Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN
July 2016 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves
Draft Master Plan Nature Parks has a primary responsibility for conservation of coastal reserves that have considerable July 2016 natural and cultural values. At the same time, people seek access to many of these reserves for recreational use and other activities. The purpose of the Master Plan is to identify how Nature Parks and other stakeholders can work together to sustainably manage the values and use of the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves for future generations. This publication is subject to copyright. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this document may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without the prior written permission of the Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN CONTENTS
1NTRODUCTION | I ...... 2
Background ...... 2
Process used to prepare the Master Plan ...... 3
2ONTEXT | C ...... 5
Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves ...... 5
Key issues ...... 5
3 | RESPONDING TO THE ISSUES ...... 6
Colonnades - Aussie Track ...... 6
The Cranny ...... 8
Anzacs ...... 10
Woolamai Beach ...... 12
Balance of Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves land ...... 14
4 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ...... 15
Historic aerial photograph of Woolamai Beach shows the original access road to the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club along the foreshore dunes from Anzacs and early signs of the housing development at Woolamai before reaching the Colonnades and Aussie Track area.
Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN 1 BACKGROUND •• requirements for detailed master plans for all 1 | INTRODUCTION sites (the focus being on selected key activity The Cape Woolamai Reserves Master Plan nodes); and/or (hereafter, the Master Plan) has been prepared in response to the recommendations of two strategic •• consolidation, negotiation or resolution of land documents commissioned by Nature Parks - the management jurisdiction between the parties to South and North Coast Key Area Plan 20141 (the KAP) the Master Plan . and the Coastal Processes Study 20142 . The Master Plan is a cooperative funding initiative of the Nature Parks and the Bass Coast Shire The KAP identified a range of issues and Council (BCSC) with the State’s Department of made high-level recommendations to protect Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) conservation values, improve coastal access, as a key stakeholder in the process . The Master upgrade visitor arrival and facilities and to improve Plan will be used by the Nature Parks and the BCSC safety and functional use of the coast within the to generate public and private stakeholder support context of on-going coastal erosion processes . The for works and as a tool to garner increased funding KAP also included diagrams of how particular high from outside sources of funding . use sites along the coast might be redeveloped to address significant concerns for site planning . Essentially, the Master Plan is a mechanism to support stakeholders, the community, BCSC and The Master Plan now drills further into how these the Nature Parks while they work together to high level recommendations play out at specific sustainably manage the values and use of the Cape sites along the eastern coast of Cape Woolamai . In Woolamai Coastal Reserves for future generations . particular, the plan uses site planning and design as tools to resolve issues of people management The Master Plan consists of a Background Report in a landscape rich with natural and cultural with more detailed information and this Summary importance . Specifically, the Master Plan delves Report which presents the key findings and into how site planning can be best used to resolve recommendations . the issues of conservation, presentation and transport raised by the KAP . PROCESS USED TO PREPARE THE MASTER PLAN The Master Plan reporting and site plans are The Master Plan has been prepared under the supported by an implementation strategy that guidance of Nature Parks and in consultation states priorities, identifies costs and assigns with the community and significant stakeholders, responsibilities for initiating the tasks . The including the Bass Coast Shire Council (BCSC) and implementation of the plan is entirely dependent the Department of Environment, Land, Water and on the successful sourcing of funds to allow works Planning (DELWP) . and programs to be initiated . The tasks involved included: The Master Plan does not address: •• review of relevant Acts, reports, policies and •• issues and management of private land; other information pertaining to the reserves; •• concerns, which are being dealt with through •• identification of known natural, cultural and other processes including dogs on beaches, town community use values; planning or proposals for coastal waters (below •• examination of existing infrastructure; high tide) such as artificial reefs;
2 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN •• initial round of engagement with stakeholder During the review of the Draft Master Plan, there groups and the wider community; was community concern expressed about aspects •• extensive fieldwork and site inspections; of the site concept plan for the Colonnades - Aussie •• preparation of the draft Master Plan; Track area . Nature Parks requested that the •• a second round of engagement with stakeholder consultant team prepare a range of site concept groups and the wider community to receive plan options in response to the issues raised . feedbackl on the draft Master Plan; The consultant team presented these options to •• revision of the draft Master Plan and a local community forum in mid July 2016 and implementation strategy; Nature Parks conducted a survey of community •• presentation of the final Master Plan to the preferences for the options . The draft report local community, Bass Coast Shire Council and was subsequently changed to embrace the local Nature Parks Board . community’s preference for access, parking and
facilities at the Colonnades . Community engagement during February 2016 involved:
•• running a number of forums for the wider Woolamai Beach is a popular surfing, surf rod fishing, walking, running and swimming destination on the island. The Woolamai Beach Surf Life community, land managers, local community 1 Inspiring Place 2014 Phillip Island South and North Coast Key Area Plan Saving Club provides a patrolled beach service. groups and environmental groups and Nature 2 Water Technology 2014 Phillip Island Coastal Processes Study Parks staff; •• having a meeting with surf related groups – Phillip Island Boardriders Club, Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club and the National Surfing Reserve Working Group; and •• organising community walks and talks at the Colonnades, Anzacs and Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club . The draft Master Plan was presented for community review and comment during May 2016 with: •• an exhibition and review of the Plan with an online survey inviting comments;
•• meetings with wider community and the surf related groups; Community engagement included community forums, meetings with interest groups and organising walks and talks at the Colonnades, Anzacs •• community walks and talks arranged at the and Woolamai Beach. Colonnades and Anzacs; and •• drop-in times at the Woolamai Beach Surf Life
Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN 3
View from the former quarry site on the northern side of Cape Woolamai looking towards Cleeland Bight.
View from Anzacs along Woolamai Beach towards Cape Woolamai.
MAP 1 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Study Area (includes NP and BCSC land within the red line)
4 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN CAPE WOOLAMAI COASTAL RESERVES and across the rest of the island and the Gippsland 2 | CONTEXT coastline to the east . The location and extent of the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves (the Reserves) is shown on Map 1 . The Cape’s cliffs are used by experienced rock The term ‘Reserves’ is used as a catchall to cover climbers who are attracted by the atmosphere and all of the public land of the coast above high water spectacular positions of the routes there . As the mark from Veterans Drive south to Cape Woolamai . home to Island’s largest shearwater rookery, the The study area borders Cleeland Bight on the east plateau is also an appealing location for nature but does not include the foreshore reserve managed observation . by the Bass Coast Shire Council (BCSC) north of the During summer months, bike riders and Esplanade . pedestrians use Woolamai Beach Road to access The Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves contribute Anzacs and Woolamai Beach, despite the risks from strongly to the recognition of Phillip Island as high volumes of passing traffic on peak days . a place with diverse and significant natural KEY ISSUES and cultural values of outstanding value to the world, the nation, Victoria and the region . These The examination of the values and use of the values are described in detail in the Nature Parks Reserves and the feedback from stakeholder Environment Plan 2012-2017 and were summarised in and community engagement have identified a the KAP for the coasts in particular . consistent set of management challenges for Nature Parks and its partners . The challenges are The Reserves host a range of recreational activities including surfing, swimming, fishing, walking, to: running and bike riding . The length of the beach •• protect the natural and cultural values of the from the Colonnades through to Woolamai Beach Reserves in the face of continued and growing is laced with world-class breaks that are a daily use of the area; attraction for surfing, with Woolamai Beach hosting numerous surfing competitions through •• manage the Reserves in the face of dynamic the year . The Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club coastal change; provides a patrolled swimming area at the front of •• resolve access, traffic and parking issues at peak the Club, hosts competitive surf life saving events times as while addressing safety concerns for and undertakes the training of surf lifesavers . pedestrians and cyclists throughout the year; The beach at Cleeland Bight is more family friendly and for swimming and water play . The beach and •• enhance the experience of the Reserves for tracks near the Colonnades are used by local visitors and locals through the provision of new residents for walking with dogs . Beach-based or improved infrastructure . fishing occurs along the length of the southern These management challenges are discussed in coast and at Cleeland Bight . detail within the Background report . The Cape Woolamai plateau is an attractive location for walking and running offering spectacular views to its rugged coastal scenery
Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN 5 The draft Master Plan provides direction for •• widens the existing fenced walkway to the stairs 3 | RESPONDING TO the future management of the Reserves with and expands the footprint of the lookout deck to THE ISSUES the preparation of site concept plans and better cater for viewing; recommended actions . Site concept plans have •• establishes a new walkway from the proposed been prepared for the Colonnades - Aussie Track car park east to Aussie Steps (~260m) to reduce area, the intersection of Woolamai Beach Road parking pressure in Beresford Drive and use of and the Cranny, Anzacs, and the surrounds to the the existing track (~230m); Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club at Woolamai •• closes and revegetates unused and previously Beach . disturbed areas such as the former roads and car The Background Report sets out the values, past parking locations; findings, community engagement views, identified •• creates a rain garden at the eastern end of issues, site concept plan and recommended the old road to accommodate stormwater in a actions . A summary of the site concept plans and positive way; and recommendations is provided below . •• makes provision for a future shared path from the Colonnades west onto the airport land COLONNADES - AUSSIE TRACK allowing for the eventual connection to existing shared paths aside Phillip Island Road . The proposed site plan: The detailed design of the new car park should •• relocates car parking away from the foreshore consider the: within a formalised parking for 20 cars with •• the use of street design elements to reinforce the access from Tampa Road and Lantana Road; very low speed environment to access the car •• breaks the car park into four small bays of 5 car park; parking spaces that are separated by retention of •• Nature Parks Design Guidelines (Section D : native vegetation; Roads and Carparks) and the opportunity to use •• lengthens the car parking spaces to cater for alternative surface materials in the car park; surfers loading boards (this is similar to parking •• application of water sensitive urban design spaces at Anzacs); treatments; •• provides a buffer range of 20-40m from the •• use of spoon drains rather than kerb and gutters nearby houses at the end of Tampa Road and to avoid typical suburban car park appearances; Lantana Road; and •• provides for 3 parallel car parking spaces off •• placement of bollards to prevent vehicles Beresford Drive near the start of the track accessing and damaging the foreshore area . leading to Aussie Steps; •• links the car park to the existing beach access via shared fenced pathway with a gathering area on the former roadway where bikes can be parked and information delivered (e g. . safety, regulations, interpretation of the National Surfing Reserve, protection of nesting sites);
6 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN 1
2
3
9 4
5
10 6 8 7
14
11
13 1. Potential for a shared trail link via the airport land to connect to Phillip Island Road trails
2. Car parking area - 4 small bays each with 5 car parking spaces 12 3. Setback distance of 20m - 40m from the nearby residences
4. Provision for limited parallel parking of vehicles with trailers
5. New shared path leading to the lookout, stairs and beach (fenced to help keep dogs on the track)
6. Gathering space with bike parking racks
7. Widen (2.4m) the existing walkway to the lookout
8. Extend the lookout deck
9. Re-vegetate existing roads with local vegetation
10. Investigate the potential for a new shared track link to Aussie Track
11. Rain garden for storm water collection and soakage
12. Retain existing Aussie Track
13. Retain existing track connection to Anzacs
14. Parallel parking (3 spaces) near start to Aussie Track
MAP 5.1 COLONNADES - AUSSIE TRACK 0 10 20 30 40 50m CAPE WOOLAMAI COASTAL RESERVES MASTER PLAN To advance the concept plan for the Colonnades the western side of Woolamai Beach Road north shared path to be developed; and Aussie Track the following steps should be of the roundabout; •• undertake preliminary engineering designs for taken: •• indicates safe crossing points for pedestrians the roundabout to the standard necessary to •• undertake detailed field investigations to: and cyclists to access the proposed shared path confirm that acceptable grades and deflection at from the existing one to the north; and the entries to the roundabout can be achieved; •• identify a route for the proposed shared walk between the proposed Colonnades car park •• suggests speed be reduced to the 40 km/hr •• confirm that the shared path can be created and Aussie Track with a view to minimising speed limit by a reduction in the width of the along the road edge as proposed and if not, to impacts, road pavement, road markings and awareness determine where are the areas where there may signs highlighting the entry to Cape Woolamai be insufficient width in the road pavement so •• assess the potential impacts of widening the Coastal reserves . that further assessment of the situation can existing walkway to the existing steps at the occur; Colonnades and to expanding the lookout, Narrower traffic lanes of 3 0. m will free up space to provide the shared path within the existing road •• provided the preliminary designs for the •• review weed removal requirements and reserve . This narrower lane width will reinforce roundabout and shared path are achievable, removal of Sallow Wattle and the Invasive the 40 km/hour posted speed limit and is sufficient conduct detailed field investigations to assess Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis); to permit the reasonably infrequent tour bus potential impacts on shearwater nest sites and •• prepare detailed designs for the proposed car access, particularly considering that many tour potential mitigation measures if required; park; buses are not full sized coaches . This is considered •• obtain the legislatively required approvals for to be sufficient width for the frequency of bus •• consideration be given to surrender the roads access given the low speed environment . works in an area of cultural heritage sensitivity; proposed for closure and rehabilitation to the •• undertake further community engagement as Crown for consolidation with adjacent Nature The shared path will make riding a bike possible for planning proceeds; and Parks land; less confident riders who do not feel comfortable riding on the road, however more confident riders •• identify and source funds to implement the •• obtain legislatively required approvals for works; may elect to continue riding on road, particularly proposed site concept plan . and considering the lower speed environment created •• identify and source funds to implement the by narrow travel lanes and possible street design proposed site concept plan . elements such as bollards separating the travel lanes and the shared path . The shared path is THE CRANNY proposed to be 3m wide but if required can be reduced to 2 4. m and still provide sufficient width The proposed site plan: to allow two cyclists to pass side by side . Greater •• shows a roundabout with a 11 5. m outside width is, however, desirable . radius that will not cause impact on adjacent To advance the concept plan for The Cranny the shearwater nesting sites; following steps should be taken: •• indicates how a 3m wide shared path and •• confirm the acceptability of buses continuing protective bollards can be provided using the to transit through the adjoining neighbourhood existing road pavement while allowing for two 3 in the event that Woolamai Beach Road were metre wide vehicle travel lanes; temporarily closed beyond the roundabout;
•• provides a lay-by for safe pick up and drop off on •• prepare a detailed features survey suitable for View south along Woolamai Beach Road at the intersection with The Cranny engineering designs for the roundabout and
8 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN
ANZACS
The proposed site plan: To advance the concept plan for Anzacs the •• shows a new public toilet with two uni-sex all following steps should be taken: abilities facilities in the vicinity of the existing •• develop plans for a new toilet block including toilet; investigation of waste disposal options and •• includes a shared path from the north via the potential impacts of connecting it to nearby Cranny linking to the car park while retaining reticulated services; the walking track along the old road alignment •• install wheel stops in front of cars parked to link with beach access stairs and the track to adjacent to the footpath and remove and bollard Aussie Steps and the Colonnades; two parking spaces to create a safe gathering •• installing bollards along the shared path on area at the top of the beach access stairs; Woolamai Beach Road to provide safety for •• prepare detailed documentation for proposed users; site improvements; •• maintains the existing car park layout and •• obtain the legislatively required approvals for shows additional parallel parking spaces along works in an area of cultural heritage sensitivity; The car park at the Anzacs. The front car parks have the entry road; been extended to allow more convenient use by surfers •• undertake further community engagement as unloading and loading gear into the back of vehicles. •• removes two car parking spaces at the top of the planning proceeds; and stairs to improve pedestrian safety and create a •• identify and secure funds to implement the safe gathering space out of the car park; proposed site concept plan . •• widens and upgrade the pathway to the toilets and adds wheelstops at the front of vehicles along this path to prevent cars overhanging it; •• retains sand fencing at the front of the car park to reduce sand movement into the car park; and •• the provision of visitor facilities including bike racks, interpretation and wayfinding information . Note at some future date when the path to the stairs requires replacement, consideration should be given to making it a more meandering course to avoid the direct line for sand movement that currently occurs along the existing alignment .
The existing public toilets at Anzacs need replacing with two uni-sex all abilities facilities.
10 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN
WOOLAMAI BEACH The proposed site plan shows a significant redesign The promenade includes seating for those waiting of the arrival and parking area . This includes: for pick up or drop off . Bus parking, pick up and drop off are also provided in close proximity to a •• pick up and drop areas for buses and individual proposed bus shelter and a new public toilet . vehicles along the outside perimeter of the car park; and Stormwater is managed in reconstructed soakage areas in their current locations and through •• a new link between the two parking modules to the addition of an expansive rain garden in the enhance movement through the site . southwest corner of the site . The latter area The changes to configuration require: includes a timber boardwalk over a portion of the potential storage area with drainage from the •• loss of ~15 car parks (the total number lost outdoor showers discharged directly into the soak reduced by the creation of additional new under . car parks in some locations) including those presently located at the top of the ramp/stairway Wind blown sand is managed through the and perpendicular to the pathway there; introduction of additional sand fencing parallel to the shoreline . Bulk storage of sand is intended to •• the closure of the current path from the top of occur in the cut formed by the existing walkway The existing ramp and stairs leading to Woolamai the stairway/ramp through to the SLSC; and between the stairway and the SLSC and in the cut Beach are used by visitors, recreational users and the Surf Life Saving Club for their life saving equipment •• the removal of the large vegetated dune that through the primary dune at the SLSC . and beach rescue vehicles. presently separates the two parking modules The disturbed ground at the current bus stop (this landform is of recent origin, formed since can be used as a temporary storage site for sand the establishment of the current clubhouse) . removed from parking areas prior to removal to an Parallel parking spaces are shown at 2 1. m wide, appropriate location nearby . New deposits of sand as per AS2890 1. for off-street parking facilities . A where they are formed and intended to become width of 2 6. m is desirable but 2 5. m is acceptable permanent should be rehabilitated using spinifex for parking spaces provided perpendicular to as the stabilising vegetation . the circulation aisle (2 5. m shown – use of a 2 6. m The plan also illustrates new amenities including dimension would reduce the number of cars by showers near the top of the stairway/ramp, bike 1 for every 24 continuous car parks or would racks, interpretive and way-finding signage and decrease the size of the soakage areas shown) . seating . The proposed new bus shelter is intended The proposed changes retain clear access to the to include change rooms and public toilet facilities . beach for SLSC vehicles . Note at some future date if growth in use The new configuration of the car park is enhanced substantially increases, there may be a case for by perimeter walkways that allow un-restricted, an additional staircase to the beach in the area of safe access for pedestrians to all visitor facilities . the current cut through the dune at the front of Wind blown sand into the car park has created ongoing problems. This includes blocking of stormwater drains In particular, a new 5m wide promenade links the SLSC . This is seen a measure of last resort in and the need for regular removal of the sand deposits enlarged gathering forecourts at the SLSC and the response to unacceptable conditions arising from from the car park area. top of the stairway/ramp . Walkway surfaces should overuse of the existing access facilities . In the be hardened (bitumen or concrete) to facilitate event a new stairway is constructed it should take removal of sand . a meandering course to avoid a direct line for sand movement onto the SLSC building .
12 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN
The costal management issues will be ongoing but •• obtain the legislatively required approvals for can be reduced by: works in an area of cultural heritage sensitivity and for the removal of vegetation; •• understanding how to work better with nature on the site rather than require continual •• undertake further community engagement, management intervention and high costs including with the SLSC as planning proceeds; associated with removal of wind blown sands; •• obtain the legislatively required approvals for •• ensuring access routes and steps are angled works; and rather than perpendicular to the beach; and •• identify and secure funds to implement the •• increasing dune vegetation in front of the proposed site concept plan . carpark area that will help reduce the rate of windblown sand transport . BALANCE OF WOOLAMAI COASTAL To advance the concept plan for Woolamai Beach RESERVES LAND the following steps should be taken: No site concept plans were prepared for this area . •• undertake the detailed investigations required to The recommended actions for going forward are to: assess the potential impacts arising from: •• continue current conservation management and •• removal of the deposited sand and vegetation research programs; Walking tracks around Cape Woolamai offer outstanding views of required to link the two car park modules, the coastline, coastal vegetation and wildlife habitat. The Cape is •• further investigate the cultural heritage the largest shearwater nesting site on Phillip Island. The area is also •• the construction of the new bus shelter, toilets values of Cape Woolamai and the opportunity a zone of cultural heritage sensitivity with significant Aboriginal cultural heritage. and changerooms, and to integrate conservation messages about •• the removal of vegetation to create the these values into visitor information and proposed deck over the stormwater soakage interpretation; area; •• install warning signage at the main access •• prepare detailed designs for the proposed points onto the Cape and reminder warning car park improvements and the shared path signage at known high use/risk locations along link from The Cranny through to the car park the cliff tops; including the short link shown on the plan from •• examine opportunities to relocate the vehicle the road verge to the car park; track away from dangerous cliff top edges; •• close and rehabilitate the dune opening in front •• deter pedestrian use of the management vehicle of the SLSC to avoid ongoing windblown sand track from the car park at Woolamai Beach SLSC issues around the building; to Magic Lands and encourage use of Woolamai •• consider a trial experiment for managing dune Beach as the main access route; and heights in front of the SLSC to protect safe •• monitor and record sand movements at Magic sightlines of the beach from the watch tower; Lands steps and take action to lengthen the •• monitor the movement of sand on the western stairway if required . side of the SLSC and the feasibility of reshaping the dune face with a concerted revegetation and An important role of Nature Parks is to use information and perennial maintenance program; interpretation to communicate key messages about the protection of natural and cultural values within the coastal reserves.
14 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN It is not realistic to consider that all the 4 | IMPLEMENTATION recommended actions can be all implemented over a short period of time . The implementation STRATEGY requires agreement through approval processes and commitments covering different jurisdictions . It is important, therefore, to examine short term, mid-term and long-term scenarios for implementing the recommended actions . The following Table identifies the recommended actions, which needs to be involved and the timing for implementation . The Action Plan is based on a 10 Year timeframe using the following: •• short-term – commence within 2 years (2016 - 2017); •• mid-term – commence within 5 years (2016 – 2020); and •• long-term – commence within 10 years (2016 – 2025) . It is recognised that the timing will be very dependent upon available funding, partnership support with other land managing agencies and the level of community support . In some cases the implementation may require development and approval processes being negotiated between different agencies before a recommendation can be acted upon . Further, whilst an action may have priority, there may be other higher priorities on Phillip Island for Nature Parks or BCSC that may necessitate that actions be delayed . Action Plans often become less relevant after 5 years, generally requiring review and updating in relation to what has been achieved and the impact of emerging issues or new opportunities . Such reviews generate the need for a rolling Five Year Action Plan for 2016-2020 and then a revised action plans for 2021-2025 .
Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN 15 No Recommended Action Responsibility Priority Timing
1 Adopt the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan as part of the overall Nature Parks Strategic Nature Parks Board High Short term Planning Framework 2012-2017
2 Seek support in principle for the adoption of the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan from BCSC, DELWP High Short term key land managing agencies
3 Continue to manage the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves consistent with the key management Nature Parks High ongoing directives in the South and North Coast Key Area Plan 2014 and other relevant policy and management documents
4 Continue discussions between Nature Parks and BCSC to rationalize and resolve management Nature Parks, BCSC High ongoing jurisdiction issues at the Colonnades – Aussie Track, Anzacs and Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club areas
5 Undertake further investigations into assessing and reducing any environmental impacts Nature Parks, The High- Short – mid associated with proposed works and improvements at Colonnades – Aussie Track, The Cranny, Cranny - BCSC moderate term Anzacs and Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club areas
6 Seek approvals to meet respective legislative requirements for the proposed works in the Cape Nature Parks, BCSC High- Short – Woolamai Coastal Reserves, and in particular the site concept plans at Colonnades – Aussie Track, moderate long term The Cranny, Anzacs and Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club areas
7 Colonnades - Aussie Steps Nature Parks and BCSC a) high a) short term a) identify a route for the proposed shared walk between the proposed Colonnades car park and Aussie b) high Steps with a view to minimising impacts b) short c) high term b) understand the potential impacts of widening of the existing walkway to the existing steps at the d) high - Colonnades and to expanding the lookout c) short moderate term c) review weed removal requirements and removal of Sallow Wattle and the Invasive Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis) d) short – mid term d) prepare detailed designs for the proposed car park
16 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN No Recommended Action Responsibility Priority Timing
8 The Cranny NP, BCSC a) high a) short term a) confirm the acceptability of buses continuing to transit through the adjoining neighbourhood in the b) high event that Woolamai Beach Road were temporarily closed beyond the roundabout b) short c) high term b) prepare a detailed features survey suitable for engineering designs for the roundabout and shared d) high path to be developed c) short e) high - term c) undertake preliminary engineering designs for the roundabout to the standard necessary to confirm moderate that acceptable grades and deflection at the entries to the roundabout can be achieved d) short term d) confirm that the shared path can be created along the road edge as proposed and if not, to determine where are the areas where there may be insufficient width in the road pavement so that further e) short- assessment of the situation can occur mid term e) provided the preliminary designs for the roundabout and shared path are achievable, conduct detailed field investigations to assess potential impacts on shearwater nest sites and potential mitigation measures (if required)
9 Anzacs Nature Parks a) moderate a) mid term a) develop plans for a new toilet block including investigation of waste disposal options and b) high b) short term potential impacts of connecting it to nearby reticulated services c) moderate b) install wheel stops in front of cars parked adjacent to the footpath and remove and bollard two c) mid term parking spaces to create a safe gathering area at the top of the beach access stairs c) prepare detailed documentation for proposed site improvement
Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN 17 No Recommended Action Responsibility Priority Timing
10 Woolamai Beach Nature Parks, WBSLSC a) moderate a) mid – long term a) undertake the detailed investigations required to assess the potential impacts arising from: b) moderate b) mid term •• removal of the deposited sand and vegetation required to link the two car park modules c) high – moderate c) high •• the construction of the new bus shelter, toilets and changerooms d) moderate d) ongoing •• the removal of vegetation to create the proposed deck over the stormwater soakage area e) moderate e) ongoing b) prepare detailed designs for the proposed car park improvements and construction of the shared path link from The Cranny through to the car park including the short link shown on the plan from the road verge to the car park c) close and rehabilitate the dune opening in front of the Surf Life Saving Club to avoid ongoing windblown sand issues around the building d) consider a trial experiment for managing dune heights in front of the Surf Life Saving Club to protect safe sightlines of the beach from the watch tower e) monitor the movement of sand on the western side of the Surf Life Saving Club and the feasibility of reshaping the dune face with a concerted re-vegetation and perennial maintenance program
18 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN No Recommended Action Responsibility Priority Timing
11 Balance of Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves land Nature Parks a) high a) ongoing a) continue conservation management and research programs b) high b) short-mid term b) further investigate the cultural heritage values of Cape Woolamai and the opportunity to integrate c) high conservation messages about these values into visitor information and interpretation c) short term d) high – c) consider installing ‘enter at your risk’ signs at the main trackheads to Cape Woolamai Coastal moderate d) short-mid Reserves term e) high d) review the opportunity to relocate the vehicle track away from cliff edges in some coastal locations at e) short term f) moderate Cape Woolamai f) mid term g) high- e) introduce some ‘reminder’ risk awareness signs at known high risk coastal points e g. . The Pinnacles moderate g) mid term f) installing temporary signs at some locations to explain conservation management work being h) high h) ongoing undertaken g) deter pedestrian use of the management vehicle track from the car park at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club to Magic Lands and encourage use of Woolamai Beach as the main access route h) monitor and record sand movements at Magic Lands steps
12 Identify and source funds to implement the site concept plans for the Collonades-Aussie Track, Nature Parks, BCSC High - ongoing the Cranny, Anzacs and Woolamai Beach and management directives for Cape Woolamai Coastal moderate Reserves
13 Review the 5 Year Implementation Plan Nature Parks Moderate - mid term low
Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN 19 Phillip Island Woodlands and Wetlands KEY AREA PLAN July 2016
20 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves MASTER PLAN BACKGROUND REPORT CAPE WOOLAMAI COASTAL RESERVES MASTER PLAN
Prepared for Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council JULY 2016
CAPE WOOLAMAI COASTAL RESERVES MASTER PLAN
prepared for Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council
Inspiring Place Pty Ltd Environmental Planning, Landscape Architecture, Tourism & Recreation 210 Collins St Hobart TAS 7000 T: 03) 6231-1818 E: [email protected] ACN 58 684 792 133
in association with Biosis, Water Technology and MRCagney
Date Version 31.03.16 Draft Report to Nature Parks Project Team for review 15.04.16 Revised Master Plan to Nature Parks Board 11.05.16 Final Revised to Nature Parks Project Team 29.07.16 Revised Final Master Plan following community consultation and feedback on draft plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 What is a Master Plan? ...... 1 1.2 Why a Master Plan for Cape Woolamai? ...... 1 1.3 Where are the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves? ...... 3 1.4 Who Manages the Reserves?...... 3 1.4 How is the Master Plan being prepared? ...... 6 Section 2 Values and Uses...... 9 2.1 What Values are Present in the Reserves? ...... 9 2.2 How are the Reserves Used? ...... 11 Section 3 The Strategic Fit ...... 13 3.1 What is the Strategic Framework for Management of the Reserves?...... 13 3.1.1 State Level ...... 13 3.1.2 Local Level ...... 14 3.2 What Other Plans and Studies Inform the Master Plan? ...... 20 Section 4 The Challenges Arising ...... 25 4.1 Protecting Natural and Cultural Values ...... 25 4.2 Managing a Dynamic Coastline ...... 27 4.3 Resolving Access, Traffic and Parking Issues ...... 35 4.4 Enhancing the Visitor and Local Experience...... 36 Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan...... 37 5.1 The Colonnades – Aussie Steps...... 38 5.1.1 Description and Values ...... 38 5.1.2 Key Findings from the KAP ...... 39 5.1.3 Community Engagement Responses...... 40 5.1.4 Issues Arising...... 44 5.1.5 Site Concept Plan ...... 46 5.1.6 Recommended Actions ...... 48 5.2 The Cranny ...... 50 5.2.1 Description and Values ...... 50 5.2.2 Key Findings from the KAP ...... 50 5.2.3 Community Engagement Responses...... 51 5.2.4 Issues Arising...... 52 5.2.5 Site Concept Plan ...... 53 5.2.6 Recommended Actions ...... 56 5.3 Anzacs ...... 57 5.3.1 Description and Values ...... 57 5.3.2 Key Findings from the KAP ...... 58 5.3.3 Community Engagement Responses...... 59 5.3.4 Issues Arising...... 59
ii Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
5.3.5 Site Concept Plan...... 61 5.3.6 Recommended Actions ...... 63 5.4 Woolamai Beach ...... 64 5.4.1 Description and Values...... 64 5.4.2 Key Findings from the KAP ...... 65 5.4.3 Community Engagement Responses...... 67 5.4.4 Issues Arising ...... 67 5.4.5 Site Concept Plan...... 72 5.4.6 Recommended Actions ...... 75 5.5 Cape Woolamai...... 76 5.5.1 Description and Values...... 76 5.5.2 Key Findings from the KAP ...... 78 5.5.3 Community Engagement Responses...... 78 5.5.4 Issues Arising ...... 79 5.5.5 Site Concept Plan...... 80 5.5.6 Recommended Actions ...... 81 5.6 Balance Land...... 81 Section 6 Implementation Strategy ...... 83 6.1 Action Plan ...... 83 6.2 Cost Estimates ...... 88 Attachment A Guidelines for Activity Centres and Recreation Nodes ...... 89 Attachment B Biophysical and Cultural Context Summary ...... 93 B1 Flora of the Cape Woolamai Reserves ...... 93 B2 Fauna of the Cape Woolamai Reserves ...... 94 B3 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Values of the Cape Woolamai Reserves ...... 95
SECTION 1 I NTRODUCTION
1.1 W HAT IS A M ASTER P LAN?
A master plan is a long-term strategy to guide the future use, development, management and maintenance of a place or a suite of sites within a defined setting. A master plan establishes principles for development of a place in line with an agreed vision and grounded in an understanding of the values present and the issues at hand. These principles are then used as a guide for more detailed considerations such as site planning.
Good master plans often involve the community in the process of their development – local insights providing context for development of a professional response to a place and people’s concerns for it.
Master plans often include feasibility assessments, estimations of the cost of implementation, identification of the level of community support (or opposition) and action plans for carrying out and monitoring of works. These tasks provide the ‘proof of concept’ that assist decision makers in their tasks. However the implementation of the plan is entirely dependent on the successful sourcing of funds to allow works and programs to be initiated.
1.2 W HY A M ASTER P LAN FOR C APE W OOLAMAI?
The Cape Woolamai Reserves Master Plan (hereafter, the Master Plan) is a response to the recommendations of two strategic documents commissioned by Phillip Island Nature Parks (hereafter, the Nature Parks): the South and North Coast Key Area Plan 20141 (the KAP) and the Coastal Processes Study 20142.
The KAP identified a range of issues and made high-level recommendations to protect conservation values, improve coastal access, upgrade visitor arrival and facilities and to improve safety and functional use of the coast within the context of on-going coastal erosion processes. The KAP also included diagrams of how particular high use sites along the coast might be redeveloped to address significant concerns for site planning.
1 Inspiring Place 2014 Phillip Island South and North Coast Key Area Plan 2 Water Technology 2014 Phillip Island Coastal Processes Study
2 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
The Master Plan now drills further into how these high level recommendations play out at specific sites along the eastern coast of Cape Woolamai (Map 1.1). In particular, the Master Plan examines the spatial layout at multiple locations within the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves (the Reserves) with a view to using site planning and design as tools to resolve issues of people management in a landscape rich with natural and cultural importance. Specifically, the Master Plan delves into how site planning can be best used to resolve the issues of conservation, presentation and transport raised by the KAP for the Reserves area.
The Master Plan reporting and site plans are supported by an action plan that states priorities, identifies costs and assigns responsibilities for implementation of tasks.
Of note, the Master Plan does not address:
issues and management of private land;
concerns, which are being dealt with through other processes including dogs on beaches, town planning or proposals for coastal waters (below high tide) such as artificial reefs;
requirements for detailed master plans for all sites (the focus herein is on selected key activity nodes); and/or
consolidation, negotiation or resolution of land management jurisdiction between the parties to the Master Plan.
The Master Plan acknowledges the existence on Nature Parks specialist management programs including fire management, weed and feral animal control, endangered species recovery or management plans, general track management and biological or other monitoring programs, and have considered these activities to ensure that proposed changes will not affect their continuance in the Reserves. Many of these programs are supported by other Nature Park’s strategic documents and plans.
The Master Plan is a cooperative funding initiative of the Nature Parks and the Bass Coast Shire Council (BCSC) with the State’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) as a key stakeholder in the process. The Master Plan will be used by the Nature Parks and the BCSC to generate public and private stakeholder support for works and as a tool to garner increased funding from outside sources of funding.
Section 1 Introduction 3
Essentially, the Master Plan is a mechanism to support stakeholders, the community, BCSC and the Nature Parks while they work together to sustainably manage the values and use of the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves for future generations.
1.3 W HERE ARE THE C APE W OOLAMAI C OASTAL
R ESERVES?
The location and extent of the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves (the Reserves) is shown on Map 1.1. The term ‘Reserves’ is used as a catchall to cover all of the public land of the coast above high water mark from Veterans Drive south to Cape Woolamai. The study area borders Cleeland Bight on the east but does not include the foreshore reserve managed by the Bass Coast Shire Council (BCSC) north of the Esplanade.
Key sites within the Reserves that are examined herein include the Colonnades/Aussie Track precinct (the Colonnades), the intersection of Woolamai Road and the Cranny (the Cranny), Anzacs, the surrounds to the Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club at Woolamai Beach (Woolamai Beach) and the plateau of Cape Woolamai and the adjoining dune system separating Woolamai Beach from Cleeland Bight (Cape Woolamai or the Cape).
1.4 W HO M ANAGES THE R ESERVES?
Management responsibility for the Reserves is spread across the Nature Parks, the BCSC and the DELWP.
Nature Parks is a not–for–profit body created by the State Government of Victoria in 1996. It is the designated land manager on behalf of DELWP, of over 1,805 hectares of Crown Land primarily set aside for conservation purposes under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. Day to day management of the public crown land is delegated to Nature Parks as the Committee of Management appointed under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.
Nature Park’s charter is to prepare and implement policies and practices to conserve and to enhance the Nature Parks’ environment while providing authentic experiences for all. Amongst the organisation’s many tasks are:
management of visitor access and visitor facilities;
CAPE WOOLAMAI MARCH 2016 Section 1 Introduction 5
management of commercial tourism access and use;
installation and care of signage and interpretation;
eradication of feral animals and weeds;
the conduct of conservation management, monitoring and research programs;
fire management;
emergency and risk management;
education programs; and
maintenance of visitor infrastructure including beach stairs and tracks.
Several properties in the Reserves are owned and managed by the BCSC including land parcels at The Colonnades and Aussie Track and including the Woolamai Beach Road to its termination at the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
The BCSC is involved with conservation management on their land but has a scope of activity across the municipality that also encompasses:
development and maintenance of road infrastructure, visitor and community facilities;
development control and approval processes;
traffic management, urban services and infrastructure provision; and
local and regional community communications.
DELWP’s role in the Reserves is part of a broader statewide and regional ambit covering:
Crown land management policy;
approvals for use and development of Crown land (including coastal Crown land) and biodiversity;
establishment and liaison with agencies and Committees of Management;
environmental research and monitoring programs; and
6 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
specialist land management skills and advice to the community regarding bushfire, water, biodiversity, indigenous land management, emergency practices and other matters.
Of particular note is that DELWP has responsibilities for establishing the conditions on the lease of Crown land. The Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club (WSLSC) is currently operating without a lease, an issue that is being pursued by DELWP. The Master Plan has been developed on the assumption that the WSLSC will continue to function in its current location and suggested site planning enhancements have considered their needs for on-going operation.
1.4 H OW IS THE M ASTER P LAN BEING PREPARED?
The Master Plan is being prepared in six stages over the months of January – June 2016. Table 1.1 summaries the six stages.
Key Tasks Stage 1 • Initial briefings and site visits with Nature Parks, BCSC and DELWP Start • Organise the Work Plan and Community Engagement Plan Stage 2 • Review of all relevant policies and background information Meet, talk and • Run open community forum, land managers forum, local listen community groups and environmental groups forum and Nature Parks staff forum • Run a meeting with surf related groups – Phillip Island Boardriders Club, Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club and the National Surfing Reserve Working Group • Run community walks and talks at the Colonnades, Anzacs and Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club • Undertake further site visits to whole of Cape Woolamai • Document findings from community engagement Stage 3 • Presentation to BCSC and Nature Parks Board Investigate • Undertake site visits with specialist teams – natural and cultural values, coastal processes and traffic engineering • Further site visits and consultations • Prepare initial concept plans for selected sites and present to Steering Committee Stage 4 • Prepare draft Master Plan and review with Steering Document Committee • Revise Master Plan ready for community review Stage 5 • Run exhibition, forums and community walks and talks with Test the ideas local community to present the draft Master Plan • Review of public response and revise the Master Plan Stage 6 • Prepare final Master Plan • Presentation to local community Refine the ideas • Presentation to BCSC and Nature Parks Board
Table 1.1 Project Staging
Section 1 Introduction 7
There has been extensive community engagement planned at different stages throughout the project – at the initial stage for community input (Stage 2), to present and review the draft Master Plan (Stage 5) and to present the final Master Plan (Stage 6). The consultation has involved a range of different techniques – local forums, site walks and talks, meetings, online survey, written submissions/comments, exhibition of the draft Master Plan and drop-in and discuss times available to the local community.
During the review of the draft Master Plan, there was community concern expressed about aspects of the draft site concept plan for the Colonnades. Nature Parks requested that the consultant team prepare a range of site concept plan options in response to the issues raised. The consultant team presented these options to a local community forum in July 2016 and Nature Parks conducted a survey of community preferences for the options. The draft report was subsequently changed to embrace the local community’s preference for access, parking and facilities at the Colonnades.
The final stage of the project involves the Master Plan being reviewed by BCSC, DELWP and Nature Parks Board with a presentation of the final Master Plan to the Phillip Island community.
.
SECTION 2 VALUES AND USES
2.1 W HAT V ALUES ARE P RESENT IN THE R ESERVES?
The Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves contribute strongly to the recognition of Phillip Island as a place with diverse and significant natural, cultural and recreational values of outstanding value to the world, the nation, Victoria and the region. These values are described in detail in the Nature Parks Environment Plan 2012-2017 and were summarised in the KAP for the coasts in particular.
A scan across the content of these documents focused on the Reserves reveals the values present include:
a complex geo-diversity with an array of coastal landforms of national, state and regional importance3 including:
substantive sea-level rock platforms;
numerous large scale and exposed columnar basalt outcrops and granite batholiths (at Cape Woolamai, these latter features are listed a site of national geological significance; and
Cape Woolamai where mobile sand-forms tie the peninsula to the rest of Phillip Island (these features are listed as a geological site of national significance);
high degrees of bio-diversity and conservation priority4 as evidenced by:
the listing of Cape Woolamai by the State as a BioSite ;
3 See nre.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/map_documents.nsf/pages/pp_sig_pp_wp 4 See Ecology and Heritage Partners 2014. Preliminary Constraints and Opportunities Analysis, Phillip Island Southern and Northern Coast Key Area Plan. A report to Inspiring Place Pty Ltd. prepared as a background study to the KAP.
10 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
the inclusion of the Reserves in the area identified by BirdLife International as an ‘Important Bird Area’ (IBA) containing globally significant populations of six species of birds (i.e. > 1% of total world population),
the numerous bird species found in the Reserves being identified on the IUCN ‘Red List of Threatened Species’;
the presence of a suite of migratory birds and their habitats that are protected under various international agreements including JAMBA, CAMBA, RoKAMBA and the Bonn Convention,
the listing of numerous rare or threatened plant and animal species and their habitats for protection at the Federal level under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act), the State level under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and/or the regional level through their presence on the Victorian Advisory List, and
the protection from removal or disturbance, without exemption, of all native vegetation by the Bass Coast Shire Council, including ubiquitous species and habitats as well as those that are rare or threatened;
high scenic quality and aesthetic significance arising from the interplay of rugged, dramatic and varied landforms shaped by wind and waves, framed by coastal native vegetation strengthened by large populations of a diverse suite of native fauna and extensive areas lacking sign of man-made structures, the absence of which evokes a sense of isolation and remoteness5;
5 Victoria Coastal Council 2006. Coastal Spaces Landscape Assessment Study for the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Section 2 Values and Uses…..11
strong Aboriginal cultural heritage values6 related to widespread evidence of pre-European occupation of the place and its value to the contemporary Aboriginal community for its linkages to their history and culture and because of the rarity of remaining evidence due to the impacts of disturbance (natural and anthropocentric) since European settlement7; and
historic heritage values including the quarry site at Cleeland Bight and potentially evidence of early occupation of Cape Woolamai by European settlers.
Greater detail about the botanical and Aboriginal cultural heritage values of the Reserves is found in Attachment 2.
Together and individually, the features of the Reserves are of significance to the local community for their importance to the economy of the region through tourism and recreation and for their role in defining the community and what it means to live on Phillip Island. The strength of these attachments is seen in the strong and frequent community activism and debate over approaches to sustainable management and land use of the Reserves.
2.2 H OW ARE THE R ESERVES U SED?
The Reserves host a range of recreational activities including surfing, swimming, fishing, walking, running and bike riding.
The length of the beach from the Colonnades through to Woolamai Beach is laced with world-class breaks that are a daily attraction for surfing, with Woolamai Beach hosting numerous surfing competitions through the year.
Swimming at the beaches along the south coast of the Reserves is considered highly dangerous because of the intensity of the surf and associated rips. Nonetheless, locals and visitors come to these beaches for water play. The Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club provides a patrolled swimming area at the front of the Club that attracts high usage by families because of the perceived safety provided by the guards. The Surf Lifesaving Club also hosts competitive surf life saving events and undertakes the training of surf lifesavers.
6 Note virtually the whole of the study area is within an area of cultural heritage sensitivity under the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007. Areas of cultural sensitivity include: a 50m diameter area around all registered Aboriginal Places, land within 200m of a named waterway, coastal land within 200m of the high watermark, a Park or a coastal dune or a source bordering a dune. The same Regulations consider construction of a campground or caravan park, a car park or a walking/bicycle track longer than 100m to have a potentially high impact on cultural values and are therefore subject to a mandatory Cultural Heritage Management Plan. 7 See for instance Ecology and Heritage Partners 2014. Cultural Heritage Study: Phillip Island Nature Parks Southern and Northern Coast Key Area plan (KAP), Victoria. A report to Inspiring Place Pty Ltd. prepared as a background study to the KAP.
12 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
The beach at Cleeland Bight is more family friendly for swimming and water play. It attracts some use, albeit not as much as more readily accessible portion of the beach at the Cranny
The beach and tracks near the Colonnades are used by local residents for walking with dogs. Beach-based fishing occurs along the length of the southern coast and at Cleeland Bight.
The Cape Woolamai plateau is an attractive location for walking and running offering spectacular views to its rugged coastal scenery and across the rest of the island and the Gippsland coastline to the east. Vehicle tracks across the Cape, developed for management purposes, are also used by walkers and joggers and to a lesser extent by bike riders (sandy conditions in some locations limit numbers). In addition to casual users, it is expected that walking clubs and other groups use these tracks. Of the tracks on the Cape, the 8 km Cape Woolamai Circuit combines a number of shorter walks including the 4km Pinnacles Walk, 6km Old Granite Quarry Walk and the 6.6km Cape Woolamai Beacon Walk. All the walks start from the car park at the Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club and are reached by walking the beach to the Magic Lands steps that climb onto the plateau.
Despite the dangers involved, the Cape’s cliffs are used by experienced rock climbers who are attracted by the atmosphere and spectacular positions of the routes there. As the home to Island’s largest shearwater rookery, the plateau is also an appealing location for nature observation.
During summer months, bike riders and pedestrians use Woolamai Beach Road to access Anzacs and Woolamai Beach, despite the risks from high volumes of passing traffic on peak days.
Commercial use of the Reserves is limited to food and beverage services provided by the Surf Lifesaving Club.
There are currently no registered tourism operators using the area. Anecdotal comment was made that night tours of the shearwater colonies on the Cape are occurring. Sightseeing tour buses are increasingly attracted to Woolamai Beach to view the coastline owing to is National Surfing Reserve status.
SECTION 3 THE STRATEGIC FIT
3.1 W HAT IS THE S TRATEGIC F RAMEWORK FOR
M ANAGEMENT OF THE R ESERVES?
3.1.1 State Level
The Coastal Management Act 1995 requires the Minister’s consent for all use or development of coastal Crown land by any party, including committees of management and local councils. Nature Parks is effectively the Committee of Management under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.
The following legislation, policies and plans provide the Victorian strategic framework for the project. The legislation includes:
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Native Title Act 1993
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
Planning and Environment Act 1987
Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007
Coastal Management Act 1995
Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978
The relevant coastal strategies are the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 and the Central Regional Coastal Plan 2015.
DELWP approval is required for the use and development of Crown land (including coastal Crown land) and biodiversity. Any use or development of Crown land may require consideration and approvals under the Coastal Management Act 1995 and the Native Title Act 1993.
A permit under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 may be required for any projects if there is any impact on Protected Flora listed under the Act. Surveys would be required to determine if the native vegetation proposed to be removed/impacted is part of a listed vegetation community. A permit to
14 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
remove native vegetation under Clause 52.17 of the Bass Coast Planning Scheme is likely to be required for projects and offsets may need to be factored into project planning and funding applications.
3.1.2 Local Level
Decision making in coastal areas is primarily through Nature Parks and BCSC.
Nature Parks
Nature Parks have a comprehensive strategic policy framework for management of the 1805 hectares of Crown land under its care. The strategic framework (Figure 3.1) provides the basis for consistency in decision-making, for engagement with the community/stakeholders and for the physical planning of assets such as the Cape Woolamai Reserves. There follows an overview of some of the key documents and their influence on the current study.
N ATURE P ARKS S TRATEGIC P LAN 2012- 2017
The Nature Parks Strategic Plan 2012-2017 (the Strategic Plan) is the highest order policy guiding the actions of Nature Parks in its land management activities. The Strategic Plan establishes Nature Parks mission and vision and its objectives and directions for action in pursuit of its aim to be a world- recognised place of conservation significance.
The Strategic Plan was developed by Nature Parks and is founded on extensive community engagement to ensure its directions were informed by and understood by those affected by the strategy.
The five-year strategies address six lines of action: planning, conservation, visitor attraction and experience, community, organisation and governance.
The Master Plan is framed within the vision of the Strategic Plan, embraces the five-year strategies therein and furthers opportunities for joint planning and management initiatives with other land managers. A notable outcome of the Strategic Plan was the recommendation to prepare plans for ‘Key Areas’ including the North and South Coasts (see below) that directly led to the development of this master plan.
FIGURE 3.1
DESIGN GUIDELINES
CAPE WOOLAMAI COASTAL RESERVES MP 16 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
N ATURE P ARKS S OUTH AND N ORTH C OAST K EY A REA P LAN 2014
The South and North Coast Key Area Plan (the KAP) addressed the long-term management of public land along the coastlines of Phillip Island. The KAP:
set out a vision and guiding principles for management of the coasts;
established a strategy of coastal management areas and a hierarchy of ‘activity and ‘recreation nodes’ which were further defined by their setting (natural or developed) and their level of use (primary, secondary, local);
formulated an implementation strategy, which recommended the Master Plan be prepared as an imperative;
made strategic recommendations to address enhancement of the experience at coastal access points and to encourage integrated transport during peak use periods; and
provided diagrammatic indications of how particular issues within the Reserves, and elsewhere, might be resolved.
The KAP was informed by an iterative engagement program with adjacent land managers and the community and was formulated to accord with the aspirations expressed during that process.
The KAP’s vision is that
The north and south coasts of Phillip Island will exemplify Nature Parks’ mission to conserve the values of the coast in a world-class manner while providing for recreation and tourism experiences commensurate with the exceptional environmental, social and economic opportunities available through their appropriate management.
The four key principles to arise from the KAP are very relevant to the Master Plan and include:
1. Nature conservation has primacy over all matters.
2. People should enjoy reasonable and safe access to the coasts for coastal dependent tourism and recreation.
Section 3 The Strategic Fit 17
3. The quality of the experience of the coasts should be exemplary, relative to the recognised values of the area.
4. The coasts should be managed responsibly as a partnership between Crown land managers and the community.
These principles provide strong direction for the Master Plan as summarised in Table 3.1
What are the management implications arising from the KAP for the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves?
Principle 1 Land use and site planning decisions must respect on-going Nature conservation natural processes, habitats and species of significance and has primacy over all sites of cultural heritage importance. matters. This requires that coastal infrastructure (e.g. roads, car parks, buildings, stairs, tracks, services) be planned, located and designed to avoid, minimise or mitigate impacts on these values. Adoption of this principle: • favours the refurbishment of existing facilities in their present extent and location where they are not seen to be having negative impacts on their surrounds; and/or • significantly constrains the extent of new coastal infrastructure to a minimal footprint and the location of such infrastructure to areas of previous disturbance or to sites with low sensitivity to impact;.
Table 3.1 Relationship of the KAP to the Master Plan
18 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
What are the management implications arising from the KAP for the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves? Principle 2 Coastal Management Areas People should enjoy The KAP designated the greater part of the Reserves ‘Coastal reasonable and safe Conservation Area’. The primary intent of the Coastal access to the coast Conservation Area is to protect and manage biological, for coastal- ecological, geological, geomorphological and cultural values of dependent tourism significance. and recreation. The foreshore area from Veterans Drive east to Aussie Track, including the Colonnades, was identified as a Coastal Access Area. The primary intent a Coastal Access Area is to provide and manage public access and development of appropriate facilities consistent with the maintenance of the coastal values. Hierarchy of Activity Centres and Recreation Nodes Within the hierarchy Anzacs and Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club are identified as ‘Primary’. The Colonnades are identified as ‘Secondary’ and the Magic Lands stairs are located in a ‘Natural’ area. A set of guidelines for access and facilities in these different classifications is provided in Attachment A. The KAP noted the adequate provision of safe access within the Reserves and that appropriate management of existing locations, in line with the hierarchy for activity centre and recreation nodes, was sufficient and no new access points were needed to meet demand. The adoption of this principle and the attendant precinct hierarchies mean there should only be limited new visitor infrastructure and no new access sites or structures within the Reserves. In this scenario, existing stairs to the beaches at the Colonnades, Aussie Steps, Anzacs, Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club and to the Cape at Magic Lands will remain as the principal access points to the beaches and headlands of the Reserves. Future replacement of existing steps may consider alternative sites in proximity to the current infrastructure if this achieves higher compliance with the vision and other guiding principles.
Table 3.1 Relationship of the KAP to the Master Plan (cont)
Section 3 The Strategic Fit 19
What are the management implications for the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves? Principle 3 In response to this principle, the KAP identified the need to improve the The quality of the arrival experience at activity centres and visitor nodes, the facilities at these experience of the locations and the overall experience of the coast including areas within the coasts should be Reserves. The recommendations in the KAP in this regard have directly exemplary, influenced Nature Parks and the BCSC to proceed with the preparation of relative to the this Master Plan. recognised values By adopting this principle, Nature Parks have committed to the progressive of the area. improvement of the activity centres and recreation nodes of the Reserves as funding and cooperative support from stakeholders become available. The KAP projected the improvements would include: a safer road environment for pedestrians and wildlife including shared pathway access to all primary and secondary activity and recreation nodes, rationalisation of car parking layouts at the nodes, new toilets, expanded interpretation and a cohesive suite of park furniture and signage, all of which will contribute to an enhanced experience of the Reserves for locals and visitors. All of these elements are included in the Master Plan in accordance with the guidelines for infrastructure provision established in Attachment 1 of the KAP. The implementation of new works or refurbishments will follow the planning and development approval and assessment processes of the BCSC. Nature Parks will continue to engage with affected communities as plans progress and works proceed. The BCSC planning approvals processes mandate opportunities for community comment.
Principle 4 The KAP identified the potential to rationalise management jurisdiction at The coasts should selected coastal locations to achieve enhanced conservation, visitor be managed experience and maintenance outcomes. Veterans Drive, Colonnades, responsibly as a Anzacs and the Woolamai Beach Road and the Woolamai Beach Surf Life partnership Saving Club, all within the Reserves, were mentioned as locations that would between Crown derive such benefits. Land managers The principle relies on the BCSC and Nature Parks agreeing changes in and the responsibilities for management or ownership at these sites. Opportunities to community. achieve such change include: the transfer or lease of certain land parcels, management agreements for the care of properties in the ownership of one or the other of the parties, resource sharing for certain activities or via financial or in kind assistance for further planning including master plans and/or management plants for areas of shared interest. Furthering these tasks, though, is outside the scope of the Master Plan. The Master Plan does, however, address capital improvements, all of which are necessary to achievement of the vision of the KAP and some of which may be required to foster the transition of responsibilities between the parties. The latter is particularly the case as a trade off for the parties to assume responsibility for the care of large parcels of land or facilities and infrastructure with attendant costs for on-going management and long term replacement. The financial burden of improvements may be shared by the parties through joint funding or shared grant applications, the waiving of fees or the provision of in-kind support for works. The inclusion of cost estimates for the works proposed herein will give each of the parties a better understanding of what is involved in making the necessary improvements and the value of the assets at completion of works.
Table 3.1 Relationship of the KAP to the Master Plan (cont)
20 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
Bass Coast Shire Council
The Council’s key coastal and planning strategies include:
Bass Coast Towards 2030;
Bass Coast Council Plan 2013-2017;
Bass Coast Environmental Sustainability Plan 2008-2013; and
Bass Coast Strategic Coastal Planning Framework (Draft) 2007.
The Bass Coast Towards 2030 is a visionary document with aspirational statements of what Bass Coast will look and feel like by 2030. One of the statements refers to the Shire’s natural assets being world-renowned, attracting Australian and international visitors to support a more sustainable local economy.
The Bass Coast Council Plan 2013-2017 provides a broad policy framework with strategies for natural environment, healthy communities, sustainable development and growth.
The Bass Coast Environmental Sustainability Plan 2008-2013 recommends developing and implementing a program of management and master plans for Bass Coast managed coastal and bushland areas, rural roadsides and wetlands to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to management.
3.2 W HAT O THER P LANS AND S TUDIES I NFORM THE
M ASTER P LAN?
N ATURE P ARKS E NVIRONMENT P LAN 2012- 2017
The Nature Parks Environment Plan 2012-2017 (the Environment Plan) establishes the environmental objectives and outcomes for performance of the organisation that are required to be met by its conservation charter. The Environment Plan notes that attainment of the objectives requires collaboration with other natural resource managers, volunteers and the community.
The Environment Plan provides an overview of the known values (environmental, economic and social), the environmental issues and recommendations for action on an area-by-area basis.
Section 3 The Strategic Fit 21
Within the Cape Woolamai Reserves the Environment Plan recommended:
continuing weed and feral animal control;
improvements to beach access at selected locations;
a review of dog regulations;
ongoing vegetation management including revegetation of dune areas;
protection of Short-tailed Shearwaters nesting sites;
rationalisation of informal tracks;
identification of measures to reduce the loss of Shearwaters on Woolamai Beach Road at night; and
monitoring of rare and threatened species.
The Master Plan sets the highest priority on the conservation of the values of the Reserves identified in the Environment Plan. The Master Plan reiterates the need for: on-going conservation operations (weed and feral animal control, track management); and resolution of contentious governance issues (i.e. dog regulations). Central to its scope, the Master Plan makes site planning recommendations to minimise impacts from use of the coast. In particular, it has been concerned to reduce threats to the shearwater population.
N ATURE P ARKS C OASTAL P ROCESSES S TUDY – T ECHNICAL R EPORT 2014
The Nature Parks Coastal Processes Study (the Study) assessed the recent evolution of the southern coastline of Phillip Island and how the coast will be further shaped as climate and sea level changes occur.
The Study also identified the potential threats to natural systems and infrastructure as a result of the on-going evolution of the coastal edge. Understanding potential threats enables identification of potential strategies to protect critical coastal assets.
The Study indicated that within the Reserves:
the shoreline location has changed little over the last 75 years;
22 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
the source of beach sand is predominately from the marine environment and with little new sand being added to the area’s beaches, the depth of sand on some beaches was receding;
increased vegetation on historically barren cliff top dunes has worked to stabilise these areas, limiting sediment transport across the Cape Woolamai isthmus to Cleeland Bight where the beach is narrowing and shoreline recession is being seen;
where there is no vegetation sand dunes are continually eroding;
It was also noted that:
rising sea level will result in an increased loss of sand from the Reserve’s beaches and that marine influences (swash and waves) will trigger failure of active cliffs and increase rates of recession; and
the removal of dune vegetation, if it were to occur, would reinitiate wind-blown sediment movement.
Understanding the coastal processes affecting the Reserves, and in particular the main access points to the adjoining beaches and associated visitor infrastructure fundamentally underpins the recommendations of the Master Plan.
N ATURE P ARKS D ESIGN G UIDELINES 2016
The Nature Parks Design Guidelines 2016 describe the qualities of the visual setting and visitor experience that most contribute to the distinctiveness of the Nature Parks offer and identify principles of good design within its coastal settings. The guidelines are to be used as a framework for deciding the appropriate architectural and landscape character of new or altered buildings, site infrastructure and site development works.
The manual prescribes general site planning and design principles and then sets out a design guide for infrastructure covering the range of infrastructure to be found within areas managed by Nature Parks.
The design guidelines apply to future upgrades or new visitor infrastructure within the Reserves and will need to be considered as detailed design occurs to further the implementation of the Master Plan.
Section 3 The Strategic Fit 23
P HILLIP I SLAND N ATIONAL S URFING R ESERVE
In 2013 the best of the surfing areas on Phillip Island were declared a National Surfing Reserve. The declared beaches included Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Summerland and Cat Bay. Selection was made based on wave quality and wave environment, the strength of place attachment by the local and national surfing community, and the long length of time to which these beaches have been used for surfing.
Woolamai is within the Reserves and was listed due to the ever-changing world class breaks at:
Magic Lands;
the car park at the Surf Lifesavers Clubhouse;
Anzacs;
Aussie Track east of the Colonnades; and
the Ocean Reach or airport reef opposite the access to the Colonnades.
National recognition and status amongst the surfing community further strengthens the drive for master planning of sites to ensure access and visitor facilities are of a high standard commensurate with the values of the place and with the ability to tell the story of the National Surfing Reserve.
SECTION 4 THE CHALLENGES ARISING
The examination of the values and use of the Reserves and the feedback from stakeholder and community engagement have identified a consistent set of management challenges for Nature Parks and its partners. The challenges are to:
protect the natural and cultural values of the Reserves in the face of continued and growing use of the area (Section 4.1);
manage the Reserves in the face of dynamic coastal change (Section 4.2);
resolve access, traffic and parking issues at peak times as while addressing safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the year (Section 4.3); and
enhance the experience of the Reserves for visitors and locals through the provision of new or improved infrastructure (Section 4.4)?
4.1 P ROTECTING N ATURAL AND C ULTURAL V ALUES
The primacy of nature conservation is an over-arching objective of Nature Parks and a central tenet of efforts to master plan for continued use of the Reserves. Section 2.1 outlined the multiple natural and cultural values of the Reserves and noted their significance in world and local terms8. While the emphasis in Section 2.1 was on ‘significant’ values, the Reserves are no less valuable for their more ubiquitous physical and biological attributes.
On the surface the Reserves would appear to be relatively stable, self- sustaining natural systems that flourish and support a diversity of native plant and animal species. Dune stabilisation through the establishment of vegetation over the past 40 years adds to that sense. Elsewhere intermittent landslips and rock-falls along the coastline change its form and burning (fuel reduction burning or bushfire) affects the age diversity of more heavily vegetated areas. While noticeable, the impacts of these actions become less visibly apparent with time.
8 The Environment Plan and Attachment 2 provide added detail to that found in Section 2.1.
26 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
This apparent stability, however, belies the active management role of the Nature Parks and in protecting the Reserve’s values including tasks such as:
weed and feral animal control and eradication;
endangered species recovery plans;
erosion control and track management;
fire management to reduce fuels to protect adjacent properties and for ecological purposes to stimulate age diversity within the various vegetation types; and
the monitoring of wildlife populations.
The Master Plan recognises that these tasks are undertaken by Nature Parks and as specific management programs independent of the site planning issues focused on herein.
Amongst the greatest threats to the stability of the natural systems of the Reserves and to the protection of their cultural heritage values is damage from disturbance. Removal of vegetation is known to reduce habitat values, enable weed invasion and in dune systems to activate sand movement with the potential for downwind impacts on habitat and/or infrastructure. Diminution of vegetation can also lead to erosion and with it the loss of evidence of Aboriginal occupation or in some cases to landslip or rock fall. Trampling of vegetation or nesting sites can also have significant impacts on habitat, particularly as shearwaters and penguins return to the same nest sites each year.
For these reasons and others, the Master Plan has paid particular attention to limiting new development to previously disturbed sites as far as possible or to raising the quality of existing infrastructure to a new standard within its current footprint. Where disturbance is recommended to occur, it has been limited to sites with more ubiquitous habitat values or to those sites thought to be devoid of significant values based on desk research and preliminary field investigations. In some locations, disturbed sites will be abandoned and rehabilitation is proposed using locally native plant species.
Given the extent of likely change across the whole of the Reserves (>1 hectare of vegetation loss) and that virtually the whole of the Reserves is within an area of ‘cultural heritage sensitivity’, further site specific studies will be required as planning and implementation proceeds and prior to works proposed herein proceeding.
Section 4 The Challenges Arising 27
4.2 M ANAGING A D YNAMIC C OASTLINE
The KAP recognised the dynamic nature of the Phillip Island coastline arising from its high energy environment of wind, waves, rainfall and run-off and their affects on landform. While change has always occurred on a geologic scale, human activities such as the clearing of vegetation and the concentration of run-off have accelerated some land-forming processes. The KAP also noted the exacerbation of conditions arising from climate change as sea levels rise and the frequency and intensity of major weather events increases. All of these factors will have marked affects on the coastal cliffs and beaches of the coast that the Master Plan must consider.
C OASTAL C LIFFS
Phillip Island has a continuously steep southern shoreline with the morphology and coastal processes dominated by high wave energy (refer to Figure 4.1 Shoreline Characterisation and Table 4.1 Geomorphic Class and Erosion Potential).
The coastline between the Colonnades and Cape Woolamai Beach is a long sandy beach backed by a steeply rising slope. The form of the steeply rising slope at the back of these beaches changes in time and space. At times it is an active cliff or mass-movement slope with the exposed material washed by high tides and storm waves. At other times, parts of the cliff are covered by steeply sloping, wave-deposited or wind-blown sand aprons. As with the other beaches along the south coast of the Island, the source of the sand is predominantly marine, with only limited contributions from cliffs, shore platforms, or the Cape Woolamai headland.
The shoreline from the Colonnades eastwards for ~800m is an active cliff or mass movement slope formed in weathered volcanic material, while further east it is formed by consolidated dune sands. On top of these steep slopes, windblown dune fields have developed. This morphology is mirrored on the opposite shore along Cleeland Bight where windblown sand from across the isthmus is the main source of sand.
The Cape Woolamai headland is a granite outcrop comprised of a range of steep coastal landforms, from plunging and active cliffs to mass movement slopes with gravel and boulder beaches.
28 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
Geomorphic Erosion Potential Description Class Active cliffs Exposed coherent Coherent Basalt Cliffs- form controlled by factures in the basalt rock or earth material with minimal vegetation, slopes ≥45º (1:1). Release of fragments and/or bulk units by processes ranging from toppling to sliding and flow mechanisms. Slope failure ranges in timescale from
frequent (rarely Thick, jointed lava flows form near-vertical active cliff at continuously) to Pyramid Rock. annual-decadal. Active cliffs Weathered Basalt & Pyroclastic Beds – most rapidly changing (continued) actives cliffs are in deeply weathered volcanics in short sections between Surfies Point and Forrest Caves and at Magic Lands.
Block separation and collapse, eastern Woolamai Beach – Magic Lands.
Table 4.1: Geomorphic Class and Erosion Potential (continues after Map 4.2) (All photos N. Rosengren 2014)
30 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
rear of Map 4.1 A3
Section 4 The Challenges Arising 31
Active cliffs Sands – active sand cliffs occur in unconsolidated and poorly (continued) consolidated sand bodies occur intermittently backing Woolamai Beach. Susceptible to erosion through storm wave action.
Active cliff in weakly consolidated & unconsolidated sand, Magic Lands Active mass- Poorly consolidated Experiences deep-seated slope failure as well as superficial movement or deeply weathered degradation. Both the top and base of a slope can retreat and the mid-slope regions be re-shaped by large-scale failures slope substrate. Slopes independent of marine action. variable ± 450. Variable vegetation cover. Frequent to intermittently active with release of bulk units by creep, slide and flow mechanisms. Frequently to intermittently active with release of bulk Mass movement slope failure, Surfies Point. units by creep, slide and flow.
Low basal cliff and semi-active mass movement slopes of consolidated sand and unconsolidated wind-blown sand.
32 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
Plunging Exposed slope ±45° Plunging cliffs are a minor but unusual component of rocky Cliffs of coherent resistant coastlines where the coastal slopes passes beneath low tide level with no appreciable break of slope, notch, terrace, bench, rock with minimal shore platform or beach at the water line. vegetation. Minimal and slow rate of material loss. The slope profile remains constant on decadal to centennial time scale.
Plunging cliffs, east coast Cape Woolamai.
Table 4.1: Geomorphic Class and Erosion Potential (continued from previous page)
Erosion of these steep slopes is caused by a combination of processes including slumping, cliff fall and mass movement. The rates of change is generally highly episodic and may be associated with extremes of wet and dry climatic conditions, the phases of strong wave attack, and elevated coastal water levels. The rates of change are also highly variable based on the resistance and other properties of the rock formations. The erosion potential of actives cliffs and active mass movement slopes are summarised in Table below. The plunging cliffs at Cape Woolamai are not generally active within the planning timescales considered by this project.
The Master Plan has avoided changes in proximity to the Reserves’ cliffs. Consideration has been given to the safety of users of these areas by ensuring that trails are well away from dangerous edges. Duty of care is addressed through recommendations for additional safety signage at the Magic Lands steps as the major access point onto the Plateau. In future, if viewing points are to be developed on the Plateau (or elsewhere above cliff edges), care will need to be taken in the placement of footings and changes to the ground form to avoid concentration of stormwater flows that might lead to destabilisation of the slopes below.
Section 4 The Challenges Arising 33
C OASTAL B EACHES
As mentioned, sand on the beaches of the Reserves is predominantly from marine sources.
The beach along the ocean side of the Reserves is comprised of beach cusps. An erosion scarp often forms at the back of these beaches in response to stronger swell waves and results in coarser sand being deposited there compared to other beaches on the Island’s south coast.
The angle of Reserves’ beaches also exposes them to the predominant south/southwesterly wave conditions. Swell waves move sand on-shore and in periods of calmer weather the swell dominated sand movement supplies sand to the beach and can form the sloping aprons of sand at the toe of cliffs mentioned previously. At other times, storm wave conditions move sand offshore steepening the beach profile and eroding the sand to expose the steep slope behind.
The northern shoreline of Cleeland Bight is protected from such swell conditions by the Cape Woolamai headland. Sand supply there is typically from windblown sources moving across the isthmus rather than from waves or currents.
Across the isthmus, the establishment of vegetation has worked to stabilise cliff top dunes and limit windblown sediment transport. Locals noted that the extent of beach along Cleeland Bight is receding as less sand is being transported there.
Removal of the dune vegetation will likely reinitiate wind-blown sediment transport, resulting in blowouts and the formation of transgressive (moving) dunes.
The use of marram grass (Ammophila arenaria), an exotic species, as the stabilising ground cover vegetation in the dunes has resulted in steep dune formations. By comparison where spinifex (Spinifex sericeus), a native species, is the dominant ground cover type a more gently sloping landform is created as sands are trapped.
Conflicting views were expressed during community consultation regarding the value of re-shaping landforms and re-establishing spinifex as the ground cover at Woolamai Beach in the area of the Surf Lifesaving Club. Concern was expressed that the removal of vegetation and earthworks would re-mobilise moving sands, create preferential pathways for sand movement and expose
34 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
building and surrounds to further sand inundation. It was also noted that spinifex is difficult to establish and if successful long timeframes are involved.
Future trends affecting sand deposition and movement along the coastline must also be considered when considering changes at Woolamai Beach and elsewhere along the coast. These include:
as sea levels rise there will be a loss of sandy material from the beach, which will potentially reduce the scale of the sand fans that form in front of the active sand cliffs;
marine influences (swash and waves) will increasingly interact with the toe of the active cliffs or mass movement slopes and this interaction would then be expected to activate failure of the active cliffs and increase rates of recession; and
the same process would also apply to the mass movement type slope sections along the beach.
As a result, the reshaping and revegetation of sand aprons/dunes at the front of the coastal cliffs is likely to be a fraught task as natural forces will remove sands with revegetation being unlikely to keep up with these processes.
For these reasons the Master Plan has generally avoided recommendations that would lead to the removal of the dune vegetation or major earth moving in response to concerns for reactivating sand movement. In particular, the Master Plan has focused on the revegetation of exposed areas of sand at the front of the Surf Club and the trapping of sand elsewhere to reduce management costs for sand removal and stormwater management.
Section 4 The Challenges Arising 35
4.3 R ESOLVING A CCESS, T RAFFIC AND P ARKING
I SSUES
Access, traffic and parking were identified in the KAP as concerns at all of the activity and recreation nodes across the Reserves, particularly at peak visitor season but also at other times of the year.
The KAP highlighted a number of strategies to resolve these issues by reducing vehicle movements to and from the activity centres and recreation nodes including:
improvements to footpaths, particularly where they linked residential areas to beach access points;
expansion of the island’s shared track network to link settlements with the activity centres and recreation nodes;
the introduction of a roundabout at The Cranny; and
the introduction of public transport services to link the activity centres and recreation nodes to services, accommodation, attractions and populations centres, the latter offering opportunities for changes to other transport modes.
Since the KAP was completed, the Nature Parks and conducted a trial free bus service, using large buses, during the summer months of 2015-2016. The service linked Cowes, the Summerlands Peninsula and Woolamai Beach and points in between. The purpose of the trial was to test visitor and local community interest in public transport as a means of moving around the island. Anecdotal evidence indicates that usage has been low but steady, suggesting that the service continue but possibly using smaller buses for greater fuel efficiency.
On the whole, the recommendations of the KAP for enhancements to the road network and for traffic management within the study area have been universally supported by Nature Parks and, BCSC and the community. Apart from the bus transport initiative, however, the Nature Parks and have held off on making substantive changes until the diagrams of the KAP could be further developed into master plans sites within the Reserves.
The Master Plan now drills further into the issues of access, traffic and parking and makes site planning recommendations for each site. Specific concerns for each site are covered by the Master Plan are set out in Chapter 5.
36 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
4.4 E NHANCING THE V ISITOR AND L OCAL
E XPERIENCE
The KAP identified the need to enhance the experience of both the visitor and local user at the key activity and recreation nodes within the Study Area. It identified that rather than new facilities, the recommended focus should be to upgrade the existing ones to a level and quality befitting the world class natural and cultural values of the coast. This approach recognises the growing demand for access at most locations and expectations for quality facilities across the whole of the island, the latter in accordance with the Nature Parks’ strategic intent to provide sensitive modern infrastructure across its network of special places.
Some of the proposed improvements included:
sealing and line marking (rationalises parking for maximum spatial benefit) of car parks in conjunction with leveling and stormwater drainage/management;
creation of pedestrian safe movement and gathering areas at the access points to all activity nodes;
incorporation of safe locations for pick up and drop off of people (especially children) and beach equipment at high pressure sites such as Woolamai Surf Beach and Anzacs;
construction of a round-about on Woolamai Beach Road (near intersection with The Cranny) with a drop-off area on the western side with a shared path connection to Anzacs;
rehabilitation of disturbed edges that are no longer required for parking and/or access;
modernisation of toilet blocks with improved architectural form and advanced sewage treatment systems; and
introduction of comfort and amenities including seating, viewing areas, interpretation and potentially picnic and barbeque facilities at high use sites.
Recent discussions with stakeholders confirmed the local community view that all areas would benefit from the above improvements.
SECTION 5 RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGES – THE MASTER PLAN
The following section details the conditions and recommendations for each of the five areas investigated more fully by the Master Plan. In each case:
the particular values and uses of the area are described;
the key findings of the KAP and the community’s views about the direction of the KAP for the area are outlined;
the issues going forward are summarised using the challenges highlighted in Chapter 4 as a guide;
the resulting site concept plan is detailed; and
the actions going forward are prescribed.
The concept plans are consistent with the key management directives for Coastal Access Areas as stated in the KAP.
The concept plans are silent on issues of management jurisdiction and assume that negotiations between Nature Parks, DELWP and BCSC will advance these through a separate process to the Master Plan.
38 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
5.1 T HE C OLONNADES – A USSIE T RACK
5.1.1 Description and Values
The Colonnades area is located at the ends of Lantana Road and Tampa Road, Woolamai. Sealed roads through the residential subdivisions in these streets extend as gravel tracks beyond the last houses and are link by a u- shape gravel roadway parallel to the cliff top. Aussie Track is further east and is reached by a sandy walking track originating from Beresford Drive.
The bulk of the land at the Colonnades is Coastal Crown land governed by the Coastal Management Act 1995 and managed by Nature Parks apart from the road reservations and one house block sized parcel off the extension of Tampa Road that are owned and managed by BCSC. There is also a large parcel of land owned by the BCSC off Beresford Drive that is crossed by the track to Aussie Track.
The two areas were jointly identified by the KAP as a secondary activity centre and recreation node because they attract higher levels of local users as opposed to non-resident visitors to Phillip Island.
Informal parking on an unmade and poorly drained road reserve is provided at the Colonnades. Cars park informally in Beresford Drive on the road verge.
Facilities at the Colonnades include stairs to the beach and a lookout deck that are reached by a fenced walking track. Stairs to the beach are provided at Aussie Steps. The track to Aussie Steps also provides a link east to Anzacs.
The Colonnades – Aussie Track is included as part of Woolamai Beach in the Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve listing. Both locations are noted as having outstanding right and left breaks.
The two locations provide safe and convenient access to the beach for surfers, fishing, walking, running and other beach activities. The beach is a popular surf beach but is not considered safe enough to be promoted for general use. The beach at the Colonnades is a designated dog walking area that is restricted to specified times of day and year [not permitted from 01.12 to 30.04 (inclusive) from 8.00pm-7.00am and 10.00am-5.00pm].
The shoreline at the Colonnades and Aussie Track is characterised as having predominately active cliffs subject to erosion.
Apart from roads and tracks the area retains a native vegetation cover. The u- shaped road isolates ~0.7 hectares of native vegetation, elsewhere the
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 39
vegetation cover is contiguous. Vegetation communities include Coastal Tussock Grassland and Coastal Headland Scrub. The vegetation on the cliffs is relatively intact coastal vegetation. The inland area supports regrowth grassland, sedgeland and scrub largely dominated by exotic Sallow Wattle (Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia x Coast Wattle Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae).
The whole of the area is within a zone of ‘cultural heritage sensitivity’. There are no previously recorded Aboriginal places at Aussie Track or within the surrounding 250m. Disturbed midden sites have been recorded to east and west and it is possible that archaeological material may be present in adjacent vegetated areas.
5.1.2 Key Findings from the KAP
The KAP identified the growing use of the Colonnades and highlighted the issues that need to be addressed by the Master Plan including:
its poor presentation – unsealed roads and informal parking leading to inefficient use of the space and impacts from poor drainage with potholes and puddles throughout;
concerns for the safety of people moving onto the road from the beach access path and for those moving amongst vehicles on the road;
trampling of nesting sites and vegetation, the latter leading to wind erosion in the adjacent dunes;
the potential opportunity to use a portion of the area as a community open space for informal recreation; and
the moderate concerns for beach erosion and further cliff failure as sea level rises, or in the case of the latter for failure from the un-managed concentration of stormwater run-off from roads or tracks.
At the Aussie Track, the KAP highlighted:
the need to reconstruct the Aussie Steps to preclude inappropriate beach access that was causing excessive erosion of the cliff face;
the inappropriate use of the road verge at Beresford Drive for parking;
40 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
the potential for trampling of nesting sites due to the alignment of the access track through nesting areas (particularly at one location along the link to Anzacs);
the potential for trampling of vegetation to lead to wind erosion in the adjacent dunes; and
the moderate concerns for beach erosion and further cliff failure as sea level rises .
The KAP noted the lack of quality interpretation at both sites.
Since the completion of the KAP, the Aussie Steps have been constructed.
The KAP recommended the Master Plan:
rationalise road access and formalise car parking with the creation of cul de sacs at the ends of Tampa Road and Lantana Road;
create pedestrian safe movement between the car park and beach accesses;
manage stormwater appropriately;
develop a local park for use by residents;
rehabilitate areas no longer required for roads or parking;
retain the access to Anzacs with some minor improvements; and
identify locations for interpretive and way-finding installations.
5.1.3 Community Engagement Responses
Community engagement in February 2016 involved an open community forum, meetings with various interest groups (e.g. environment, heritage, surfing) and community ‘walks and talks’ at the Colonnades, Anzacs and WBSLSC sites.
The key points raised in these discussions were:
vehicle circulation was problematic and parking was really only busy when the surf conditions were good;
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 41
Colonnades needs a future shared path east to join to Anzacs;
ponding occurs on the road and the proposal for two dead end roads (as per original KAP) was not a good idea because it would re-circulate traffic back through the neighbourhood – there needed to be a connection road;
protecting wildlife and improving safety on beach was important;
Colonnades gets lots of bike, pedestrian and pram use – there are conflicts with vehicle movements;
move infrastructure back so that it not to be seen from the beach;
rubbish/litter builds up on the land;
widen the current track to lookout as it is too narrow for passage with boards, bikes and pedestrians;
the scale of lookout is inadequate; and
surfers are creating some impact on the dunes seeking vantage points to view the surf conditions from the Colonnades.
Engagement with local residents attending the community walk and talk revealed their general support for the directions for improvements to the area arising from KAP. The one exception was to the creation of the two cul de sacs at the ends of Tampa Road and Lantana Road. The residents’ view was that the cul de sacs at the end of either street would lead to increased circulation through the neighbourhood as vehicles back tracked looking for parking in the event one or the other of the proposed car parks was full. Their preference was for the retention of a through link between the two streets.
42 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
The community also reiterated their:
concerns for the protection of natural values as a first priority;
concern about public safety from cliff failure – especially beach users ignoring signs;
belief that the proposed parkland should not be developed to the point that it became an attraction leading to further use of the area i.e. that the proposed open space be aimed at meeting the needs of local users;
view that the walkway leading to the stairs at the Colonnades be widened; and
disquiet that their might be a road link through this area to land west at the airport with resultant impacts from increased traffic.
One respondent referred to concern about Sallow Wattle becoming a dominant vegetation species and leading to increased risks of fire hazards.
An initial site concept plan was prepared for the Colonnades and presented for community review and comment on the draft Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan during May 2016. Community engagement at this time involved an open community forum, meetings with interest groups (e.g. environment, heritage, surfing), public exhibition and discussion with the consultants (held at the WBSLSC) and community ‘walks and talks’ at the Colonnades and Anzacs.
Feedback indicated a range of issues about the initial Colonnades site concept plan but general support for the recommended improvements at the Cranny, Anzacs, Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club sites and Cape Woolamai.
Nature Parks received 24 submissions regarding the Colonnades. The majority of submissions indicated:
the limitations of the existing roads (Tampa and Lantana) and the need to slow vehicles down when accessing the Colonnades;
a strong dislike for the scale and design of the car park with a preference for smaller, softer and integrated solutions;
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 43
concern about road safety with increased traffic on Tampa and Lantana streets and what may happen with any future development of the airport land;
no need for a grassy open space area in this location or other infrastructure (e.g. toilets, play facilities) as there are other safer locations away from the beach;
the need for a greater buffer area to nearby residents to help reduce visual and noise impacts;
concern that upgrading the site will attract increased visitation;
the need to recognise that the beach is unsafe at times; and
general support for protection of nature and rehabilitation of foreshore areas, shared paths, increased viewing deck at stairs and provision of bike racks.
Nature Parks agreed to extend the time period, invite further local community input and to explore alternative options for the Colonnades area. The consultant team was requested to prepare alternative site concept options in response to the community issues and comments. Three options were prepared, all with the following common features:
a minimum 20m buffer from car parks to nearby residences;
no provision of grassy open space area or any other infrastructure such as play facilities, toilets, seating, night lighting etc;
reduced car parking capacity to cater for moderate levels of use and not peak use times (e.g. good surfing days) and assuming over-flow parking will occur into the nearby streets;
meeting the Australian standards for car parks;
not designed for parking or turning by large buses/rigid vehicles;
water sensitive urban design treatments within the car parks;
44 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
rehabilitation of the existing roads and parking areas back to native foreshore vegetation including a retarding basin in southeast corner which is subject to regular ponding;
recognizing potential issues with Lantana Street in longer term with a proposed roundabout on Phillip Island Road and implications with any redevelopment of the airport site;
addressing a duty of care to improve safety for users to access the beach stairs and lookout;
bike racks near beach stairs and increasing the width of the walkway to the stairs and size of viewing deck;
future trail link between Colonnades and Aussie Steps (this is part of the overall BCSC pathway network plan for Phillip Island with potential connection through the airport land and on to Phillip Island Road); and
no directional signage to the Colonnades (currently no signage exists).
These options were presented and discussed at a community forum held at Newhaven in mid July 2016. The local community was then invited to complete a survey indicating their preferred option and reasons for choosing the option.
A total of 36 surveys were received with one option attracting 75% support. This option is presented in Section 5.1.5 and shown as Map 5.1. The main reason given for supporting this option was that it provided a link between Tampa and Lantana Roads that would allow for better management of traffic flow and parking.
5.1.4 Issues Arising
The findings from further detailed investigations since the KAP reveal the following issues that need to be addressed in the Master Plan.
P ROTECTING N ATURAL AND C ULTURAL V ALUES
Whilst the area is mapped as the FFG Listed community Coastal Moonah Woodland, initial site surveys indicate that there are no plant species or communities of significance likely to be impacted within the area of the Colonnades or Aussie Track. Nevertheless an FFG Permit would be required for any impact on this community.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 45
If the total extent of native vegetation removal is less than 1ha, the application would be assessed under a low risk-based pathway. The revegetation of the roads can not be considered for native vegetation offsets.
The quality of the native vegetation of the Colonnades and Aussie Track is undermined by the presence of the Sallow Wattle hybrid swarm across the plateau (the result of inappropriate planting). Sallow Wattle should be progressively removed throughout to avoid its further spread. Invasive Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis) should also be removed.
Development of the scale proposed and the resultant clearing of vegetation may require a formal vegetation assessment as required by the Victorian Planning Provisions. A Cultural Heritage Management Plan will also be required for works in the area
C OASTAL M ANAGEMENT
The principal coastal management issues at the Colonnades and Aussie Track include the potential for waves to erode the base of the cliff leading to failure and/or cliff failure arising from the un-managed concentration of stormwater runoff from roads or tracks.
Photo shows active cliffs in deeply weathered basalt
A DDRESSING A CCESS AND P ARKING C ONCERNS
Access and parking were the major issues that was reviewed during the extensive community consultation program (refer to Section 5.1.3). While parking demand is relatively low in comparison to neighbouring beaches, the existing access and parking arrangements create safety issues for people
46 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
unloading cars and pedestrians, particularly children, who are often required to walk on the road and behind cars in order to access the beach.
E NHANCING V ISITOR AND L OCAL E XPERIENCES
The presentation of the area is continuing to degrade as unformed gravel surfaces deteriorate, stormwater remains unmanaged and car parking continues in a haphazard manner.
Growing use of the area means that safety of users is declining further and facilities no longer address demand (i.e. parking is inadequate, paths are too narrow, the viewing platform is too small and the area lacks bike racks or other park furniture).
The opportunity to better link Aussie Track to the Colonnades was identified. Initial assessment of a potential route and the values of the area suggest this was possible without disturbance to significant vegetation or to habitat values.
5.1.5 Site Concept Plan
Map 5.1 shows site planning concepts for the Colonnades - Aussie Track area.
The proposed site plan:
relocates car parking away from the foreshore within a formalised parking for 20 cars with access from Tampa Road and Lantana Road;
breaks the car park into four small bays of 5 car parking spaces that are separated by retention of native vegetation;
lengthens the car parking spaces to cater for surfers loading boards (this is similar to parking spaces at Anzacs);
provides a buffer of 20-40m from the nearby houses at the end of Tampa Road and Lantana Road;
provides for 3 parallel car parking spaces off Beresford Drive near the start of the track leading to Aussie Steps;
links the car park to the existing beach access via shared fenced pathway with a gathering area on the former roadway where bikes can be parked and information delivered (e.g. safety, regulations, interpretation of the National Surfing Reserve, protection of nesting sites);
1
2
3
9 4
5
10 6 8 7
14
11
13 1. Potential for a shared trail link via the airport land to connect to Phillip Island Road trails
2. Car parking area - 4 small bays each with 5 car parking spaces 12 3. Setback distance of 20m - 40m from the nearby residences
4. Provision for limited parallel parking of vehicles with trailers
5. New shared path leading to the lookout, stairs and beach (fenced to help keep dogs on the track)
6. Gathering space with bike parking racks
7. Widen (2.4m) the existing walkway to the lookout
8. Extend the lookout deck
9. Re-vegetate existing roads with local vegetation
10. Investigate the potential for a new shared track link to Aussie Track
11. Rain garden for storm water collection and soakage
12. Retain existing Aussie Track
13. Retain existing track connection to Anzacs
14. Parallel parking (3 spaces) near start to Aussie Track
MAP 5.1 COLONNADES - AUSSIE TRACK 0 10 20 30 40 50m CAPE WOOLAMAI COASTAL RESERVES MASTER PLAN 48 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
widens the existing fenced walkway to the stairs and expands the footprint of the lookout deck to better cater for viewing;
establishes a new walkway from the proposed car park east to Aussie Steps (~260m) to reduce parking pressure in Beresford Drive and use of the existing track (~230m);
closes and revegetates unused and previously disturbed areas such as the former roads and car parking locations;
creates a rain garden at the eastern end of the old road to accommodate stormwater in a positive way; and
makes provision for a future shared path from the Colonnades west onto the airport land allowing for the eventual connection to existing shared paths aside Phillip Island Road.
The detailed design of the new car park should consider the:
the use of street design elements to reinforce the very low speed environment to access the car park;
Nature Parks Design Guidelines (Section D : Roads and Carparks) and the opportunity to use alternative surface materials in the car park;
application of water sensitive urban design treatments;
use of spoon drains rather than kerb and gutters to avoid typical suburban car park appearances; and
placement of bollards to prevent vehicles accessing and damaging the foreshore area.
5.1.6 Recommended Actions
To advance the concept plan for the Colonnades and Aussie Track the following steps should be taken:
undertake detailed field investigations to:
identify a route for the proposed shared walk between the proposed Colonnades car park and Aussie Track with a view to minimising impacts,
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 49
understand the potential impacts of widening of the existing walkway to the existing steps at the Colonnades and to expanding the lookout,
review weed removal requirements and removal of Sallow Wattle and the Invasive Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis); prepare detailed designs for the proposed car park; consideration be given to surrender the roads proposed for closure and rehabilitation to the Crown for consolidation with adjacent Nature Parks land; obtain legislatively required approvals for works; identify and source funds to implement the proposed site concept plan.
50 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
5.2 T HE C RANNY
5.2.1 Description and Values
The Cranny intersects with Woolamai Beach Road at a t-intersection. The intersection, The Cranny road reserve and the Woolamai Beach Road reserve for ~65m beyond the intersection are owned by the BCSC. Land to the east and west of Woolamai Beach Road is managed by Nature Parks.
The intersection is perceived as a key entry point to the Reserves and specifically to Anzacs, Woolamai Beach and Cape Woolamai.
The Cranny provides vehicle access and egress to nearby residences and a local shop ending at a small park with a boat ramp onto Cleeland Bight. The intersection operates successfully in its current form.
There is a shared pathway running from Phillip Island Road through to the intersection. School buses circulate through the adjacent neighbourhood via the Cranny.
The vegetation to the northeast of the intersection is disturbed with mown grass and tree planting replacing native vegetation. The remaining edges of the intersection host a continuous cover of native vegetation (succulent herbland) within which a significant colony of shearwater nests has developed.
There are a significant number of shearwater nest sites either side of Wollamai Beach Road east of The Cranny.
The whole of the area is within a zone of ‘cultural heritage sensitivity’. There are no recorded cultural heritage sites in the area.
5.2.2 Key Findings from the KAP
The KAP highlighted a number of issues that need to be addressed by the Master Plan at the intersection of the Cranny and Woolamai Beach Road including the:
lack of a safe and convenient shared path for pedestrians and cyclists beyond the intersection of the two roads;
limited potential to control access beyond the intersection in the event of overcrowding at the terminus of Woolamai Beach Road at the beach car park or during an emergency situation there;
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 51
high death rate for shearwaters just to the east of the Cranny on Woolamai Beach Road; and
absence of a safe pick up and drop off point in the area from which people could safely reach Anzacs or Woolamai Beach.
The KAP proposed construction of roundabout at the intersection of Woolamai Beach Road and The Cranny with a pick up and drop off area on the western side of Woolamai Beach Road north of the intersection and a shared path link from there through to Woolamai Beach along the western edge of the road.
The proposal was seen to allow drivers (particularly parents) to turn around safely and drop passengers off at a dedicated drop-off area along the proposed shared path. This would avoid the need to move beyond the Cranny where vehicles would need to interact with parking areas at Anzacs or Woolamai Beach thus reducing congestion at these sites. The shared path was also seen to allow disembarking passengers and others access to the beaches without having to cross roads or interact with road traffic in any way thus safely delivering them to their destination. Introduction of the roundabout was also perceived to:
have benefits for the shearwater population as it will slow vehicles in the area where birds are frequently killed as they land on the pavement while they approach their nests; and
create a potential control point for redirecting traffic during peak use, events or emergency situations.
5.2.3 Community Engagement Responses
There was a universal consensus amongst the community and Nature Parks in support of the roundabout and shared path concept for this area.
Parents indicated that they did not feel comfortable allowing their children to walk along the existing road to the beach but would be agreeable to their children using a shared path if one were provided. Others noted the opportunities to improve the viability and attractiveness of active transport more generally and to reduce parking demand and minimise congestion at Woolamai Beach.
Nature Parks valued the positive conservation outcomes from the proposal.
52 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
5.2.4 Issues Arising
P ROTECTING N ATURAL AND C ULTURAL V ALUES
No plant species or communities of significance are found in the area of the proposed roundabout. Given the limited disturbance of vegetation required in this area it is unlikely that a formal vegetation assessment would be required by the Victorian Planning Provisions. The principles of the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 will need to be considered and addressed.
As noted, there are a significant number of shearwater nest sites in the area of the intersection. A roundabout in this location will need to be constrained in size to minimise impacts on adjacent shearwater nest sites (see below). Nature Parks will need to provide its expertise in determining the seasonal and daily timing constraints for works and other site management controls to eliminate or minimise disturbance to the nest areas.
Construction of the proposed roundabout will require formal assessment via a cultural heritage management plan.
A DDRESSING A CCESS AND P ARKING C ONCERNS
The shearwater nesting sites complicate the design and construction of the roundabout by introducing a constraint on its maximum permissible size. Small roundabouts are possible (and generally desirable), however given the reasonably open and fast northern approach (albeit sign posted 60 km/h), a safe and practical design must incorporate appropriate deflection through the roundabout for all movements. Fast, tangential approaches are to be avoided.
Conceptual designs indicate an 11.5m outer radius roundabout (Figure 4.1) achieves a safe geometry with a minimal footprint, and is achievable without unduly impacting adjacent burrowing birds.
The roundabout suits u-turns manoeuvres by cars and car towing trailers and boats but not large buses. These will need to turn into The Cranny and return north via Panorama Drive (as they do now).
Preliminary inspections indicate that sufficient sight distance is likely to be achievable with some trimming of roadside shrubs. However detailed design will be necessary to resolve grading and stormwater management issues.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 53
Figure 4.1 Geometric layout proposed roundabout
E NHANCING V ISITOR AND L OCAL E XPERIENCES
The presentation and experience of the area remains unchanged since the KAP. The proposed roundabout and shared path will provide significantly improved safety for visitors and the local community, reduce congestion at Woolamai Beach and have positive conservation outcomes at the intersection and should be pursued.
5.2.5 Site Concept Plan
Map 5.2 shows site planning concepts for the Cranny.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 55
The proposed site plan:
shows the roundabout as proposed above with a 11.5m outside radius;
indicates how a 3m wide shared path and protective bollards can be provided using the existing road pavement while allowing for two 3 metre wide vehicle travel lanes;
provides a lay-by for safe pick up and drop off on the western side of Woolamai Beach Road north of the roundabout;
indicates safe crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists to access the proposed shared path from the existing one to the north; and
suggests speed be reduced to the 40 km/hr speed limit by a reduction in the width of the road pavement, road markings and awareness signs highlighting the entry to Cape Woolamai Coastal reserves.
Narrower traffic lanes of 3.0m will free up space to provide the shared path within the existing road reserve. This narrower lane width will reinforce the 40 km/h posted speed limit and is sufficient to permit the reasonably infrequent tour bus access, particularly considering that many tour buses are not full sized coaches. This is considered to be sufficient width for the frequency of bus access given the low speed environment.
The shared path will make riding a bike possible for less confident riders who do not feel comfortable riding on the road, however more confident riders may elect to continue riding on road, particularly considering the lower speed environment created by narrow travel lanes and possible street design elements such as bollards separating the travel lanes and the shared path. The shared path is proposed to be 3m wide but if required can be reduced to 2.4m and still provide sufficient width to allow two cyclists to pass side by side. Greater width is, however, desirable.
56 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
5.2.6 Recommended Actions
To advance the concept plan for The Cranny the following steps should be taken:
confirm the acceptability of buses continuing to transit through the adjoining neighbourhood in the event that Woolamai Beach Road was temporarily closed beyond the roundabout;
prepare a detailed features survey suitable for engineering designs for the roundabout and shared path to be developed;
undertake preliminary engineering designs for the roundabout to the standard necessary to confirm that acceptable grades and deflection at the entries to the roundabout can be achieved;
confirm that the shared path can be created along the road edge as proposed and if not, to determine where are the areas where there may be insufficient width in the road pavement so that further assessment of the situation can occur;
provided the preliminary designs for the roundabout and shared path are achievable, conduct detailed field investigations to assess potential impacts on shearwater nest sites and potential mitigation measures if required;
obtain the legislatively required approvals for works in an area of cultural heritage sensitivity;
undertake further community engagement as planning proceeds; and
identify and source funds to implement the proposed site concept plan.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 57
5.3 A NZACS
5.3.1 Description and Values
Anzacs provides the first access point to Woolamai Beach after entering the Reserve. It has a small formal car park (44 cars), a public toilet (men’s and women’s), stairs to the beach and viewing lookout and provides safe and convenient access to the beach for surfers, fishing, walking, running and other beach activities.
The entire area is Coastal Crown land and managed by Nature Parks. Any use or development may require consent under the Coastal Management Act 1995.
The KAP identified Anzacs as a primary activity centre and recreation node because it high levels of use by locals and visitors to Phillip Island.
Anzacs is reached by vehicle from Woolamai Beach Road.
Pedestrians can safely access the site from Aussie Steps via an informal track and an abandoned and un-rehabilitated section of old Woolamai Beach Road. This track to the beach access stairs about halfway down their length from the car park9.
Pedestrians from residential areas to the east also make their way to Anzacs from Ritchie Avenue. From there they use a number of unmade tracks that connect to the previous alignment of Woolamai Beach Road, which has yet to be rehabilitated. The intersection of this path with Woolamai Beach Road is a particularly dangerous location owing to its very poor sightlines in both directions. Once across the road there is a worn path following the old road alignment that connects to the beach access stairs about halfway down their length.
Otherwise, pedestrians and cyclists can only access Anzacs using Woolamai Beach Road.
Anzacs is included as part of Woolamai Beach in the Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve listing and is noted as having outstanding right and left breaks.
9 Note NATURE PARKS have expended considerable effort in successfully rehabilitating the old alignment beyond this point.
58 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
The shoreline at Anzacs is characterised by moderately sized cliffs with low sand dunes above. Spray Zone Coastal Shrubland and Coastal Dune Scrub vegetation communities are locally extensive. Significant flora includes Dune Wood-sorrel (Oxalis rubens) and Dune Poa (Poa poiformis var. ramifer).
There are no shearwater nest sites in the area around Anzacs. Hooded plovers have been found to nest on the beach below Anzacs.
The whole of the area is within a zone of ‘cultural heritage sensitivity’. There are no previously recorded Aboriginal places at Anzacs or in its immediate vicinity. Aboriginal midden material has been recorded 300 further to the north-west, and an artifact has been found on Woolamai Beach Road 70 m to the east.
5.3.2 Key Findings from the KAP
The KAP highlighted the issues that needed to be addressed by the Master Plan at Anzacs including:
the lack of a safe and convenient shared path for pedestrians and cyclists to reach the site;
high levels of use during peak times with overflow parking occurring along Woolamai Beach Road with associated safety concerns for pedestrians moving amongst vehicles;
vandalism to the public toilet and resultant high maintenance costs;
the movement of sand on to the staircase and through the dune face into the car park;
the lack of quality interpretation at the sites; and
moderate concerns for beach erosion as sea level rises.
The KAP recommended the Master Plan:
consider options for a shared trail along Woolamai Beach Road from the Cranny to encourage active transport;
improve safety around the perimeter of the car park; and
identify locations for interpretive and way-finding installations.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 59
5.3.3 Community Engagement Responses
Recent engagement with local residents revealed their general support for the directions for improvements to the area arising from KAP while their view that the existing toilets need to be replaced or upgraded.
Community members universally reiterated their view that pedestrian and cyclist access was unsafe and that they supported the concept of a shared pathway along the edge of Woolamai Beach Road.
5.3.4 Issues Arising
The findings from further detailed investigations since the KAP reveal the following issues that need to be addressed in the Master Plan.
P ROTECTING N ATURAL AND C ULTURAL V ALUES
Whilst the area is mapped as the FFG Listed community Coastal Moonah Woodland, initial site surveys indicate that there are no plant species or communities of significance likely to be impacted within the area. Any vegetation removal will be less than 1ha and applications would be assessed under a low risk-based pathway.
In investigating the option of connecting a new toilet block to reticulated sewerage, the costs of offsets and approvals should be factored in to determining the relative costs to open trench or bore the connecting pipeline. This may also have implications on Short-tailed Shearwaters and FFG considerations.
Consideration needs to be given to where sand removed from the staircase is to be disposed and to avoid impacts on nesting shorebirds.
Any disturbance outside the immediate footprint of the parking area and paved roads will likely require preparation of a cultural heritage management plan.
C OASTAL M ANAGEMENT I SSUES
The principal coastal management issue at the Anzacs is the need to stabilize foreshore dunes to reduce windblown sand build up on the staircase and to prevent sand entering the car park. Protection of existing vegetation will go some way to preventing sand entering the car park.
60 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
Well vegetated cliff top dunes Sloping sand apon in front of steep mass movement slope
A DDRESSING A CCESS AND P ARKING C ONCERNS
Anzacs beach car park experiences occasional periods of high utilisation in the summer season. For instance parking utilisation was observed during fieldwork over a weekend in February to be nearly 100% but was only 50% over the 2016 Australia Day long weekend when high use has been experienced in prior years.
The topography of the surrounding site precludes much expansion of parking supply beyond 3-5 car parks that may be created parallel to the access road provided the width is available for a shared pathway and two way vehicle movement.
The most pressing issues are beach access and the poor footpath connection between the top of the stairs and the toilets. As noted, access to Anzacs is fraught, with limited scope for safe pedestrian access from anywhere apart from the Colonnades and no safe cycle routes from anywhere.
Once at Anzacs, the narrow path along the front of the car park is frequently blocked by overhanging vehicles or the build up of sand. These conditions require pedestrians to walk behind cars where they are at risk.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 61
E NHANCING V ISITOR AND L OCAL E XPERIENCES
The presentation and experience of the area remains unchanged since the KAP. The principal concerns are to enhance the amenity at Anzacs by:
providing safe and convenient access for pedestrians and cyclists to the site;
enhancing the safety of users within the site; and
upgrading the public toilet, which has reached the end of useful service.
5.3.5 Site Concept Plan
Map 5.3 shows site planning concepts for Anzacs.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 63
The proposed site plan:
shows a new public toilet with two uni-sex all abilities facilities in the vicinity of the existing toilet;
includes a shared path from the north via the Cranny linking to the car park while retaining the walking track along the old road alignment to link with beach access stairs and the track to Aussie Steps and the Colonnades;
installing bollards along the shared path on Woolamai Beach Road to provide safety for users;
maintains the existing car park layout and shows additional parallel parking spaces along the entry road;
removes two car parking spaces at the top of the stairs to improve pedestrian safety and create a safe gathering space out of the car park;
widens and upgrade the pathway to the toilets and adds wheelstops at the front of vehicles along this path to prevent cars overhanging it;
retains sand fencing at the front of the car park to reduce sand movement into the car park; and
the provision of visitor facilities including bike racks, interpretation and wayfinding information.
Note at some future date when the path to the stairs requires replacement, consideration should be given to making it a more meandering course to avoid the direct line for sand movement that currently occurs along the existing alignment.
5.3.6 Recommended Actions
To advance the concept plan for Anzacs the following steps should be taken:
develop plans for a new toilet block including investigation of waste disposal options and potential impacts of connecting it to nearby reticulated services;
install wheel stops in front of cars parked adjacent to the footpath and remove and bollard two parking spaces to create a safe gathering area at the top of the beach access stairs;
64 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
prepare detailed documentation for proposed site improvements;
obtain the legislatively required approvals for works in an area of cultural heritage sensitivity;
undertake further community engagement as planning proceeds; and
identify and secure funds to implement the proposed site concept plan.
5.4 W OOLAMAI B EACH
5.4.1 Description and Values
Woolamai Beach Road terminates at the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC). The facilities there form the major access point to Woolamai Beach and represent the most significant investment in infrastructure within the Reserves.
The area is Coastal Crown land and managed by Nature Parks. Any use or development may require consent under the Coastal Management Act 1995.
The KAP identified Woolamai Beach as a primary activity centre and recreation node because it attracts very high levels of use by locals and visitors to Phillip Island. The entire area, apart from the SLSC building, is managed by Nature Parks.
Infrastructure at Woolamai Beach includes a large sealed car park with 219 marked car parking spaces10, a bus shelter, fire fighting water storage, timber stairs and timber ramp to the beach (suitable for small vehicle use) a lookout.
The SLSC building is owned by the club. The building is a timber and block structure, 3-storeys in height and includes a function room/clubroom, watchtower, storage for club equipment, a kiosk, public toilets, outside showers, external viewing and seating deck and a paved service area to access storage spaces under the building. The building is fully serviced with town water, town sewer, electricity and communications. Disability access is provided to the upper levels by a timber ramp. The SLSC building hosts functions and training. The watchtower is used by lifeguards to provide oversight to the patrolled beach below.
10 Note that people regularly parallel park on the road verge. These ‘parking spaces’ are not included in this figure. While these additional ‘spaces’ may seem valuable at peak times when the marked car parks are full, their use compounds issues of congestion and safety for pedestrians.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 65
The SLSC provides a patrol at Woolamai Beach that draws high visitation to the site because of the perceived safety this provides. Woolamai Beach and Smiths Beach are the only two locations on the south coast where this service is occurs. Nonetheless, the area is only really safe for experienced surf swimmers and surfers with and over 50 rescues being made each year.
Apart from surfing and swimming, Woolamai Beach is used for fishing, walking, running, nature observation and other coastal recreation activities. The beach is also used as an access way for walkers heading to the steps at Magic Lands and to walking tracks on the Cape Woolamai plateau.
The Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club site is included within the Woolamai Beach listing of the Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve and noted as having outstanding right and left breaks.
Woolamai Beach and the ‘tie bar’ is a nationally significant geological site11.
Vegetation at the site is largely comprised of Coastal Dune Scrub but with a locally restricted area of Coastal Dune Grassland at the front of the SLSC building. Dune Poa (Poa poiformis var. ramifer) is listed as being a plant of state significance and has been recorded as being present in the vicinity.
Hooded plovers have been known to nest in the immediate area below the SLSC.
The whole of the area is within a zone of ‘cultural heritage sensitivity’. Midden sites have been recorded on the raised dunes immediately to the southeast of the SLSC with further exposures including isolated stone artifacts further to the southeast.
5.4.2 Key Findings from the KAP
The KAP highlighted a number of issues that need to be addressed by the Master Plan Woolamai Beach including:
high levels of use during peak times with supply of parking exceeding demand resulting in overflow parking along the length of Woolamai Beach Road;
11 Note, the Coastal Processes Study suggests that the “tied island” model needs re-evaluation as there is no evidence that the sand body developed as a series of spits and barriers that would be the case if it were a tombolo. (Pg 14). Such a reevaluation may affect the geological significance statement for the site.
66 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
congestion within the car park during peak times with associated safety concerns for pedestrians moving amongst moving vehicles;
the lack of a safe and convenient access to the area for pedestrians and cyclists;
the mobile dunes and beach erosion that result in inundation of the lower level of the SLSC building, the adjacent drains and walkway, car park soakage pits, large swathes of the car park generally and the beach access stairway and ramp;
poor stormwater drainage in car park and at the SLSC building as a result of sand inundation;
erosion of the dunes stimulated by trampling by those wanting a more direct access to the beach than that provided by the stairway and ramp;
the slow recovery of dune vegetation once it is removed due to sand drift;
the moderate concerns for beach erosion and further cliff failure as sea level rises; and
the lack of quality interpretation at the sites; and
The KAP recommended the Master Plan:
investigate alternative transport options to the site (bus, walk, cycle) to ease demand for parking;
explore options for a shared trail along Woolamai Beach Road from the Cranny to Woolamai Beach to encourage active transport;
consider alternative car parking arrangements and traffic movements, particularly to improve pick up and drop-off;
examine dune stabilisation to reduce the amount of wind blown sand moving onto the site; and
impose stronger restrictions on car parking outside of defined areas.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 67
5.4.3 Community Engagement Responses
Recent engagement revealed universal support for the concept of a shared trail from The Cranny to Woolamai Beach in response to safety concerns for users on the road.
There is a view, amongst many members in the community, that there is an undersupply of parking at Woolamai Beach, and there are broader concerns around congestion, accessibility and safety in the car park. The consensus view is that the car park layout and pick up and drop off could be better designed to facilitate a better flow of traffic and safer movement for pedestrians. There is concern that failure to address these issues affect visitor the quality of the visitor experience and may lead to a reduction in visitation.
It was also noted that large buses were attending the site more regularly and that these should be better accommodated within any new planning for the site.
Conflicting views were expressed during community consultation regarding the value of re-shaping landforms at Woolamai Beach in the area of the Surf Life Saving Club. Concern was expressed that the removal of vegetation and that earthworks would re-mobilise moving sands, create preferential pathways for sand movement and expose building and surrounds to further sand inundation.
It was also noted that spinifex is difficult to establish and if successful long timeframes are involved. There was also comment made that sand pushed onto the beach from above would inevitably be removed by wave action and storm surge, well before any vegetation might be established to hold it in place.
Nature Parks noted that space was needed for helicopter landing and incident control and that this was problematic on days of very high use of the car park.
5.4.4 Issues Arising
The findings from further detailed investigations since the KAP reveal the following issues that need to be addressed in the Master Plan.
P ROTECTING N ATURAL AND C ULTURAL V ALUES
Whilst the area is mapped as the FFG Listed community Coastal Moonah Woodland, initial site surveys indicate that the works proposed in the Master Plan are unlikely to significantly impact on the flora values of the site.
68 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
The quality of the vegetation at Woolamai Beach is undermined by the presence of Angled Pigface (Carpobrotus aequilaterus) an invasive weed found in the area around the SLSC building. This plant was likely introduced for dune stabilisation and should be removed.
Consent would be required under the provisions of the Coastal Management Act 1995. Development of the scale proposed and the resultant clearing of vegetation will require a formal vegetation assessment as required by the Victorian Planning Provisions. Any revegetation for dune stabilization must be with indigenous species relevant to the ecological vegetation class (EVC) of the area. Potential for impacts to nesting sites of Short-tailed Shearwaters will need to be assessed.
A Cultural Heritage Management Plan will be required for works if they extend beyond the current disturbed areas of the site.
C OASTAL M ANAGEMENT I SSUES
The principal coastal management issue at Woolamai Beach is windblown sand. Clearing of vegetation has created preferential pathways for sand movement from the beach that directly impacts on the facilities at the site and their maintenance.
Sloping apron of sand forming in front of the Exposed steep active sand cliff steep active sand cliffs. The upper section of the slope has become vegetated.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 69
Of particular concern is the impact of windblown sand on the stormwater disposal systems at the site. Stormwater was intended to be dealt with by soakage into the ground water table. Car parking areas were shaped to drain to low points between parking bays. These were excavated and backfilled with rock spalls with water expected to fill the void spaces between. The expectation being that this water would eventually be absorbed into the surrounding water table. Windblown sand has now clogged the air spaces between the spalls meaning that stormwater builds up quickly at the low points in a rain event but its dispersal is retarded for long periods leading to large puddles forming on the surface of the car park. While the water drains does eventually drain away, the puddles reduce the available area for parking while it occurs.
Modern stormwater designs use a similar system of ‘retarding and soaking’ for small scale rain events (say 1:10 year storms) but would:
wrap the rock spalls with geotextile to avoid the problem of sand infiltrating the voids between the rocks; and/or
incorporate rain gardens or stormwater detention areas away from adjacent car parking and be of a volume to store anticipated rainfall.
Modern systems do not try and deal with large scale rain events, preferring to use the car parks themselves as retarding basins while soakage and evaporation eventually disperse the unusual volumes of water generated by these events.
The SLSC has an ongoing problem with the encroachment of the sand dunes at the front and on the western side of the Club. On the western side, the dune height has increased beyond the original sand fences and vehicle access is restricted. It is expected that the dunes will continue to encroach and eventually become a threat to the building. Protection of the building is likely to require some form of intervention involving reshaping the dune face, relocation of the sand to nearby alternative locations (immediately to the west), a concerted revegetation program and perennial maintenance to keep a similar situation from arising.
The removal of the frontal dune to create a direct pathway to the beach has caused windblown sand to enter the building area leading to sand buildup and blockage of drains. This will continue unless the opening is closed and the dune is allowed to reform and be stabilized with vegetation.
70 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
The SLSC expressed concerns about the increasing height of the frontal dunes affecting sightlines to the beach from the watch tower. Resolving this situation may require some experimentation to see whether the height of the dune can be lowered by occasional or perennial grooming of the dune ridge. This may involve removal of existing vegetation and nursery storage of the native vegetative matter (especially the Spinifex rhizomes), the removal of a sand layer and then replanting of the stored vegetation supplemented by additional planting as required. This technique could be supported by the use of jute matting and sand fences to hasten vegetation recovery. The use of spinifex as opposed to marram grass for revegetation would encourage a low profile build of the sand dune and lengthen the time before these works would need to be done again. It would seek to maintain dune heights at expected ‘natural’ heights whilst protecting safe sightlines from the watch tower to the beach.
A DDRESSING A CCESS AND P ARKING C ONCERNS
Woolamai Beach suffers a range of readily apparent access and parking issues.
For instance, there is no safe pedestrian or cycle safe path(s) along Cape Woolamai Road thus direct access to Woolamai Beach by active travel means is poor and parking demand at the beach inflated. Indeed, pedestrians and bike riders, including children, regularly walk and ride along the narrow shoulder of the existing access road. While the speed limit is posted 40 km/h, there is significant community concern that drivers regularly exceed the posted speed limit, and the street environment is generally unsafe for pedestrians and bike riders.
Within the car park at Woolamai Beach, parking utilisation occasionally approaches or exceeds capacity during the summer holiday peak (particularly in conjunction with events). There are few nearby alternative parking locations, considering that neighbouring beaches such as Anzacs experiences similarly high levels of parking demand at the same time as peaks are reached at Woolamai Beach.
Parking surveys conducted over the 2015-16 summer holidays show that parking demand approached 200 only twice throughout the survey period. The surveys also show that during less busy periods (where parking demand did not approach parking supply) the number of parked cars roughly correlated to the number of people recorded on the beach, which never exceeded 200. However on 13 January, the only day where recorded parking utilisation approached 100%, around 500 people were recorded on the beach, well in excess of the approximately 215 recorded parked cars.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 71
These figures indicate that visitors have the capacity and the inclination to access the beach via alternative transport modes when parking supply is exhausted – that is, by bus, walking, or riding a bike.
The poor geometric configuration of the facility likely contributes to:
congestion as there are no dedicated pick up and drop off spaces for cars or buses meaning that this occurs within travel lanes thereby blocking vehicle movement;
excessive vehicle movements as cars circulate through two distinct car parking modules, linked only by the main access road, searching for an available space;
unequal distribution of parking between the two modules as the main road leads directly into the southern most set of parking bays;
slow and cumbersome turning motions for buses circulating through the site in order to exit, further contributing to delays in moving through the car park; and
to the perception that parking utilisation is higher than recorded and to use of un-marked spaces along the road verge as an expedient solution to entering the car park where space may yet be available thus making inefficient use of the space.
Site visits over the summer also highlighted the community’s capacity and inclination to shift to alternative travel modes when parking is fully utilised. Community consultation, parking surveys and the shear number of people seen riding and walking on the road indicate they will respond positively and shift out of cars to these modes where there are safe alternatives. These observations support the predicted efficacy of the proposed shared path from The Cranny to Woolamai Beach.
E NHANCING V ISITOR AND L OCAL E XPERIENCES
The presentation and experience of the area remains unchanged since the KAP. The principal concerns are to enhance the amenity at Woolamai Beach by:
providing safe and convenient access for pedestrians and cyclists to the site;
enhancing the safety of users within the site;
72 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
providing clear, less encumbered vehicle circulation within the car park including pick up and drop off;
improving stormwater drainage; and
providing a wider range of amenities at the site including seating, additional outdoor showers and public toilets in addition to those at the SLSC building, bus pick up and drop off shelter, interpretation and way-finding.
5.4.5 Site Concept Plan
Map 5.4 shows site planning concepts for Woolamai Beach.
The proposed site plan shows a significant redesign of the arrival and parking area. This includes:
pick up and drop areas for buses and individual vehicles along the outside perimeter of the car park; and
a new link between the two parking modules to enhance movement through the site.
The changes to configuration require:
loss of ~15 car parks (the total number lost reduced by the creation of additional new car parks in some locations) including those presently located at the top of the ramp/stairway and perpendicular to the pathway there;
the closure of the current path from the top of the stairway/ramp through to the SLSC; and
the removal of the large vegetated dune that presently separates the two parking modules (this landform is of recent origin, formed since the establishment of the current clubhouse).
Parallel parking spaces are shown at 2.1m wide, as per AS2890.1 for off-street parking facilities. A width of 2.6m is desirable but 2.5m is acceptable for parking spaces provided perpendicular to the circulation aisle (2.5m shown – use of a 2.6m dimension would reduce the number of cars by 1 for every 24 continuous car parks or would eat into the size of the soakage areas shown).
The proposed changes retain clear access to the beach for SLSC vehicles.
74 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
The new configuration of the car park is enhanced by perimeter walkways that allow un-restricted, safe access for pedestrians to all visitor facilities. In particular, a new 5m wide promenade links enlarged gathering forecourts at the SLSC and the top of the stairway/ramp. Walkway surfaces should be hardened (bitumen or concrete) to facilitate removal of sand.
The promenade includes seating for those waiting for pick up or drop off. Bus parking, pick up and drop off are also provided in close proximity to a proposed bus shelter and a new public toilet.
Stormwater is managed in reconstructed soakage areas in their current locations and through the addition of an expansive rain garden in the southwest corner of the site. The latter area includes a timber boardwalk over a portion of the potential storage area with drainage from the outdoor showers discharged directly into the soak under.
Wind blown sand is managed through the introduction of additional sand fencing parallel to the shoreline. Bulk storage of sand is intended to occur in the cut formed by the existing walkway between the stairway and the SLSC and in the cut through the primary dune at the SLSC. The disturbed ground at the current bus stop can be used as a temporary storage site for sand removed from parking areas prior to removal to an appropriate location closeby. New deposits of sand where they are formed and intended to become permanent should be rehabilitated using spinifex as the stabilising vegetation.
The plan also illustrates new amenities including showers near the top of the stairway/ramp, bike racks, interpretive and way-finding signage and seating. The proposed new bus shelter is intended to include change rooms and public toilet facilities.
Note at some future date if growth in use substantially increases, there may be a case for an additional staircase to the beach in the area of the current cut through the dune at the front of the SLSC. This is seen a measure of last resort in response to unacceptable conditions arising from overuse of the existing access facilities. In the event a new stairway is constructed it should take a meandering course to avoid a direct line for sand movement onto the SLSC building.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 75
The costal management issues will be ongoing but can be reduced by:
understanding how to work better with nature on the site rather than require continual management intervention and high costs associated with wind blown sands;
ensuring access routes and steps are angled rather than perpendicular to the beach; and
increasing dune vegetation in front of the carpark area will help reduce the rate of windblown sand transport.
5.4.6 Recommended Actions
To advance the concept plan for Woolamai Beach the following steps should be taken:
undertake the detailed investigations required to assess the potential impacts arising from:
removal of the deposited sand and vegetation required to link the two car park modules;
the construction of the new bus shelter, toilets and changerooms; and
the removal of vegetation to create the proposed deck over the stormwater soakage area;
prepare detailed designs for the proposed car park improvements and the shared path link from The Cranny through to the car park including the short link shown on the plan from the road verge to the car park;
close and rehabilitate the dune opening in front of the Surf Life Saving Club to avoid ongoing windblown sand issues around the building;
consider a trial experiment for managing dune heights in front of the Surf Life Saving Club to protect safe sightlines of the beach from the watch tower;
76 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
monitor the movement of sand on the western side of the Surf Life Saving Club and the feasibility of reshaping the dune face with a concerted revegetation and perennial maintenance program;
obtain the legislatively required approvals for works in an area of cultural heritage sensitivity and for the removal of vegetation;
undertake further community engagement, including with the SLSC as planning proceeds;
obtain the legislatively required approvals for works; and
identify and secure funds to implement the proposed site concept plan.
5.5 C APE W OOLAMAI
5.5.1 Description and Values
The Cape Woolamai area is comprised of the sand dunes south of the Colonnades and between Woolamai Beach and Cleeland Bight, the plateau and headland of the Cape itself and the balance of the Reserves not covered in the previous sections.
All of the land at Cape Woolamai is managed by Nature Parks. The Bureau of Meteorology operates an un-manned weather station at the high point of the Cape.
The KAP designated Cape Woolamai a Coastal Conservation Area. The key management directives for a Conservation Area are to:
protect, improve and restore values of significance;
identify and protect threatened species and their habitats;
avoid interference with natural processes shaping the coast;
retain largely inaccessible parts of the coast to preserve their significant biodiversity and ecological integrity;
conserve sites and landscapes of cultural, scientific, historical and aesthetic significance; and
identify, protect and manage Aboriginal cultural heritage in partnership with Aboriginal communities.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 77
Cape Woolamai has significant natural and cultural values including being the location for a number of significant plant communities, plant species and fauna species. Amongst the latter, the Cape is the largest of the shearwater nesting areas on Phillip Island.
A number of cultural heritage sites have been identified at Cape Woolamai. The whole of the area is considered a zone of cultural heritage sensitivity.
The quarry at Cleeland Bight, dating from the late 1800s has some local heritage significance for its role in providing granite for building purposes in Melbourne and elsewhere. Little remains of the operation apart from cut stone blocks, various bits of metal mining equipment and some mature garden plants of exotic origins.
Cape Woolamai boasts an 8.5 km looped walking track with intermediate loops. All of the tracks are used by maintenance vehicles for the conduct of management works. The tracks and the area generally are valued by the community for remote walking and running, for nature observation and for the spectacular views afforded by the elevation of the plateau to the shear cliffs below and to the distant landscapes north along the Phillip Island Coast and over Cleeland Passage to the East Gippsland coast. Experienced rock climbers use of some of the cliffs
The beach at Cleeland Beach provides a safe location for family water activities. The beach is reached from the end of the Cranny and by a walkway originating at the Woolamai Beach car park.
A large, un-vegetated sand dune east of the walkway access is locally referred to as ‘Spew Hill’, a reference to the outcome of sport training that occasionally occurs there. This hill is also a site for sand boarding and dune play.
Magic Lands is included as part of the ‘Woolamai Beach’ listing of the Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve and noted as having outstanding right and left breaks. The tucked in location of the site, protected from east to southeast breezes make it a popular location for afternoon summer surfs.
78 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
5.5.2 Key Findings from the KAP
The KAP highlighted a number of issues that need to be addressed by the Master Plan at Cape Woolamai including the:
the protection of the significant conservation values of the area;
risk of walkers being trapped on the beach by high tide resulting in the need to use of narrow management tracks to return to the car park at Woolamai Beach (this is problematic as vehicles using these tracks are traveling quickly through soft sands with little room to manoeuvre around pedestrians);
the condition and safety of the stairs at Magic Lands, particularly the erosion of the sand fans at their base the leaves a large drop from the bottom step onto the sand from time to time; and
moderate concern for slope failure along coastal cliffs.
The KAP recommended the Master Plan:
consider age/condition of stairs and realignment if replaced to reduce erosion risk and create better align with the walking tracks on the Cape;
include additional safety warning signage at Magic Lands to warn visitors of the dangers on the Cape;
highlight the need for additional interpretation of the considerable values of the area; and
pursue the recommendations of the Cape Woolamai Management Plan.
5.5.3 Community Engagement Responses
The general consensus amongst stakeholders is that the significant natural values of Cape Woolamai are being well managed. Observations in the field support this premise.
There are known land management issues (e.g. feral animals, weeds, bushfire prone) that require a commitment over the long term and the view is that programs dedicated to managing these matters should continue.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 79
Consultation with cultural heritage and environmental groups indicated that Cape Woolamai is considered to be an “iconic special place” that needs to be respected. They referred to Cape Woolamai as being sacred ground and that visitor use levels should be managed to avoid conflict with cultural and environmental values. They indicated the need to acknowledge the significance of these values and the opportunity to improve interpretation of the cultural heritage and environmental values to visitors.
5.5.4 Issues Arising
P ROTECTING N ATURAL AND C ULTURAL VALUES
No further investigations into the natural or cultural values were undertaken as part of the Master Plan.
Current recreational use levels are not having significant impacts that require major management intervention beyond that already provided. Continuance of existing management practices and monitoring of conditions is, therefore likely to be sufficient to ensure the integrity of the natural and cultural values of the area. The upgrading of visitor information and interpretation about the significance of the natural and cultural values could be located at the key access locations to Cape Woolamai – Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club car park and at Cleeland Beach. Interpretation signs may be appropriately located at scenic lookouts and the historic quarry site.
C OASTAL M ANAGEMENT I SSUES
The greatest concern arising from the character of the coast is for the safety of visitors at cliff tops. In summer 2016, two visitors/recreational users climbed to the Pinnacles at Cape Woolamai and required rescue. The walkers had become stranded as their access route was blocked and they were unable to return the way they entered nor could they lower themselves down the cliff due to high tides making the foreshore inaccessible.
It is not considered feasible to install track barriers to the many dangerous cliff top locations on the Cape. Increased education and awareness of the coastal hazard risks is more likely to be successful. Clear signage using international symbols should be installed at the departure points from the Woolamai Beach car park, attached to the staircase at Magic Lands and at critical locations where desire lines are forming. Signage should alert users to the hazards, that they are entering the area at their own risk and that the only way to avoid the risks is to stay out of the area.
80 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
In some areas it may be possible to re-route the track away from the cliff tops but this will be restricted by the extent of the shearwater colony and its proximity to the track along much of the south coast of the headland.
On-line and social media warnings may also be useful in raising awareness of the hazards at the Cape.
Other potential concerns are around increased erosion and de-stabilisation of slopes arising from a loss of vegetation or from concentration of runoff from walking/management tracks. The current track management regime appears to be mitigating the risk of these impacts.
A DDRESSING A CCESS AND P ARKING C ONCERNS
Public access to the area is from the car park at Cape Woolamai. The need to traverse the beach to get to the stairway at Magic Lands is of concern as noted above. Use of the management track by from the car park onto the Cape by pedestrians is also problematic as noted.
E NHANCING V ISITOR AND L OCAL E XPERIENCES
Cape Woolamai provides outstanding experiences for visitors and locals. This includes access to walking trails, wildlife viewing and scenic coastal views. The infrastructure is already provided (e.g. walking track, beach stairs, lookout points, signage) and there is no need for new or additional facilities beyond increased interpretation.
Trackhead signage could be used at the Magic Lands to inform users that the existing management track to Woolamai Beach car park is not encouraged as a walking track given safety concerns with use by management vehicle. However the sign should indicate that access might be used in situations of high tides on Woolamai Beach or emergencies.
5.5.5 Site Concept Plan
No site concept plan has been prepared for this area.
Section 5 Responding to the Challenges – The Master Plan 81
5.5.6 Recommended Actions
The recommended actions for going forward are to:
continue current conservation management and research programs;
further investigate the cultural heritage values of Cape Woolamai and the opportunity to integrate conservation messages about these values into visitor information and interpretation;
install warning signage at the main access points onto the Cape and reminder signage at known high use/risk locations along the cliff tops;
examine opportunities to relocate the vehicle track away from dangerous cliff tops;
deter pedestrian use of the management vehicle track from the car park at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club to Magic Lands and encourage use of Woolamai Beach as the main access route; and
monitor and record sand movements at Magic Lands steps and take action to lengthen the stairway if required.
5.6 B ALANCE L AND
The balance land is comprised of those areas not covered in the previous sections. This includes the Princeton Avenue Block and land north of the Colonnades extending to Veterans Drive. Both of these areas are managed by Nature Parks.
Both areas have important environmental values as described in the Environment Plan and in the KAP and including plant communities, plant species and fauna of significance. Notably, the foreshore north of the Colonnades contains important shearwater nesting sites and the beaches in this area host nesting sites for hooded plovers.
The cultural values of these areas were summarised in the KAP. The whole of these areas are considered to be within zones of cultural heritage sensitivity.
Little or no recreational use is made of the Princeton Avenue block. Surf breaks at Veterans Drive are used. Access to these breaks is via a rough,
82 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
narrow track through shearwater nesting sites. This track is signposted as prohibited.
The KAP made little comment about these areas.
The Master Plan proposes no changes to the current management regime in these areas apart from better signage to discourage access to the breaks via the end of Veterans Drive. No site concept plan for the area has, therefore, been prepared.
It is assumed that current Nature Parks management practices in these areas are adequately protecting their values and meeting the objectives for which they have been reserved and that those efforts will continue.
SECTION 6 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
6.1 A CTION P LAN
It is not realistic to consider that all the recommended actions can be all implemented over a short to mid period of time. The implementation requires agreement through approval processes and commitments covering different jurisdictions. It is important, therefore, to examine short term, mid-term and long-term scenarios for implementing the recommended actions.
The following Table identifies the recommended actions, which needs to be involved and the timing for implementation. The Action Plan is based on a 10 Year timeframe using the following:
short-term – commence within 2 years (2016 - 2017);
mid-term – commence within 5 years (2016 – 2020); and
long-term – commence within 10 years (2016 – 2025).
It is recognised that the timing will be very dependent upon available funding, partnership support with other land managing agencies and the level of community support. In some cases the implementation may require development and approval processes being negotiated between different agencies before a recommendation can be acted upon. Further, whilst an action may have priority, there may be other higher priorities on Phillip Island for Nature Parks or BCSC that may necessitate that actions be delayed.
Action Plans often become less relevant after 5 years, generally requiring review and updating in relation to what has been achieved and the impact of emerging issues or new opportunities. Such reviews generate the need for a rolling Five Year Action Plan for 2016-2020 and then a revised action plans for 2021-2025.
84 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
No Recommended Action Responsibility Priority Timing
1 Adopt the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan as part of the overall Nature Parks Nature Parks Board High Short term Strategic Planning Framework 2012-2017 2 Seek support in principle for the adoption of the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan BCSC, DELWP High Short term from key land managing agencies 3 Continue to manage the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves consistent with the key management Nature Parks High ongoing directives in the South and North Coast Key Area Plan 2014 and other relevant policy and management documents 4 Continue discussions between Nature Parks and BCSC to rationalize and resolve management Nature Parks, High ongoing jurisdiction issues at the Colonnades – Aussie Track, Anzacs and Woolamai Beach Surf Life BCSC Saving Club areas 5 Undertake further investigations into assessing and reducing any environmental impacts Nature Parks High- moderate Short – mid term associated with proposed works and improvements at Colonnades – Aussie Track, The Cranny, The Cranny - BCSC Anzacs and Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club areas
6 Seek approvals to meet respective legislative requirements for the proposed works in the Cape Nature Parks, High- moderate Short –long term Woolamai Coastal Reserves, and in particular the site concept plans at Colonnades – Aussie BCSC Track, The Cranny, Anzacs and Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club areas
Section 6 Implementing Strategy 85
No Recommended Action Responsibility Priority Timing
7 To advance the concept plan for the Colonnades and Aussie Track the following actions should be taken: Nature Parks a) high a) short term a) identify a route for the proposed shared walk between the proposed Colonnades car park and and BCSC b) high b) short term Aussie Steps with a view to minimising impacts c) high c) short term b) understand the potential impacts of widening of the existing walkway to the existing steps at the d) high - d) short – Colonnades and to expanding the lookout moderate mid term c) review weed removal requirements and removal of Sallow Wattle and the Invasive Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis) d) prepare detailed designs for the proposed car park 8 To advance the concept plan for The Cranny the following actions should be taken: Nature Parks a) high a) short term a) confirm the acceptability of buses continuing to transit through the adjoining neighbourhood in the and BCSC b) high b) short term event that Woolamai Beach Road were temporarily closed beyond the roundabout c) high c) short term b) prepare a detailed features survey suitable for engineering designs for the roundabout and shared d) high d) short term path to be developed e) high - e) short-mid c) undertake preliminary engineering designs for the roundabout to the standard necessary to confirm moderate term that acceptable grades and deflection at the entries to the roundabout can be achieved
d) confirm that the shared path can be created along the road edge as proposed and if not, to determine where are the areas where there may be insufficient width in the road pavement so that further assessment of the situation can occur e) provided the preliminary designs for the roundabout and shared path are achievable, conduct detailed field investigations to assess potential impacts on shearwater nest sites and potential mitigation measures (if required)
86 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
No Recommended Action Responsibility Priority Timing
9 To advance the concept plan for Anzacs the following actions should be taken: Nature Parks a) moderate a) mid term a) develop plans for a new toilet block including investigation of waste disposal options and potential b) high b) short term impacts of connecting it to nearby reticulated services c) moderate c) mid term b) install wheel stops in front of cars parked adjacent to the footpath and remove and bollard two parking spaces to create a safe gathering area at the top of the beach access stairs c) prepare detailed documentation for proposed site improvements 10 To advance the concept plan for Woolamai Beach the following actions should be taken: Nature Parks, a) moderate a) mid – long a) undertake the detailed investigations required to assess the potential impacts arising from: WBSLSC b) moderate term removal of the deposited sand and vegetation required to link the two car park c) high – b) mid term modules moderate c) high construction of the shared path link from The Cranny through to the car park d) moderate d) ongoing including the short link shown on the plan from the road verge to the car park e) moderate e) ongoing the construction of the new bus shelter, toilets and changerooms the removal of vegetation to create the proposed deck over the stormwater soakage area b) prepare detailed designs for the proposed car park improvements c) close and rehabilitate the dune opening in front of the Surf Life Saving Club to avoid ongoing windblown sand issues around the building d) consider a trial experiment for managing dune heights in front of the Surf Life Saving Club to protect safe sightlines of the beach from the watch tower e) monitor the movement of sand on the western side of the Surf Life Saving Club and the feasibility of reshaping the dune face with a concerted re-vegetation and perennial maintenance program
Section 6 Implementing Strategy 87
No Recommended Action Responsibility Priority Timing
11 In addition to implementation of the site concept plans the management directives for Cape Woolamai Nature Parks a) high a) ongoing Coastal Reserves should be to: b) high b) short a) continue conservation management and research programs c) high – term b) consider installing ‘enter at your risk’ signs at the main trackheads to Cape Woolamai Coastal moderate c) short-mid Reserves d) high term c) review the opportunity to relocate the vehicle track away from cliff edges in some coastal e) moderate d) short locations at Cape Woolamai term f) high- d) introduce some ‘reminder’ risk awareness signs at known high risk coastal points e.g. The moderate e) mid term Pinnacles g) high f) mid term e) installing temporary signs at some locations to explain conservation management work being g) ongoing undertaken f) deter pedestrian use of the management vehicle track from the car park at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club to Magic Lands and encourage use of Woolamai Beach as the main access route g) monitor and record sand movements at Magic Lands steps
12 Identify and source funds to implement the proposed site concept plan Nature Parks, High - ongoing BCSC moderate 13 Review the 5 Year Implementation Plan Nature Parks Moderate - low mid term
88 Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan
6.2 C OST E STIMATES
The cost estimates will be completed following review and revision of the Cape Woolamai Coastal Reserves Master Plan.
ATTACHMENT A GUIDELINES FOR ACTIVI TY CENTRES AND RECREATION NODES
The following guidelines are extracted directly from the South and North Coast Key Area Plan 2014.
Secondary Activity Centre and Primary Activity Centre and No Natural Areas Local Access and Recreation Sites Recreation Nodes Recreation Nodes
General Description
These areas such as Cape These locations are mostly used by These locations tend to receive These locations are promoted as Woolamai State Fauna Reserve the local residents living closeby or more moderate levels of use key visitor attractions on Phillip and Summerland Peninsula have by island residents seeking access and are more likely to attract Island . The locations already outstanding natural and cultural to good surf conditions or to avoid a higher proportion of local have considerable infrastructure residents than visitors . The sites and facilities in place to cater values that require protection . crowded locations . These locations can be overcrowded at times of for current use levels . These Management decisions are guided are likely to attract regular use peak use but not to the extent locations attract regular and often by an approved Management Plan by local residents for recreational of the primary activity centres high levels of use, or have the or Master Plan . The areas can walks, walking the dog or for and recreation hubs . The level potential to do so in the future . attract a high level of visitor access fitness . Typically only street of existing infrastructure and The locations are over-crowded at and facilities (e g. . Penguin Parade, parking, basic signs, walkways and facilities varies between different peak use times (e g. . hot days, great Nobbies) although some areas access to the beach are provided at locations but are generally less surf conditions, public holidays) have lower visitor numbers given these sites . developed than the primary creating major traffic, parking activity centres and recreation and safety issues and demand for limited access and remoteness (e g. . hubs . additional facilities . Cape Woolamai)
Access Guidelines
Roads Sealed or well constructed gravel Sealed or well constructed gravel Sealed or well constructed gravel Sealed road road road road
Walkways Walkways designed to handle use Constructed walkways and stairs Constructed walkways and stairs Constructed walkways and stairs . e g. . constructed walkways, formed or formalized tracks or formalized tracks . All abilities All abilities access to facilities tracks, signed routes access to visitor facilities would be (e g. . toilets, lookout points, paths) desirable . should be sought .
Bike paths Only on designated tracks No requirement but it would be Desirable but no specified need to Desirable to have bike paths to all beneficial to have a bike path be provided . of these sites along The Esplanade
Public transport Desirable but no specified need to Desirable but no specified need to Whilst the future public transport The recommended future public be provided . be provided . network may not directly access transport network would provide these sites, it may provide access to all sites other than opportunities that allow walking Pyramid Rock . to the sites .
36 PHILLIP ISLAND, SOUTH AND NORTH COAST KEY AREA PLAN Secondary Activity and Primary Activity and Natural Areas Local Access and Recreation Sites Recreation Nodes Recreation Nodes
Facility Guidelines
Directional signs Directional signs leading to the No directional signs required Directional signs leading to the Directional signs leading to the main access and facilities location location
Car park Sealed in high visitor use areas but Sealed or gravel car parking area Sealed car park with minimum Sealed car park with minimum may use gravel in low visitor use with capacity of 3-5 spaces subject capacity of 20 spaces capacity of 50 spaces areas to available land/street space
Car park layout Required in high visitor use Desirable but no specified need to Designated car parking spaces e g. . Designated car parking spaces e g. . locations but no specified need in be provided . line marking, wheel stops line marking, wheel stops . Allow low visitor use areas for bus turning .
Arrival area Required in high visitor use Desirable but no specified need to Defined arrival area near Defined arrival area near locations but no specified need in be provided . walkway and facilities (to provide walkway and facilities (to provide low visitor use areas pedestrian safety) with barriers to pedestrian safety) with barriers to restrict vehicle access restrict vehicle access
Site signs Required in high visitor use Small sign to indicate access and Site signs to inform visitors of the Site signs to inform visitors of the locations but no specified need in restrictions applying site, facilities, features of interest site, facilities, features of interest low visitor use areas and restrictions applying to access and restrictions applying to access and use of the site and use of the site
Public toilets Desirable in high visitor use Public toilets required if there No specified need to be provided Required in high visitor use locations but no specified need in is evidence of human waste locations but no specified need in low visitor use areas despoiling the site over time low visitor use areas
Interpretation Desirable in high visitor use Desirable but no specified need to Interpretation experience about Interpretation experience about locations but no specified need in be provided coastal values may be provided coastal values should be provided low visitor use areas (e g. . may include information, (e g. . may include information, signs, seasonal programs, artwork signs, seasonal programs, artwork etc) etc)
Lookout Desirable in high visitor use No specified need to be provided Safe viewing area provided outside Constructed scenic lookout is locations but no specified need in of the road and car parking area located near the arrival area or off low visitor use areas the walkway
PHILLIP ISLAND, SOUTH AND NORTH COAST KEY AREA PLAN 37 Secondary Activity and Primary Activity and Natural Areas Local Access and Recreation Sites Recreation Nodes Recreation Nodes
Facility Guidelines (continued)
Seating Desirable in high visitor use Desirable along walking tracks No requirement but should be Seating should be provided near locations but no specified need in provided on coastal walks the arrival area or off the walkway low visitor use areas to enjoy the views
Picnic tables Desirable in high visitor use No specified need to be provided No requirement but some sites Picnic tables should be provided locations but no specified need in have the capacity to add such near the arrival area low visitor use areas facilities e g. . Forrest Caves
Outdoor shower No specified need to be provided No specified need to be provided No requirement Outdoor shower should be provided at all sites other than Pyramid Rock
Proposed Classification
Cape Woolamai Ventnor (Devon Avenue to Kitty Miller Beach Summerland Bay Cadogan Avenue Berry Beach Smiths Beach – YCW Beach Sunderland Bay (2 sites on Surfies Point Pyramid Rock Esplanade Forrest Caves Anzacs Surf Beach (4 sites on Esplanade) Colonnades Woolamai Surf Beach
38 PHILLIP ISLAND, SOUTH AND NORTH COAST KEY AREA PLAN
ATTACHMENT B BIOPHYSICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT SUMMARY
B1 F LORA OF THE C APE W OOLAMAI R ESERVES
Cape Woolamai has significant natural values due to its combination of geomorphic and ecological characteristics that make it unique.
A total of 168 indigenous vascular plant taxa (species, subspecies and varieties of ferns, conifers and flowering plants) are recorded from the Cape, including no species of national significance and 11 species of state significance12:
Glistening Saltbush Atriplex billardierei x Shore Spleenwort Asplenium obtusatum v Slender Bitter-cress Cardamine tenuifolia k Coast Ballart Exocarpos syrticola r Pale-flower Cranesbill Geranium sp. 3 r Leafy Peppercress Lepidium foliosum v Crimson Berry Leptecophylla juniperina v Peninsula Daisy-bush Olearia sp. 2 (aff. lanuginosa) r Dune Wood-sorrel Oxalis rubens r Dune Poa Poa poiformis var. ramifer r Coast Saltwort Salsola tragus subsp. pontica r
Status in Victoria13 x extinct e endangered v vulnerable r rare k poorly known
Eleven plant communities (ecological vegetation classes) are recorded from the Cape14:
12 Oates A & Frood D 2010. Cape Woolamai native vegetation management plan. Oates Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd & Pathways Bushland & Environment. 13 DEPI 2014. Advisory list of rare or threatened plants in Victoria. Department of Environment & Primary Industry, Victoria. 14 Oates and Frood 2010. op cit.
• Berm Grassy Shrubland • Bird Colony Succulent Herbland (shearwater breeding habitat) • Coastal Alkaline Scrub • Coast Banksia Woodland • Coastal Dune Grassland • Coastal Dune Scrub • Coastal Headland Scrub • Coastal Tussock Grassland • Damp Melaleuca Scrub • Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland • Spray-zone Coastal Shrubland
B2 F AUNA OF THE C APE W OOLAMAI R ESERVES
A total of 41 terrestrial indigenous fauna species is recorded from the Cape, comprising 4 mammals, 29 birds, 6 reptiles, 2 frogs, no fish and no invertebrates (cetaceans and pelagic birds are excluded). These include three species of national significance and one species of state significance15:
Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus tridactylus VU en Pacific Gull Larus pacificus nt Orange-bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster CR cr Hooded Plover Thinornis rubricollis VU vu
Status in Australia (EPBC Act): CR critically endangered EN endangered VU vulnerable
Status in Victoria16: cr critically endangered en endangered vu vulnerable nt near threatened
15 Victorian Biodiversity Atlas 2016. Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, Victoria. 16 DSE 2013. Advisory list of threatened vertebrate fauna in Victoria. Department of Sustainability & Environment, Victoria.
B3 A BORIGINAL C ULTURAL H ERITAGE V ALUES OF
THE C APE W OOLAMAI C OASTAL R ESERVES
Cape Woolamai has strong Aboriginal cultural heritage values, a consequence of its nature as a coastal landform with a diversity of accessible faunal and plant resources, and because of the survival of large expanses of its coastal dunes. A considerable proportion of the recorded cultural heritage consists of Aboriginal shell middens, with quantities of individual stone artefacts also found. Most of the recorded Aboriginal places along the Cape Woolamai coast probably dates to the last 7,000 years, when the present dune landforms have been accreting. They reflect the regular visits of Bun Wurrung people to this part of the Philip Island coast over the course of many thousands of years.
These surface exposures of Aboriginal shell midden material become visible when the dunes are deflated by natural erosion or disturbed by modern development. It is recognised, however, that further cultural heritage material may lie buried and presently undetected, particularly in areas of stabilised dunes.
31 Aboriginal places have been previously recorded within or adjacent to the Cape Woolamai study area. 14 of these are shell middens and 17 are individual stone artefacts or clusters of artefacts, described as artefact scatters.
VAHR place number VAHR Place Name Place type 7920-0050 Woolamai Beach 30 Artefact Scatter 7920-0050 Woolamai Beach 30 Shell Midden 7920-0053 Woolamai Beach 33 Artefact Scatter 7920-0053 Woolamai Beach 33 Shell Midden 7920-0054 Woolamai Beach 34 Artefact Scatter 7920-0054 Woolamai Beach 34 Shell Midden 7920-0055 Woolamai Beach 35 Artefact Scatter 7920-0055 Woolamai Beach 35 Shell Midden 7920-0056 Woolamai Beach 36 Artefact Scatter 7920-0056 Woolamai Beach 36 Shell Midden 7920-0057 Woolamai Beach 37 Artefact Scatter 7920-0057 Woolamai Beach 37 Shell Midden 7920-0058 Woolamai Beach 38 Artefact Scatter 7920-0058 Woolamai Beach 38 Shell Midden 7920-0059 Woolamai Beach 39 Artefact Scatter
VAHR place number VAHR Place Name Place type 7920-0059 Woolamai Beach 39 Shell Midden 7920-0060 Woolamai Beach 40 Artefact Scatter 7920-0060 Woolamai Beach 40 Shell Midden 7920-0061 Woolamai Beach 41 Artefact Scatter 7920-0061 Woolamai Beach 41 Shell Midden 7920-0062 Woolamai Beach 42 Artefact Scatter 7920-0062 Woolamai Beach 42 Shell Midden 7920-0063 Woolamai Beach 43 Artefact Scatter 7920-0064 Woolamai Beach 44 Artefact Scatter 7920-0064 Woolamai Beach 44 Shell Midden 7920-0065 Woolamai Beach 45 Shell Midden 7920-0066 Woolamai Beach 46 Artefact Scatter 7920-0067 Woolamai Beach 47 Artefact Scatter 7920-0068 Woolamai Beach 48 Shell Midden 7920-0069 Woolamai Waters West 1 Artefact Scatter 7920-0070 Woolamai Waters West 2 Artefact Scatter
Table 2. Previously recorded Aboriginal places within or adjacent to the Study Area.17
All of the Cape Woolamai study area lies within a general designated area of sensitivity for Aboriginal cultural heritage, as defined under the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations (2007). This designation reflects the potential presence of undetected Aboriginal cultural heritage across much of the Cape Woolamai coast. The Aboriginal Heritage Act (2006) controls the types of development that may be undertaken within the area of designated cultural heritage sensitivity, and requires approval for certain types of development (known as high impact activities) that may affect Aboriginal cultural heritage. Those parts of the general area of designated sensitivity, which have already been subject to development, however, are excluded from the designation.
All Aboriginal cultural heritage places, whether they have been previously recorded or are presently undetected, are protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act (2006). No action may be undertaken that disturbs an Aboriginal place or is likely to disturb a buried Aboriginal place, without statutory approval. An approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is an appropriate way of managing development in areas of cultural heritage
17 Information from ACHRIS, February 2016
sensitivity. This is a structured assessment process, which examines the risks to Aboriginal cultural heritage and any mitigation measures that may be required. Approval of the CHMP under s.65 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act (2006) provides statutory approval for the development activity itself, and a set of contingencies in the event that any cultural heritage is detected.