natural valley extends into Berowra Valley Regional Park. Hornsby Park extends across the southern boundaries of OMV and Hornsby Quarry and forms part of the Great North Walk, which is also accessible from Quarry Road and trails within OMV. OMV is accessible to pedestrians, hikers, cyclists and vehicles and is close to public transport routes.
OMV is part of the catchment area of the Hawkesbury River system and forms a well-defined valley converging with Berowra Creek to the west. OMV contains Tall Open Forest, predominantly on upland slopes, which enclose the levelled open space areas dominating the interior of the site. Weeds have penetrated areas impacted by past activities, including particularly surrounding the cleared spaces and throughout forest understory.
The development of this site will deliver much-needed recreational space in the vicinity of the Hornsby CBD, where suitable land and significant open space area is in limited availability. OMV has potential to provide recreational, educational, environmental and social gains, by development of facilities and a program of activities suited to adjoining institutions and premises. The development of recreation facilities in OMV and adjoining lands in the future will ensure the parklands develop significance on a regional scale, providing diverse facilities for the benefit of all Hornsby Shire residents. Potential future developments for consideration will be discussed in greater detail throughout this PoM.
2.2 History The Garigal and Darug Aboriginal peoples are known to have inhabited this area. A number of sites have been recorded containing potential archaeological deposits in adjacent bushland along the Benowie Track in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The findings indicate that the area was used for shelter and hunting.
There are a few theories about the naming of ‘Old Mans Valley’. This is suggested to be derived from an Aboriginal naming or otherwise is related to ‘Old Man’ Higgins, the early settler or the Grey Kangaroos that were said to inhabit the valley, but this remains for debate.
The site is recognised as one of rich European heritage through its settlement, logging, agricultural and quarrying history. Several elements remain intact in association with the lands originally settled by the Higgins family in the early 19th century. The Higgins family cemetry exists on the adjoining Hornsby Quarry site just to the western side of the OMV site. There are also tracks and staircases winding into the valley to the south and west of OMV built in the 1930’s by unemployed relief workers. Known as the ‘Depression Steps’, the Higgins family were involved in their construction. Within OMV there is a cool room and a receptacle carved into sandstone and evidence of some of the eight Higgins family homes remain in OMV and on the adjoining Hornsby Quarry lands.
The Higgins are considered the first permanent European settlers in the Hornsby area, commencing when Thomas Edward Higgins (II) (1800-1865) took up the grant on 250 acres of land ‘promised’ by Governor Brisbane in 1823. The grant was formally recorded in 1836, by which time the Higgins
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family had commenced clearing on the site. The family commenced timber-getting (particularly Ironbark, Mountain Ash, Turpentine and Cedar) and sawmilling for export to the city, with cleared lands turned to orcharding and market gardening. These activities were continued by the Higgins extended family up until the 1960s.
Thomas Higgins’ only son, also named Thomas (1832-1885), had inherited his father’s grant in 1868. Thomas (III) passed away in 1885 and in 1887 his wife, Ann Higgins, sold almost half the property to John Nobbs. John Nobbs called his land ‘Hornsby Park’ and subdivided it but the descendants of Thomas and Ann maintained a continuous presence of the Higgins family in OMV up until 1970 when Freda Jones, daughter of Percy Higgins, left the site allowing quarrying operations to expand further.
Quarrying had commenced at the turn of the century on the lands now referred to as Hornsby Quarry, while the extended Higgins family remained in OMV, and was only concluded by CSR in the late 1990’s. CSR only relinquished all involvement with the site by 2003, concluding involvement in the hands of different companies from the beginning of the 20th century.
Following the initial operations when the blue metal was carried out by horse and dray, Council briefly held the quarry lease until it was taken over by Hornsby Road Metal Ltd from 1924 until the mid-1930s. Mining operations ceased during World War II and were resumed by Perry & Norman Higgins.
Between 1947 and 1955 OMV was home to the Hornsby Radio Astronomy Field Station, where some 30 different experiments in radar astronomy were conducted. Australian Pioneer in radiophysics and radio astronomy and the first female radio astronomer, Ruby Payne-Scott (1912-1981), made world- first discovery of types of solar bursts at the Field Station in 1948. The work of Payne-Scott and work by scientific teams conducted at the Field Station contributed greatly to pioneering studies in lunar, solar and galactic astronomy before the Field Station closed and relocated to Badgerys Creek in 1955, making way for a continuation of the expansion of quarrying on the site.
In 1950 Council briefly reacquired the lease of the quarry and in 1959 Farley & Lewers acquired it for a brief period before being appropriated into the CSR mining company, which retained a presence up until 2003. Between these changes in tenure, some of the original descendants of the Higgins family left Old Mans Valley, providing an opportunity for Council to purchase those landholdings in OMV. In 1969, Hornsby Shire Council came to acquire Lots 1 and 2 of Plan Number 169188 (forming the greater southern portion of OMV) and in 1980 Council acquired the remainder (Lot 1, DP 114323).
The old Higgins home on the former quarry lands had been demolished in 1970 and a monument erected on the quarry site by Farley & Lewers / CSR the following year to commemorate the pioneering family. In 1988 the National Trust added the Higgins Family Cemetery to its register of significant cultural heritage sites. Descendants of the Higgins family were involved with the project of restoration that occurred at the time.
In 1982, Council as landowner, approved filling in OMV to establish playing fields using overburden from the quarry. Until 1987, quarry overburden was used to fill near the western edge of the site leading towards the near-completion of a sportsground at the site. In July 1988 Council approved a development application for additional landfill but the consent was overturned on appeal to the Land & Environment Court. As a result of the successful action taken by residents, filling ceased. No further land modification has since occurred at OMV.
By the late 1990’s CSR determined that it was no longer viable to continue mining operations and abandoned quarry operations. In 2001, CSR made application under the provisions of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act for Council to resume its quarry land adjoining OMV.
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The Act at the time contained a provision that made the acquisition compulsory. The parties could not reach agreement about the value of compensation. The matter went to the Land & Environment Court and Council took ownership of the quarry land in 2002. Council continues to seek a new verdict on a fair price for the land.
Since the late 1980s and as a result of the ongoing debate surrounding the future of the quarry site, lands in the vicinity of and including the OMV site have not been further remediated. Due to precipitous and unstable cliffs and slopes, the quarry site remains fenced off from the public and has not been remediated. The subject OMV site, which is not considered unsafe, is accessible and has not been developed.
In August 2009 Council resolved to fill Hornsby Quarry with virgin excavated natural material (VENM). A consultant was engaged to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and seek planning and environmental approvals to enable the quarry to be filled. In July 2008, Council approved filling of the quarry for the purposes of future use for recreation.
If filling of the former quarry is to proceed, reclassification of some land in OMV may be necessary, in order to maintain options for access to the quarry land. In August 2011 Council sought in-principle approval from the NSW Government to reclassify OMV and the quarry from community land to operational land however, in response to concerns, Council then resolved to reclassify only that part of OMV that may be required for a future road access to the quarry. Such a reclassification may be proposed in the future as the quarry remediation project requirements are established, however, this PoM proposes a community land classification only for the OMV lands.
As a result of the 2011 approval by Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) for a temporary rate levy increase, Council are in a position to proceed with initial developments of the OMV Parklands. While plans for the quarry site continue to be debated, generally-speaking, Council is resolved to commencement on a range of proposals to develop facilities for public recreation in OMV.
This PoM reflects a community land classification of lands in OMV. In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (LGA), the lands are proposed to be categorised as ‘sportsground’, ‘park’, ‘natural area’ (with sub-categories of ‘bushland’ and ‘watercourse’) and there is an ‘area of cultural significance’ identified. This PoM does not propose any operational classification in OMV.
PHOTOS – HISTORY
Two of the former Higgins family homes are seen here The ‘Depression Steps’ in lands adjoining OMV in OMV and in the adjoining Hornsby Quarry lands c. were built in the 1930’s by the Higgins family with 1959, before being demolished by Farley & Lewers to the help of unemployed relief workers. The steps make room for the expansion of quarrying operations. remain intact, subject of restoration works in 2011.
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Experiments conducted at the Hornsby Radio Astronomy Field Station from 1947 to 1955 contributed greatly to pioneering studies in lunar, solar and galactic astronomy. The Field Station contained a number of radio telescopes which bounced signals off the Moon to explore the structure of the Earth's upper ionosphere. OMV was chosen for this work because the valley was shielded from terrestrial interference and because Sydney's latitude meant that the galactic plane and the centre of the galaxy passed directly overhead. Analysis of the data collected here provided early evidence for the magnetic torus linking Jupiter and its moon Io.
Between 1948-1955, Ruby Payne- Scott, Australia’s first female radio astronomer and a pioneer in the field of radiophysics, used the Station in the discovery of solar bursts. Scientists continued to investigate galactic radiation from the Station until it was relocated to Badgerys Creek in 1955.
2.3 Condition of the Land and of any Buildings or other Improvements on the Land This section of the PoM provides a description of the land, outlines existing conditions and character, and discusses the range of proposed modifications under consideration.
2.3.1 Catchment Context OMV sits in an upper reach of the Hawkesbury River system catchment known as the Lower Fish Ponds Creek Catchment. The eastern upper reach of the catchment is formed by the ridgeline of the Old Pacific Highway within 150 metres of the eastern park boundary. Old Mans Creek forms a sub- catchment with flows converging in Waitara Creek approximately 1 kilometre west of OMV, which merges near-after with Berowra Creek. Berowra Creek meanders for more than 2.5 kilometres northerly before joining the Hawkesbury River.
Natural drainage lines on the OMV site have been significantly altered by filling operations in the past, including realignment of flows and installation of stormwater pipelines. Management of water on the OMV site and adjoining sites will form an important part of detailed design proposals.
2.3.2 Topography Old Mans Valley sits in a well-defined natural valley, which joins the Berowra Creek catchment to the west. There are steep slopes on valley sides, including natural embankments and embankments created by modification as a result of the quarrying and landfill operations of the past.
Surrounding slopes to the OMV site form an amphitheatre at the edges of constructed, filled and cleared areas. The near-level terraces situated in the western half of the site would require additional filling and levelling to reach a standard suitable for formal sports activities. As they appear, these represent gently undulating meadows, fringed by weeds and forest on surrounding slopes.
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2.3.3 Geology The past landfill operations for the development of playing fields involved filling across natural drainage lines and the incorporation of subsurface drains under some portion of the fill zones. There are three zones of mixed fill profiles over underlying sandstone, breccia and alluvium consisting of low to medium plasticity clay, as described below: Zone 1. Much of the overburden from the quarry and other material towards the southern end of the site is clean fill consisting of cobbles and boulders in clayey sandy gravel. This lies over predominantly sandstone rock. Zone 2. Moving further north, the fill is also clean and mainly consisting of the breccia found on site and underlain by breccia of volcanic origin. Zone 3. Extending further north towards the line of the former gully, the fill consists of breccia over residual soil and weathered breccia rock, as well as some clay. The former gully itself has been filled with breccia, relocating the drainage line to the north of this. No subsoil drainage was incorporated in this area. Beyond this, the site consists of exposed weathered breccia and sandstone outcrops on slopes to the north and east.
Cleared open space areas are relatively flat due to landfill operations.
2.3.4 Hydrology and Water on site There is a remnant and incised drainage line entering the site from the northern park boundary, collecting concentrated residential stormwater flows. A drainage line collecting from the eastern adjoining areas runs along the eastern boundary and joins this. The combined flows descend into a drainage diversion which exits into the Hornsby Quarry lands from the northwest of OMV. This flow is further contributed to by a watercourse running close to the western boundary (inside and out of the boundary), which enters the southwestern corner of OMV from Hornsby Park.
Subsoil drainage lines were installed under fill platforms in OMV, which contribute to the same diversion flow lines exiting OMV in the northwestern park corner. The watercourse from Hornsby Park in the south and the combined flows from the east and north exit OMV to the west around the northern side of Hornsby Quarry via a concrete diversion channel on quarry lands. These flows enter Berowra Creek west of the quarry lands.
2.3.5 Vegetation General Description OMV contains remnant Blackbutt Gully Forest on upland slopes and batters across the northern and in southwestern and southeastern corners of the site as well as regrowth fragments of what equates to a Glen Forest or Blue Gum Diatreme community along the western batter below the main cleared area.
Most forested area in OMV is dominated by weedy undergrowth including Privet while open, cleared areas are generally grassed and weedy. In various locations, garden escapees such as Wisteria Vines and other common garden species are evident.
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Blackbutt Gully Forest is a Tall Open Forest community containing dominant species of Eucalyptus pilularis, Angophora costata and Syncarpia glomulifera. In its location and structure, this forest generally equates to Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest (in accordance with Sydney vegetation map unit 10ag). The mapping of Blackbutt Forest in OMV is generally consistent with previous mapping in OMV undertaken by consultants Parsons Brinkerhoff (2004) and Smith and Smith (2008).
The Blackbutt Gully Forest community generally continues to occupy lands minimally impacted by past modifications related to clearing or quarrying. It exists in OMV on natural and modified ground and varies in condition due to weed and other impacts such as stormwater and a lack of naturally occurring fire regimes.
Blackbutt Gully Forest is the dominant forest community in OMV however, as mentioned, there is evidence of recolonisation by species from the Glen Forest or Blue Gum Diatreme community along the western edge of OMV (Sydney vegetation map unit 6c). This may be occurring on previously disturbed lands as a result of fill operations of the past although some natural ground areas are also suspected to remain in this area. Glen Forest fragments of recolonisation are evidenced in OMV by the presence of juvenile and less mature forms than other remnant or older species of trees in the area. The regrowth is occurring in competition with other species not of the Glen Forest community, including substantially weedy undergrowth.
Remnant forest on upland and lower slopes in OMV remains in varying condition and covers approximately 20-30% of the OMV site. Cleared open space, also impacted by invasive species, dominates the majority of the rest of the approximately 12.5 hectare site.
Conservation significance Blackbutt Gully Forest is recognised as a locally significant vegetation community. The evidence of recolonising by some species found in the Blue Gum Diatreme or Glen Forest community is fragmented.
While the Diatreme Forest is part of a Critically Endangered Ecological Blue Gum High Forest community, it does not represent intact forest in OMV. Such forest is excluded from the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 but is protected under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and would therefore be subject to a Seven Part Test for any development proposal likely to affect it.
Areas along the western edge of OMV containing evidence of recolonisation of the Glen Forest will not be significantly impacted by future works other than for maintenance of existing bushland trails and upgrade to mountain bike trail proposals, as discussed later in this PoM.
Condition / Impacts Most of the vegetation within OMV has been subject to a long history of disturbance including clearing, agriculture, spoil and fill deposition on site and other landscape modification. As a result, most of the forest in OMV has a weed-dominated understory however these degraded areas are also being recolonised by native canopy species such as the endemic Blue Gum (Eucalyptus saligna). Existing forest, even in degraded condition, provides habitat for fauna such as Swamp Wallabies (Wallabia bicolor) and many bird species.
Remnant natural ground, where the original soil profile has remained relatively intact in OMV, exists in the southwest corner where native vegetation is in a very poor to good condition, in the southeast corner (moderate to good condition) and along the northern boundary (poor to good condition). The resilience of these bushland areas varies and is impacted by weed invasion as well as by construction of unauthorised tracks, inappropriate fire regimes, and issues relating to urban stormwater runoff.
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FIGURE 3 – Bushland and drainage lines in OMV
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Vegetation – Condition / Impacts continued… As mentioned, OMV is significantly impacted by modifications which have enabled colonisation by invasive species within impacted bushland areas, along creek and drainage lines, at forest edges and in open space areas. The main weed species on site include Large and Small-Leaved Privet (Ligustrum lucidum and L. sinense), Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster glaucophyllus), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana), Asparagus Fern (Asparagus aethiopicus), Paddy’s Lucerne (Sida rhombifolia), and Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana).
Open space areas in OMV and fringes to forest edges are populated by the common perennial yellow daisy, Tickweed (Coreopsis lanceolata), flowering over summer. There are other introduced garden species present on site such as Wisteria (Wisteria Sinensis), which are likely to have seeded from the gardens of homes of the original settlers to the area, the Higgins family, who once had homes in OMV and on the adjoining Hornsby Quarry lands.
2.3.6 Fauna The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Mountain Bike Track facilities has made assessment of fauna of the area, which is characteristic of species found in open forests habitats throughout the Sydney Basin bio-region. The study area provides habitat for a range of common fauna including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates with a total of 39 species of animal recorded, comprising one amphibian, one reptile, 31 birds and six mammals. Four threatened species have been recorded in the area including the Grey-headed Flying Fox (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2004), Powerful Owl, Barking Owl and Varied Sittella. The REF has undertaken assessments of significance of the trail construction activity on the threatened fauna and has provides for ameliorative measures to minimise the impact on the species. The assessments have concluded that there will not be significant impact on threatened fauna. 2.3.7 Landscape Character OMV represents a modified landscape as a result of the history of the site. The latter history of fill modification is evident, where roughly level clearings are surrounded by weed infestation, however this is countered by the encircling ‘amphitheatre’ shape of forested slopes, which contribute to the sense of nature prevailing over the site and provide a sense of seclusion. Reinforcing this, the OMV site is hidden from view as it sits well below the ridgeline where the Pacific Highway is located and below the treed boundary to the Hornsby Park and Aquatic Centre.
OMV is fringed by development on higher ground to the north and east and is not visually accessible from nearby streets, except from Ferntree Close near the northern boundary. A sense of removal from the noise and pace of the nearby urban environment enhances the appeal of escaping to the OMV site.
The presence of bushland around all boundaries and the relationship with the Berowra Valley Regional Park to the west give a strong sense of OMV’s place in a natural setting. In summer, flows of introduced species of wildflower (Tickweed or Coreopsis lanceolata) occupy cleared areas creating a meadow in the midst of this hidden forest (see photos below).
2.3.8 Items of Cultural Significance As referred to in Section 2.2 - History, Old Mans Valley has a strong association with European settler history with the Higgins family taking an early land grant in the region, ‘promised’ in 1823 by Governor Brisbane but formally acknowledged in 1836. OMV contains two items of heritage significance, specifically identified in the Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan as a State Archaeological site (HSLEP, Item number I 539). The two items found on OMV sit in proximity to eachother in the southeastern corner of OMV and include a receptacle carved into a sandstone outcrop
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(which may have been a bath or basin) and a cool room, which is also carved into sandstone beneath a ledge. These two listed items form part of a single entry in the HSLEP, which includes other features found on the adjoining Hornsby Quarry lands, including the site of the original homestead and the later-constructed Memorial located there, as well as the family cemetery. These elements are found in the southeastern corner of Hornsby Quarry (see photos below).
PHOTOS – CONTEXT & SITE FEATURES
Part of the journey to OMV from From the upland slopes of OMV, The southern road into OMV - a grand Hornsby Park is via the historic ‘ views penetrate tall open forest to entrance, defined by the treeline and Depression Steps’ built in the 1930’s. the clearings in OMV below. arrival in a natural amphitheatre.
Open grasslands, fringed by trees on Grasslands turn to summer meadows, Clearings seen in OMV sit above the slopes surrounding OMV. introduced wildflowers are dominant. eastern Hornsby Quarry. PHOTOS – HERITAGE ITEMS
Receptacle carved into rock, Receptacle mid-photo and small Small basin and the initals ‘PH’ and possibly used for washing at one of basin in foreground, bottom right of ‘JT’ are evident, the former possibly the Higgins homes. picture carved by pick-axe. represent Percy Higgins.
The Higgins Family Cemetery on ‘Cool room’ formed of steel and The cool room served as a fridge for Hornsby Quarry lands. concrete lining. Percy Higgins’ family.
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2.4 Key Features of Old Mans Valley The key features of Old Mans Valley represent a mixture of natural qualities and human interventions which contribute to the character of the site and have the potential to be interpreted, including for associated parklands which will unite with OMV in the long-term. These are further discussed in Table 1 below, with respect to the site’s Natural, Cultural / Educational, Scenic and Recreation values.
TABLE 1 – Key Features and Opportunities
KEY FEATURES DETAILED DESCRIPTION - EXISTING & OPPORTUNITIES Tall open forest to Remnant bushland contributes to the biodiversity of the locality and the upland edges character of OMV. Blackbutt Gully Forest remains on steep surrounding slopes adjoining the filled and modified areas of OMV ad there are regrowth communities of Glen Forest in isolated pockets of the site.
Natural There are opportunities to improve biodiversity and connection with adjacent natural areas through bush regeneration works and management of overland water flows. Aboriginal, early The Darug and Garigal Aboriginal people are known to have occupied this area. settler, rural and While there are no known Aboriginal relics on the OMV site, evidence of mining / commercial hunting and gathering is found in surrounding areas extending into the Berowra heritage Valley Regional Park to the west. The first permanent European settlers in the Hornsby area were the Higgins family, who took up sawmilling and farming from the 1820s on 250 acres Granted by Governor Brisbane There remain artefacts and relics in the area such as sandstone stairs constructed by the Higgins family and a family cemetery in the vicinity of the OMV site. There are records of the siting of buildings and ancillary facilities on the OMV site. Level areas were created in OMV from the 1960s to the 1980s in order to
Cultural / Educational establish a sportsground. Some of the fill was provided from the quarry on adjoining lands. There is potential to interpret evident and non-evident features of the site history including Aboriginal and settler histories through landscape design, signage and other methods. Landscape character Old Mans Valley represents a modified landscape. Large and level clearings are surrounded by weed infestation on disturbed areas and remnant natural areas on upland slopes. Views to the west over distant forest horizons give a strong sense of OMV’s place in a natural setting. OMV represents a hidden valley from within and a place of refuge. The isolation of OMV from the noise and pace of the urban environment enhances Scenic the sense of removal and is overwhelmingly a positive feature of the character of the site. There is potential to enhance the scenic qualities of OMV by reinforcing existing landscape values. Recreation OMV has been accessible to the public but has not developed in any way since filling operations ceased in 1987. In this time, informal recreational use has occurred without the addition of any recreational facilities. There are a range of formal and informal recreation opportunities envisaged for the site including a developed plan for mountain bike trails, a playing field Recreation and other short and long-term recreation implementation goals as summarised in Section 3 – Consultation and Masterplan Development of this PoM.
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2.5 Issues for Old Mans Valley 2.5.1 Quarry Proposals Old Mans Valley sits above and adjacent to the former Hornsby Quarry (the quarry). Council intends to fill the quarry in order to stabilise the landscape surrounding it, which is subject to landslip. The quarry is currently considered to be an unsafe environment and is not accessible to the public.
The filling of the quarry is a long-term project and is not subject of this PoM. Filling of the quarry is a designated development under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act and requires an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate potential impacts associated with vehicular movements and filling operations.
There is a possibility that a haulage road may be required passing through OMV linking the quarry pit to Bridge Road. In the case that the northern access is required to be used for filling operations, it is proposed that the road alignment would be taken across the northern end of the proposed sportsground in OMV. As far as possible, this traffic would be separated from publicly accessible areas devoted to recreation, with the exception of areas devoted to mountain bike trails, which are proposed to traverse the length and breadth of OMV. In this instance, traffic management devices and signage would be required to reduce potential conflict for trail users in respect of truck movements.
The northern access from Bridge Road to OMV is expected to be utilised in the future as a second parkway access to OMV when the sportsground is developed. Beyond this time, a road could be utilised to serve as an access to future recreational developments that may take place in the Hornsby Quarry area.
2.5.2 Land Stability Various geotechnical studies have been undertaken looking into the stability of OMV and in particular areas that have been filled. Council commissioned studies prepared by Coffey and Partners in 1990 and Pells Sullivan Meynink (PSM) in 2007. The PSM reports found that options for land use in the OMV lands are essentially unlimited by major geotechnical constraints but rather questions of economics, amenity and community desire.
PSM identified potential uses that could be safely accommodated including such uses as botanical gardens, playing fields, open parklands and walking tracks.
The findings of these geotechnical studies was generally that OMV fill areas require some stabilisation works in the form of toe buttresses to the base of embankments, improved drainage measures and / or re-contouring.
Recent advice from PSM in 2011 reviewed proposals to build a mountain bike trail across the western embankment of OMV, below the site formerly partially developed for playing fields. This advice found these areas to be generally stable however it was noted that the backslopes may require localised support in the form of retaining walls, vegetation or other retaining or stabilisation works, depending on the soil or seepage characteristics of the location.
PSM identified a number of mechanisms for addressing stability requirements either at the time of trail construction or through regular maintenance. The Report further noted that the probability that proposed bike trail works could result in more extensive instability of the ground surface upslope of the trail, is considered to be low.
Land stability issues relating to other recreation facility development in the OMV site will be addressed in detail design as lands are remediated for recreation use.
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2.5.3 Site Access & Legibility Old Mans Valley is a hidden site without a public frontage. It will be important to establish strong pedestrian and cycle linkages to surrounding parks and residential streets, including directional and interpretive signage and distinctive entry statement ‘gateways’ to promote an awareness of the presence of the open space and resources therein. Vehicular accessways will also be important in improving the connection of the parklands with the central business district and residential neighbourhoods of Hornsby. Vehicular access is proposed to be developed from the Quarry Road access on the southern boundary of the parkland, along a gazetted public road that runs through Hornsby Park. There is also longer-term potential for vehicular access from Bridge Road on the north-eastern park boundary, as discussed at 2.5.1 above.
Distinctive park signage will be developed as a component of short and long-term proposals for OMV to increase public awareness and promote the use of the parklands. Council and community user groups will provide publicity to facilitate the use and discovery of the parklands.
The connection of OMV with Hornsby Park on the Pacific Highway will increase accessibility and elevate the profile of the lands in the public domain. Physical connection using pedestrian and cycle links with adjoining lands is an important element of this.
SITE PHOTOS – ACCESS TO OMV
Pacific Highway Hornsby at the The adjoining Hornsby Park and Hornsby Park track-head to corner of Dural Street. Hornsby Aquatic Centre. A pedestrian- bushland trail. Pedestrian Park is seen in the mid-ground, only bushland trail and heritage circulation, access points and track- representing the main destination staircase provides access to the heads will be improved in future routes to OMV. Signage will be public road entering OMV. park developments in Hornsby Park developed to direct people to OMV to improve the connection with and from Hornsby Town Centre. the legibility of access to OMV.
Bushland trail and heritage The public road and fire trail The fire trail provides the main sandstone stair; providing access towards OMV, provides the arrival entrance in OMV via the pedestrian-only access towards main vehicular access from Quarry southern park boundary. OMV. Road through Hornsby Park.
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2.5.4 Relationship with Berowra Valley Regional Park & Hornsby Town Centre As alluded to, the relationship of Old Mans Valley to adjoining lands will be consolidated in the longer-term future (not subject of this PoM) when developments in Hornsby Park and Hornsby Quarry are progressed. The importance of these links for access to existing bushland walking trails to the west, Hornsby Park to the east and via Quarry Road on the southern park boundary is foreshadowed in OMV proposals, with intention to properly meet and facilitate these movements in the future. Other potential linkages to residential neighbourhoods and via the Bridge Road access will also be utilised, subject to further more detailed investigation.
The heritage steps constructed from the Pacific Highway through Hornsby Park to Berowra Valley Regional Park establish continuous links through the adjoining sites. These potentials will be further developed and enhanced through park design into the future.
Additionally, publicity and signage will be implemented to enhance an awareness of the relationship of the parklands with Berowra Valley Regional Park, residential areas and adjoining commercial precincts on the western side of the railway and Hornsby Town Centre.
2.5.5 Mountain Bike Trails - Environmental Impacts and Safeguards Mountain bike facilities are proposed in Old Mans Valley. They have been designed to utilise existing trails and most of these pass through degraded bushland areas in sloping upland areas of the site. Detailed design and construction of new and restoration of existing trails will ensure management of environmental impacts such as water run-off and erosion caused by the nature of use.
Mountain bike trails can provide net environmental benefits and safeguards through: Improved management of the recreational activity, Design and routing to control environmental impact, minimise erosion and maintain natural water flows, Engagement of the user group through volunteer programs during design and also maintenance, Reduced net maintenance and rehabilitation costs, and Raising environmental awareness and elevating the value placed on natural areas.
The relationship between other areas, parks and Old Mans Valley is also of importance in managing the use of tracks. Mountain bike tracks can form links to other land tenures and with urban infrastructure. When well-coordinated, the protection of more sensitive land from higher or inappropriate useage may be achieved. Guidance on these relationships and cross-tenure planning are given in the Office of Environment and Heritage’s NPWS Cycling Policy and Sustainable Mountain Bike Strategy (2011).
The management of water on the site will be critical to all parkland developments including track design. Detailed design for bike trails, paths and the Pump Track facility will be developed in tandem with stormwater and other drainage management measures employed for overall parklands developments. Council have obtained advice of consultants Pells Sullivan Meynink on typical construction on fill batters and will ensure that during development, best practise principles of mountain bike track design will be employed.
Where a trail is sited towards a bushland edge, it will act as a management barrier where maintenance practices can be conducted to preserve good quality environment and manage the flow of such as introduced species, overland flows and the movement of people and vehicles in the environment.
Track-heads will be clearly sign-posted to notify park users of the intended use for mountain bike riding only and will provide information to distinguish each trail from others on site, which will differ
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in terms of length of run and skill-level required / level of difficulty. All trail developments will consider issues associated with road crossings and environmental flows, incorporating slowing devices and / or signage to trails and roadway areas.
Trails proposed for existing cleared and level areas in OMV will be modified during construction of other recreation facilities in both short and long-term stages of development, as further discussed further at Section 3.6 Mountain Bike Trails – Facilities.
The ‘Greenfield Loop’ and ‘Redbelly’ sections of bike trail in OMV (see Figure 7) do not involve any tree removals or removal of understorey or mid-storey vegetation. These areas are very weedy and include some existing open space on fill profiles. Where intact bushland exists in good condition (such as the ‘Funnel Web’ section), trails will be restricted to narrow dimensions and constructed by hand without the removal of any trees.
In tandem with trail developments, planting and bushland regeneration works are proposed to overgrow existing other desire lines. Planned bush regeneration, seed collection and planting will result in net improvement to remnant and / or emergent forest communities.
Monitoring and maintenance will be provided to ensure new tracks are not created by informal use of trails provided. Crossings over low-flow and ephemeral drainage lines will be treated with either the use of sandstone and / or wooden or metal grates at crossing points.
Additional flora and fauna studies to those already undertaken will assess potential impacts of mountain bike trail facilites. At the time of writing, Seven-Part Tests have been undertaken for flora, indicating that six species of flora and the Blue Gum diatremes evident on site would not be significantly impacted by proposals. A Seven-Part Test commissioned for fauna have also concluded that no significant impacts are anticipated as a result of the trail construction and activity, except for one species where results are inconclusive and further study is being carried out. This conclusion is conditional upon amelioration works being implemented, including such as bush regeneration, which is proposed to occur. Similarly for other park and sportsground works, environmental studies and tests will be commissioned and environmental safeguards developed for any development subject to future approvals.
2.5.6 Noise The topography of the OMV lends to the movement of noise within the valley extending to higher edges surrounding the valley. In particular, very loud noise which may be associated with heavy machinery carries into the valley and to surrounding properties. Lower level noise, such as noise associated with the use of the parklands for recreation, is likely to be significantly mitigated by vegetation on surrounding upland slopes. Formal recreation and informal open spaces will be situated in designated areas at substantial distance from park boundaries.
The use of mountain bike trails by push-bikes will not produce significant noise impacts.
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FIGURE 4 - Quarry / OMV / Hornsby Park Masterplan
LEGEND Walking Trails Future Roads Historic Cemetery
5 4
3
2
1
1. Hornsby Park 2. Pocket Park ‘Pump Track’ 3. Specialty Park 4. Sportsground 5. Future Open space
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3 CONSULTATION AND MASTERPLAN DEVELOPMENT
3.1 Introduction Old Mans Valley represents a valuable opportunity to provide new recreation facilities for the benefit of Hornsby Shire residents. This section of the Plan of Management considers and reviews what are considered to be key opportunities and features of the park, as identified through analysis and consultation with the community. It also identifies objectives, performance targets and the scope of proposals to develop recreation facilities in OMV.
3.2 Community Consultation In 2008 Council developed Indicative Concept Options for OMV. Acknowledging the spatial opportunities for various uses and a shortage of sportsgrounds and land, Council put forward for consultative purposes two Indicative Concept Plans capable of accommodating a significant open space area devoted to informal recreation and other specialty park pursuits and a sportsground.
In 2010, Council sought to engage the community in the planning of OMV and develop a Masterplan for the site for implementation. This stage of consultation was led by community engagement consultants Twyfords and sought input on the most appropriate recreation uses for this area. The process confirmed that the community overwhelmingly expects the development of OMV to accommodate a variety of recreation users in varied settings and identified a range of criteria that Masterplan proposals could be assessed against. The Twyfords Consultant Report on the Community Engagement Process for Old Mans Valley Masterplan can be found at Appendix 1 to this PoM.
In accordance with the resolution of Council in April 2010 (EN13/10), the following ‘Musts’ and ‘Wants’ Criteria derived in the Twyfords consultation process were adopted as criteria that any Masterplan for the site should seek to address where possible. MUSTS The ‘Musts’ criteria are considered critical to the open space development of OMV. The Masterplan for OMV must: comply with Open Space Zoning for active and passive recreation, contain at least one large flexible sportsground for organised sport, and maintain appropriate access to the neighbouring quarry pit area for filling and for its future use as open space. WANTS The ‘Wants’ criteria across 4 categories were validated and weighted by community attendees at the Deliberative Forum, with a high weighting for items considered more significant, as summarised in Table 2 below, extracted from the Twyfords Report. The outcomes of the consultation were that the Indicative Concept - Option 2 Plan was confirmed as the basis of a Masterplan to guide development of OMV into the future, subject to changes in response to the ‘validated and weighted criteria’, in accordance with the Twyfords findings.
Table 3 below assesses the Refined Masterplan against the ‘Wants’ criteria derived from community consultations. This table identifies the highest importance criteria first, followed by the weighted medium and low importance criteria and assesses how the refined Masterplan concept addresses each in development terms.
The refined Masterplan incorporates a range of open space facilities, providing for uses that are more complementary to the landscape character and topography. The Indicative Concept - Option 2 is Figure 5 below, followed by Figure 6, the Refined Open Space Masterplan for short and long-term Proposals.
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TABLE 2 – Extract from Twyfords Report – ‘WANTS’ for OMV
Category Criterion Weighting
1. Social 1.1 Greatest contribution to health, education and cultural cohesion of High the local community
1.2 Maximises range and mix of activities to meet likely community High needs
1.3 Provides the most attractive destination for users Low
1.4 Lowest impact on amenity of neighbours: Low - noise - traffic - security 1.5 Sensitive to heritage issues/ values of the area Low
2. Environmental 2.1 Most complementary to site topography, bushland and visual High character, and minimises carbon footprint
2.2 Best addresses environmental issues Medium - minimises weeds - restores bushland - maintains water quality - minimises impact on wildlife 3. Technical 3.1 Best caters for access, parking, pedestrian and cycle access and Medium other needs of visitors
3.2 Lowest fire risk on facility and surrounding area Low
3.3 Best facilitates staged development Low
4. Financial 4.1 Investment maximises level of use Medium
4.2 Minimises financial impact on ratepayers’ equity Low
4.3 Optimises construction and maintenance costs Low
4.4 Best provides a facility that is valued by the community and Low represents a worthwhile investment
TABLE 3: Response to ‘Wants’ criteria
Criterion - HIGH Response – HIGH weighting 1.1 Greatest contribution to The provision of a range of venues will assist in the promotion of health, education and cultural community interaction, with positive potential impacts on the cohesion of cohesion of the local the local community. The expansion of the range of facilities proposed in community the Masterplan will promote the equitable use of the site for healthy activities. The proposed development is expected to include interpretation of the natural, social and commercial history of the site and the broader visual viewshed, providing educational opportunities for the community.
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Criterion - HIGH Response – HIGH weighting 1.2 Maximises range and mix The refined Masterplan includes scope for provision of a wide range of activities to meet likely of facilities in the short and long-term. Proposals for the park are community needs inclusive of all age groups and provide for varied formal and informal use, delivering high equity to the future use of the parkland. Specific needs as ascertained in relation to formal sports and mountain bike trails and a skills ‘pump-track’ bicycle facility are proposed. In the short-term a basic amenities building is proposed to be developed in the parkland to support these uses. Picnic facilities, playground and informal recreation space as well as walking trails are proposed. Other activities subject to further evaluation and under consideration include a community garden and dog off-leash facility. 2.1 Most complementary to A range of short-term facilities such as mountain bike trails and picnic site topography, bushland and facilities respond to the existing landscape in a way that will complement visual character, and the site topography with minimal impact on the visual character of OMV. minimises carbon footprint Unique features of the site such as creek corridors and bushland remnants will be retained and enhanced where possible. Use of the site for such as a community garden and dog off-leash area will be able to be accommodated in level open space areas. These will have low impact on areas of high environmental quality. The promotion of active transport solutions such as walking and cycling in the site will serve to minimise the carbon footprint.
Criterion - MEDIUM Response – MEDIUM weighting 2.2 Best addresses Removal of weeds and progressive regeneration of bushland in environmental issues surrounding landscape areas will lead to habitat creation for wildlife on - minimises weeds site. - restores bushland Proposals for the management of overland stormwater flows on site - maintains water quality will involve retention and enhancement of existing watercourses through on-site detention and filtration systems. Such elements will deliver - minimises impact on attractive recreation features, improved downstream water quality and wildlife lead to habitat formation. 3.1 Best caters for access, The primary vehicular access to OMV will initially be established parking, pedestrian and cycle from the southern end of the site via the existing fire trail. This will also access and other needs of be used by cyclists and pedestrians. visitors An additional vehicular entry will be available in the long-term via the fire trail from Bridge Road through Council-owned land operational land. Pedestrian and cycle links will be developed between adjoining sites. As indicated in the Masterplan concept, the existing access road will also be utilised to cater for parking. The proposal to open up a mountain bike trail development on the site is complementary to other proposed park uses including the specialty park facilities and pump track in the southern portion of the parkland. Basic toilet amenities are proposed in association with short-term development proposals. 4.1 Investment maximises The proposal to open up the parkland to a range of short-term uses level of use that have a lower cost to develop will immediately maximise the use of the site with a relatively low level of capital investment.
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Criterion – LOW Response – LOW weighting 1.3 Provides the most A mixture of specialty park facilities and informal recreation attractive destination for users pursuits will be attractive for users. Lowest impact on amenity of The proposal to site the more intensive facilities at the southern end neighbours of the site in the short-term will minimise the impacts of noise on the - noise amenity of the neighbours. In all instances, the distance of facilities - traffic from neighbouring properties will remain significant in mitigating the level of such impacts. - security Traffic impacts will be monitored. New traffic will result. Old Mans Valley will operate as a daytime facility for recreation pursuits. Gates will be locked in the evening to limit undesirable activities taking place at night. By day, the presence of other users will act as a deterrent to inappropriate or improper use. 1.5 Sensitive to heritage issues The site’s known heritage elements will not be impacted by the short / values of the area or long term proposals. 3.2 Lowest fire risk on facility The facilities proposed complement the sensitivity of the land to bush and surrounding area fire risks. 3.3 Best facilitates staged The planning is to undertake the development in a series of stages development that can effectively respond to the release of funding while also allowing low cost short term uses that the community can enjoy. 4.2 Minimises financial impact High cost construction items are effectively deferred to long-term on ratepayers’ – Importance of works, minimising financial impact on the ratepayers for as long as equity possible. 4.3 Optimises construction and The works will be developed to ensure the cost of construction and maintenance costs maintenance is managed to reduce costs. 4.4 Best provides a facility that The refined Masterplan concept and intended staged development is valued by the community plan provides for the site to be opened up in the short-term to a range of and represents a worthwhile low cost facilities that were identified by the community in the investment consultations.
3.3 Refined Masterplan Council has prepared a Refined Open Space Masterplan for OMV (Figure 6) responding to the Council resolution of April 2010, which addresses the ‘Musts’ criteria identified in Section 3.2 above. The Masterplan also reflects some refinement in respect of spatial considerations. Key areas where the Indicative Concept - Option 2 has been amended are as follows: Mountain bike trails have been incorporated throughout OMV; The lake has been altered to reflect a more direct response to existing site topography and with regard to spatial and other considerations; and Inclusion of a mountain bike ‘pump course’. The Refined OMV Masterplan also provides opportunity for the following items, mentioned during consultation phases, to be considered for incorporation into the parkland area: a community garden, a performance space for daytime use, a sculpture garden, and a designated leash-free dog exercise area.
The refined OMV Masterplan foreshadows staged developments whereby bicycle, playground and informal recreation opportunities in the southern portion of the parkland may be expected to occur in the short-term with the sportsground to follow in the longer-term.
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FIGURE 5 – Option 2 - Indicative Concept - 2009
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FIGURE 6 – Refined Open Space Masterplan 2011 - Short-term and long-term proposals
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3.4 Objectives and Performance Targets of the Plan The objective of the PoM is to identify the scope and scale of permissible development in the OMV lands. The ‘musts’ and ‘wants’ criteria (discussed at Section 3.2 above), which were identified and weighted by the community at deliberative forums, have been adopted as providing overall direction to the development of this site for recreation use.
Table 3 above and the discussion in Section 3.3 indicates how the Refined Open Space Masterplan is considered to respond to these criteria. The Masterplan provides a layout, indicating where facilities are proposed to be located.
The Action Plan at Section 5 of this PoM identifies how Council proposes to achieve the objectives and performance targets required by development proposals. The Action Plan also identifies how Council proposes to assess its performance with respect to these.
3.5 Development Proposals The first stage of development in OMV is expected to occur in 2012, with the development of mountain bike facilities. These works are to be funded by a general rate variation for infrastructure works that was introduced by Council in 2011. The works will deliver a range of mountain bike trails, including integration with existing trails and development of a ‘Pocket Park’ skills facility. The source of funds for much of the other recreation developments are yet to be determined but staging is estimated over short and long-term timeframes as indicated in Table 4 below.
All park and sportsground works will be subject to further detailed design. Environmental studies and tests will be commissioned and environmental safeguards developed and will be subject to approvals in accordance with requirements of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
Other works indicated in the Masterplan may involve the following: Weed eradication and bushland regeneration works, Modification of the landscape to better manage overland flows including establishing a lake or creekline as a feature of the open space, Development of a specialty park that could support informal recreation such as walking, picnicking, community garden, performance and informal play opportunities, Development of a playground, Development of a sportsground, Development of a vehicular access road from Quarry Road and carpark(s), and Development of an amenities building for park users, initially to include toilets but with a view to expansion to accommodate additional purposes for the community and various user groups.
3.6 Scale and Intensity of Use and / or Development 3.6.1 Mountain Bike Trail facilities Facilities including a basic amenities building, bike trails and a ‘Pocket Park’ skills facility will proceed in OMV. The mountain bike trail alignment proposals are developed and could be implemented ahead of other proposals in the short-term future. Some trails as proposed will be impacted by longer-term recreation proposals for OMV. (Refer to Figures 7 and 8 below).
Proposed trails offer varying degrees of difficulty and utilise much of the OMV site, also extending into the adjoining Hornsby Park. The Trails have been designed to utilise existing trails in bushland and open space areas. A large proportion of the proposed trail network passes through degraded bushland areas and provides appropriate terrain for the intended purpose.
Some of the currently proposed trail developments in OMV will be impacted by playground and sportsground facilities in short and long-term stages of development. Affected sections of trail will be
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A specifically designed skills development facility known as a Pocket Park is proposed towards the southern end of OMV, easily accessible from the existing fire trail and vehicular entrance. The Pocket Park will provide facilities for all ages and abilities to provide a platform for learning riding skills. The Pocket Park will contain the following elements: A ‘Pump Track’ that caters for beginner through to advanced riders (‘Green Circle’ to ‘Black Diamond’ levels). A progressive skills area of low-lying obstacles and challenges, and Dirt jump lines constructed of compacted earth.
All mountain bike trails occurring on land in OMV have been designed to avoid environmentally and culturally sensitive areas. Mountain bike trail facilities will be designed in respect of existing grades and other features and to minimise impacts of water erosion.
Anticipated levels of use could involve up to 400 bike riders on peak Saturdays and Sundays across OMV and the Hornsby Park trails for event use. This figure would be considerably less on non-event weekends and much lower use will occur on weekdays. The frequency of club events will be limited, for short-term events involving weekend daytime use and by application to Council in accordance with relevant conditions. The entire proposed network including trails in OMV and the adjoining Hornsby Park area is not considered substantial enough to hold large scale events. In the case of very wet conditions or on Total Fire Ban days, cross-country trails will be closed.
Cross-country trail ‘single tracks’ will be constructed in-situ on natural surfaces to a width of up to 1 metre in varying terrain through intact bushland, degraded bushland and non-bushland areas in OMV. Where intact bushland exists in good condition (such as the ‘Funnel Web’ section – See Figure 7), trails will be restricted to narrow dimensions. Such trails will be constructed by hand and will not require any tree removals to accommodate the facility. Some turning areas will be wider than one metre with no trail exceeding 2 metres in width. Some light machinery may be required for trail construction in non-sensitive and poor condition areas such as on fill profiles.
All trail developments will consider issues associated with road crossings and environmental flows, incorporating slowing devices and / or signage to trails and roadway areas. Motor bikes will not be permitted to use facilities. The restricted dimensions of trails will not be attractive other than for pedal-driven use, which also ensures that noise impacts will be low.
3.6.2 Specialty Park facilities Specialty park facilities are taken to include those occurring in land categorised as ‘park’ and not including the sportsground. The specialty park area may contain open space, watercourses, a large playground, public toilets, BBQ, picnic shelters and possibly a kiosk. The specialty park developments will complement other facilities including the mountain bike trails and sportsground. The parkland would be used casually with carparking for up to 40 cars estimated to be required at any given time.
3.6.3 Sportsground facilities The sportsground is expected to be developed as a single large oval up to a size of approximately 165 by 135 metres, supported by an amenities building with toilets, changerooms and canteen. Spectator facilities such as grassed embankments and seating should be provided and complemented by vehicular parking areas. The field is expected to be used for soccer, rugby or hockey in winter and
- Page 34 - Old Mans Valley draft Plan of Management softball or cricket in summer. They will be used for weekend local club competitions, weekday school use and weekday evening training under lights. The playing field is expected to generate the following usage levels: In winter: an average of approximately 50 car movements an hour with a peak or up to 112 movements in a busy hour when games change over (based on the use of two senior sportsfields for soccer or football use). In summer: an average of 80 car movements an hour with a peak or up to 160 movements in a busy hour when games change over (based on four softball diamonds) or a peak of 40 car movements in a busy hour (based on cricket use).
Council received a Preliminary Noise Assessment prepared by Wilkinson Murray in 2009. This assessment considered the development potential of a number of playing fields and an indoor recreation centre in OMV, proposals which are in excess of current proposals. Such scale of development is no longer proposed and no indoor centre forms any part of the current proposal. As noted above, a large oval is proposed which may lead to a maximum concurrent usage of four softball diamonds. The study found that the site has some limitations, due to the potential impact of traffic movements, rather than noise generated by people using or spectating at the sportsground. It also noted that, due to very low background noise levels adjoining OMV, activities on the site will be audible to nearby residences. The study found that the development of one playing field with two soccer pitches and up to four softball diamonds would be feasible however may require measures to ameliorate noise generated by vehicles, particularly at peak arrival and departure times.
Requirements for noise amelioration will be addressed at a later stage, when a Review of Environmental Factors is prepared for the range of proposed developments, in accordance with the requirements of the EP&A Act 1979.
FIGURE 7 – Indicative Mountain Bike Trails Plan - (includes OMV and Hornsby Park)
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FIGURE 8 – Changes to Mountain Bike Trails Plan – Short and long-term
LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPORTSGROUND IN THIS AREA (DASH-DOT OUTLINE) WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SOME TRAILS (AS SEEN UNDER)
DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIALTY PARK FACILITIES SUCH AS A PLAYGROUND AND INFORMAL OPEN SPACE WILL BE COORDINATED WITH SHORT-TERM MTB TRAIL PROPOSALS
POCKET PARK
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TABLE 4 – Staged Implementation of developments in Old Mans Valley
SHORT-TERM LONG-TERM NOTE (0-10 Years) (10+ Years)
Mountain bike trails Amendment of Mountain bike trails may be extended into adjoining lands mountain bike trails to depending on progress of other developments. accommodate sportsground Bicycle ‘Pocket Park’ Review ‘Pocket Park’ Associated with a review of other park uses, a review will skills facility facilities development be undertaken in the long-term to improve parkland use for all interests. Community garden Sportsground The Community Garden established in the northern park area in the short-term may be relocated or removed from site when the sportsground is developed, depending on proven viability and spatial considerations. Entry road and Carpark (nth) Short-term developments will rely on the southern Carpark (sth) vehicular entrance. An additional roadway entry may be established from the Bridge Road access. Walking trails Walking trails Signage will be developed to enhance connection with Berowra Valley Regional Park and other trails. Park name and Park name and Continuing signage developments as required facilitating directional and directional and access to and enjoyment of facilities and natural areas. interpretive signage interpretive signage Informal open space Regional playground A regional scale playground is considered an appropriate retained / enhanced development parkland development likely to be sited adjacent to amenities facilities and informal open space. Dog leash-free area Review dog off-leash A review of OMV parkland will occur in the long-term to siting / presence consider spatial, relational and ‘best fit’ arrangements for established and proposed facilities. Water quality and Water quality and The management of overland flows will be important to the recreational wetland recreational wetland site and in managing returns to the existing natural catchment. This could form a recreational feature within the parkland, subject to design development. Basic amenities to Café / amenities Basic amenities will be sited adjacent to the entry drive / include toilets development carpark and to relate well to adjoining facilities proposed for the short and long-term development of OMV.
3.7 Explanation of Categorisation Mapping For the purposes of this Plan of Management, it is necessary to identify a categorisation of land, mapped in Figure 9, which reflects Councils’ proposed use of the community land of OMV. The Refined Open Space Masterplan (Figure 6) provides an illustration of an intended arrangement of facilities in OMV, including the retention of a bushland setting and the development of a range of recreation facilities, roads and trails. The Masterplan layout responds to existing site condition and is reflected in the categorisation mapping. Proposed recreation facilities are contained within appropriately categorised areas for future management.
If this PoM was formally adopted by Council, the adoption of it would legislatively enable developments proposed by this PoM and represented by the proposed Categorisation Mapping and Masterplan within it. Adoption would also require commitment to management of the lands in OMV in accordance with objectives outlined in the Action Plan forming Part 5 to this PoM.
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FIGURE 9 – Proposed Community Land Categorisation Mapping
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Explanation of Categorisation Mapping continued… 3.7.1 Land categorised as ‘Sportsground’ The extent of the area devoted to the oval and ancillary facilities in OMV is contained by the area proposed to be categorised as ‘Sportsground’ on the Categorisation Map. This area includes an extent that may be impacted by construction requirements for the oval and development of a roadway on the northern end of the oval which, in the longer-term, could serve as a public access to the quarry lands for recreation purposes. No part of the area categorised as ‘Sportsground’ impacts on bushland area that is in good condition. The categorisation of this land does not exclude the potential for development of habitat or bushland regeneration but would enable the development of a sportsground, roadway, mountain bike trails, carpark and ancillary sportsground facilities to be developed on that land. 3.7.2 Land categorised as ‘Natural Area’ The lands categorised as ‘Natural Area – Bushland’ and ‘Natural Area – Watercourse’ in OMV enclose bushland areas that have been assessed as having high resilience to further weed infestation, as setout in Figure 3. Such areas have been assessed and mapped on site by Council officers from the Bushland Team and generally do not include heavily weed-infested areas and do not include turf areas.
On-site assessments have concluded that there is substantial area in OMV which is not considered likely to be rehabilitated without a disproportionate commitment of resources. Such impacted areas are not categorised as ‘Natural Area – Bushland’ with the exception of the retention of some weedy but vegetated buffer zones surrounding drainage lines and watercourses entering OMV from the northern residential area and running along the sites’ western boundary. 3.7.3 Land categorised as ‘Park’ Areas not devoted to the protection of water lines, vegetation and / or habitat are heavily impacted by past landfill operations and are categorised accordingly as ‘park’ or ‘sportsground’. Such categorisation does not exclude regeneration of habitat or other environmental design outcomes on these lands but does enable development for recreation purposes, which accord with the Masterplan. The ‘park’ categorisation represented on Figure 9 also extends to the entry points to the site from the south and to the north-east, where it is anticipated that future access will be required for the use and enjoyment of Old Mans Valley recreation facilities. 3.7.4 Land categorised as an ‘Area of Cultural Significance’ In the south-eastern corner of OMV, an area of land is proposed for categorisation as an ‘Area of Cultural Significance’. The area devoted to this is a nominal zonal configuration which contains elements within it that are remnant of early settler habitation on the land. The receptacle carved into a rock outcrop and a cool room incorporated under a rock ledge are situated in the location of a former home of the settler Higgins family. The items are listed in Hornsby Shire Councils’ Local Environmental Plan as being of State heritage significance.
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4 OPERATIONAL PROPOSALS
4.1 Maintenance Council is responsible for maintenance of OMV to a standard that responds to the requirements outlined in this Plan of Management. The supporting document, The Action Plan identifies a specific maintenance approach that will be adopted for the upkeep of the asset. Council utilises Council staff contractors and voluntary resources to assist in meeting the targets identified.
4.2 Leases and Licences Pursuant to the provisions of Section 46 Parts (1)(b), (2), (4)(a) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1993, Council may lease or license Community Land in a Plan of Management for purposes that are also consistent with the land categorisation and with this POM.
The Local Government Act requires that all grants of all estates and any lease or licence of community land is expressly authorised by a Plan of Management. In accordance with the Act, this Plan of Management expressly authorises leasing and licensing which formalises the use of community land by groups, commercial organisations and/or individuals providing facilities or services for public use that is also in accordance with the core objectives for the category of community land and objectives of this Plan of Management.
Activities must be compatible with the zoning of the reserve and provide benefits, services or facilities for users of the land. The terms and conditions of a lease should ensure property management and maintenance, and that the interests of Council and the public are protected.
A lease is generally required where exclusive control of all or part of an area by a party is proposed or desirable in the interest of management of the area. A licence is generally required where intermittent or short-term occupation or control of all or part of an area is proposed. A number of licences can apply at the same time provided there is no conflict of interest.
The maximum allowable period for leases / licences on community land under the Local Government Act 1993 is 21 years for purposes consistent with the categorisation and core objectives of the particular area of community land. Community land may only be leased or licensed if public notice is given, unless exempted under the Local Government Act 1993. Activities exempted are listed in Appendix 4 – Leasing and Licensing of Community Land.
A lease, licence or other estate may be granted for the provision of public utilities and works associated with or ancillary to public utilities, or may be granted, in accordance with an express authorisation in a plan of management.
Future Uses When current leases expire, Council should reassess the lease and licensing arrangements. Issues to be considered when reassessing leases or entering into new agreements include: Ensuring all leases and licences are based on a sound asset management basis with rents and charges having regard to market values and other social and economic factors; Ensuring all leases and licences meet the requirements of relevant State and Local Government Acts and Council town planning controls; Ensuring proposed activities are compatible with the core objectives established in the Local Government Act; Negotiating greater financial returns which will contribute to management and maintenance of community land; and Requiring the lessee to carry out improvement works to the leased facility.
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All future lease / licence arrangements entered into shall be in accordance with Council’s Policies CSISAS 12 – Delegation of Authority to Grant Lease / Licence Agreements, CSISAS 13-Use of Council Buildings by Kindergartens and CSISAS 14 - Lease/Licence of Council Land and in accordance with requirements of the Local Government Act 1993.
Council Policy CSISAS 14 states that the maximum length of lease/licence of Council land will generally be five (5) years. Council may however give consideration to granting an additional period of tenure where special circumstances warrant this occurring.
Where a lease arrangement has been entered into with Council for community land, subleasing of the land must be in accordance with the requirements of section 47C of the Local Government Act 1993.
This Plan of Management authorises the following types of leases and licences for community land within Old Mans Valley:
4.2.1 Leasing and Licensing of Sports Facilities The granting of leases / licences are expressly authorised for use of sportsgrounds for activities permissible under this Plan of Management, the Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan 1994, the Local Government Act 1993 and pursuant to Development Consent if required. The following types of sports facility licences will be granted for the exclusive use of sportsgrounds (including playing fields, change rooms, and canteen) or courts (including netball, basketball and/or tennis courts) at nominated times.
Licences and Leases for Sportsgrounds The granting of leases or licences are expressly authorised by this Plan of Management as required for sports that run on either a summer (September to March) or a winter (March to September) competition basis, or competitions / sports programs that continue through the year, and possibly from year to year for a period of up to 21 years.
The range of sports possible include but is not restricted to, clubs and associations engaged in Australian Rules football, rugby league or rugby union football, soccer, baseball, softball, t-ball, cricket, athletics, touch football, hockey, netball, basketball and tennis, cycling, orienteering, horse riding and dog agility competition, and training in all these sports.
Leasing or licensing for the operation of restaurants, cafes, canteens, kiosks or other food outlets are also expressly authorised for a period of up to 21 years.
Licences may cover competition/program events on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (after 8am) and Friday and Saturday evenings (twilight events in summer). Licences may also cover training Monday to Friday including some during daylight hours, but predominantly for training from 5pm to 10pm. During these times of use the club or association will have exclusive use of the sportsground.
Licences will generally be granted for periods of a single sports season or a year, renewable annually or as deemed appropriate by council. In some circumstances leases or licences may be granted for periods of more than a year and up to 21 years (with the consent of the relevant Minister and where stipulated in legislation), particularly where a hirer has invested in capital improvements at a park. Such a lease or licence may cover an entire building or identified facilities and buildings within a park.
To manage ground wear and maintain the use of grounds use within carrying capacity and to meet the needs of Hornsby Shire residents, limits of use will be placed on the allocation of sportsgrounds. In such cases preference in the allocation of sportsgrounds will be given to hirers based in Hornsby Shire.
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Licences for School Use of Sportsgrounds The granting of licences are expressly authorised by this Plan of Management for Schools for the exclusive use of sports facilities at times during weekdays. The range of sports permissible may include but will not be limited to Australian Rules Football, Rugby League or Rugby Union Football, Soccer, Baseball, Softball, T-Ball, Cricket, Athletics, Touch Football, Hockey, Netball, Basketball and Tennis.
Licences for Casual Hire of Sportsgrounds The granting of licences are expressly authorised by this Plan of Management for casual events including, but not limited to, the playing of Australian Rules Football, Rugby League or Rugby Union Football, Soccer, Baseball, Softball, T-Ball, Cricket, Athletics, Touch Football, Hockey, Netball, Basketball and Tennis; for community events including organised fetes, festivals, parades and performances that may include stall holders engaging in a trade or business; and small-scale private sector events including markets, promotional events, parties, weddings, filming and photography.
These events may generally be held between the hours of 8am and 10pm. Specific approval will be required to licence events proposed outside these hours.
Leasing or licensing for the operation of restaurants, cafes, canteens, kiosks or other food outlets are also expressly authorised for a period of up to 21 years.
4.2.2 Licences for Special Events Licences are expressly authorised by this Plan of Management for the staging of special events such as fetes, festivals, fairs, circuses, markets, musicals, theatre, movies, fun runs, art exhibitions, charity or community fundraising performances or events, gala sports carnivals, community carol singing, large picnics, family reunions, private ceremonies, cultural or religious ceremonies, weddings, community education events, pet and animal events, miscellaneous community events, and small scale private sector events such as promotional events, musical or drama performances, art exhibitions, parties, filming and photography.
4.2.3 Leasing and Licensing of sportsground or park Facilities for varied uses
The granting of licences are expressly authorised by this Plan of Management for use of certain parks or a portion of those parks for occasional hire. Activities subject to lease or licence may include but will not be limited to community groups using designated parks or a portion of those parks for regular market days, model boat / plane activities, community fund-raising events that may include stall- holders engaging in a trade or business, private sector events including markets, promotional events, parties, filming and photography permissible under the Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan 1994, and other uses permitted under this Plan of Management. These events may generally be held between the hours of 8am and 10pm. Specific approval will be required to licence events proposed outside these hours, and in consideration of limits to neighbourhood disturbance.
The proposed community garden may be leased or licensed to a community group for a period of up to 5 years. Alternatively, community members involved with the garden may be appointed by Council to a committee to manage the garden under section 377 of the Local Government Act.
This plan of management expressly authorises leases and licences for the operation of restaurants, cafes, canteens, kiosks or other food outlets, for periods up to 21 years.
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4.2.4 Leasing and Licensing in Natural Areas Buildings in bushland are used by community groups such as scouts, girl guides and sporting clubs associated with natural area values. The leasing of buildings in bushland in community open space are to be considered on individual merits and may be granted by Council for a period not exceeding 21 years. Public notice will be given if the Council proposes to grant a lease or licence for a period exceeding five years or for five years or less for a use not exempted by the regulations. With respect to natural areas, a lease or licence may be granted for the erection or use of the following buildings and structures pursuant to Development Consent: Walkways, pathways, bridges; Causeways; Observation platforms; and Signs. A lease or licence may also be granted for the purposes of: Information kiosks, refreshment kiosks (but not restaurants); Work sheds or storage sheds required in connection with the maintenance of the land; and Toilets or restrooms.
4.2.5 Other Leases and Licences Crossing of Reserves Section 46 of the Local Government Act prevents councils from granting leases, licences or other estates over community land for private purposes except in the uses described in Section 116 (3 - 5) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005. Short term, casual use will only be granted for a purpose consistent with the core objectives for the category of land and for a purpose referred to in section 46 (4) (a) (i) (ii) of the Local Government Act for: “(a) The provision of goods, services and facilities, and the carrying out of activities, appropriate to current and future needs within the local community and of the wider public in relation to any of the following: i. public recreation; ii. the physical, cultural, social and intellectual welfare or development of persons.” Such licences are expressly authorised by this Plan of Management.
Easements In accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993, this plan expressly authorises Council to grant easements for authorities, organisations or individuals in favour of private lands over lands identified in this POM, providing Council is satisfied there is no reasonable alternative and that appropriate benefits are obtained for the community land. Any adverse impacts on playing surface or drainage is to be remediated at the cost of the holder of the easement. Council will not be responsible for any loss or damage caused through any act or omission of Council to any structures or facilities within the easement.
Liquor Licences Although granting of liquor licences are subject to other approvals and are not at the sole discretion of Council, this Plan of Management allows for Council to give permission as the landowner for liquor licences on community land subject to other necessary approvals. Applications for liquor licences will be considered on individual merits and will only be considered when Counci is satisfied that the licensee can meet legislative requirements for responsible service of alcohol. Such licences are expressly authorised by this Plan of Management.
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Casual Liquor Licences The consumption of alcohol in reserves under the care, control and management of Hornsby Shire Council are expressly authorised by this Plan of Management but only with written council consent under the following conditions: People will not be allowed to enter or remain in reserves in an intoxicated state; People will not be permitted to consume alcohol in reserves while junior games are in progress; and People will not be permitted to consume alcohol within 10 metres of children’s play areas. The ‘Park Rules’ Notice contained in Appendix 3 allows for this.
Granting of Estates This Plan of Management allows Council to grant ‘an estate’ over community land for the provision of public utilities and works associated with or ancillary to public utilities in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. Estates may also be granted across community land for ‘the provision of pipes, conduits or other connections under the surface of the ground for the connection of premises adjoining the community land to a facility of the council or other public utility provider that is situated on the community land. Estates will be granted in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993.
An estate in respect of community land is authorised by this Plan of Management for the purpose of a ‘public road’ are expressly authorised by this Plan of Management under the following conditions (S.47F): Where the provision of that road is consistent with the core objectives; Where that road is necessary to facilitate enjoyment of the land or any facility on that land; and Where other means of access other than public road access have been considered.
Public Utilities This Plan of Management expressly authorises Council to enter into leases, licenses or other forms of agreement with relevant authorities, organisations or individuals in relation to the provision of services or utilities for a public purpose .
Community Gardens on Community Land The aim of developing community gardens is to provide accessible, strategically located gardens that also contribute to community waste management and education.
This Plan of Management expressly authorises leases to be established for the development of community gardens where they comply with the core objectives of the Local Government Act and where considered appropriate by Council.
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5 ACTION PLAN
The Action Plan has been developed to support management goals for proposed developments in Old Mans Valley. It provides statements on how objectives and performance targets will be implemented and outcomes managed into the future.Following are definitions of the terms used in the Action Plan: Management Statement indicates how the objectives of the PoM will be addressed and implemented and what users and the general public may expect in the provision of the service in Old Mans Valley.
Actions are the specific statements that elaborate on the strategy contained in the Management Statement.
Management Team (Mgt Team) provides which team within Council will have primary responsibility for the Action. These are abbreviated as below:
HSC – Various Hornsby Council MBB – Manager Bushland & Biodiversity MC – Management Committees MCC – Manager Corporate & Community MCS – Manager Community Services MES – Manager Engineering Services MF – Manager Finance MHR – Manager Human Resources MPL – Manager Parks & Landscape MRI – Manager Risk & Insurance MSP – Manager Strategic Planning MTRS – Manager Traffic & Road Safety MWCM – Manager Water Catchments Management MWM – Manager Waste Management NL – Neighbouring Landholders P – Proponent PAT – Parks Asset Team PSU – Parks Service Unit RFS – Rural Fire Service SU – Sportsground Users
Time Frame Definitions of timing for actions are as follows: ST (Short Term) Action completed within 2 years MT (Medium Term) Action completed within 2 - 4 years LT (Long Term) Action commenced after 4 years O (Ongoing) Action carried out on a regular basis for the term of this Plan of Management
Performance Measures are how Council knows what progress is being made relative to the timeframe established for the actions, or whether the final achievement is realised.This section of the Plan will require review to ensure it is an effective working document. It will provide a framework for management consistent with anticipated availability of resources and anticipated community needs.
Environmental Factors The Action Plan contains elements that address the need to assess the environmental impacts of an activity. Measures to minimise such impacts are contained in the Action Plan.The timing determined for improvements will be subject to the availability of funds and will require revision if circumstances alter.
Assessment Assessment of targets will take place in reviews of the Action Plan at intervals no greater than five years. Monitoring of actions within this Plan of Management will occur on an annual basis. Assessment will include qualitative and quantitative reviews of targets.
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1.0 ACTION PLAN FOR ALL CATEGORIES OF COMMUNITY LAND
1.1 Operating Standards Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.1A Environmental Sustainability Ensure the adjoining land uses Provide a rear setback to developments on MTPS O The improved condition of bushland edges, core minimise impacts on the natural private properties that adjoin bushland. and creeks. environment. Ensure that active uses of Council or MPL Crown land have a minimum impact on bushland.
1.1B Maintenance Personnel Skilled and experienced labour is Works including traffic control, pesticide MPL O Staff carrying out specialist maintenance works used to implement specialist applications, pruning of trees and shrubs, (PAT / specified in the Service Level Agreement, are works as specified in the Service hedges and arboricultural work is to be PSU) appropriately skilled and trained. Level Agreement. carried out by suitably qualified and / or trained staff. Appropriate training is provided for staff O involved in the above tasks.
1.1C Council Staff Health and Safety Standards At all times Council employees Train Council staff in Occupational Health MPL / O Safe Work Method Statements are regularly and contractors will comply with and Safety Standards. MBB/ prepared, reviewed and communicated to staff. Occupational Health and Safety Maintain work practices to comply with MHR Standards. Occupational Health and Safety standards. Encourage staff to report breaches of Occupational Health and Safety standards to the designated OH&S officers.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.1D Legislative Standards Services are provided to agreed Staff are up to date and familiar with the MPL O Activities of Council uphold legislative requirements. national and industry standards, relevant legislation impacting upon the SEPP Infrastructure,, the HSLEP level and standard of Council services. and policies and standards resultant from public consultation.
Developments are undertaken Awareness of SEPP (Infrastructure), Business processes incorporate legislative with regard to the relevant HSLEP, Crown Lands Act and other requirements legislation important legislation is promoted with staff Staff are trained in legislative requirements
1.1E Technical Standards The design of any new structures New buildings and structures comply with HSC O All new buildings and structures on community land on community land must comply the relevant standards. comply with the relevant building standards. with the relevant Australian standards.
Monitoring requirements will Work will be monitored to assess MPL O Service Level Agreement work is monitored and comply with those specified in compliance with requirements specified in PAT) / reports generated to reflect monitoring outcomes. Service Level Agreements. the Service Level Agreement. (PSU)
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame 1.1F Facility development at sportsgrounds Sportsgrounds will be developed Sportsgrounds are intended to provide Council funds are not diverted for the provision of to a standard consistent with primarily for suburban amateur competition elite-standard sports facilities and supporting council’s economic and budget level sport infrastructure sustainability objectives Development of elite-standard facilities will not necessarily be funded by Council however council may allow hirers to do so Standards for supporting infrastructure eg canteens, change-rooms and storage areas will be basic (where they exist) Improved or enlarged canteens, club equipment storage areas, club meeting rooms, covered spectator areas, gymnasiums and the like are outside the responsibility of Council to provide, but may be provided where a level of co-funding is present. Sports facilities will be developed only on suitable reserves and to Plans to build new or improved sports meet identified needs. facilities shall be made following strategic planning to identify needs and appropriate sites for the facilities Siting of sports facilities will have regard to the land categorisation, purpose of reservation, size and setting
Sportsground development will be Funding sources shall include (but not be MPL funded from a variety of sources limited to) Council’s general fund, government grants, developer’s contributions (section 94 funds), sponsorships, community fundraising and community works
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1.2 Equity and Access Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.2A Disabled / Stroller Access Provide access for disabled Address unsuitable access, providing HSC M Disabled / stroller access is provided into users and strollers onto access paths where appropriate and as appropriate areas of community land. community land where finances allow. O Requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act possible. Satisfy the requirements of the Disability and Anti-Discrimination Act are met as resources Discrimination Act 1992 and the Anti- and conditions allow. Discrimination Act 1977. S Where parking areas are provided for the community on community land, provide appropriate number of parking spaces in accordance with the requirements of the Access and Mobility DCP, to allow access for users with disabilities.
1.2B Equity of Access to Council Reserves and Facilities Consider historical use and hiring patterns HSC O Equity of access is considered when an opportunity Strive to provide equal when assessing facilities for allocation. arises to review allocation of use of Council opportunity of access to When opportunities arise to review facilities. community land for all sectors of allocation of facilities, weighting is to be the community. given to groups with female, disabled, non- English speaking background and other membership bases. Organisations based in Hornsby Shire and with a high proportion of residents of the Shire shall be favoured. Provide access to reserves and buildings within reserves for the disabled where practical and affordable
When opportunities to redistribute Opportunities to satisfy recreation needs are taken Recognise the role of community allocation of Council facilities arise, the when reviewing allocation of Council facilities. sports clubs in using Council principle of satisfying the greatest facilities to operate sport. demonstrated recreation or leisure need. Implement relevant findings of the Leisure Strategic Plan 2003.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.2C Unauthorised Camping Camping will not be allowed in Parks will be patrolled in order to curtail MPL O Low number of reported cases of unauthorised most parks except in support of a unauthorised camping. camping. special event and with a licence or other express consent of Council. Council recognises that all people Council will enlist appropriate support HSC O The support of agencies able to assist the should have access to private or services to assist in providing alternative homeless where conflicts between park users and public housing which meets their accommodation for homeless people in unauthorised campers occur. individual needs, and equally that public reserves when complaints arise. all people have a right to enjoy public reserves for activities that do not impact on other users’ enjoyment.
People will be encouraged not to Rangers and Parks maintenance staff will MEHP/ O Parks are patrolled as resources allow, camp in public reserves unless in patrol parks to discourage or prevent MPL discouraging unauthorised camping in reserves. designated camping areas or people from unauthorised camping in otherwise use public reserves in public reserves. ways that impact on access by other users.
1.3 Anti-social behaviour Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.3A Vandalism Develop and implement programs Design future facilities to allow easy MPL O Facilities within parks and sportsgrounds are to minimise incidents of anti- surveillance where possible. designed to reduce opportunities for vandalism. social behaviour on community Maintain surveillance patrols as required. MEHP O Surveillance patrols are carried out at known land. Provide security lighting as appropriate. MPL O problem times. Lighting is provided where required.
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1.4 Reserve Naming and Dedications Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.4A Naming of Reserves and Dedications The naming of reserves and Naming preference is given to geographical HSC O Integrity and meaning is maintained when naming dedications are undertaken names (such as road and suburb), community land. according to Council criteria. aboriginal names, historical names, or names of deceased persons who have made a major contribution to the reserve or early history of the reserve’s locality.
Dedications on community land Assessment on merits, visual amenity and HSC O Dedications within community land have high merit comprising of plaques, signs and applicable standards is undertaken prior to and significance. other structures are made n approval of any dedication. recognition of substantial contributions to the conservation and maintenance of that land and require written Council permission. Other dedications will be assessed on an individual basis.
1.5 Protecting Fauna and Fauna Habitats Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.5A Fauna Impacts Native fauna is protected and All work is to minimise impacts on native HSC O Fauna habitat is enhanced and conserved where habitat conserved on community fauna and habitat. possible. land. Dead tree hollows are retained unless they pose a risk to risk to life or property. Hollows from dangerous trees are relocated on public land nearby. Pesticide use is considerate of impacts upon fauna.
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1.6 Conservation of Resources Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.6A Reduction of Resource Use and Energy Efficiency Use of recycled materials and Increase use of recycled materials in HSC O Higher percentage of recycled material is used in energy reduction programs are capital works projects and maintenance capital works and maintenance programs. implemented in capital works programs. Green waste is recycled.. projects and maintenance Recycling of green waste. Measures for reducing the use of water derived programs. Reduction of electricity and water use. from dam storages and energy derived from non- renewable fuels are investigated.
1.7 Heritage Listings Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.7A Heritage Listed Sites and Areas To preserve heritage listed areas Manage heritage-listed areas in HSC ST Areas are managed and preserved in accordance within Hornsby Shire for future accordance with this Plan of Management with this Plan of Management and the Hornsby generations. and the Hornsby Shire LEP. HSC O Shire LEP.
1.8 Impacts of Developments and Activities Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.8A Impacts of Developments and Activities Identify and address impacts of Address parking requirements and impacts HSC O Potential impacts of proposed developments and developments and activities on of additional traffic from proposed activities such as parking, traffic; noise and lighting neighbouring properties where developments. on neighbouring properties are addressed. development approval is not Address impacts of noise and lighting from required. proposed developments and activities on neighbouring properties.
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1.9 Leases and Licences Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.9A Leases & Licences Leases and licences are granted Conditions apply to ensure proposed HSC O All activities on community land comply with the in accordance with the activities on community land comply with core objectives of the Local Government Act and requirements of the Local core objectives of the LGA. O Regulations. Government Regulation and Act. Leases and licences are granted in Leases and licences comply with the requirements accordance with the requirements of the of the LGA and with Council’s policies. Crown Lands Act, Local Government Act and Local Government Regulation 1999 and in accordance with Council’s policies for development, use, leasing and licensing of Community and Crown land as stated in Part 1 of this Plan of Management. Leases and licences may be granted for Crown Land but may require the Minister’s consent
1.9B Use/Sale of Alcohol in Reserves Applications to Council for ‘Park Rules Notice’ permits use / sale of MPL/ S Park Rules notice is posted. use/sale of alcohol in public alcohol in public reserves subject to MBB reserves are considered Council approval and approval of other individually. relevant bodies. Council approves / rejects applications for MPL/ O Applications for use / sale of alcohol in public such licences on individual merits. MBB reserves are considered on individual merits subject to approval of other relevant bodies.
1.9C Reserve Crossings Reserve crossings are only No reserve crossings for private purposes MPL/ O No licences for crossing of reserves for private granted in accordance with the are approved, except in accordance with MBB purposes are granted except in accordance with the requirements of the Local the stated legislation and as outlined in this stated legislation and as outlined in this POM. Government Act and Regulation, POM. and Crown Lands Act (where relevant).
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1.10 Communications Towers Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.10A Communications Towers on Community Land Allow the lodgement and If approved, communications towers HSC O Council derives income from any approved assessment of Development generate income for the management of communications towers and applies it to Applications for communications community land. management of community land. towers on merit.
1.11 Volunteer Insurance Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.11A Volunteer Insurance Volunteer groups working on Register volunteer workers with the Risk HSC / O Volunteer workers are registered prior to working on community land are covered by and Insurance Manager prior to work being MRI community land. appropriate insurance as required undertaken, as required. by Council’s Risk and Insurance Provide instruction in safe work methods to Manager. volunteer groups.
1.12 Funding Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.12A Funds Received from User Fees Funds derived from use of Money derived from use of community land HSC O Funds derived from community land use are community land are allocated in is expended on community land acquisition allocated to future community land management accordance with the Local and community land management and acquisition. Government Act or Crown Lands requirements in accordance with S.409 of Act. the Local Government Act 1993. Money derived from the use of Crown Reserves are expended by council in its management of the reserves.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
1.12B Through Life Costs Adopt an appropriate level of Determine level of funding required to HSC O Facilities are maintained within budget and in funding for maintenance of maintain community land facilities in accordance with the Plan of Management. facilities within a financial year accordance with the Plan of Management. HSC O and over the whole life of an Annually adopt an appropriate budget to asset. allow for maintenance of reserves.
1.12C Fees Set and maintain an appropriate Fees are set according to community HSC O Level of fees is determined & adopted by Council level of hire fees for use of service and cost recovery principles annually. facilities on reserves. contained in the Fees & Charges volume of Council’s annual Management Plan.
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2.0 ACTION PLAN FOR PARKS AND SPORTSGROUNDS
2.1 Notifications Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.1A Park and Sportsground Availability Council will determine the status User groups will be notified at the earliest MPL O 90% satisfaction as measured by the ‘to be of ground closures due to weather possible convenience of changes to (PAT / implemented’ end of season user survey. for weekend sport by 2pm on sportsground and park availability due to PSU) Wet Weather Line 100% accurate at all times. Fridays. wet weather in accordance with Hornsby Shire Sports Council Adopted Written MPL O Procedures. User groups make a determination as to whether a ground is suitable for weekend play where rain occurs after close of O business on Fridays and will be responsible for any resulting ground damage Maintain a ‘Wet Weather Line’ to allow users 24 hours a day, 7 days a week access to information on ground availability affected by weather.
2.1B Notification of Works User groups will be notified of the Notify user groups at the earliest possible MPL O Major user groups are always notified of major need to cancel events due to convenience of changes to sportsground (PAT / maintenance or works that will impact upon the use major maintenance or capital and park availability due to major PSU) of the park or oval. works. maintenance or capital works. Residents / businesses are notified in accordance Give residents / businesses/ park users 48 with the Service Level Agreement. Residences / businesses / park hours notice in writing of any proposed users will be notified of any work that will affect them detailing location, proposed works which may date and time of work, unless otherwise impact on them. directed.
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2.2 Protecting the Natural Environment Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.2A Use of Pesticides The use of pesticides in parks Use of pesticides will comply with the MPL O Pesticide use is minimised and complies with the and sportsgrounds will be kept to relevant codes of practice and a safe work (PAT / relevant codes of practice. a minimum to comply with the method statement PSU) O Programme for treating weeds is improved through relevant codes of practice and Undertake notification of pesticide application timing and methods. legislation to minimise any health applications through a pesticide notification Appropriate grass species are selected. effects and / or impacts on the plan S Staff utilising herbicides are suitably qualified and / environment. Use minimum toxicity sprays for treating O or trained. weeds in parks and sportsgrounds and Integrated turf management practices are Broad leaf, grass weeds and spray when desirable grasses are dormant. O implemented on sportsgrounds. grass like weeds are effectively Selection of appropriate grass species Linemarking materials do not damage turf. kept under control and / or Staff utilising herbicides are to be suitably Legislation, plans and safe work method eliminated. qualified and / or trained. statements are followed. Utilise quality integrated turf management O practices on sportsgrounds to develop vigorous dense turf to minimise weed infestation and turf pests and diseases. Weed control to be implemented as funding allows. Selection of low toxicity linemarking products.
2.2B Use of Fertilisers Fertilisers are applied to maintain Sportsgrounds and gardens are fertilised MPL O Sportsgrounds and gardens are fertilised in an a safe, wear resistant playing with appropriate fertiliser at best possible (PAT / environmentally sustainable manner. surface. application times. PSU) Annual soil analysis tests are carried out for selected sportsgrounds to determine nutrient requirements. Fertilising program is implemented each year for each sportsground. Plant species are chosen for low fertiliser requirement where appropriate.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.2C Erosion Control Erosion control measures are All activities resulting in exposed soil are to MPL O Activities resulting in exposed soil are assessed. implemented for works where be assessed for potential erosion of (PAT / there is potential for erosion of exposed soil into a watercourse. PSU) exposed soil. Where potential for erosion is identified, Erosion control measures are implemented as erosion control measures are to be required. implemented.
2.2D Gardens – Species Selection Plant species used in parks and Use indigenous plants or other non- MPL O Indigenous plants or other non-invasive species are sportsgrounds adjoining bushland invasive species in garden areas of parks used in garden areas where adjoining bushland. are to be compatible with the and sportsgrounds adjoining bushland. natural areas and habitat requirements.
2.3 Availability of Facilities and Grounds Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.3A Parks Booking Service During normal business hours a Ensure a booking officer or other Council MPL ST Booking service is always available during responsive booking service will be staff member will be available between Council’s business hours. available. 8.30am and 5.00pm to take booking details and answer enquiries.
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2.4 Maintenance of Facilities and Grounds Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.4A General Maintenance of Parks and Sportsgrounds Sportsgrounds and parks will be Undertake routine safety and suitability MPL O Carry out maintenance operations in accordance maintained in a safe and inspections and maintenance. with external contract or internal Service Level aesthetically pleasing condition Sports grounds are marked before the days Agreements. consistent with the type of play to the sporting codes specifications MPL O Grounds are always correctly marked and ready recreational use. and standards. for the identified sporting code before the day of Maintenance passes include checks of play. recreational facilities within parks. MPL O Requests for maintenance are responded to or Randomly survey users once per annum to actioned within 12 working days. gauge satisfaction with provided services. MPL O Turf on sportsgrounds is maintained at a height of 75mm or less, bare areas repaired following the MPL O winter season and weeds controlled where budget allows.
2.4B Level of Service Level of service grading will be allocated on MPL O Maintenance is implemented in accordance with Parks and sportsgrounds will be a reserve by reserve basis as high, Service Level Agreements. provided with a level of service medium or low, which is generally daily for treatment consistent with the high, monthly or fortnightly for medium and level of community use. quarterly or as requested for low. This frequency may be changed according to weather or budget constraints.
2.4C Upkeep of Amenities Amenities, including toilets, Monitor amenities to ensure they are MPL O Facilities are available at all identified major showers and change rooms, will available in an acceptable condition. grounds in a safe and acceptable condition at all be made available at all times. sportsgrounds in a safe and aesthetically pleasing condition. Amenities will be provided in Assess the need for amenities in MPL O Amenities constructed as required. major Parks where appropriate. sportsgrounds and parks that do not provide these services.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.4D Ball Courts Ball courts will be maintained in a Courts are clearly marked for the sporting MPL O All courts including netball, tennis and basketball useable and safe condition. (NB – codes played on them. (PAT / courts are clearly marked. no ball courts are currently Damaged surfaces, nets, fencing and poles PSU) Requests for maintenance are responded to or proposed in OMV). will be replaced. O actioned within 12 working days. Maintenance is implemented in accordance with Service Level Agreements. Court resurfacing is assessed and carried out as funds become available.
2.4E Parks Furniture Parks furniture will be maintained Furniture in parks and sportsgrounds MPL O Requests for maintenance are responded to or to a safe and aesthetically including seats, tables, rubbish bins and (PAT / actioned within 12 working days. pleasing standard. signs will be regularly maintained. PSU) / Maintenance is implemented in accordance with Furniture in parks and sportsgrounds that MWM O Service Level Agreements. has been vandalised will be repaired or replaced as funds become available. If the furniture poses a public hazard it will be removed.
2.4F Barbecues Barbecues in parks and Barbecues will be cleaned once a week. MPL O Barbecues are operable 95% of the time. sportsgrounds will be clean and (PAT / Requests for maintenance are responded to or operable. PSU) actioned within 12 working days. Maintenance is implemented in accordance with Service Level Agreements.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.4G Fences Park and sportsground fencing Replace damaged fencing as required. MPL O Requests for maintenance are responded to or will be maintained in a safe Council is not required to build, maintain or (PAT / actioned within 12 working days. condition. contribute towards dividing fences between PSU) Maintenance is implemented in accordance with parks or sportsgrounds and adjoining Service Level Agreements. private properties. Council will not contribute towards dividing fences on park boundaries unless council deems that there is a community interest reason to do so.
2.4H Taps and Bubblers Taps and bubblers in parks and Reports of leaking taps or bubblers will be MPL O Requests for maintenance are responded to or sportsgrounds will be operational. responded to promptly. (PAT / actioned within 3 working days. PSU) Maintenance is implemented in accordance with Service Level Agreements.
2.4I Signs Signs are legible and are erected Install signs in highly visible locations. MPL O Signs are visible. in highly visible locations within Replace damaged /vandalised signs where (PAT / parks and sportsgrounds. they have been rendered illegible. PSU) O Damaged signs are replaced as required.
2.4J Playgrounds Council will comply with the Design and maintain playgrounds and play MPL O Safety in playgrounds and for playground Australian Standards for equipment to relevant safety standards (PAT / equipment is upheld to Australian Standards (AS playgrounds and play equipment. where possible. PSU) 1924, AS 4422 and AS 4486). Undertake safety inspections and regular Maintenance is implemented in accordance with maintenance in accordance with Service O internal Service Level Agreements. Level Agreements. Comprehensive inspections are undertaken on a Manage playgrounds according to asset quarterly basis. management principles Ensure that playgrounds are managed through their life cycle and replaced at the end of it only if the replacement best meets community needs and council’s economic viability.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.4K Bike Pocket Park Council will provide a bike pocket Design and maintain bike pocket park to MPL O Safety in bike pocket park is upheld to meet park constructed and maintained relevant safety standards where possible. (PAT / relevant safety and industry standards. to meet industry and safety Undertake safety inspections and regular PSU) Maintenance is implemented in accordance with standards. maintenance in accordance with Service internal Service Level Agreements. Level Agreements. O Comprehensive inspections are undertaken on a Manage bike pocket park according to regular basis. asset management principles Ensure that bike pocket park is maintained.
2.4L Tree Maintenance Standards Trees in all categories of Tree works are carried out in accordance MPL O Tree work is carried out in accordance with relevant community land and crown with Work Cover Code of Practice: Amenity (PAT / standards and codes. reserves are maintained by Tree Industry 1998 and conform to AS PSU) Staff training programs implemented as required. suitably qualified and / or trained 4373 – 1996. Work is implemented in accordance with personnel in accordance with the All work is to be undertaken in accordance specifications in the Service Level Agreement. Service Level Agreement and with the specifications in the internal Obstructions from trees on community land are Australian Standards. Service Level Agreements or external minimised. contracts. Staff are to appropriately trained for the tasks they perform. Trees are underpruned to remove obstruction to footpaths, roadways, traffic visibility, electric power lines, lighting, private and public driveways or crossings (to minimum 3 m). Trees are pruned to provide minimum 1m / optimum 3m clearance from property roof, guttering, and walls without affecting the natural form of the tree. Trees in reserves are removed of deadwood with a diameter above 15 - 20mm.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.4M Floodlight Standards Sportsground floodlights will be Floodlights not meeting Australian Floodlights are 90% operational and progress is upgraded according to Australian Standards will be progressively upgraded made within any five-year capital funding period Standards and to the most energy as funding permits towards upgrading lights not meeting standards efficient means of operation Floodlight luminaires will be the most energy efficient fittings capable of meeting standards Control systems will be manual switch -on, timer switch-off, or remotely controlled, and adjusted seasonally according to ground allocations Lights will be checked, cleaned and aimed annually
2.4N Irrigation system standards Irrigation systems will be Irrigation systems will be checked and Irrigation systems will be upgraded to a minimum maintained to maximise water repaired regularly for leaks and 75% efficiency standard as funding permits efficiency malfunctioning fittings Progress will be made towards reducing reliance Control systems will be adjusted for upon potable water supplies for irrigation prevailing weather patterns Remote controls will be extended where funding permits Stormwater harvesting systems and other independent water supply systems will be provided as funding permits Subsurface irrigation systems will be considered where new systems are installed Park and oval construction methods aimed at reducing water reliance will be used in designs
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2.5 Risk Management Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.5A Sportsgrounds Parks and Landscape Team and Parks and Landscape to check MPL O Sportsgrounds are checked regularly by Parks and sportsground users are sportsgrounds on a regular basis in (PAT / Landscape Team in accordance with the Service responsible for checking the risk accordance with the internal Service Level PSU) Level Agreement. management aspects of Agreement. sportsgrounds. Users are required to check grounds Users are aware of their responsibility to check immediately prior to use to determine if SU sportsgrounds for safety prior to play. appropriate for play as part of their licence conditions.
2.5B User Groups Public Liability Sports clubs, school and other Appropriate levels of cover are determined MPL / O Risk and Insurance Manager is consulted. organised groups using parks and through consultation with the Risk and MRI sportsgrounds have appropriate Insurance Manager. public liability cover as required Ensure organised user groups have O Organised user groups have appropriate insurance by Council. appropriate insurance cover as required, cover prior to using facilities in parks and before grounds are allocated. sportsgrounds.
2.6 General Use: Dogs, Fireworks, Fairs Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.6A Dogs Encourage responsible exercising Notices are erected in parks and MPL S Reserves notices are erected in parks and of dogs within parks and sportsgrounds regarding responsibility of sportsgrounds. sportsgrounds and provide leash dog owners. MPL M Council consider provision of leash free dog runs in free dog runs where appropriate. Provide a number of leash free dog runs in appropriate parks. appropriate parks and sportsgrounds. Reserves notice is amended if required to allow for Following investigations, Reserves notices MPL M leash free dog run. are amended if required to allow for provision of leash free dog runs.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.6B Use of Fireworks in Reserves Use of fireworks within parks and Proposals for fireworks displays have P / HSC O Proposals have approved Development sportsgrounds comply with Council’s development consent where Applications and approval from Work Cover Council and Work Cover necessary and Work Cover Authority Authority as required. requirements for such activities. consent.
2.6C Circuses, Fetes and Fairs Circuses, fetes and festivals Ensure any circus, fete or festival has the MPL O within parks and sportsgrounds appropriate certification for amusement Licences for circuses, fetes and fairs are only comply with Council’s equipment and insurance as required by granted to applicants with appropriate certification requirements for certification and Council’s Risk and Insurance Manager. MPL / O and insurance. insurance. MRI
2.7 Use for Access or Storage for unrelated purposes Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.7A Aircraft and Vehicular Access and material storage Restrict access into parks and Prevent general aircraft and vehicular MPL O General vehicular and aircraft access into parks sportsgrounds to maintenance access to unauthorised areas of parks and and sportsgrounds is restricted. and emergency vehicles as sportsgrounds by use of fencing and gates. Emergency and maintenance vehicle and aircraft required. Provide opportunities for access of MPL O access is provided as required. maintenance and emergency vehicles as Use of parks and sportsgrounds for temporary required. storage of materials for a public utility or road Aircraft landings restricted to emergency MPL purposes will be infrequent, only where no practical services and occasional approved alternative exists, and done so as to manage all community fundraising events. impacts. Use of parks and sportsgrounds for temporary storage of materials for construction or maintenance of public utilities and roads may be permitted in the absence of practical alternatives and where the impact upon the parks and reserve or adjoing land and waters is addressed.
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2.8 Community and Neighbour Issues Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
2.8A Boundary Management Encourage good neighbour Respond promptly to complaints from MPL O Adjoining properties are informed of legal relations with surrounding adjoining properties where complaints limitations regarding private use of community properties while ensuring private relate to use of parks and sportsgrounds. land. use of community land only Inform adjoining landholders of MPL S Sporting groups are given opportunity to address occurs in accordance with the requirements of Local Government Act to problems internally before Council considers guidelines established in the prevent private use of community land. reallocation of ground. Local Government Act. Consult with sporting groups where MPL O negative impacts are directly associated with their use. If negative impacts associated with a particular group continue, consider reallocating fields to other sports.
2.8B Community Advertising Allow opportunity for community Comply with requirements of Exempt and MPL O Only complying signs and banners are displayed in advertising within parks and Complying Development DCP for signs, parks and sportsgrounds. sportsgrounds. sign displays, community banners and notices. Ensure signage complies with the Outdoor MPL O Advertising signage complies with the Outdoor Advertising DCP in relation to Community Advertising DCP as required. Advertising where required. Remove signage which does not comply MPL O Illegal signs are removed. with the DCP.
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3.0 ACTION PLAN FOR NATURAL AREAS
3.1 Bushland and Biodiversity Protection Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.1A Maintenance of Biodiversity Bushland Management programs Continued funding of bush regeneration MBB O Healthy diverse natural areas. aim to conserve, restore and and restoration. Participation in biodiversity monitoring programs. enhance the Shire’s biodiversity. Seek grant funding for environmental restoration works that conserve biodiversity. Co-ordinate all bush regeneration and noxious weed control programs for the best strategic outcome. Implement Council’s Biodiversity Strategy for the Shire to direct operational programs. Effectiveness of bushland management programs is monitored through time.
3.1B Restoration and Regeneration of Bushland, Escarpments, Foreshores and Watercourses Bushland, escarpments, A restoration and regeneration program is MBB As Bushland health is improved through restoration. foreshores and watercourses to be implemented in areas affected by funding Bushland health is maintained through time. affected by weed invasion are to weed invasion using appropriate bush permits be regenerated and restored. regeneration techniques. Bushland regeneration programs initiated O ensure that resources are allocated for continued maintenance and conservation of natural areas through time.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.1C Total Catchment Management Natural areas are restored using Council’s bush regeneration strategy and MBB O Total catchment management principles are used total catchment management on going works programs are in line with in restoration projects. principles. Total Catchment Management and integrated management principles.
3.1D Conservation of Native Fauna Habitat Native fauna is protected and Restoration work is to consider impacts on MBB O Native fauna is diverse in natural areas. habitat conserved in natural native fauna and enhance fauna habitat. Fauna habitat is enhanced and conserved. areas. Dead trees are not removed from natural areas unless they pose a risk to life or property. Hollows from dangerous trees are relocated within the bushland areas where possible. Removal of firewood and the removal of bushrock are not permitted in natural areas.
3.1E Priority Given to Restoration of Threatened Biota Habitat Threatened species, endangered The Threatened Biota Management Plan is MBB O Stable and protected threatened species populations and endangered implemented and continually updated. populations. ecological communities are a high Databases for threatened species are Endangered ecological communities identified and priority for restoration and continually updated. conserved. protection works. High conservation bushland is identified and prioritised for restoration.
3.1F Fauna Corridors Maintained and Enhanced Fauna corridors and urban links Implement the recommendations of the MBB O Fauna Corridors and links are maintained and are maintained and enhanced. Development and Management of Fauna enhanced. Corridors report. As Continue to promote public education on funding fauna corridors and native fauna permits conservation.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.1G Minimise Impacts of Activities on Bushland Activities in community land Ensure that all activities in bushland are HSC / P O Protection of natural areas bushland will be undertaken only assessed for potential environmental with compliance of all relevant impacts. legislation with the overall aim of Ensure that all activities are carried out with protection and conservation of consideration of bushland protection and bushland. include regeneration and mitigation works.
Landscaped and park areas Maintain landscaped areas of community Landscaped areas do not impact on bushland and adjacent to natural areas should land to assist in protecting bushland from HSC O genetic integrity is maintained. be well maintained to prevent additional weed invasion. Protection of natural areas from weed invasion. weed propagules entering Create buffer zones and borders between bushland areas where resources landscaped areas and natural areas. allow.
3.1H Revegetation and Landscaping Adjoining Bushland Revegetation and landscaping Revegetation and landscaping works on HSC O Genetic integrity of natural areas is maintained. work adjoining natural areas community land are designed sourcing should be composed of locally indigenous plant species. occurring indigenous plants.
3.1I Rehabilitation of Adjoining Community Land – Species Selection Indigenous species should be Revegetation and landscaping works on HSC O Locally indigenous plant material is utilised in all used to rehabilitate degraded community land adjoining natural areas rehabilitation and landscaping works on community areas of community land should be composed of locally occurring land adjoining natural areas. adjoining natural areas. indigenous plants.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.1J Restoration of Grass or Degraded Areas Surplus grassed or degraded Identify grassed or degraded areas of MPL / O Increased biodiversity of bushland remnants. areas on community land community land surplus to the needs of MBB adjacent to natural areas may be active and passive recreation. As reclaimed for planting of Plant areas with indigenous vegetation or HSC funding indigenous vegetation to increase hold community planting days where permits buffer zones and promote appropriate. ecological sustainability and bio- Ensure ongoing funding for maintenance of O diversity. planted areas is available within the restoration project.
3.1K Works and Parks Staff Training In Bushland Management Best Practice Integrated bushland management Pursue in-house training of staff in native MBB M Good environmental management throughout is achieved across Council vegetation best management practices and Council divisions. divisions. protection measures. Effective communication is in place for any projects adjacent or near natural areas.
3.1L Bushland Staff Training in Current Bushland Management Best Practice Bushland Management Programs Ensure all bushland staff are trained in MBB O Participation in bushland management research are based on current research current techniques. programs. and techniques. Pursue research opportunities with educational institutions and other agencies.
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3.2 Community involvement and awareness Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Management Statement Team Frame
3.2A Bushcare Program Bushcare activities are Hornsby Bushcare is well resourced and MBB O Bushcare Groups are well managed and caring for encouraged and well managed. staffed to encourage and support an increased amount of the Shire’s bushland. community Bushcare activities. Volunteer Bushcare work is done according to the Bushcare Code. Bushcare groups are serviced with tools, materials and professional training. Encourage sustainable practices and on site composting of weeds on Bushcare sites. Promote and give recognition to community groups for Bushcare activities.
Community involvement and Community planting days are supported MBB O Natural areas managed with an informed and participation is fostered within and resourced. involved community. bushland management. Community education and awareness programs are undertaken to promote biodiversity and natural area management. Weed busters week and National Biodiversity month activities are undertaken.
3.2B Community Nursery Council’s community nursery is Council’s nursery will provide materials and MBB O Community actively involved in biodiversity accessible to Bushcare facilities for community volunteers. conservation. volunteers and residents. Actively promote biodiversity through participation in the community nursery program.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.2C Scientific and Educational Projects Scientific and educational projects Approval in writing may be given by the MBB O Educational research and learning about the within community land natural land manager to students, research environment is fostered. areas are allowable with facilities, or learning institutions where it is permission. considered that the project has a low impact on the environment and is consistent with the aims and objectives of this Plan of Management to conserve natural areas.
3.3 Boundary Management Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Management Statement Team Frame
3.3A Demarcation of Boundaries The boundary of natural areas Investigate methods for clearly defining the MBB / L Natural area is well-defined. should be well defined to natural area such as signage, log barriers MPL / minimise the impact of any or fencing. NL negative external influences.
3.3B Encroachments Encroachments such as garden Work co-operatively with Council’s rangers HSC / L Intact natural areas with no encroachments. extensions, structures or any and property owners to remove existing MPL private use of public, community encroachments. (PSU) or crown land is prohibited. Ensure that no new encroachments on public land occur, through an increased MBB O Council compliance role. Encourage neighbours to create and maintain buffer zones on private land bordering bushland.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.3C Dumping of Garden and Other Waste Dumping of garden clippings and Increase public awareness through an MPL / O No dumped rubbish or garden clippings in rubbish is prohibited in natural education program. MWM bushland. areas. Investigate dumping events and seek prosecutions. Issue on the spot fines when possible.
3.4 Domestic and Feral Animal Control Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Management Statement Team Frame
3.4A Domestic Animals Domestic animals are controlled Encourage responsible pet ownership MEHP M / O Responsible pet ownership results in very low on public land. through a public education campaign. impact on native fauna populations. Impoundment of free roaming dogs under the Companion Animals Act.
3.4B Feral Animals The impact of feral animals on Develop and implement a humane feral MBB O Feral animal control is undertaken in Council native fauna is minimised. animal control program for target species managed natural areas. as appropriate. MEHP Continue to implement the fox control program in co-operation with regional land managers.
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3.5 Bush Fire Management Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.5A Fuel Loading Bushland fuel loads are managed Bushfire management activities are in line RFS O Bushland fuel loads are managed to reduce on the urban interface at with the approved District Fire Risk bushfire risk. acceptable levels with the Rural Management Plan. Fire Service (RFS). Fuel loadings will be monitored in bushland MBB areas. &RFS Hazard reduction programs will be undertaken in bushland reserves as required and in conjunction with bush regeneration where appropriate. REFs or Environmental Impact Assessment Code will be prepared for all hazard reduction activities.
3.5B Asset Protection Zones Asset protection zones in new For new developments adjoining bushland MBB O Developments provide asset protection and fire land releases, subdivisions and reserves, asset protection zones and fighting access within the private property. developments are provided on the perimeter roads and trails will be provided private property in areas adjoining on private property. bushland reserves. In developed areas Inner Protection Zones will generally occur on the private property.
3.5C Fire Trails Fire Trails within natural areas are Fire trails are maintained according to RFS O Fire trails are maintained using best environmental maintained and upgraded to best Council’s code for Fire Trails and RFS practice to a high standard. management standards. standards.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.5C Fire Trails - Continued Fire Trail maintenance activities REF’s are undertaken for any fire trail RFS O Fire trails are maintained using best environmental are undertaken in an construction and upgrade works. practice to a high standard. environmentally sensitive way to Best environmental practice and mitigation MBB ensure minimal impact on natural measures are undertaken within works to areas. reduce erosion and sediment and vegetation damage. Mountain Bike Riding is allowable on fire trails managed by Council. 3.6 Walking, Off-Road Cycling and Recreation Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame 3.6A Mountain Bike Tracks Formalised mountain bike tracks Mountain bike tracks are constructed by MBB O High quality, low impact mountain bike tracks are are provided in natural areas for authorised personnel to industry standards provided for daytime sustainable mountain bike daytime sustainable mountain bike in accordance with recognised community riding riding. needs. S New tracks or major upgrades to MTB tracks proposed are to have an REF prepared. L Cumulative environmental impacts of the mountain bike tracks are monitored on a regular basis. A maintenance program is developed and implemented. A volunteer program to maintain and rehabilitate trails is developed and implemented. Signage is installed including trail standards and safety, and potential sections that may require relocation due to park and sportsground development. Track closures occur in wet weather if required. The shared use of mountain bike tracks for walking is permissible where specifically authorised and signposted.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.6B Formal Bushwalking Tracks Formalised bushland tracks are Formalised bushland tracks are MBB O High quality, low impact bushland walking tracks provided in natural areas for constructed and maintained to recognised are provided for passive recreation. passive recreation such as standards in accordance with recognised bushwalking and bushland community needs. S education. REF’s are undertaken for the construction or major upgrade of any walking tracks L through bushland. Develop and implement a risk assessment and track upgrade program. Cumulative environmental impacts of the recreational and educational use of tracks are monitored. The use of walking tracks for mountain and other bike riding and horse riding is prohibited, unless specifically authorised and signposted.
3.6C Informal Trails and Recreation The introduction and use of Unnecessary informal trails to be closed, MBB L Fragmentation and erosion is minimised in natural informal trails and bike tracks stabilised and regenerated. areas. through natural areas is The use of informal trails for mountain and discouraged. other bike riding is prohibited. Actively discourage public passage through to privately owned property.
The use of neighbourhood parks, Promote bushland values and passive MBB / O Provision of compatible passive recreational track-heads and facilities recreational facilities such as picnicking in MPL facilities. adjoining natural areas are park areas and track-heads adjoining utilised for passive recreation. natural areas.
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3.7 Interpretive Signs Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.7A Interpretive Signs Interpretive signage and Interpretive signage is installed in strategic MBB O Greater public awareness and understanding of the environmental education is sites when it provides and promotes natural area environment. encouraged where appropriate on community awareness and environmental walking tracks. education. Visual and environmental impact is considered prior to approval of interpretive signage.
3.8 Watercourses Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.8A Minimise Impacts of Developments and Activities on Watercourses Developments and activities are DA’s and REF’s are continued to be MWC Sustainable development. undertaken using best assessed to include best practice in management practices for water accordance with Total Catchment sensitive design. Management (TCM) principles and stormwater management plans to ensure minimal impacts to bushland.
3.8B Remediation and Restoration of Watercourses Pursue remediation and Continue to utilise the Catchment MWC O Water quality pollutants are reduced in natural enhancement of water courses Remediation Rate (CRR) program to areas. through natural areas. address urban runoff in natural areas. CRR devices and adjacent landscaping will Bushland remnants not compromised by CRR Minimise pollutant impacts on use locally occurring indigenous native devices. bushland and riparian vegetation. plants and will be maintained. Sites for CRR devices should be placed adjacent to bushland in preference to sites within bushland.
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Riparian restoration includes Riparian restoration considers both MBB O Natural riparian corridors are restored. restoration of natural creek vegetation corridors and creek processes. processes and riparian Grant funding is pursued for riparian vegetation. restoration projects.
3.9 Authorities’ Works and Projects Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.9A Submissions on Proposed Projects Council will stay informed on Council officers will assess and make MBB O Hornsby’s bushland environment is considered in State or Federal proposals which submissions to any State or Federal State or Federal proposals. impact on bushland. proposals which fragment or negatively impact on Hornsby’s bushland environment.
3.9B Liaison Regarding Works Effective liaison is pursued with Liaison with government bodies such as HSC O Works within bushland by other authorities is other government authorities Sydney Water, RTA and Pacific Power is integrated and mitigated. undertaking works within Council undertaken prior to works being undertaken in managed natural areas. natural areas.
3.10 Strategic Planning and Assessment of Developments Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.10A Strategic Planning Natural Areas are conserved Develop planning instruments to assist in MTPS S Ecologically Sustainable Development. through appropriate planning biodiversity conservation. and instruments. Bushland reserves created through the MPA O planning process are viable, have high High conservation bushland is conservation value and included within conserved through the planning Councils Asset Management system. process. Fragmentation of bushland areas should be minimised and discouraged within the planning process.
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Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.10B Development Assessment DA assessment is undertaken for Continue development application MTPS S Ecologically Sustainable Development. impacts to bushland as well as assessment for developments impacting on and conservation of bushland or adjoining natural areas. MBB O reserves. Fragmentation of bushland areas should be minimised and discouraged within the High conservation bushland is planning process. conserved through the planning process.
3.11 Funding Management Statement Action Mgt Time Performance Measures Team Frame
3.11A Adequate Funding Resources for Bushland Regeneration and Restoration Funding is sought to ensure Continued funding of programs by Council. MBB O Restoration and regeneration projects are viable appropriate resources are Grant funding is sought for restoration and appropriately funded. available prior to undertaking projects from all possible sources. regeneration and restoration Professional bush regenerators are programs. employed to undertake restoration programs wherever possible.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY : -
BIBLIOGRAPHY Aboriginal Land Rights Act (1983), New South Wales Legislation Buchanan, Robin (1984) Bush Regeneration – Recovering Australian Landscapes Centre for Integrated Catchment Management (1999) Berowra Creek Catchment Stormwater Management Plan Commonwealth of Australia (1996) The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity Connell Wagner (1998) Berowra Waters Draft Plan of Management Coombes, David (1995) Rare and Threatened Fauna and Flora Survey of Berowra Valley Bushland Park Conacher Travers Pty Ltd (2003) Berowra Valley Regional Park Draft Plan of Management prepared for the Berowra Valley Regional Park Trust and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Crown Lands Act (1989) New South Wales Legislation EGIS Consulting (1999) Lane Cove River Catchment Stormwater Management Plan and Pollution Source Inventory Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (1979) ESP Ecological Surveys and Planning (1999) Threatened Biota Conservation Plan Hassell Pty Ltd. (1997). Hornsby Open Space Plan Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Bushfire Management Committee (1999) Draft Bush Fire Risk Management Plan Hornsby Shire Council (1990) Berowra Valley Bushland Park – Draft Plan of Management Stage 1 & 2 Hornsby Shire Council (1990) Inventory of Bushland Reserves Hornsby Shire Council (1994). Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan Hornsby Shire Council (1995). Heritage Development Control Plan Hornsby Shire Council (1996) Parks and Reserves Generic Plan of Management Hornsby Shire Council (1996) Sportsgrounds Generic Plan of Management Hornsby Shire Council (1997). Access and Mobility Development Control Plan Hornsby Shire Council (1997) Catchment Remediation Program – Five Year Plan Hornsby Shire Council (1997) Code for Bushcare Program Hornsby Shire Council (1997) Sensitive Urban Lands Study Hornsby Shire Council (1998) Bushland Generic Plan of Management Hornsby Shire Council (1998) Indigenous Plants for the Bushland Shire Hornsby Shire Council (1999). Exempt and Complying Development – Development Control Plan Hornsby Shire Council (1999). Tree Management Plan
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Hornsby Shire Council (2000). Hornsby Shire Council Social Plan 2000 - 2005 Hornsby Shire Council (2000) Significant Areas - Bushland Plans of Management and Action Plans Hornsby Shire Council (2000). Tree Management Plan Hornsby Shire Council (2000) Water Quality Sampling Manual Hornsby Shire Council (2001) Management Plan 2003 – 2006 Hornsby Shire Council (2001) Principal Activity Service Plan 2003 – 2006 Hornsby Shire Council (2003) Hornsby Leisure Strategic Plan Stage 2 Report – Demand, Supply and Service Gap Analysis. Prepared for Hornsby Shire Council by Recreation Planning Associates Hornsby Shire Council (2003) Hornsby Leisure Strategic Plan Stage 3 Report – Recommended Strategies and Action Plans. Prepared for Hornsby Shire Council by Recreation Planning Associates Hornsby Shire Council (2004) Hornsby Shire Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Howard, J & Rawling, J (1992) Urban Bushland Management - Into the Melting Pot, conference proceedings Land and Environment Planning (1994) Fauna Corridors and Vegetation Links in the Hornsby Shire Local Government Act (1993) Local Government Amendment (Community Land Management) Act 1998 Local Government (General) Amendment (Community Land Management) Regulation 1999 Manidis Roberts (1991). Hornsby Shire Recreation Needs Study Margrit Koettig Archaeological Services (1996) Hornsby Shire Aboriginal Heritage Study National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974 ), New South Wales Legislation National Parks and Wildlife Service (1997) Draft NSW Biodiversity Strategy National Parks and Wildlife Service (1997) Urban Bushland Biodiversity Survey of Western Sydney National Parks and Wildlife Service (1999) Regional Fox Control Program National Parks and Wildlife Service (1999) Draft Fire Management Plan for Berowra Valley Regional Park National Parks and Wildlife Service (2000) Darwinia biflora Draft Recovery Plan National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Saving our Threatened Native Animals and Plants: Recovery and Threat Abatement in Action – 2003 Update National Trust of Australia (1999) Bush Regenerator’s Handbook Nature Conservation Council (1992) Bushland in our Cities and Suburbs Parts 1 & 2, Seminar Proceedings Noxious Weed Committee – Sydney North (1998) Regional Noxious Weed Strategy NSW Agriculture (1997) New South Wales Weed Strategy
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Smith P. & Smith J. (1990). Hornsby Shire Bushland Survey. Report for Hornsby Shire Council. P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland Smith P & J (1990), Vegetation and Fauna of Berowra Valley Bushland Park, P&J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland Smith P & J (1990), Vegetation and Fauna of Pennant Hills Park, P&J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (1997) Green Web – Sydney, A Vegetation Management Plan for the Sydney Region Urban Bushland Management Consultants (1999) Development and Management of Wildlife Corridors in Hornsby Shire Urban Bushland Management Consultants (1997) Weed Mapping of Bushland Areas in Hornsby Shire Webb, McKeown & Associates (2000) Berowra Creek Estuary Management Study and Management Plan Webb, McKeown & Associates (1999) Cowan Creek Catchments Stormwater Management Plan
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APPENDIX :-
APPENDIX 1. Report on Engagement Process for Old Mans Valley Masterplan by Twyfords
APPENDIX 2. Park Rules
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APPENDIX – ITEM 1 Twyfords Report - Engagement Process for OMV Masterplan
REPORT ON
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS FOR OLD MANS VALLEY MASTERPLAN
DELIVERED TO
Hornsby Shire Council PO Box 37 HORNSBY NSW 2077
PREPARED BY
Twyfords PO Box 6004 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
7TH APRIL 2010 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary ...... 4
2. Background and Context...... 6
2.1. Approach Design...... 6 2.2. This Report...... 8
3. Engagement processes...... 9
3.1. Criteria Development...... 9 3.2. On-Line Forum and Public Submissions...... 10 3.3. Public Forums ...... 11 3.4. Deliberative Workshop ...... 12
4. Summary of Data ...... 16
4.1. Validated Criteria (for option selection) ...... 16 4.2. Data Summaries...... 17
5. Observations/ Discussion...... 18
5.1. Criteria...... 18 5.2. Public Forums ...... 18 5.3. Deliberative Workshop ...... 18 5.4. On Line Forum and Written Submissions ...... 20 5.5. Representation ...... 21 5.6. Process Evaluation...... 21
6. Conclusions & Recommendations ...... 23
7. Appendices ...... 24
7.1. Initial Criteria List...... 24 7.2. Draft Criteria from Councillor Workshop ...... 25 7.3. Possible Criteria following Public Forums...... 26 7.4. Criteria- Second Draft for Deliberative Workshop...... 30 7.5. Public Forums- Input to Criteria and Forum Evaluation ...... 32 7.6. Answers to Questions asked at the Public Forums ...... 47 7.7. Summary of input from On Line Forum...... 61 7.8. Indicative Use Options considered...... 63
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 2 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.9. Deliberative Forum Output -...... 65
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 – Activity Report for Bang the Table On Line Forum
Attachment 2 – Summary of Written Submissions
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 3 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
1. Executive Summary
Council engaged Twyfords to design and facilitate an engagement process to involve the community in the Masterplanning process for Old Mans Valley, a large open space area of Council owned land near Hornsby Town Centre.
Council was seeking input on the most appropriate open space recreation uses for this area, that would best satisfy agreed criteria.
Draft criteria were developed and then reviewed, modified and validated by a range of Council and community stakeholders, including Public Forums. These criteria also included the mandatory elements of one large flexible sports field, and facilitating Quarry access for filling.
These criteria were then used to evaluate two indicative options for recreation use in OMV by a representative group of community stakeholders:
- Option 1 - Emphasis on more active and organised recreation - two sports fields, indoor centre and some parkland
- Option 2 - Emphasis on balancing active sport with passive recreation - one sports field and parkland
(Note - See Appendix 7.8 for diagrams of both options)
The evaluation clearly indicated that Option 2 best met the agreed criteria by a factor of 1.7 to 1 compared to Option 1.
While Option 2 was preferred in the assessment process, there was a strong recommendation that Council consider a list of potential modifications to the option to optimise it against the criteria.
There was also a request that Council review its mandatory criteria (i.e. one large flexible sports field) to ensure that the final option optimised the criteria.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 4 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
In addition to the evaluation process, community input via the Public meetings, written and on-line feedback highlighted a range of open space recreation uses for consideration in the masterplanning process.
As the focus of the process was on evaluating the indicative options against agreed criteria, suggested uses were not specifically tested in terms of priority or needs or level of support, but could be further tested against the criteria in the context of the Masterplan.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 5 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
2. Background and Context
Hornsby Shire Council is preparing a Masterplan and subsequent Plan of Management for the undeveloped open space lands between Hornsby Quarry and Hornsby TAFE to the west of Hornsby town centre known as Old Mans Valley (Figure 1).
Figure 1 - Old Mans Valley Study Area
Council have confirmed their intention to retain this space as open space recreation, and sought community input as part of the planning process to determine the appropriate mix of active and passive recreation uses for the area.
A comprehensive engagement process was designed and implemented between November 2009 and March 2010.
2.1. Approach Design
The engagement design consisted of several key components:
• Ensure that the draft engagement strategy is well understood and owned by staff and Councillors, who are all on the same page regarding the key
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 6 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
messages to build community understanding, the desired input from the community, and how that will be used in developing the master plan
• Identify key selection criteria from existing data to be used to assist representative stakeholders compare the options
• Help the community understand how Council has got to this position, with a clear rationale for the open space options being considered. This is by building a solid understanding of the background, process and desired outcomes, using a range of communication and engagement channels
• Ensure broad, fair and diverse participation via a series of public forums, allowing both vested interests and the broader community an opportunity to build knowledge around the open space options, and contribute input around selection criteria
• Recruit and engage a representative group of stakeholders (mix of self selected, nominated and randomly selected participants) in a deliberative workshop. This group will tour the site, get clear on the rationale for the options, review the broader community input and validate key criteria for selection, and provide balanced and objective feedback on the two options to facilitate Council decision making
• Utilise the Bang The Table on-line forum to facilitate information sharing regarding background, rationale for the options, and input of key issues for consideration in the selection process
• Communicate the outcomes of the engagement process to the broader community via a range of communication channels including the on-line forum
The approach is pictured in Figure 2, and was implemented between January and March 2010.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 7 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Strategy Development Implementation Reporting
Inception Public meeting Forum 1
Public Internal Forum 2 stakeholder meeting Public Forum 3 Output •Process Deliberative Bang the Table Forum •Outcomes •Recommendations Output Output •Understanding •Finalisation of Output rationale criteria •Communication •Validation of •Assessment of content criteria options against criteria •Agreed criteria •Identification of gaps •Comments on options •Comments on options
Figure 2- Engagement Approach
2.2. This Report
This report details the specific engagement processes used, the outcomes generated from those activities and the recommendations to Council on the most appropriate open space recreation uses for the area.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 8 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
3. Engagement processes
3.1. Criteria Development
The key focus of the engagement was to develop, validate and utilise a set of selection criteria to evaluate potential options for open space recreation use of Old Mans Valley. This criteria needs to be comprehensive, understandable, and most importantly seen as valid by the diverse range of stakeholders (both internal Council and external community) with vested interests in the area under consideration.
The engagement process allowed for five iterations with stakeholders in the development and validation of the criteria, prior to its application in assessing the two indicative options for use of OMV developed by Council staff.
These iterations consisted of:
1. An initial draft developed from previous OMV Master plan work and from the criteria development used for assessing Quarry use Expressions of Interest in 2007/8 (Appendix 7.1)
2. This list was workshopped with Hornsby Councillors at a meeting on 27th January 2010 and a shortened list developed with both mandatory and desired elements (Appendix 7.2)
3. This draft list was discussed and comments and additions made at the three public forums in February 2010, and a composite list generated with forum and other input and possible criteria. The draft criteria were also organised according to Social, Environmental, Technical and Financial categories. (Appendix 7.3)
4. This composite list was reviewed by staff and a second draft list formulated for the Deliberative Workshop (Appendix 7.4)
5. At the Deliberative Workshop, participants discussed the criteria and validated a final list, with some modifications and additional criteria. The 14 Wants were also weighted by importance as High/ Medium/ Low. This final list was then used for the option assessment. (See Section 4.1)
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 9 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
3.2. On-Line Forum and Public Submissions
Bang The Table website was commissioned for the process. The website included a detailed explanation of the engagement process, a library containing a range of documents to assist understanding the background, and a forum with 4 questions for community input and comment.
The questions were:
• What issues should be considered in developing a Plan of Management for Old Mans Valley?
• What is important to you in considering open space recreation use in Old Mans Valley?
• What do you think is the best balance of active and passive recreation use in such a space?
• The Councillors met recently and endorsed a list of criteria they considered important to guide the Masterplan. Does this criteria adequately cover the key considerations in your view? What do you think should be added or modified?
The website was advertised in the media and initiated at the end of February, with the forum running until 29th March
The forum was well attended, with 1430 unique visitors, and 134 comments across the 4 questions over the 2 months.
The website was also used as a reporting mechanism to provide feedback to the broader community, with reports from the Public forums and Deliberative workshop posted to the library.
Written submissions were also invited, and 45 were received in relation to the development of the Old Mans Valley site. In addition, Council received further submissions (22) relating to mountain biking facilities in the Old Mans Valley/Hornsby Quarry area, mostly supporting consideration of such use.
Both processes also generated a range of other suggestions for recreation uses, which are discussed further in Sections 5 and 6.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 10 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
3.3. Public Forums
Three public forums were designed and run in February. These were scheduled over 3 days in one week in different locations to maximise the opportunity for attendance, with direct mail outs to approximately 2600 residences within approximately 1.5 kilometres of the site and advertised in the local media and via the Council Newsletter.
Figure 3 includes a map indicating the extent of residents who were notified by direct mail.
Advertisements were placed in the Council page of Hornsby Advocate, Hills News and the Northern District Times between 28 January and the 10 February 2010.
Figure 3- Area of direct mail out
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 11 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Attendance was as follows
Forum 1 - Hornsby Heights - Monday 15th February - 17 people
Forum 2 - Hornsby RSL - Tuesday 16th February - 64 people
Forum 3 -Thornleigh - Thursday 18th February - 16 people
The forum process included:
• Detailed presentation by Council staff on the background, constraints and opportunities of open space development
• A question and answer session to assist understanding of the issue
• Group discussion on the draft criteria, with input and comment on suggested modifications or new criteria
• Selection of representatives and evaluation of the workshop
There was spirited discussion at each workshop, with a range of questions on both the quarry and Old Mans Valley. Questions were recorded, and responses given either in the workshop or subsequently. As mentioned elsewhere in the report, there was a level of concern about the mandatory desire for the sportsground, which some participants believed limited their input, as it appeared to them that Council had made the choice too narrow.
The criteria input was provided visually onto flip charts by the participants, and subsequently utilised as part of the criteria development process. The draft criteria were recognised as too general and hard to use in their current form.
At the forum conclusion, up to 6 people were selected by the participants to represent each forum at the Deliberative workshop.
3.4. Deliberative Workshop
3.4.1. Recruitment
Participants at the workshop were selected in 3 ways to ensure diverse representation, and involve those potential users of the area:
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 12 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• 18 people representing the three Public forums (14 attended)
• 20 people nominated by Council as being interested in or impacted by the Masterplan (10 attended). This included sporting groups, community groups, agencies, other interest groups like bushcare and people with specific interests like heritage etc
• 20 people randomly selected from across the Shire (13 attended). This group was recruited by an independent Market Research company using the following criteria:
- Gender mix (male/female)
- Balance from the 3 wards
- Mix across age groups (18-30,31-54, 55 and over)
- Up to 30% non English speaking background
- Mix of house and unit dwellers
While a reasonable criteria mix was obtained with the initial pool of 40 potentials, due to the short time frame, and the likely workshop duration (all day Sunday) and the lack of incentive, both numbers and mix were not as good as hoped with the final participant list. Of the 14 eventual attendees, only one lived in a unit, and one had a non English speaking background, and there was nobody in the 18-31 or younger age categories.
While this was disappointing, there was still a good variety of perspectives from the randomly selected group, as well as from the larger group.
3.4.2. Workshop Process
The Workshop was held on Sunday 14th March at Council Chambers in Hornsby. The agenda consisted of:
• Walking tour of Old Mans Valley. This took about an hour, and Council staff explained aspects of the valley, including the fill and contours, access routes, bushland and runoff, etc.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 13 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• Discussion session to bring new participants up to speed and respond to questions. Again a number of questions were raised about the scope of the Masterplan, including the sports field requirement.
• Explanation on the criteria development process, and validation. The group worked at tables to discuss what was important to them about Old Mans Valley, and to respond to these questions
- What is missing from the criteria?
- What modifications are needed to reflect what they were hearing?
• They then posted changes and comments on the draft criteria posted on the wall.
• During lunch, the facilitator and Council staff reviewed the comments and identified potential changes and additions.
• After lunch, the whole group worked through the potential changes and agreed on the final criteria list.
• Participants then weighted the criteria for importance - this was done by asking each person to put a dot on the 4 criteria they felt were most important. This was translated into a High/Medium/Low ranking by the total scores.
• Each table group then used a scoring worksheet to score each of the indicative options against each of the validated criteria. (Note only the Want criteria were considered – both options met the 3 Musts)
The process used was as follows:
- For each criteria, the option that best met that criteria was scored a 10
- Then the other option was scored from 0-10 in how well it compared to the best option in meeting the same criteria
Reasons for the scoring were also recorded.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 14 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• The scores were collected, aggregated and used to finalise a ranking of the two options (i.e. for each option-aggregated score from 6 tables x criteria weight H-10,M-5,L-1)
• Best fit modifications. Each table was then asked to consider the highest ranked option and to identify a list of modifications they believe could be considered that would better meet the criteria, and also to provide the reasons for that improvement. These were then recorded on flip charts.
3.4.3. Results
The workshop participants ranked Option 2 as best meeting the criteria by a factor of 1.70 i.e. ranking scores of 1851 for Option 1 (more emphasis on active organised sport - two sports fields and indoor centre) and 3140 for Option 2 ( mix of both active and passive recreation - one sports field and parkland)
(Note: higher score better meets criteria, when compared with the other option. It does not necessarily mean the option meets the criteria particularly well, just that it was better than the alternative)
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 15 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
4. Summary of Data
4.1. Validated Criteria (for option selection) The final validated and weighted criteria were:
Musts
• Complies with Open Space Zoning for active and passive recreation
• Contains at least one large flexible sportsground for organised sport
• Maintains appropriate access to the neighbouring quarry pit area for filling and for its future use as open space
Wants
Category Criteria Weighting
1. Lowest impact on amenity of neighbours Low Social - noise - traffic - security High 2. Greatest contribution to health, education and
cultural cohesion of the local community
3. Maximises range and mix of activities to meet High likely community needs
4. Provides the most attractive destination for users Low
5. Sensitive to heritage issues/values of the area Low Environmental 6. Best addresses environmental issues Medium - minimises weeds - restores bushland - maintains water quality - minimises impact on wildlife
7. Most complementary to site topography, bushland High and visual character, and minimises carbon footprint Technical 8. Best facilitates staged development Low
9. Best caters for access, parking, pedestrian and Medium cycle access and other needs of visitors
10. Lowest fire risk on facility and surrounding area Low
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 16 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Financial 11. Minimises financial impact on ratepayers equity Low
12. Optimises construction and maintenance costs Low
13. Investment maximises level of use Medium
14. Best provides a facility that is valued by the Low community and represents a worthwhile investment
4.2. Data Summaries
4.2.1. Public Workshops
Participants at each forum provided comment on the draft criteria and a summary of those comments plus potential new criteria for each forum, and the Forum Evaluation is in Appendix 7.5.1-3.
A range of questions were raised in response to the presentation and discussion. Questions and Council response are listed in Appendix 7.6. This includes both those answered in the forum, and questions recorded for later response. Note that similar questions are grouped with one question and response in some cases.
4.2.2. On Line Forum and Written Submissions
An initial list of summarised input from the on line forum was used as input in the Public Forums and Deliberative Workshop and is listed in Appendix 7.7. This data was used as input to the Public Forums and Deliberative Workshop, and also to inform the ongoing criteria development process. An Activity report for the on line forum is included – Attachment 1. A summary list of the written submissions appears in Attachment 2.
4.2.3. Deliberative Workshop
The two indicative options considered in the evaluation are shown in Appendix 7.8.
A summary of the evaluation scoring of the two indicative options against the Want criteria, the list of suggested modifications to Option 2 to better meet the criteria, and Workshop Evaluation is listed in Appendix 7.9.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 17 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
5. Observations/ Discussion
5.1. Criteria
The iterative process, involving a range of diverse stakeholders was useful in focusing people towards what the options needed to satisfy, rather than their specific likes or dislikes on particular uses. This allowed the group to be more objective, even when they had strong interest in particular uses.
Understanding and working with the criteria rather than advocating for options appeared to be difficult for a lot of the participants, but it appeared that they generally did find the focus useful in helping the objectivity of the process, and providing confidence that the process was fair to the broader community.
5.2. Public Forums
There was a consistent challenge to the scope of the decision during the public forums and the Deliberative workshop. At each, some participants questioned the givens in the criteria, notably the requirement for at least one sporting field. They questioned whether this unreasonably limited the potential uses for the area. Their comments, reasons and suggestions for alternate uses were recorded in the forum outputs.
There were a lot of questions during the sessions, and questions and responses were recorded. Participants appreciated Council’s willingness to respond to all questions, and to also follow up and respond subsequently if time did not allow a response, or if the question could not be answered immediately.
Evaluation from the forums indicated that participants generally found them helpful in answering their questions about the planning process, and they were generally confident that the criteria identified the important issues to be considered in evaluating options.
5.3. Deliberative Workshop
The site tour was important in helping the participants to build a better understanding of the situation. Anecdotal evidence indicated that it helped people to better
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 18 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement understand some of the site constraints regarding the location of different facilities, and appreciate the natural asset.
The group took the task of validating and ranking the criteria, and scoring the options very seriously. There was a quiet confidence in the group’s work, after some confusion in understanding the process around validation and ranking.
There was little disagreement around the criteria, with only minor changes and two new criteria made prior to the scoring process.
The weighting results also mirrored fairly closely the limited prioritisation process on the draft criteria that was carried out at two of the Public forums.
The group was keen to provide input as to possible modifications to Option 2 to better meet the criteria, and were able to relate their suggestions to how it would meet specific criteria. This was also seen as the promised opportunity to provide suggestions outside the specified scope, as mentioned above in Section 5.2.
Possible modifications were not sorted or prioritised. Examples of suggestions for consideration included:
“locate a smaller sports field in southern area of OMV...more complementary to ` topography, broader range of activities..”
“incorporate natural amphitheatre to facilitate outdoor entertainment..”
“add indoor sports/ recreation facility…”
“remove lake- safety/ financial/ technical considerations”
“exhibition space- sculpture..”
“track access. leads to bush, picnic, heritage areas…”
“add mountain bike trails….compact features- BMX, pumps, jumps….”
“rename the park-more attractive to users (consider requirement for apostrophe!)”
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 19 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
5.4. On Line Forum and Written Submissions
The comments from the on line forum and the written submissions were generally consistent with the discussions in the Public Forums and the Deliberative Workshop.
The comments and suggestions were also consistent with the validated criteria, across all of the four categories, and also reflected similar emphasis to the criteria weightings.
Given similar results from the four engagement processes, this would suggest that the engagement outcomes outlined here reasonably represent the views of the broader community, and the various interest groups. (Note 5.5 below)
As expected, there was a lot of input regarding particular recreation uses. Some of these related to the indicative options, while others suggested a range of potential additional uses.
While not ranked for level of support, those most mentioned included:
• mountain bike trails and trailhead
• walking trails
• community gardens
• performance space/ amphitheatre for daytime use
• sculpture garden
• indoor centre/ multi use cultural centre
• leash free dog area
Comments regarding use ranged from big picture perspectives on how to use the whole site, to specific suggestions regarding uses. Some examples of the range of comments included:
“Providing green space for all residents of Hornsby to enjoy. The area is a great opportunity to showcase Hornsby as the bushland shire… Turn it into a Wildflower garden with parkland and walks and quiet places for all to enjoy”
“…a large multi-function recreational park, something like a smaller scale Centennial Parkland…accessible childrens play equipment, nature based activities, large field for
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 20 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
sports and games, a skate park, bike tracks, picnic areas and bbqs. Large filed could be used for outdoor concerts and movies…”
“something similar to Centennial Park would be nice- somewhere people can walk their dogs, have picnics, ride bikes, kids can play on equipment, people can feed the ducks, etc- a park with multiple functions”
“a large cultural centre… concert venue..part time movie house…smaller performance space for niche audiences…several community meeting rooms….secure place for parents/ young children. “
“stage development over a number of years”
“15-25 years: skateboard,BMX, Gallery= graffiti but organised”
“caters for cultural activities and events”
“Add a sensory trail- low impact, low size- to broaden range of visitors and attractions”
5.5. Representation
While the engagement sought to reach out to all people with a likely interest in the area, neither the random selection process, nor Council invites were able to recruit significant involvement from those born overseas, those living in apartments, or younger age groups (less than 18, 18-30)
5.6. Process Evaluation
Evaluation forms were completed by participants at each Public Forum, and at the Deliberative Workshop.
Ratings indicated that the majority of participants found the sessions useful or very useful in building understanding, and that the criteria reflected the important issues to be considered very well or OK.
A majority of participants at the Deliberative Forum indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with the recommendations for recreation use determined on the day.
Comments on the engagement process included:
“Well managed. I feel that I could express my views, yet able to respect the manner in which it was made clear that other views could be expressed.”
“Is this just another exercise in informing us in what Council has decided already or is it really wanting to know what we think?”
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 21 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
“Having been to 6 or 7 previous meetings on the development of Old Mans Valley I thought this would be another waste of time when, after much discussion, all would be ignored and we would be asked to come back after some time to find nothing had changed. I was very surprised and pleased to find this meeting was much improved.”
“Made me think on a level that was surprising – I feel glad to have learnt about the issues brought about tonight”
“Thank you, that was a well explained and informative session and I get the impression that Council is adopting an open and inclusive approach.”
“A very complex task and difficult to get the group following. But given the pre-defined options it was a reasonable outcome. Probably some alternatives were missed.”
“The day was professionally and sensibly organised and conducted. Somehow, the question tasks were a little obscure and there was truly inadequate time to discuss. Oh well. Good overall and good food. Thank you.”
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 22 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
6. Conclusions & Recommendations
6.1.1. Validated Criteria (See Section 4.1)
An iterative process involving councillors, staff and the community developed and confirmed a list of weighted criteria that can be used to evaluate existing and emerging options for open space recreation use in Old Mans Valley.
While it was not specifically confirmed, it is also likely the criteria may also be applicable (after review) for use in evaluating options for recreation use over the broader Quarry site.
While the Musts were accepted as mandatory for the assessment exercise, there was a consistent concern expressed at both the Public Forums and Deliberative Workshop that they did limit the options, particularly the requirement for one large flexible sporting field.
6.1.2. Recommended Option (See Section 4.2.3)
When the criteria was applied at the Deliberative Workshop to the two indicative options presented by Council staff, Option 2 (a mix of active sports facilities - one playing field, and passive facilities) better met the criteria by a factor of 1.7 to one. (See Appendix 7.9 for scoring details)
6.1.3. Better match to Criteria (See Section 4.2.3)
The Deliberative workshop also developed a series of suggested changes to Option 2 that would better meet the validated criteria. These were not sorted or evaluated, but participants did identify which criteria they considered would be impacted.
It is recommended that these be considered by Council during the ongoing development of the Masterplan and Plan of Management to provide the best possible match with the determined criteria.
6.1.4. Representative Community
The Deliberative workshop participants commented on the lack of cultural diversity and children & youth among the participants. This was also evident at the Public
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 23 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement forums. The random selection process was designed to reach these groups, however it was not as successful as hoped.
(Note: from the 2006 census figures, about 44% of the population in the areas of Hornsby and Waitara were born overseas - China, India and Korea: and majority of people lived in unit accommodation)
It is likely that the organised sporting and recreation clubs who participated do represent these groups to some extent. However it does pose the question as to how well the needs of those groups have been met in developing the criteria, and also how well the options reflect an understanding of the open space recreation needs of these groups.
It is suggested that consideration could be given to involving appropriate representation from these groups further during the Masterplan process.
6.1.5. Potential Open Space Recreation Uses/Facilities (See Section 4.2.2)
While the focus of the engagement was to validate the criteria and evaluate the two indicative options, there was significant community input throughout the engagement process requesting consideration of specific uses. While some of these had been considered by Council, not all featured on the indicative options 1 or 2.
There was a strong emphasis on supporting mountain bike facilities, as well as requests to consider a range of other uses as listed in Section 5.
Due to the nature of the input (on line comments, written submissions, forum and workshop input, and anecdotal comments) on these uses, it was not possible to estimate the level of support for any particular use.
However due to the relatively high degree of interest expressed regarding alternative uses it is strongly recommended that these requests be considered in the Masterplanning process, especially the extent to which their incorporation would facilitate the Masterplan option to better meet the agreed criteria.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 24 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
We do thank you for the opportunity to submit this report. Please direct any queries to John Dengate on 02 4226 4040 or by email at [email protected].
John Dengate
Twyfords
7 April, 2010
Prepared by: John Dengate on 6 April 2010
(date)
Verified by: Max Hardy on 6 April 2010
(date)
Approved for John Dengate on 6 April 2010 release by:
Director (date)
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 22 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Quality Policy
Twyfords supplies consulting and learning and development services to industry, commerce and the public and community sectors. In particular our consultants are recognised as offering a full range of valuable and cost effective services in the areas of community engagement, capacity building, business performance improvement, change management, facilitation, and review and evaluation. Our services include the design and delivery of programs, as well as strategic advice.
As directors of the company we are committed to providing all clients with services and products that meet or exceed agreed requirements. This commitment involves ensuring that our consultants are suitably skilled and experienced in diagnosing client needs, providing strategic advice, designing and implementing appropriate capacity building programs, and monitoring their effectiveness.
This commitment requires the active participation of all members of this company (including those providing sub-contracted services) in the application of quality procedures. These procedures include, but are not limited to, a consistent focus on the needs of customers, the use of the plan-do-check-act cycle in project design and implementation, obtaining regular customer feedback on our performance, ensuring the traceability of all documents and other continuous improvement practices.
Within this company, quality includes the sparing consumption of all consumable resources and being environmentally responsible. It also includes following all legislation and ethical codes of practice.
John Dengate Max Hardy Vivien Twyford
Stuart Waters Directors, Twyfords, 7 April, 2010
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 23 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7. Appendices
7.1. Initial Criteria List • Best meets community aspirations • Matches and balances with the range of currently available recreation facilities in the Shire • Creates a social asset that benefits all ratepayers • Is attractive to a wide range of Hornsby ratepayers and others in the area • Makes best use of the site constraints • Optimises the potential use of the whole OMV area • Fits with the long term development potential of the valley by promoting connections between Hornsby Town Centre, OMV, the quarry lands and adjoining open space • Provides tourism opportunities in the short and longer term • Addresses amenity of neighbours • Is compatible with potential options for quarry development • Allows for potential staging of development of the site • Facilitates access to the site • Provides best use of the large parcel of open space • Optimises the environmental outcomes for the site, both the existing natural environment (bushland and biodiversity), and in open space facilities/ activities • Recognises the heritage significance of elements of the OMV site • Maximises value to ratepayers, for both development and ongoing use, in terms of cost and benefit • Utilises best design and management practices
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 24 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.2. Draft Criteria from Councillor Workshop
• Contains at least one large flexible sportsground for organised sport • Maintains appropriate access to neighbouring quarry pit for filling and its future use as open space • Complies with Open Space zoning for active and passive recreation • Appeals to a wide range of ratepayers and residents • Creates a significant recreation asset responding to the changing needs of a growing Shire • Responds to local opportunities for amenity, heritage, bushland and biodiversity and tourism in its design • Optimises the site in a cost effective manner
Councillors noted that, in their view, the first three criteria were very important.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 25 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.3. Possible Criteria following Public Forums
Musts (i.e. Masterplan options must meet all of these elements)
Criteria Rationale Input from Public Workshops
Complies with Open Space zoning for active and Council has heard the strong community views that Needs to stay zoned open space passive recreation the Quarry lands need to remain dedicated to open space and have reiterated their commitment to that zoning
Contains at least one large flexible sportsground Council believe that at least one sportsground is Contains at least one large flexible for organised sport essential to meet the growing active recreation needs grassed open space for various for the Shire, and that a flexible ground capable of activities including, but not limited to, responding to a range of sports and other less organised sport structured activities is appropriate. There are limited opportunities in central Hornsby for the land required to provide such facilities to service the growing population in this area Too restrictive
Maintains appropriate access to the neighbouring Council has made an in-principle decision to fill the What is meant by appropriate access? quarry pit area for filling and for its future use as Quarry and eventually utilise it for open space open space recreation. It is important that this filling activity is not compromised in the plans for Old Mans Valley, particularly in facilitating haul road access to the Quarry
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 26 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Wants (i.e. Masterplan options can be scored as to how well they satisfy these elements)
Category Council Draft From Public workshops Other input Possible criteria
Social Appeals to a wide range Minimises or sensible limits impacts on Fairness of use Lowest impact on amenity of ratepayers and local residents (traffic, noise and light, of neighbouring residents residents etc) Contribution to community cohesion and health Greatest contribution to the Creates a significant Maintain neighbour amenity compared health and cohesion of local recreation asset with total Shire amenity Encourages social community responding to the interaction changing needs of a Cater for non sports constituents- Best meets the recreation growing Shire (unstructured recreation) Reach of use – age & needs of current and future ethnicity population Responds to local Caters to, and inclusive of, a wide range opportunities for amenity of ratepayers and residents Best responds to built and and heritage in its design natural heritage Meets the changing needs of the Shire opportunities and and gaps in recreation provision constraints of the area
Reflects the heritage values Provides most attractive destination for unstructured Good balance between formal sport and recreation informal recreation
Appeals to ethnic communities
Facilitates cultural celebrations of the growing multicultural community
Best meets the needs of the high rise residents in the area
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 27 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Category Council Draft From Public workshops Other input Possible criteria
Outdoor entertainment focus
Meets social and health needs of the community
Environmental Responds to local Has low environmental impact on Best encourages bicycle opportunities for bushland surrounding area and walking access and biodiversity in its design Effective links to adjoining lands
Best protects the environment, Most environmentally especially threatened species sustainable in construction and use Addresses weed management and bushland restoration issues Most positive environmental impact on surrounding Return to native bush as much as natural systems possible
Offset human development by restoring native flora and fauna communities
Accessible via low carbon transport such as bicycles and walking
Technical Optimises the site in a Low fire risk Low impact on the field Design best responds to cost effective manner site constraints Facilitate staged development - passive Maintenance of the area areas first then sports field Best facilitate staged Addresses site constraints development Allows a comprehensive range of
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 28 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Category Council Draft From Public workshops Other input Possible criteria recreational activities and facilities Alternative opportunities near Best caters for the access, central Hornsby to site parking and other needs of Maintain source of water for sports field particular recreation activities visitors watering
Adequate parking and road access
Safest
Speed of usability/accessibility for the community
Links with existing facilities
Financial Optimises the site in a Low maintenance costs Least financial impact on cost effective manner ratepayers Cost effective for recreational use Lowest maintenance costs Minimise financial impact on ratepayers Provides a facility that is Maximise self funding most valued by the community and represents a worthwhile investment
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 29 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.4. Criteria- Second Draft for Deliberative Workshop
Musts
• Complies with Open Space zoning for active and passive recreation
• Contains at least one large flexible sportsground for organised sport
• Maintain appropriate access to the neighbouring quarry pit area for filling and for its future use as open space
Wants
Social
1. Lowest impact on amenity of neighbours
2. Greatest contribution to health and cohesion of local community
3. Most flexible in meeting likely community needs
4. Provides the most attractive destination for users
Environmental
5. Best addresses environmental issues
– Minimises weeds
– Restores bushland
– Addresses water quality
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 30 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
6. Most complementary to site topography and bushland character
7. Encourages bicycle and walking access
Technical
8. Best facilitates staged development
9. Best caters for the access, parking and other needs of visitors
10. Lowest fire risk on facility and surrounding area
Financial
11. Minimises financial impact on ratepayers
12. Minimises maintenance costs
13. Best provides a facility that is valued by the community and represents a worthwhile investment
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 31 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.5. Public Forums- Input to Criteria and Forum Evaluation
7.5.1. Forum 1 - Monday 15th February - Hornsby Heights Community Centre
1. Contains at least one large flexible sportsground for organised sport.
a. Contains at least one large flexible grassed open space for various activities including, but not limited to, organised sport (modular design).
b. No to a sportsground. Not as important as having gardens, picnic and play areas for the proposed glut of units that are coming. 2
c. Hornsby is this shire’s New York. We need a Central Park.
2. Maintains appropriate access to neighbouring quarry pit for filling and its future use as open space.
a. Current access is probably NOT appropriate for quarry filling.
3. Complies with Open Space zoning for active and passive recreation.
a. Option 1 is too prescriptive. A beautifully landscaped, very large urban park linked to the station with lakes, streams and picnic areas is preferable. 2
b. Needs to stay zoned Open Space.
4. Appeals to a wide range of ratepayers and residents.
a. With approximately 7000 owners of off-road bicycles (mountain bikes) and no facility built to care for them this is an ideal opportunity to address this. Remember they are also ratepayers. 8
5. Creates a significant recreation asset responding to the changing needs of a growing shire.
a. When a large area is not built or overly manicured it is left for future generations to make their own purposes.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 32 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
b. An open space area is passive recreation for all. Not just financially backed/sponsored groups.
c. New York’s Central Park. 10
6. Responds to local opportunities for amenity, heritage, bushland and biodiversity and tourism in its design.
a. Criteria 3 & 6 may be in conflict – Café/Commercial co-development in the area. 9
7. Optimises the site in a cost effective manner.
a. Bike trails, especially off-road trails are cheap and quick to construct and can coexist with other uses.
b. Sympathetic with adjoining areas and land use. 9
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 33 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
FEEDBACK ON OTHER CRITERIA
• Has low environmental cost to maintain. Can be utilised consistently by everyone (not just the team playing). • Organised sport will cause major traffic jams for local residents. • Mount Wilga House – this is a state heritage site, available for purchase immediately adjacent to the • What are the measures? • Criteria need to apply at “Old Mans Valley Scale” and “Quarry Scale”/across whole site. • Having a passive “Centennial” park type venue will attract tourists who will put money into the shire. • Cater for the rate paying constituents who do not use sports fields e.g. joggers, cyclists, off-road cyclists, walkers, etc. • Need proper parking structure. • No parking facilities for every resident just wishing to enjoy passive recreation if organised sport using. • Future housing will be units with no backyards so need other than ovals for families to have close access to. • Please consider providing facilities for mountain bike trails (loop) in the OMV area including flat and steeper areas. • Tennis courts. • Look at the popularity of public and bicentennial parks. • Paths to link suburbs? Cycleway/walking tracks. • Timing: How could you make it available in 2 years but with the opportunity to upgrade if over time to satisfy people’s needs? • Noise for organised sport. • Security considerations. • Fire risk considerations • Lobby groups should be removed from influencing Council. They do not represent the larger views of residents. • Arts and culture venue as well! • Botanic garden use.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 34 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Any other comments? Organised sport noise problem would very much impact on all residents surrounding Old Mans Valley. I am very concerned that Council has already made up their mind on certain aspects regarding what direction the usage of OMV is going to follow. Group of 3 well prepared. Open to critics, answering well the questions. Words on slides (criteria) were well chosen and presentation made to satisfy needs and avoid hurting. Well managed. I feel that I could express my views, yet able to respect the manner in which it was made clear that other views could be expressed. When I agreed to come along I was unsure what to expect, so was pleasantly surprised to see/hear a collaboratively approach – well done. A good preliminary effort professionally and reasonably organised and conducted. Little real progress however, with apparently many years before any effect. There is never enough time! Too long spent on questions re the quarry. Perhaps should have said at the outset that this would not be discussed at length. A good session overall. Manageable number of people with good opportunities for people to put their ideas and opinions into the discussion. Good facilitation and Council Officers knowledgeable about the matter.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 35 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.5.2. Forum 2 - Tuesday 16th February - Hornsby RSL
1. Contains at least one large flexible sportsground for organised sport.
• Could Council clarify how it came to the conclusion that the community wanted a Draft Criteria 1. Suggestion – Survey ratepayers.
• (Add to this) and allows for passive recreation. Pedestrian access should be provided to the area by way of walking tracks.
• Need to consider targeted usage for large sportsground – in terms of infrastructure (grandstands, etc) and spectator numbers.
• Consider community’s interest in dumping sporting ground.
• Are there cheaper options for recreational use – no sports fields? More passive recreation?
2. Maintains appropriate access to the neighbouring quarry pit area for filling and its future use as open space.
• What does Council mean by “appropriate access” for filling? How, time, cost, implications?
3. Complies with open space zoning for active and passive recreation.
• Stage development over a number of years.
• Check Threatened Species Act in relation to requirement for remnant trees and clumps of trees.
4. Appeals to a wide range of ratepayers and residents.
• Consults with local Darug people either directly through Aunty Edna Watson or through HATSIC (Hornsby Aboriginal & Torres Island Community).
• More specific categories e.g.
• 15-25 years: skateboard, BMX, Gallery = graffiti but organised.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 36 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• Family Groups: facilities e.g. BBQ facilities
• Community Gardens
• Option 2 – caters to a wider range of ratepayers.
• Levy: Be charged to builders and developers – after all – they have already paid for building parks and money paid in the past where is it gone?
• Considers a comprehensive range of recreational activities and facilities e.g. BMX, amphitheatre, aquatic park, dog park.
5. Creates a significant recreation asset responding to the changing needs of a growing shire.
• Must consider existing and planned alternative facilities in the shire.
• Changing needs.
6. Responds to local opportunities for amenity, heritage, bushland and biodiversity and tourism in its design.
• Heritage – that’s not just about the few “archaeological” remnants. The whole valley was once an orchard so couldn’t something of that be reflected in the development plan?
• Maintain source of water for sporting field watering.
• Add “opportunities and needs” and “biodiversity and restoration”.
• Return as much as possible back to native bush for the “bush shire”.
7. Optimise the site in a cost effective manner
• Takes into account the need for adequate parking and road access.
• Consider options for private/public funding – joint venture development options.
• Option 2 – Build passive areas first so can be used ASAP. Then add sports field when finances permit.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 37 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• Affordability – minimise impact on ratepayers.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 38 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
OLD MANS VALLEY
FEEDBACK ON OTHER CRITERIA
FROM MEETING 16 FEBRUARY 2010
• Sorry, I think it is too early to be trying to make these plans. Sadly, nothing can be done till the unstable land has been made safe and the quarry filled (meaning a road will have to be built first – which will cost $15M). Sorry.
• The site inclusive of all our community including indigenous, non-English speaking and youth.
• Provides options to realise the plan in a staged approach to a) speed up usabiity/accessibility for the community and provides b) more opportunities for fundraising land time (DOABLE).
• Options to maximize self funding.
• No noise or light impacting neighbouring houses (i.e. night time use).
• A good balance between formal sport and informal recreation.
• Appealing to a wide range of ethnic communities i.e. Tai Chi.
• Encouraging a lifestyle of environmental and social sustainability through activities e.g. community gardens, water re-use, solar.
• Gardens that vary from others in the area art, sculpture.
• Will they charge admission to the park? That will help defray the cost. On the other hand it will increase pressure on street parking, just as at Fagan Park.
• Prefer Option 2 – cheaper and meets the interest of a wider range of people.
• Evaluating the cost effectiveness of a staged development (DOABLE).
• Both options would be good BUT we can’t afford them.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 39 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• No cricket.
• Encourage folk and ethnic dancing.
• Skateboard Park.
• Wilderness.
• Delete 1 all. Delete 4 all. Delete 5 “recreation asset” change to “natural asset”. Delete 6 – change to “responds to opportunities and need for heritage and bushland/biodiversity”. Delete 7 all. Add “offsets human development by restoring native flora and fauna communities (with no human use of the site).
• If we have to have option 1 or 2 – our table preferred option 2 very much.
• Why not have a terraced garden going down the steep area to the playing field?
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 40 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Any other comments? I thought it was very well run and kept to the point, keeping those with agenda different to the topic in check. Well thought out and presented and good concise answers to questions. How is Council going to get the views of non-English speakers, indigenous, youth and elderly – I don’t know that all these groups are represented tonight. Pretty good effort to do something very difficult. Not much input on options preferred by ratepayers and residents. All we discussed were criteria Council came up with – what’s missing and what modifications needed? This is the set-up we all wanted at the 1st Forum. Instead we got high rise and high rise!! Now you have gone to what people wanted. Too much time spent on refreshments. Did not finish on time. No consideration on how “do- able” the suggestions are. No details on maps of where the proposed mountain bike tracks would be and their relationship to the OMV site. Not happy with access. (Project) vision for funding. Obviously a lot more detailed work will be required. Consultation is much appreciated. However, what is now important is to take notice of the opinions expressed and use these genuinely to inform your actions. John did a very good job chairing the meeting. I liked the questions on post-it notes to give all a chance to have a say. Indigenous question needs to be considered. Any Darug Associations to be represented? Is this just another exercise in informing us in what Council has decided already or is it really wanting to know what we think? Poor balance: 1. Too little time on criteria 2. Not enough opportunity for people to vent their suggestions. Council folk can afford to be less defensive only the critics are grumpy about consultation.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 41 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
The Community Gardens idea is BRILLIANT. Important to engage the youth to minimise vandalism in the Hornsby area. Thank you, that was a well explained and informative session and I get the impression that Council is adopting an open and inclusive approach. Why only two options? Why insufficient information on all details related to filling the ‘hole’? How will it be done? Noise? Over the next 10 years there will a lot of high rise development in Hornsby and Asquith and these outdoor areas will be needed. Please make sure that there is plenty of car parking. Thanking you. I am very concerned about the generation of dust and noise during the development that could be some 20 years (to fill the quarry). This is a real concern to me. I do not understand the need for a large sporting complex but agree for a small complex with parkland and biking areas. Please keep me informed of every meeting in this matter – Greg Bright, 96 Rosemead Road, Hornsby. An encouraging session and well run. Good inclusivity. Still a lot of “ifs and maybes”. Costing seems incomplete, plans fairly vague. OMV Masterplan needs to cater for active and passive recreation for all age groups. The preservation of the natural environment and its biodiversity will need consideration. I think the facilitator and the Council representatives did a great job and I hope that they are not going to be too disheartened by some of the comments made by the audience (i.e. reg slides). Keep up the good work. There is still Council neglect of the possibility of a cultural precinct; even if just a community centre (or trade off that against the swimming pool site). For us noise is a big issue. I prefer Stage (1) Plan. The cost is insignificant in the long term. A tighter rein on questions not relevant to the night’s proceedings. Appointing (organising) team leaders for tables. It is way too early to be trying to make these plans. It is futile! Sorry. All options are very good but we can’t afford them. What is Hornsby Council spending on recreation grounds currently? Should HSC be seeking Federal Funding to achieve its recreation and sporting goals? There are too many tiers of government in Australia. Too much Bureaucracy and money wasted. I have been to many of these meetings and this is the first time I have felt we are beginning to get somewhere. Keep questions and interjections to end – most annoying and irrelevant meandering and some people voicing their agendas. Made me think on a level that was surprising – I feel glad to have learnt about the issues brought about tonight. Having been to 6 or 7 previous meetings on the development of Old Mans Valley I thought this would be another waste of time when, after much discussion, all would be ignored and we would be asked to come back after some time to find nothing had changed. I was very surprised and pleased to find this meeting was much improved.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 42 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.5.3. Forum 3 - Thursday 18th February - Hawkins Hall, Thornleigh
1. Contains at least one large flexible sportsground for organised sport.
(2)
2. Maintains appropriate access to the neighbouring quarry pit area for filling and its future use as open space.
• Can we plan in a manner that would not prevent things such as music, arts and bowls on the filled quarry site – Peter Frame.
(6)
3. Complies with open space zoning for active and passive recreation.
• Leash free dog parks (Rolf Park).
• MTB XC/Walking DH Road/Chinese Badminton.
• High level medium density housing
• BBQ Picnic
• BMX tracks.
(6)
4. Appeals to a wide range of ratepayers and residents.
• Rewrite so that it includes a “multiple use sports field”.
• Leash free dog area & BBQ Picnic area & Walking Track & XC track.
• I’d like to see the plan accommodate cultural celebrations of the growing multicultural community.
• Disagree with this statement. The question needs to be asked to users of outdoor facilities. If people never use outdoor facilities why should they have a say?
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 43 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
(9)
5. Creates a significant recreation asset responding to the changing needs of a growing shire.
• No provision for open air, musical/band bowl.
• Build entertaining and well designed mountain biking and dirt jumping.
• Add; and does so in a way that fills gaps in existing provision of recreation.
(12)
6. Responds to local opportunities for amenity, heritage, bushland and biodiversity and tourism in its design.
(6)
7. Optimise the site in a cost effective manner
This needs to be more specific. What does it really mean? (3)
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 44 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
FEEDBACK ON OTHER CRITERIA
• Need another criteria: Best meets needs of high rise residents in area.
• Promote access to OMV site via low carbon transport (i.e. bikes, public transport, pedestrian).
• Another criteria: Outdoor entertainment focus for upper North Shore. `
• Facility should fulfil local residents and community needs = social, health, recreation and esteem.
• Need to minimise or sensibly limit impact on local residents e.g. Noise (as well as taking into account their amenity compared with total Shire amenity.)
• Caters for cultural activities and events.
• Link with existing facilities.
• Caters for unstructured recreation needs.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 45 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
HORNSBY OLD MANS VALLEY MASTERPLAN PUBLIC WORKSHOP EVALUATION REPORT 18 FEBRUARY 2010
1. How useful was the session in increasing your understanding of the issues, constraints and opportunities in developing OMV for open space recreation?
VERY USEFUL A LITTLE NOT 8 USEFUL 1 USEFUL USEFUL
2. After your input how well do the draft criteria identify the important things to be considered choosing the most appropriate recreation options in OMV?
VERY OK NOT POORLY 5 WELL 3 SURE 1
3. How well did this session meet your needs in getting answers, getting issues identified and inputting your ideas?
VERY ADEQUATELY POORLY NOT AT 6 WELL 3 ALL
4. Any other comments?
• This proposal only meets the needs a significant minority of the total population. • I think its good Council uses an independent person to facilitate consultation. • A well run session. Thank you Council for your thoroughness. • Well managed.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 46 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.6. Answers to Questions asked at the Public Forums
OLD MANS VALLEY DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS
Size - Is the area big enough for both passive and active activities?
A: Yes it is large enough for both.
What is the size of the area?
A: Old Mans Valley area is approximately 11 Ha as defined by the yellow outline in the presentation.
The larger study area with the red outline is approximately 58 Ha.
Indicative playing field size?
A: The large playing field on Options 1 and 2 is 165m x 135m. The small playing field on option 1 is 110m x 70m.
11 ha of land – how much can be developed re steepness and blue gums?
A: The land being looked at for development includes primarily the disturbed lands where filling has occurred in the past and there are extensive weeds. The indicative concept plans indicate approximately 6 Ha of this land may be developed for recreation facilities.
Access
My understanding is that a road in from Bridge Road or Coronation Street will be so expensive as to be unthinkable – is this true?
A: Potential connections from Bridge Road and Coronation Street would be more expensive than from Quarry Road. All accessways to the site will be expensive.
Why access from Coronation Street? Why not construct road running beside north end of existing pool?
A: It is considered that the controlled traffic intersection on Coronation Street would be advantageous.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 47 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
There are heritage issues associated with access through Hornsby Park from both Coronation Street and the north end of the pool. The north end of the pool will require the removal of a number of heritage listed Turpentine trees.
Access from Silvia Street is not possible – too steep.
A: Comment is noted.
Noise
Noise issues affecting local residences?
A: The noise issues likely to be generated are identified in the preliminary acoustic assessment. This study notes that the noise generated from organised sporting activities and vehicles entering and exiting the OMV site are likely to have the greatest impact on the acoustic environment of the valley.
What will be done to keep noise very low?
A: Council is aware that the site is sensitive to noise and is looking at either limiting or managing noise generating activities. This may involve undertaking construction in such a way as to reduce the amount of noise escaping from where noise is known to be generated as well as potentially restricting the range of noise generating activities.
Why aren’t the noise sensitive lands identified on the NW area that resulted in a court case in 1959 building an unstable bank at risk of sliding into the quarry? (marked Northern Walking Trail.)
A: The acoustic consultant has reviewed background noise levels in the Manor Road area to the north west of the quarry. These lands are not considered to be as sensitive as other lands that are identified, but they are still recognised as having very low noise levels and being sensitive to noise.
What is the guideline for maximum noise in decibels?
A: As noted in the preliminary acoustic study, there is no mandatory standard for noise control applicable to this form of development. The most relevant standard was written to address industrial land uses. To determine appropriate noise limits a formula is applied that measures background noise levels and identifies the average
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 48 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement noise levels of various types of proposed activities. An average of 5dBa over background noise is commonly identified as acceptable at residences.
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DETAILS
Using fill off OMV – reduce.
A: Yes it is possible that the fill in OMV could be moved around to reduce the height and steepness of the batters.
Parking facilities to cater for sports participants?
Parking provision for how many vehicles?
A: All necessary parking will be accommodated onsite. No specific estimate of parking area has been prepared at this stage because final requirements have not yet been determined.
Like to suggest a community vegetable garden.
A: Support is noted. Community gardens along with all suggestions will be considered against the final criteria.
It may look like Homebush Park or Newport Park in Melbourne (south west). These are very popular parks.
A: Comment noted.
What plans to make the area secure at night? (Given misbehaviour at end of Quarry Road late at night.)
Night time - provision for security?
A: Security of the site will be considered as part of any development proposal for the site.
What will drive the completion of project?
Safety – Fire
Cost (Structure stability)
Funding
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 49 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Need – demand from the public.
A: All of the above issues will need to be considered in the development of recreation proposals for OMV.
Playing fields – will they be all-weather?
A: By this question we assume you mean an artificial turf surface that is able to be used in all weather conditions. At this stage Council is not considering the use of this type of surface as it has a higher capital cost and would generally only be considered for the busiest sports fields in the Shire.
Comparison cost of similar open space development in Sydney?
A: Ballast Point cost about $10M for a 2.6 hectare site and Brickpit Park Stadium at Thornleigh cost $5.3M.
Is the area in question significantly bush fire affected?
A: Yes it is and this would need to be taken into account as part of any development proposal.
Details of previous plans for recreational use?
A: There have been a number of proposals to develop recreation facilities in Old Mans Valley in the past including various sports field proposals that were prepared through the 1960s to the 1990s and informal parkland in 1998 in association with a draft Plan of Management that was prepared at this time.
Natural amphitheatre – no pd’s or night time usage. Documented in 1959 court case.
A: Comments noted.
What controls will there be to control dust and noise during development of the proposal as this could have medical complications for some residents?
A: Environmental controls for noise and dust during construction will be considered as part of any development proposal for the site. Typically controls include dust suppression by watering the ground during dry periods and limiting noise generating activities to normal business hours.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 50 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
What would be the proposed working hours during the development?
A: Construction working hours will be considered as part of any application for the site and applied as conditions of approval.
Why propose a lake when the quarry could be used as such?
A: To improve the amenity of the OMV lands.
Will Council encourage and provide infrastructure for non-motorised (i.e. walking and cycling) forms of transport into OMV/quarry?
A: All access in the OMV site will be considered against the final criteria.
Is there any other place in Hornsby for the large play grounds rather than in this steep area?
A: Council does not have any other public land available for large playgrounds in the local Hornsby area.
Are the project risks understood?
A: The design works undertaken to date are preliminary, however it is recognised that there are geotechnical risks associated with construction on this site and this is reflected in the preliminary budget estimates.
Flexibility of design?
Utilisation?
Cost/affordability?
Connection/railway?
Ongoing maintenance/changes?
A: Not sure what this question is about. It will be answered provided it can be clarified with the author of the question.
Access – vehicular access from where?
A: Not sure what this question is about. It will be answered provided it can be clarified with the author of the question.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 51 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL QUESTIONS
What about the mountain bike tracks?
A: Mountain bike tracks along with all other suggestions will be considered against the final criteria and are expected to be further considered during the master planning.
If approved, will mountain bike trails extend through Crown Land?
A: Yes they potentially could include Crown land and this is subject to more detailed investigation.
Will these trails extend into eco endangered area and onto Rosemead and Valley Road through to Westleigh?
A: Council is currently ground truthing the potential routes and developing a detailed plan for community comment later this year. The route being investigated may include bushland near Rosemead and Valley Road areas, attempting to use existing fire trails and cleared and degraded areas. Trails will be designed to avoid direct and indirect impacts on the endangered ecological communities.
Is there a route proposed?
A: Council is currently investigating a route(s).
HORNSBY POOL QUESTIONS
Is there a possibility of considering the development of OMV together with redevelopment of the pool?
What about linking with the redevelopment of aquatic centre?
A: At this stage Council is investigating the development of OMV as a separate exercise to the redevelopment of the Hornsby Pool. Investigations for the redevelopment of the pool are currently focused on it remaining in its current position. Relocating the pool to OMV is thought to be a more expensive solution and would make the pool less viable.
Rebuild the pool on the site. Lots of parking. Access through the park next to the present pool.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 52 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Maybe a road built to connect to Dural or Westleigh.
A: Currently Council is investigating the reconstruction of the pool at the present site in Hornsby Park as a separate project within Council.
FUNDING QUESTIONS
How much will it cost?
A: Preliminary costings for the indicative concept plans Option 1 and Option 2 are that a budget of $13 million would be required to build the park construction works. If a decision is made to develop an indoor sports centre as indicated in the Option 1 plan this would require a further budget of $10 million.
How will this development be costed and funded?
Council needs to undertake further more detailed work aimed at confirming the design before more accurate costings can be developed. Funding is currently expected to come from the proposed infrastructure levy.
Sports facilities, Infrastructure, How will it be funded?
How will the project be managed?
Who will manage it?
A: This project is expected to be funded by the proposed Infrastructure Levy. The project will be managed by Council staff. Following completion of construction, the site will be maintained by Council staff.
Infrastructure – What Infrastructure: Roads, Parking, Paths, Bridges, Costs?
A: Not sure what this question is about. It will be answered provided it can be clarified with the author of the question.
The Open Space Master Plan – What’s the first timeframe for area 1, for area 2 and for area 3.
A: Council has not prepared any staging plan for the works at this stage.
The indoor stadium will pay for itself and make a “profit”. Will the oval(s) and passive parks pay for themselves – if not what will the loss be per year?
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 53 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
A: Council generally generates an income of approximately 25% of the cost of maintenance of sports fields. Passive parks do not generate any significant income. There is no recovery of the cost of maintenance.
Does the infrastructure levy cover the quarry/OMV development costs?
A: The proposed infrastructure levy does include allowance for the development of the OMV lands but not the quarry.
How long will the infrastructure levy be levied?
Council is seeking approval for a rates increase (to be known as an infrastructure levy) of about $60 - $70 per year for the average household on top of the rate peg amount. If the proposed levy is approved it will commence in July 2010 and will operate for a number of years. The end date will be determined by Councillors, but is likely be 20 years.
Where will funding come from?
A: The funding for the OMV works is expected to come from the proposed infrastructure levy. If this levy does not proceed it is unlikely that the open space works would be undertaken in the foreseeable future.
Will the filling of the quarry be money raising for the Council or a cost?
I.E. What is the estimated income expected to be from filling the quarry?
A: The filling of the quarry is expected to be cost neutral. It is not known in detail what the specific financial outcome will be as this is subject to further investigation.
BROADER QUARRY AND OLD MANS VALLEY CONTEXT QUESTIONS
Use of the land – open space only?
You said there was to be no building in the marked section of Old Mans Valley – what about the rest of the valley i.e. the Crusher and the stock holding area?
A: It is possible that Council may consider some ancillary buildings such as toilets, kiosk and change rooms supporting open space facilities in the marked area of Old Mans Valley. Larger recreation facilities for indoor sports may also be considered in OMV. Council has made the decision to retain the open space zoning that currently
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 54 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement applies to the quarry lands. The specific wording of the relevant Council decision is as follows:
On 16 July 2008, the former Council resolved in part (WK42/08) THAT:
1. Council agrees in principle to the following future directions for the former Hornsby Quarry and Old Man Valley precincts:
• The two areas will be principally for public recreation and open space.
• Any residential/commercial development that might be considered will have minimal impact in terms of its location, density and effect on the primary purpose of the site.
This implies scope for complementary uses such as an “eco-lodge”, cafe/restaurant and appropriate community/educational facilities.
Can the Crown Land be used?
A: Yes, however this is expected to be primarily for trails and access.
Use of other land (Crown?) to site indoor facility (cheaper)?
Can we build a multistorey parking area at the rear of the pool and top it with indoor sport stadium with large gym linking both to pool and stadium?
A: Council considers the Hornsby Park land as not suitable for the development of an indoor facility because it is characterised as either bushland, watercourse or steep land. It is considered that the clearing or removal of bushland and watercourses for the development of a large building would not be acceptable to the broader community or the Minister for Lands.
Does CSR still own any land in this region?
A: Council owns all of the land parcels contained inside the red outline. In addition the sections of Quarry Road that were previously Rights Of Way are now owned by Council and will be gazetted as a public road within the next few months.
What consideration has been given to the restoration and maintenance of the Historic Steps which run into OMV?
A: Council has recently commenced a long term project that includes the survey and restoration of the historic steps behind Hornsby Pool and to Rosemead Road and
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 55 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement has recently received grant funding for these works. Council is also investigating opportunities to improve the connections of these steps to other trails in the area.
What is the area between the Red and Yellow parallel lines adjoining Hornsby Park?
A: On the southern side of Hornsby Park there is a long narrow parcel of land that is a road reservation, where a road has not been built and there is currently no proposal to build a road.
What will the quarry be filled with?
A: Council has made an in principle decision to fill the quarry with Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM).
Is the ‘Fill’ you referred to expected to come from some future tunnel?
Where is the major quarry fill coming from?
A: The fill material could come from any construction project where Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) is being excavated.
Will fill come in via Dural Street and Quarry Road?
A: Yes it is likely that fill material may come in via Dural Street and Quarry Road. Other solutions might also be possible, but this depends on the location and size of the construction facility that is generating the VENM. These questions and others will be addressed when Council pursues the environmental approvals necessary to fill the quarry.
How long will it take to fill the hole?
A: This depends upon the availability of VENM.
Impact of quarry filling on OMV operation – especially access roads?
A: The details of exactly how the quarry filling operation will work has not at this stage been determined as it will be the subject of the proposed environmental approvals. This process is expected to commence this year and will evaluate access (and other) options in detail. It is possible that Quarry Road will be used to gain access to the quarry. A second accessway has been allowed for across OMV and
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 56 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement linking to Bridge Road to maintain flexibility for any future filling operation of the quarry. The indicative concept plans indicate a quarry accessway across the northern side of OMV.
Why not fill the quarry and make a lake?
A: The PSM geotechnical study (2007) notes that allowing the quarry to fill with water without addressing the underlying stability issues increases the risk of a major land slippage within the quarry area. However Council has resolved to fill the pit with VENM.
Why fill the quarry when the water could be used for watering playing fields, toilets, water for wildlife, etc?
A: Filling the quarry with VENM will provide useful future open space for the enjoyment of the public.
There was talk of the quarry sides being imploded. Is this still being considered?
A: Council is not pursuing the option of cutting back the sides of the quarry. The preferred approach is to stabilise the quarry faces by filling.
Is tunnel access from filling the quarry still being considered? (Noise will be too great if Bridge Road and/or Quarry Road/Dural Street are used.)
A: At this stage Council is not pursuing any tunnel option.
What is the expected traffic flow if access is via Rosemead Road with south traffic from all suburbs Thornleigh, Westleigh, etc?
A: There is no proposal to bring fill material into the quarry via Rosemead Road.
Is there further road connection from Quarter Session Road into Valley Road as south access to bypass Hornsby Town Centre?
A: No.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 57 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
BUSHLAND QUESTIONS
Protection of blue gum “forest” on northern end of ‘quarry’ and ‘open space’.
What about the threatened communities e.g. Glue Gums High Forest areas.
A: Any potential impacts on bushland will be investigated in more detail in support of any development proposals for the site.
Why wasn’t bushland considered as a potential use of the area? Why must everything be coopted for human use? (Bushland Shire requires Bushland mentality!)
A: There is limited public land available for developed open space recreation in the Hornsby area. It is preferable to utilise previously disturbed land for these purposes. Potential bushland uses will be considered against the final criteria, alongside other potential open space uses.
RECREATION DEMAND QUESTIONS
What is the need for this “Development”? How was this need determined?
A: The Council Leisure Strategic Plan (2002), Sports Facility Strategy (2006) and Unstructured Recreation Strategy (2008) documents identify that there is strong demand for additional recreation facilities. Council sees the Old Mans Valley lands as representing a key opportunity for the development of new facilities.
Are all the policy documents referenced in the study publicly available?
A: Yes they are available on the Bang The Table Website: www.bangthetable.com.au/oldmansvalleyhornsby.
They are also available on Council’s website: http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au.
Aging population – how much sports focus is needed?
A: The Council Leisure Strategic Plan (2002) and Sports Facility Strategy (2006) documents indicate that there are increasing demands.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 58 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
The recreation uses which are proposed so far – are they ALL going to be included in the plan and implemented or are there parts which may not be included?
A: The current consultation process is aimed at identifying the appropriate mix of passive parkland uses and potential sports uses for the site. This necessarily means that a decision will need to be made about whether all of the potential uses can be accommodated or whether some will need to be excluded.
Demand for indoor rec centre use.
A: Council experience is that there is high demand for Indoor Recreation Facilities.
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
What intention is there to consult the Darug people concerning Aboriginal heritage which will be affected by development in the Master Plan for OMV?
A: Council will consult with the Darug people as a part of the current master planning process.
Why aren’t all reports here?
A: Summaries of the reports were placed on each table.
Is a copy CD of this briefing available?
A: Yes a CD can be forwarded on request.
Why use Bang The Table website. What’s wrong with Council site?
A: The BTT website is setup to allow a discussion forum and the presentation of material relevant to the consultation exercise. It is considered more efficient for Council to use this provider for this purpose.
If you haven’t got the names of the roads correct how do we know how accurate everything else is?
A: We are sorry that we made this mistake. Council has been as accurate as possible in the material it has presented.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 59 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Any representatives from Beecroft, Cheltenham, Pennant Hills, Epping Civic Trusts here. Is the Advocate journalist here?
A: Council has not received specific RSVPs from these organisations. Public notices regarding community forums were advertised in local papers.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 60 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.7. Summary of input from On Line Forum
Issues?
• Access & parking
• Noise generation
• Impact on neighbours
• Cost of maintaining the site
• Impact on native animals
• Cost of development
• Need input from youth
• Use of Section 94 contribution
What is important to people?
• Ease of access
• Ease of parking
• Ample amenities
• To maximise value
• To showcase the Shire
• Free to use (or low fee)
• Low maintenance costs
• Choice of active and passive
• Multiple function area
• Accessible to all
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 61 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Types of recreation?
• More playing fields
• Cross country bike track
• Community garden
• Open green space
• European trees
• Parkland and trails
• Like Centennial Park
• Bike area for younger kids
• Gardens
• Mountain bike trails
• Picnic areas
• Community/ Cultural centre
• Swimming
• Lake
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 62 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.8. Indicative Use Options considered
7.8.1. Option 1- Playing Fields and Indoor Centre
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 63 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Option 2- Playing Field and parkland
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 64 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.9. Deliberative Forum Output -
7.9.1. Criteria Validation and Scoring - including reasons
SOCIAL
1. Lowest impact on amenity of neighbours: • Noise • Traffic • Security
Weighting: L
Comments: • Unavoidable re noise and traffic • Mitigate as best as possible • Acceptable • SOCIAL: Make more specific and measurable e.g. NOISE db measurement of trucks and sport fields. SAFETY – road siting, any pathways that cross it. SECURITY/access after hours. • Provide soon-as-possible access where possible. • ENVIRONMENTAL: add traffic impact assessment. • Determine acceptable noise standards for the long-term continuing use.
Scoring:
Option 1 7 7 5 4 5 5 Option 2 10 10 10 10 10 10
Reasons:
• Option 1 - Will generate more noise. • Number of people attending sports. • Option 2 less traffic. • Both options have noise generally oval closest to neighbours. • Both generate noise. • Option 1 will have higher peaks. • More sport more noise. • Option 1 has lighting – big impact on neighbours. • More noise at sporting events.
2. Greatest contribution to health, education and cultural cohesion of local community.
Weighting: H
Comments:
• Opportunity to create a sense of community. • Active and passive uses. • Picnic areas for families.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 65 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• Community vegetable garden. • Creating a sense of community • Community gardens/bush gardens o Involve people o Reduce costs to ratepayers o Creates opportunities for wildlife • Add education, aboriginal and European heritage, growing and preparing food and social interaction. • Equitable – free access for all. • Provision for NESB, unit dwellers, kids.
Scoring:
Option 1 7 10 3 7 7 5 Option 2 10 9 10 10 10 10
Reasons:
• Option 2 – provides a focal point for cultural activities (Lake and BBQ units). • Option 2 – has better range of use. • Option 1 – good for health due to sport but limits opportunities for other activity. • Both do not appear to include provision for bikes and walking tracks. • Option 2 – more diverse focus, wider appeal. • Option 1 – more “single minded”. • Option 1 addresses one sector of community more – active sports. • Option 2 addresses more sectors. • More diversity of activity. • Very close. Hard to agree.
3. Maximises range and mix of activities to meet likely community needs:
Weighting: H
Comments:
• Inclusive of all age groups – not just focussed on children who play organised sport. • NEW – Balance between passive and unstructured recreation. • A wide range of uses is very important. • Parkland/areas for quiet contemplation that expands natural bushland/wildlife and gives people exposure to natural beauty. • A good mix of activities. • Requires a more specific definition of needs through needs analysis including audit of existing facilities and broad (including gardens, dog walking, bike riding paths, special needs). • TECHNICAL: Multi-use could minimise environmental damage, minimise earth works and drainage. Sports fields can be expensive to maintain in good condition. • Must continue into future (social). • A range of sports and other activities including ethnic groups. • Ensure multi-use – flexibility. • Flexible/multi-use is the key to higher usage including by ethnic groups.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 66 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• The high-rise community (at present) more likely to benefit from passive use. • Activities that encourage wide range of community to access and gain benefit. • Multi-use site: o Encourages multicultural use o Inclusive of all ages o Passive and active use o Becomes a meeting place rather than an exclusion zone o All week use, not weekend focus.
Scoring:
Option 1 7 8 2 6 5 2 Option 2 10 10 10 10 10 10
Reasons:
• Option 1 – focussed on organised sport. Little provision for wider range of needs. • Smaller sports and max range of outdoor options but indoor sport could be included at the expenses of passive space. • Encourages wider age mix in activities. • Option 2 has more diversity. • Not focussed on apparent sporting activities.
4. Provides the most attractive destination for users:
Weighting: L
Comments:
• Aesthetics • Accessibility • Sufficient appropriate facilities • Mix of natural beauty/sporting activity • Incorporating natural beauty • Encourages fauna
Scoring:
Option 1 10 5 3 2 5 7 Option 2 9 10 10 10 10 10
Reasons:
• Option 1 – range of activities in bushland setting. • Really depends on final design – potential for wider range of passive recreation opportunities. • If attractive means absolute number of people Option 1 otherwise Option 2. • Diverse, aesthetically pleasing re Option 2 – a community destination for enjoyment. • Sports fields are functional and boring.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 67 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
5. Sensitive to heritage issues/values of the area and culture:
Weighting: L
Comments:
• Provides open area for cultural events and activities. • Culture • Sculpture garden • Concert venue.
Scoring:
Option 1 5 10 8 9 9 10 Option 2 10 10 10 10 10 10
Reasons:
• Equal. • Little information to suggest if either addresses these criteria – COULD BE BAD OR GOOD. • Neither option does much for this. • Marginal difference. Heritage sites retained under both. • No difference?
ENVIRONMENTAL
6. Best addresses Environmental Issues o Minimise weeds o Restores bushland o Addresses water quality o Minimises impact on wildlife:
Weighting: M
Comments:
• High importance • Minimise infrastructure • Complements all activities • Minimise noise and off leash effects on adjoining bush • Considers impact on wildlife already in Old Mans Quarry, particularly lighting in evenings • Reduces down stream water induced degradation on bush land areas.
Scoring:
Option 1 2 10 5 7 2 7 Option 2 10 10 10 10 10 10
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 68 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Reasons:
• Option 2 – more opportunity for wildlife corridors/habitat maintenance. • Both have significant disturbance to site. • Option 2 allows use of planting to re-establish the ecology of the site. • Option 2 – can integrate water feature/treatment. • Option 1 – no nearby remediation of pollution etc. • Nutrient run-off from playing fields in Option 1. • Option 2 is more compatible with the local environment. • Option 1 will require more earthmoving and retaining walls – less room for native flora regeneration. • No apparent difference. • Synthetic grass or recycled/treated water.
7. Most complementary to site topography, bushland and visual character and minimises carbon footprint:
Weighting: H
Comments:
• Utilise existing difference in land levels as much as feasible • Minimise adding to/taking away from filled areas • Sensitive future plantings: o Provide a range of fauna options o Locally native close to current bushland o Avoid noxious weeds • Minimise acoustic impact • Ensure space is sufficient • Safeguards are set aside for? • Incorporates the unique features of the site • Botanical gardens • Park lands • Community gardens • Native bush tucker plants: o Less maintenance o Encourages native animals o Educates the community on and about the traditional owners • Take advantage of natural contours • Wildlife corridors • Plant bush tucker trees and plants • Maintain native trees and plants – less cost to maintain • Fire retardant trees on boundaries • Acknowledge traditional owners/native plants
Scoring:
Option 1 5 7.5 4 5 3 2 Option 2 10 10 10 10 10 10
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 69 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
Reasons:
• Earthworks. • More congestion for Option 1. • Less bush redevelopment for Option 1. • Option 2 provides an opportunity to link back to past heritage values of the site. • Less earthworks/maintenance and closer to existing contours. • Option 1 is not very flexible and is flatter.
TECHNICAL
8. Best facilitates staged development:
Weighting: L
Comments:
• Develop passive areas first • Start on passive recreational use • Fill the quarry • Construct sports fields (plural) • Ease/speed which option can be delivered
Scoring:
Option 1 5 8 8 4 7 5 Option 2 10 10 10 10 10 10
Reasons:
• Option 1 – works need to be done at the same time to create 2 level playing fields. • Less work to start up of picnic area. • Significant work on either option. • Option 2 does not need re-levelling. • Option 1 will require more substantial earthworks.
9. Best caters for the access, parking, pedestrian and cycle and other needs of visitors:
Weighting: M
Comments:
• Green space important • Track access (to existing) • Pathways that allow a wide range of ages and abilities to access the area • Well designed disabled access • Need to feel safe when using walking and cycling access and trails • The access itself should be a recreation experience
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 70 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• Very important • Consider types of track – flat vs BMX • Need comprehensive traffic plan • Multiple pedestrian access • Provide disincentive for parking by non-recreational users • Link to Westleigh bush • Convenience is a key part of attractiveness • Bicycle and walking access – provision for and maintenance of – ENSURE there is a link e.g. Clarinda (NW of quarry) to near the pool • Elderly access • Disabled access • Multiple access for fire equipment and evacuation
Scoring:
Option 1 6 10 2 9 3 7 Option 2 10 10 10 10 10 10
Reasons:
• Option 2 – more uniform usage and can cover usage. • Option 1 – Bad fit between used and parking/access requirements. • Parking needs in Option 1 are a lot higher and high peaks at changeover times. • Option 2 is o More flexible o More generic. • equal.
10: Lowest fire risk on facility and surrounding area:
Weighting: L
Comments:
• Make sure there is a second access point. • Little thought given to parking and spectators.
Scoring:
Option 1 10 7 10 8 10 7 Option 2 7 10 8 10 5 10
Reasons:
• Option 2 – lake. • More grass/less bush so less chance for fire to spread. • Less to burn in Option 1. • Option 1 is a huge firebreak and much more flat. • Both options need to facilitate safe exit. Option 2 likely to result in patronage over extended periods. Option 1 – larger crowds – restricted period.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 71 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
FINANCIAL
11. Minimise financial impact on ratepayers - equity:
Weighting: L
Comments:
• Commercial opn of facility (income)/exclude public? • Ensure equity of access by lower income families. • Maximises opportunity to apply development S94 Fund $ • Need to analyse cost vs expected usage • Develop appropriate models for user-pays • Build passive (low cost) facilities first • Build $-generating facilities first , wrt promoting self-sufficiency of site (e.g. café and produce garden)
Scoring:
Option 1 6 10 5 5 5 7 Option 2 10 7 10 10 10 10
Reasons:
• Less work less cost. • Option 2 doesn’t include indoor facility; and less earthworks; less retaining barriers; more maintenance. • Option 2 has less maintenance costs. • Option 1 requires maintenance of 2 ovals. • No 2 involves more earthworks. • No 2 has cheap walking trails.
12. Optimises construction & maintenance costs:
Weighting: L
Comments:
• Consider garden and oval water needs and costs • Capture potential voluntary participation by the community.
Scoring:
Option 1 6 8 5 5 7 10 Option 2 10 10 10 10 10 10
Reasons:
• As above. • Option 1 – higher maintenance costs.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 72 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• Option 2 costs less to build and maintain. • More costs in maintaining 2 ovals.
13. Investment optimises level of use:
Weighting: M
Comments:
• Minimal cost vs maximum benefit • Balance high cost oval maintenance vs walking tracks
Scoring:
Option 1 7 10 5 9 10 9 Option 2 10 8 10 10 9 10
Reasons:
• Would provide a great space for the hundreds that use Willow Park (nowhere else to go!!). • Option 2 requires less earthworks etc to achieve its aims. • Level of use could be # of people x intensity or diversity. • More diversity of Option 2 – more use.
14. Best fit with local projects and Hornsby’s Strategic Planning:
Weighting: L
Scoring:
Option 1 9 10 5 8 7 3 Option 2 10 10 10 10 10 10
Reasons:
• This criteria does not seem to fit with the discussion which was about overall development/strategic planning. • Option 2 caters to more diversity of community needs. Need to promote active and healthy lifestyles – No 2 is better.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 73 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.9.2. Best Fit Modifications Participants identified modifications to the highest scoring option - Option 2 - in better meeting the criteria:
• Incorporate natural amphitheatre to facilitate outdoor entertainment events (movies, cultural, musical), provides more flexibility at marginal extra cost
• Incorporate a multi-use indoor facility for e.g. sports/musical/business events – improves flexibility and generates $
• Integration of heritage walking trails to adjoining parks – better meets variety of uses
• Rename park – more attractive to users (consider requirement for apostrophe!)
• Inclinator access from pool precinct – improved access.
• Locate a smaller sports field in southern end of OMV (Criteria 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 10 most complementary to its topography; more range of activities for broader section of community) e.g. community garden, open meeting place for people
• Lose the sports field (free up entire area for alternative recreation uses e.g. trails, adventure playground – better use of topography i.e. what’s already there) Criteria 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10. No current provision to meet community wrt parklands, (free) recreation facilities, meeting places, outdoor classrooms, CSA, botanical food garden, local arts and crafts, community barn (storage, bush dances, theatre, meeting place, etc).
• Locate the larger sports field in the southern area (if geotechnically feasible to criterion 3 (flexibility, of that sports field). Showcase best sustainable practices.
• Map out cycle/walking tracks that link other parts of Hornsby to the centre; also increase Heritage links.
How to improve Option 2 (All of these boosts Criterion 3)
• Add indoor sports facility – adds flexibility and diversity to sporting activities
• Add mountain biking, walking, trailhead facility e.g. sign, toilets, BBQ (could use existing ones)
• Adds function and attracts more people (e.g. attractive shelter)
• Add mountain bike trails in easy difficulty – to attract more people to area
• Compact mountain bike features (e.g. BMX, pump, jumps) – to attract younger visitors and this only needs small space
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 74 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• Consider including an inter-active and water playground – like at New Farm in Brisbane – to attract and stimulate kids; or something like at Willoughby
• Add a sensory trail – low impact, low size – to broaden range of visitors and attractions
• Add a sculpture garden – to meet cultural needs and broaden range of attractions
• Add a music bowl – for day time use (not noise at night) – increases cultural attraction.
• Field located at south side o Less impact on houses in Manor Road o Less work to construct o Less congestion/safer
• Passive space at North; BBQ; Tracks o Less work to build
• No Café? o Less rubbish o Water fountains
• More parking at entrance and “walk in” (Quarry Road end) not enough o Bicentennial Park o Disabled/Elderly spots
• Exhibition space o Sculpture
• Performing Space o “Stage” level as part of sports field o Upgrade walking tracks linking to station o Diversity of usage o
• Track access – lead to bush, picnic area (under trees), complementary to bushland character (7) complementary to heritage area (6) (2)
• Lake – Reed Bed in lake to filter run off from main oval (6)
• To make use of sloping topography to provide viewing point (7) (4)
• Disabled access/pedestrian path from Hornsby Park
• Rainwater tanks – for toilets, wash basins, watering playing fields
• Solar power to light paths and restrooms (7) (12)
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 75 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• Remove lake o Safety o Financial o Technical
• Include indoor recreational centre in the middle (side of lake) o Build is semi-underground set into topography
• Include camping ground
• Rec centre could provide all amenities for park users
• Extending main field further south – greater flexibility more for indoor rec centre
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 76 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
7.9.3. Workshop Evaluation
HORNSBY OLD MANS VALLEY MASTERPLAN DELIBERATIVE WORKSHOP EVALUATION REPORT 14 MARCH 2010
1. How useful was the tour and workshop in increasing your understanding of the issues, constraints and opportunities in developing the OMV Masterplan?
VERY A LITTLE NOT USEFUL USEFUL 23 5 USEFUL 5 USEFUL 0
2. After your input how well do the criteria used identify the important things to be considered in choosing the most appropriate recreation options in OMV?
VERY NOT OK POORLY WELL 15 11 SURE 7 1
3. What is your level of satisfaction with the recommendations for recreation use in OMV generated in the workshop today?
NOT VERY VERY VERY SATISFIED SATISFIED SATISFIED UNSATIFIED 6 18 9 1
4. Any other comments? • Very enjoyable workshop. John did a great job facilitating it. I really appreciated Kurt’s input. • Issue on down stream impact of water drainage on neighbouring bushland not really addressed. Synthetic surfaces would address this. • A well structured and well run day. • I would like council to have a plan that includes the Quarry. I am also not in favour of a levy to fund it, until the Quarry is paid for. • Further development of Option 2 for an indoor sports facility. Also consider an alternative access to Quarry which avoids the road access via the large sports field/oval. • More mountain bike trails and BMX, Pump and Jump for kids. • Make it suit the youth. • Make the paths into the OMV part of the recreation experience. Mountain biking provides the volunteers to build. • Need a comprehensive trail head for mountain biking. • The facilities could be also used by other groups. • The day was professionally and sensibly organised and conducted. Somehow, the question tasks were a little obscure and there was truly
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 77 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
inadequate time to discuss. Oh well. Good overall and good food. Thank you. • The area of OMV should be opened immediately for public recreational use (closing the gate at 8.00pm say) we need this now. • I would support an option that includes an indoor multipurpose sports/cultural centre. • Very unhappy to be told how fast – 3 years to 20 years before anything is done. FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE FROM S94 LEVY – spend our money on a good asset for years to come. • It was interesting to hear and consider widely varying points of view. It is to be hoped that Council is able to adapt plans to satisfy the general public’s criteria for development. • Good workshop – thank you for the opportunity. • A Community Vegetable Garden would be great. • Very well conducted/facilitated workshop, but would like to see OMV development considered in conjunction with an integrated strategy for Hornsby, not in isolation. • Well facilitated. • There is a lot of talk of “Master Plans”. In my view the only Master Plan should be the (a) overarching plan for Hornsby Council area. All other plans should be part of the Master Plan and there should be a firm connection made between them. • Peace Garden – to include elements of indigenous and early European cultures c/w interpretive signage. • Heritage items to be preserved. • There is a great need for a social needs analysis to be conducted. It felt as though many options where ‘closed’ and not open to discussion. Community gardens, bike tracks, walkways, sensory track – not just a sports complex! Hornsby Council is quite wealthy to have such as abundance of gorgeous land. Treated right, it could be a jewel in Hornsby’s crown. • Really require a social profile/needs assessment of the area. Must consider future high % of unit dwellers; must consider food security and access to fresh, healthy food to all. • Including sporting ovals were only “proposed criteria”. No time was given in the meeting to discussing alternatives that do not include sporting ovals. • It is a great opportunity for Council to do something creative and innovative with an amazing piece of land – so close to the Hornsby CBD and public transport links. • Thanks – well run. • Criteria remains open to interpretation - needs standards and measures e.g. noise impact needs of community. • Good process • Thank you for trying to get the best possible usage for OMV. Option 2 (while not perfect) is certainly heading in the right direction; more natural bushland would be a vast improvement. • Options 1 & 2 need to be expanded to review further suitability/options. • Needs to maximise flexibility of facilities over long term future – good mix of sport and “passive” activities. • A very complex task and difficult to get the group following. But given the pre- defined options it was a reasonable outcome. Probably some alternatives were missed. • Combine project to resolve issue with the Quarry cut out; as to its end use.
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 78 Hornsby Shire Council Old Mans Valley Masterplan Community Engagement
• Well done Council in the facilitation of such a lengthy consultation process on a sensitive yet essential community resource facility. • Better with table leaders. Please keep me informed on progress. • Workshops promoted good discussion. • Desire expressed for implementation without delay. • Am satisfied with planning for parklands of OMV. Am very concerned with issues of traffic movements and roads as you move to next stage which is filling of the Quarry. Current roads are approaching point of being inadequate (George Street & Pacific Highway).
© TWYFORDS 7 April, 2010 79 Attachment 1: Activity Report for Bang The Table On Line Forum Activity Report for Old Mans Valley Plan of Management
Usage statistics for period from January 26, 2010 to March 29, 2010
ACTIVITY OVERVIEW
Number of page views 11020 Number of visits 1586 Number of unique visitors 1436 Number of registered visitors 106 Number of people dis/agreeing with comments 67 Number of dis/agrees with comments 959 Average number of unique visitors per day 22.8 Average stay time 5.69 minutes Average number of topics read per visit 2.06 Most popular entry point What is important to you in considering open space recreation use of Old Mans Valley? Visitors who viewed documents 204 Visitors who viewed FAQs 6 Visitors who undertook surveys 0
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What is important to you in considering open space recreation use of Old Mans Valley? Number of page views 886 New votes for topic 28 (28) New comments added 38 (38) New agrees/disagrees on comments 311 (310) Number of unique visitors participating in this topic 55
Printed on 29 Mar 2010
What issues should be considered in developing a Plan of Management of Old Mans Valley? Number of page views 1209 New votes for topic 25 (25) New comments added 55 (55) New agrees/disagrees on comments 343 (341) Number of unique visitors participating in this topic 49
What do you think is the best balance of active and passive recreation use in such a space? Number of page views 975 New votes for topic 18 (18) New comments added 32 (32) New agrees/disagrees on comments 286 (285) Number of unique visitors participating in this topic 45
The Councillors met recently and endorsed a list of criteria they consider important to guide the Masterplan (see document in Library). Does this criteria adequately cover the key considerations in your view? What do you think should be added or modified? Number of page views 201 New votes for topic 3 (3) New comments added 9 (9) New agrees/disagrees on comments 19 (19) Number of unique visitors participating in this topic 7
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DOCUMENT DOWNLOAD ACTIVITY
Site Context presentation 69 Site history / Chronology 63 Councillor Selection Criteria 48 Issues paper - Recreation Demands 40 Preliminary Noise Assessment 38 Council Report - August 2009 37 Community Engagement Process 34 Council Report - December 2009 31 1998 Draft Plan of Management Old Mans Valley - Volume 3 - 28 Consultation Issues paper - Geotechnical Constraints on Old Mans Valley lands 26 1998 Draft Plan of Management - Volume 1 21 1998 Draft Plan of Management - Volume 2 -Background Papers 13 Questions asked at the Community Workshops with Council answers 10 Community Workshop 15-2-10 input into criteria and other notes 10 Community Workshop 16-2-10 input into criteria 8 Library documents explanation 8 Deliberative Forum Outcome - Criteria weightings, ranking of the 6 indicative option plans and suggested modifications Community Workshop 18-2-10 input into criteria and other notes 5 Deliberative Forum Outcome - Validation of the selection criteria 5 Community Workshop 16-2-10 questions and other notes 5
Printed on 29 Mar 2010 Attachment 2: Summary of written submissions Old Mans Valley masterplan Community Consultation Summary of letters received by Council Regarding use of the parklands
Trim reference Date Issue raised D01332178 4/02/2010 Supports more open space in Hornsby Shire.
D01332872 5/02/2010 Advocates mountain biking in Hornsby Shire and particuarly around the quarry.
D01332904 5/02/2010 Advocates incorporation of mountain bike facilities in the planning for Old Mans Valley and the quarry.
D01332994 5/02/2010 Advocates incorporation of a mountain bike trail in the Master Plan for Old Mans Valley.
D01333183 5/02/2010 Suggest that Council investigate what was achieved in a similar situation at a location now known as Booyeembara Park in the suburb of White Gum Valley near Fremantle in Western Australia.
D01333228 5/02/2010 Supports the development of an outdoor amphitheatre and not sport. Supports development of a variety of paths including walking, cycle, dog walking in mutli-use or separate trail alignments. Supports development of public toilets and a café. D01333692 5/02/2010 Advocates mountain biking in Hornsby Shire and particuarly around the quarry.
D01333704 6/02/2010 Advocates incorporation of a mountain bike trail in the Master Plan for Old Mans Valley.
D01333708 6/02/2010 Advocates incorporation of a mountain bike trail in the Master Plan for Old Mans Valley.
D01333713 6/02/2010 Advocates incorporation of mountain bike facilities in the planning for Old Mans Valley and the quarry.
D01333735 7/02/2010 Advocates incorporation of mountain bike facilities in the planning for Old Mans Valley and the quarry.
D01333835 8/02/2010 Advocates incorporation of a community vegetable and herb garden in a small portion of the site. Also promotes the development of a community and recreation centre providing for a variety of indoor recreation opportunities similar to the facility at Avalon in the Pittwater Council area.
D01333877 8/02/2010 Advocates incorporation of mountain bike facilities in the planning for Old Mans Valley and the quarry.
D01333912 8/02/2010 Advocates mountain biking in Hornsby Shire and particuarly around the quarry.
D01334677 9/02/2010 Concerned about noise impacts of open space uses of the Old Mans Valley site. Does not support any sportsground use of the site due to concerns with noise amplifying all around the valley. Supports returning the site to its natural state. D01335628 9/02/2010 Advocates the development of a mountain bike park in Old Mans Valley including singles trail, freeride features, downhill tracks, to attract tourists and recreation for all ages.
D01337634 11/02/2010 Advocates the development of a mountain bike singles track network and related facilities in Hornsby Shire in Old Mans Valley. D01337700 11/02/2010 Advocates informal park bushland lake and picnic areas
D01337798 11/02/2010 Advocates bushland regeneration, picnic and BBQ area separate cycle walking track and off leash dog area D01340187 16/02/2010 Advocates returning Old mans valley to nature and become a bird and wildlife sanctury Area has indigenous, cultural and historic significance
D01343223 21/02/2010 Wants work to start as soon as possible and is prepared to pay levy for this to occur
D01358717 14/03/2010 Wants to make OMV a showcase parkland, providing expansive parkland, ponds, waterways, cyclepaths in the spirit of Centennial or the Olympic Parklands, offering passive and active recreation opportunities. Supports the site catering to Mountain bikes, restuarant or kiosk facilities and one or two multi-purpose playing fields without built D01366092 22/03/2010 Supports OMV and the quarry being open space with parklands and ponds and not dominated by sporting facilities or carparking. Should include paths for cycling, walking and jogging and general relaxation. Supports recognising the area's history through D01368479 24/03/2010 Supports OMV being developed as a big park providing picnic areas, walking paths, bicycle paths and an area where children can ride their bikes safely. D01368288 24/03/2010 Favours a combination of active and passive recreation facilities. Expresses concerns about proposals to fund the works via an infrastructure levy. Asks why the funds can not be generated from development contributions or savings from other programs of Council. D01369331 25/03/2010 Concerned about potential impacts of the development of lands in Hornsby Park (adjacent to 10-14 Dural St) on existing wildlife that occur in the area. Notes that a lot of wildlife lives in the creek and the valley generally and asks if this will be investigated prior to any decision to proceed to develop open space lands. D01373292 31/03/2010 Suggest similar treatment to Brickpit Park in Hornsby where it was initially used as a tip site for fill and then later built up as a park and sport and recreation centre. Summary of letters received by Council Regarding provision of mountain biking facilities in the area D01308759 19.12.09 Support for using Quarry Site and surrounding land for a mountain bike facility - desire to protect the Blue Gum High Forest D01334909 08.02.10 Support for using Quarry Site and surrounding land for a mountain bike facility
D01305874 15.12.09 Support for MTB in Hornsby Area
D01299732 09.12.09 Disapproval of MTB in the area - disturbing peace, encouraging more people into the area, traffic congestion in quiet streets D01299724 08.12.09 Disapproval of MTB in bushland - opinion that it will be destructive to the bush, create loss of habitat. Suggest use existing infrastructure or locate trails on bush edge not within bush. Use bush for walking. D01299729 08.12.09 Horrified to hear of a MTB near the Blue Gum High Forest
D01332844 05.02.10 Request for biking facilities in Hornsby D01332840 05.02.10 Hornsby is a great area to provide bush mountain bike riding. As an environmentalist formal tracks do not pose an impact on natural areas D01306643 15.12.09 Full support of the Council’s Plans to facilitate Mountain Bike Trails in the Hornsby area
D01308213 18.12.09 Support of using the old Quarry for recreational uses including mountain bike riding
D01304204 10.12.09 Support of MTB in Hornsby/Westleigh/Thornleigh area
D01299124 06.12.09 Request to defer Item 22 at Council meeting dated 09.12.09 until further expert and community input can be considered D01299601 08.12.09 "We write to bring to your urgent attention the STEP view on the above proposal, due to be voted on at the HSC meeting tomorrow evening (Item 22 EN58/09 Business Paper Ordinary Meeting 9 December 2009)."
D01308092 17.12.09 Support for MTB "I have recently received this flyer from an anonymous group who seem to be providing myths and trying to stir animosity to the sport of mountain biking". D01253238 30.09.09 Recommendation to look at the old Quarry for a MTB site
D01267592 23.10.09 Support for a MTB particularly at the old Quarry
D01279398 08.11.09 Support for using the old Quarry for a MTB recreational facility
D01255322 05.10.09 Suggesting the old Quarry as a 'highly suitable location for a MTB facility - close to residents and town centre, provide economic revenue D01299132 07.12.09 Support for construction of 'single-track' MTB in Hornsby, these will comply with international best practice for sustainability and level of ecosystem impact D01273761 03.11.09 "The mountain biking community is huge (did you know the recent mountain bike championships were held in Australia? The old Hornsby Quarry site is an ideal location for a mountain bikes and recreational facility, close to the centre of Hornsby. I hope you have considered this in your initial scoping of the project."
D01344926 24.02.10 Letter to DEWHA - Hornsby is seeking to avoid impacts caused by MTB on the Critically Endangered Blue Gum High Forest (also known as Blue Gum Diatreme Forest).
D01300011 09.12.09 Concern about the extent of research undertaken for MTB in hornsby Old Mans Valley draft Plan of Management
APPENDIX – ITEM 2 – Park Rules