Lithgow City Council Cultural Plan 2008-2013 Provides a Way Forward for Cultural Community Development in the Lithgow Area
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Lithgow City Council Cultural Plan 2008-2013 Table of Contents Contents Mayoral Message 1 Executive Summary 2-5 Preamble Introduction Local Government Association & 6-7 Shires Association of NSW Definitions Vision Overarching Vision 8 Vision Statements Cultural Planning Process Cultural Planning History Lithgow city council Management Plan 2008-2011 9-12 Methodology SWOT Analysis Action Plan Venues & Facilities Cultural Precinct Governance & Administration Eskbank House & Museum Lithgow Library Learning Centre 13-24 Recreational Facilities Skate Parks Swimming Pool Action Plan Civic Spaces & Public Places Placemaking Public Arts Program 25-32 Wallerawang Villages Action Plan Heritage Cultural Landscapes Heritage Study Heritage Streetscapes Environmental Corridors Heritage Advisor Program 33-39 & Heritage Assets Working Party Heritage Networks Cultural Heritage Tourism Action Plan Table of Contents Economic Sustainability Economic Development Regional Networks Cultural Mapping 40-47 Promotion Retail Development Master Planning Action Plan Education Learning Cities University of the Third Age 48-51 Indigenous Programs Action Plan Local Collections Collection Management Eskbank House & Museum Collection Lithgow City Council Art 52-56 Collection Lithgow Local Studies Collection Lithgow City Council Historical Records & Archives Action Plan Cultural Activities & Development Events Volunteers Aboriginal & Torres Strait 57-63 Islander People Youth Programs Action Plan Bibliography 64-66 Addendum 67-68 Attachments 70 Mayoral Message The Lithgow City Council Draft Cultural has been developed to provide a direction for economic sustainability and growth through cultural development in the Lithgow local government area for the 2008 – 2013 time frames. By closely linking the strategies and actions from the Cultural Plan with the Lithgow Jobs Summit Report and other planning instruments within Council it is anticipated that Council will become the champion for future economic development and growth in the Lithgow Local Government Area. This document proposes that the way forward for cultural development in the Lithgow Local Government Area is to begin a cultural mapping and placemaking process which will identify what the individual towns, villages and localities within the Local Government Area want in terms of cultural development. Cultural mapping will seek to identify current activities and community groups providing an overall view of the direct and indirect benefits of cultural activities within the community. In addition to this we will look at ways that Council can assist communities to develop new programs based on their tangible and intangible assets which will benefit the whole of the Lithgow Local Government Area. A sustainable approach to placemaking such as cultural, heritage, main street and village enhancement programs will be identified in conjunction with the local community. This type of approach aids in the promotion of community pride, growth and economic development. Venues and facilities in the Lithgow area will be the subject of an audit process which will identify opportunities for enhancement and marketing of these facilities. A feasibility study into Cultural Precincts for Lithgow, Wallerawang and Portland has been set as a key priority for the Cultural Plan. There is a diverse range of facilities within these towns which can provide a variety of services to the community. The importance of heritage is a significant component of the Lithgow Region’s identity. Identification and recognition of our cultural landscapes, both built structures and significant environmental corridors, will aide in the development of management plans for Crown Lands, Community Lands and local streetscapes. This information will inform Council’s Local Environment Plan and future Development Control Plans designed to identify areas of industrial development, urban expansion and economic growth. This plan recognises the role creative and cottage industries will play in the future economic development and growth of the area. As there is a shift in the future from the traditional industrial base, Lithgow will need to rely more on its ability for growth and renewal to develop economically sustainable and viable businesses. Active participation in the Learning Cities program will see the Lithgow area move forward into the future. A Learning City is one that renews itself and promotes life long learning. Education and the facilitation of proactive learning partnerships will generate a broader workforce and skills base. Acknowledgement of the Indigenous Culture of the area through the development of a Wiradjuri Language Program, festivals and events will promote understanding and inclusion. Working together we will start to tell the stories of the area; both traditional and settlement. In conclusion, the Lithgow City Council Cultural Plan 2008-2013 provides a way forward for cultural community development in the Lithgow area. It is anticipated that this document will seek to encourage the community to look to ways that cultural activities can be a significant factor in the future development and economic growth of the Lithgow local government area. Councilor Neville Castle Mayor Page 1 Executive Summary The Lithgow City Council Cultural Plan o The Tin Shed acknowledges the diversity and contribution that o The central business district the residents of the Lithgow Local Government (including Mort Street & Railway Area play in developing the community. The arts Parade) benefit and strengthen communities, cultural o The Eskbank Station tourism not only provides a direct economic o Eskbank House benefit to communities but, important quality of o Blast Furnace Park life factors, such as improved health, wellbeing o Lake Pillans Wetlands and reductions in anti-social behaviour can all be o Farmers Creek linked to the development of cultural activities • Conduct a Feasibility Study into the and community building (Yates & Collins 2008, development of a cultural precinct/s for p.12). Wallerawang and Portland • Investigate as part of the Cultural An extensive community consultation process has Precinct/s the viability of a commercial been conducted throughout the Local Government movie theatre in addition to the Area along with an audit of prior attempts at community run movie theatres in Lithgow Cultural Planning and all of Councils strategic and Portland. documents. The Lithgow City Council Management Plan 2008-2011 outlines a number Governance & Administration of activities which will be undertaken in the 2008- 2009 year that can be linked to the Cultural Plan. • Annual review of fees and charges This includes: associated with the use of community • Develop a cultural plan with the community. facilities. • Donations and sponsorship of community • Monitoring of fees and charges for groups and organisations. sporting fields to ensure affordability by • Improvements to community halls. families and community members • Upgrade of park furniture and play participating in sports. equipment. • Identification of Partnership opportunities • Provision of advice and assistance to for the future development of cultural community groups to identify and obtain facilities. grant funding. • Hold Crystal & Union Theatre Committee • Support for community activities and events meetings in accordance with the terms of • Operation of Eskbank House & Museum reference of the committee. • Conducting Australia Day activities. • Increase the number of bookings for the Crystal & Union Theatres. The Lithgow City Council Cultural Plan identifies key areas for sustainable growth in relation to Eskbank House & Museum economic, environmental, social, cultural, • Implementation of a staged capital works heritage, tourism and industrial development in program to upgrade and maintain the the Lithgow Local Government Area. facility. • A conservation management plan and Cultural Precinct landscape strategy to be developed. • Conduct a Feasibility Study into the • Investigation of the staffing complement development of a cultural precinct for at Eskbank House & Museum to include a Lithgow which includes: suitably qualified Museums Officer. • Develop and implement exhibition, o Hoskins Church collections management and public o The Lithgow Court House programs strategies. o The Hoskins Memorial Institute (old Library) o Lloyd Copperworks Building o Union Theatre Page 2 Executive Summary Lithgow Library Learning Centre o Interpretive strategies including dual naming and recognition of • Continue to provide quality programs and indigenous culture. facilities for the community at Lithgow, Wallerawang, Portland and Rydal. • Upgrade Wallerawang Library Public Arts Program • Develop and implement a library • Undertake a facilities audit to identify resources strategy suitable locations for public art. • Establishment of a Community Garden at • Identification of heritage and arts trails as the Lithgow Library in association with the part of a Cycle Plan for the Lithgow Local Lithgow Family and Community Mental Government Area. Health Support Group. Wallerawang Recreational Facilities • Develop a management plan for Lake • Undertake an Open Space and Wallace which includes: Recreational Needs Study. o Recreational activities • Provide linkages between open space o Development and partnerships networks. o Interpretation • Implement a program of improving the o Landscaping standard of current facilities to ensure o Public Art greater marketability. o Promotion • Undertake a Pedestrian Access