Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5 Constraint analysis

5 Constraint analysis Topic areas The analysis looked at the following 11 social, environmental and This chapter presents the constraint and opportunity analysis for the technical factors: 11 social, environmental and technical factors that were assessed as part of the Plan. It includes the maps for each analysis and a >> Land use combined constraint map. >> Geotechnical >> Ecology 5.1 Introduction >> Landscape character >> Visual character As part of the planning for the Bells Line of Road corridor a >> Aboriginal heritage constraint and opportunity analysis was prepared to assess existing conditions within the Bells Line of Road corridor that may >> Non-Aboriginal heritage influence the location and nature of future road development. It is >> Water quality a high level of analysis, undertaken at a level of detail appropriate >> Flooding for strategic corridor planning. >> Noise The constraint analysis involved mapping social, environmental >> Air quality and technical information about potential opportunities and constraints within the corridor and is an important tool for How the constraints were mapped and classified preparing the Plan and for detailed corridor planning. The extent To identify the importance of each potential constraint, of mapping covers about five kilometres either side of the Bells classifications of high, medium and low were assigned to each Line of Road and extends to include the Sydney motorway area. These classifications reflect the significant local issues network. within the corridor. Generally speaking, for an individual area or The constraint analysis was based on key findings from previous environmental factor: studies, as well as more recent information gathered during >> A high constraint suggests that road development would be the preparation of the Plan, including the outcomes of the undesirable in terms of that environmental factor and would community involvement process, where the community was need a strong justification, careful design and environmental specifically asked to identify constraints that may affect future management measures to be implemented. road development. >> A moderate constraint suggests that the road development would have potential impacts that require consideration in terms of design and appropriate environmental management. >> A low constraint suggests that the road development would have a lower impact and there is greater certainty around the possible design solutions and measures to minimise impacts.

The constraint analysis for the 11 factors is presented below.

31 Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

Limitations and assumptions The constraint analysis uses the following limitations and assumptions: > The maps show existing conditions within the corridor at a broad scale. > The analysis is based on available data, with limited field investigation. > The analysis covers a large corridor and a vast amount of spatial data. The broad level of the spatial data limits the details available at a local level.

Specific limitations within topic areas are discussed in the relevant sections below. It should be noted that any specific programs or

projects arising from the plan would be subject to environmental Small lot agricultural land use impact assessment and planning approval processes, where detailed investigations would be carried out, as appropriate. >Open space – recreation >Military 5.2 Land use >Mining The Bells Line of Road corridor contains many important and Moderate constraint varied land uses. These existing land uses and identified growth areas will be a key influence on future road development within > Future proposed urban development (including the North West Growth Centre). the corridor. >Commercial land. > Small rural lots (less than 10 hectares within a rural land use 5.2.1 Mapping methodology class). The land use constraint analysis considered the impact that future >Active fruit growing. road development may have on current and future land uses. >Special use and community facilities. Key land uses within the corridor were assigned a constraint >Floodplain agriculture. classification, as summarised below. Low constraint High constraint >Industrial land >Residential > Infrastructure (including existing road reserves, easements and > Open space – environmental protection (including national the Castlereagh Corridor). parks and World Heritage areas).

32 5 Constraint analysis

>> State forest >> Large rural lots (greater than 10 hectares).

5.2.2 Community input Community comments and feedback relating to land use highlighted: >> The importance of the village settlement pattern adjacent to the Bells Line of Road. >> The amenity and value of villages, including Kurrajong Hills and the residential areas around Bowen Mountain and Grose Vale. >> The potential impacts on traffic congestion due to land use changes. >> The potential impacts of a bypass or motorway on local businesses (eg The Apple Bar, Tutti-Frutti, and The Turpentine Tree), and tourist attractions (eg Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, orchards and slot canyons). >> Concerns about the length of the planning process. This could create uncertainty for prospective buyers of properties, who could be hesitant to purchase properties due to concern about the potential for future road widening.

Fruit growing in the Bilpin area 5.2.3 Mapping results North Richmond, Windsor, Quakers Hills and Lithgow. High Land use constraints are shown in Figure 5.1. constraint in these areas can also be attributed to open space (nature reserves, including Shanes Park and recreational High constraint areas facilities), mining (quarries in the east and mainly coal >> The largest concentration of high constraint is associated with operations in the west) and Department of Defence land. the central section, with smaller, more isolated areas of high constraint in the eastern and western areas. Moderate constraint areas >> The largest continuous area of high constraint is associated >> In the central areas and to the west of Richmond, the with the Blue Mountains and Wollemi national parks. More moderate constraint reflects the village settlement pattern of dispersed areas of high constraint in the eastern and western smaller rural lots (particularly around Mount Tomah, Mount sections reflect residential centres including Richmond, Wilson and Bilpin) and the presence of fruit growing. 33 Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 Western Central Eastern

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000

COLO RIV E C R PU A Western Central Eastern TT S Y R T OA L WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK 6,300,000 E D

R E A G COLO R H IV E C R PU H A TT S I Y G R T OA L H WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK D 6,300,000 E W R D E A A A Y O G R H E RY ROAD G ER H F R ID E I E L G FLE R CHI Y IV L H R S I R E V W B D Lithgow O AM D N K A " G A AN A A C Y OLL O L A D W R X LA S E B AD G FERRY RO R Bilpin ID E LE E " R L S HIF V L C Y I S I I R N D R BE D V Lithgow M G A " OA GA N K AN A C L OLL L O

6,290,000 A D W OF X E LA S R Bell B " T E Bilpin Kurrajong Heights O E " S L N " N I I N D R IL G L A O V L O A K 6,290,000 O E B F R C Bell " E T D A Kurrajong Heights E L E O S " L L N Kurrajong N S I " R IL L R O V A K B O D C D E A A L S L Kurrajong A BUR KING ROAD O S " S Y RIVE R R D KE R I W A A D TT O H A A C BUR KING ROAD O A ES Y R North RichmondR D WK IVER " I A D HA TT A A C North Richmond O Mt Victoria R " " D A N

RichmondO " W Mt Victoria R " O N T 6,280,000 Richmond D TT AD A W PI " ROAD BLACKTOWN ROAD O ER Y O TO R D

6,280,000 V R S DRI R ITT E AD O A U H A P R R ADGRO SO E B BLACKTOWN ROAD G V E Y O RO D S A S IV R R A G R R U H A E C E E E V G GRO S B G MACQUARIE STREET R O K R N A R S A Y E R E A C E R E W LMACQUARIE STREET L E K R Y N R O E A T A W R S N L A A L H E T R A

E O D

T T S C J N HA A E N J E C D N O W O D W IN D D BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK N IND SO N S R BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK O OR R O L R OA L O A D D

THE NORTHERN ROAD THE NORTHERNGARFIELD ROAD ROAD GARFIELD ROAD R I R C I H C 6,270,000 M H 6,270,000 O M N O D N

R D O Katoomba R " A O D Katoomba STER H " E N A H W TER I M7 D S G N E N EP MO R EAN RI TO W E G E H RIV N R M7 IV E W M R R THE NORTHERN ROAD PE O H A A N E S E W RIVER Y TO X IV U R D O THE NORTHERNN ROAD C R W W A E A Penrith E A S Y O V X " U Y R A D

O N C K A E E A ABBOTT ROAD D E E Y Penrith U L R M " O V B S I L A M R A IT T R L I L E KV A R E E E ORWAY E ABBOTT ROAD RD T R I O M V U L M R E M 4 A R B M S C I LI A M 6,260,000 TT R L I L E V A R ER ORW AY R I T M V Client O 230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 M 300,000 A 310,000 E M4 R DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales C 6,260,000 "

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client 300,000 310,000 Job Title Legend DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales " BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Bells Line of Road Landscape Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Street NEWCASTLE" Sydney, NSW 2001 Legend Drawing Title Job Title Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Motorway High Constraint www.arup.com PARKES " Landscape Constraints BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Figure 5.1 MajorBells RoadsLine of Road ModerateLanduse Constraint Constraints Scale at A3 Drawing Status Level 10, 201 Kent Street NEWCASTLE BATHURST " Sydney, NSW 2001 " LITHGOW Draft Rivers Low Constraint " Metres 1:210,000 Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Motorway High Constraint RICHMOND Drawing Title Land use constraints " Coordinate System Data Source: www.arup.com PARKES " " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " Landuse Constraints " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010Scale at A3 Drawing Status Major Roads Moderate Constraint COWRA SYDNEY " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR BATHURST Job No Drawing No " LITHGOW 1:210,000 Draft Rivers Low Constraint " Issue Date By Chkd Appd Metres RICHMOND 220904-06 1 34 " CoordinateJ:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Landscape Constraints.mxd System Data Source: © Arup " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR Job No Drawing No Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Landuse Constraints.mxd © Arup 5 Constraint analysis

>> In the eastern section, the moderate constraint highlights the North West Growth Centre and special use/community facilities such as the University of Western Sydney campus and TAFE NSW Western Sydney campus. Moderate constraint also reflects the occurrence of specialised agriculture associated with the Hawkesbury River flood plain, fruit growing and small lot settlements. >> In the western section, moderate constraint is associated with the Newnes State Forest and the small lot village settlements of Clarence and Little Hartley.

Low constraint areas >> Low constraint areas along the corridor reflect the presence of large rural lots. >> Low constraint in the eastern section reflects areas of infrastructure, including the Castlereagh Corridor.

5.2.4 Future investigations The land use analysis represents a snapshot of current and known future land uses. Any future planning or implementation of upgrade(s) will need to consider any planned changes to land use likely to occur, including any additional mining operations. As such, the land use constraint map will need to be updated, and will need to include detailed site-specific land use investigations. Additionally, native title (including land subject to native title claims) and Aboriginal-owned land will need to be considered for any future planning.

35 Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5.3 Geotechnical 5.3.1 Mapping methodology The Bells Line of Road corridor is geologically and geotechnically The geotechnical constraint analysis considered the following diverse, with mountainous areas associated with the Blue aspects: Mountains National Park contrasting with the Cumberland > Slope – slope is an indicator of geotechnical hazard. Higher floodplain and Hartley Valley. The geotechnical constraint areas of slope generally contribute to a higher level of hazard. analysis considered geological and geotechnical conditions that > Slope curvature – slope curvature is an indicator of the would influence road constructability, and geotechnical hazard change in slope. Cliff areas and drainage lines have a high during the operational phase of road development. curvature value as they represent difficult areas for road construction. > Geology – different geological types have characteristics that influence both constructability and geotechnical hazard. > Faults and neotectonics – fault lines present particular geotechnical hazards. > Rivers – river crossings present particular constructability issues due to the geotechnical characteristics of riverbeds and banks. > Mines – mines often create areas of instability and subsidence. > Geomorphology – different geomorphological features exhibit different characteristics in terms of stability and, therefore, geotechnical hazard. > Acid sulphate soils – these exhibit particular characteristics (apart from their environmental risks) that influence constructability, primarily in relation to their potential to corrode construction materials.

Each geotechnical aspect was classified as either a high, moderate, low or null constraint based on its influence on any future road upgrade. The final geotechnical constraints map is a composite of all the input constraint maps. Constraint classifications for each of the above aspects are summarised in Table 5.1.

Steep terrain in Blue Mountains National Park

36 5 Constraint analysis

Table 5.1 Geotechnical constraint classifications

Low constraint Moderate constraint High constraint

Slope Slopes less than 5 Slopes between 5–15 Slopes greater than 15 Cliffs Slope curvature – – Drainage lines Volcanics Geology Sandstone Quarternary alluvium and Shale colluvium Greater than 25 m from the Less than 25 m from the Faults and neotectonics – Kurrajong Fault Kurrajong Fault Greater than 200 m from Rivers – Less than 200 m from rivers rivers Less than 1 km from coal mines Mines – Known boundaries of mines Less than 500 m open (gravel) mines Drainage Historic landslide features Geomorphology Tunnel locations Areas of potential Cliffs palaeochannels Rocky outcrops Areas mapped with a Areas mapped with a Acid sulphate soils (ASS) probability of encountering – probability of greater than ASS between 6–70% 70% of encountering ASS

5.3.2 Community input There were limited community concerns raised regarding geotechnical constraints. Specific concerns were raised about the preservation of slot canyons, which are considered to be irreplaceable heritage and recreational resources. The most popular canyons for visitors are very close to the road, and are less than a metre wide. Recreational canyons will need to be considered in future corridor development activities.

37 Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5.3.3 Mapping results Geotechnical constraints are shown in Figure 5.2.

High constraint areas >> High geotechnical constraint is associated with the more mountainous areas of the central and western sections, reflecting high slope as well as less stable geological units.

Moderate constraint areas >> Moderate constraint is associated with the flatter areas of the Cumberland Plain (eastern section) and Hartley Valley (western section), as well as isolated areas along the ridgeline (central section).

Low constraint areas >> Low constraint is generally restricted to small areas in the west, around the Newnes Plateau and small, isolated areas dispersed throughout the central section of the corridor.

5.3.4 Future investigations Planning for future road development in the corridor will require more detailed geotechnical assessment, looking specifically at route options and involving more detailed site reconnaissance. Specific geotechnical testing will also be required. Recreational canyons will need to be considered in any route development work and assessment.

38 5 Constraint analysis

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 Western Central Eastern

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000

COLO RIV E C R PU A Western Central Eastern TT S Y T RO L A

6,300,000 WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK D E

R E A G COLO RIV H E P C R U A H T S T I Y T G RO L A H

6,300,000 WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK D E W R D E A A A Y O G R H E AD RY RO H G R D FE I R I E G LE E R L HIF V L H C Y I I R S W R BE D V M D A O A N K NG A A Y A OLLA O L C D W R AX A Lithgow E BL AD S " G FERRY RO R Bilpin ID E L IFLE VE " R S CH Y I IL R S I R BE D V N D O M N K GA G A A LAN A C L L L O D WO X A 6,290,000 O A S E Lithgow F BL R Bell " " T E Bilpin Kurrajong Heights O E " S " N L N I N D I R L G A I L O V L O

6,290,000 B O E A K F R Bell E C " T D L E L E Kurrajong Heights O A " L S N N S I R IL L O V B A K E Kurrajong C L " R D A D L A S SBUSRY O KE RIV KING ROAD O ER R AW I Kurrajong A H A " R D TT BUR D A A S Y R O C O KE IVER KING ROAD AW R A H I TA D D AT North RichmondC A " O Mt Victoria R " D North Richmond A N " O Richmond W Mt Victoria " R " O N T 6,280,000 T Richmond D W T AD " A I ROA O BLACKTOWN ROAD P ER Y D O T 6,280,000 RO D V R R D T S AD RI IT A A P E ROAD UBLACKTOWN ROAD H ER Y GRO SO E B G V RO V R D O A S RI R S A U A E G G E H E R C RO S B G E V O MACQUARIE STREET S K R N A R A Y G E R C E E A W MACQUARIE STREETR E K R L L N R Y E T R O A R A L E W L S N A H E O A T R A E S D E C

J N A T H A

E C D N J T

N O

O W D W IN D I D N ND S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK N SO OR BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK O R O R R L L OA OA D D

THE NORTHERN ROAD THE NORTHERNGARFIELD ROAD ROAD GARFIELD ROAD R IC R H I

6,270,000 C M H 6,270,000 O M N O D N

R D O Katoomba R " A D O Katoomba STER H " E N A I W D H G N M STER EP 7 M R E N EAN O H IVER E W R I TO IV G NE R M7 R THE NORTHERN ROAD PE W M R W AN E A O S E H RIVER T U O X V Y D R O I N C THE NORTHERN ROAD W R A A E Penrith E Y W A S " O V U Y X R A

D O K N E C E E ABBOTT ROAD D A A E U L R Penrith M Y O V B " S I L A M ITT R R A L L I E A R KVE R E E ORWA R E ABBOTT ROAD IV D O T Y M U A L E M 4 M R R B M C S I A M 6,260,000 LITT R L I L E A R VE R ORWA R Y M 230,000 IV 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client O T 300,000 310,000 E 4 M A R DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic AuthorityM of New Sout h Wales C " 6,260,000 Legend R 230,000" VE 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client 300,000 310,000 Town RI Geotechnical Constraints Job Title N DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New Sout h Wales A " L BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Legend Bells Line of Road High Constraint Level 10, 201 Kent Street O R NEWCASTLE" N E Sydney, NSW 2001 " E V Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321

J Drawing Title Job Title MotorwayTown RI GeotechnicalModerate Constraint Constraints www.arup.com N PARKES A " Geotechnical Constraints BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Major Roads L Low Constraint Scale at A3 Drawing Status Bells Line of Road High Constraint Level 10, 201 Kent Street O BATHURST NEWCASTLE" Sydney, NSW 2001 N " LITHGOW 1:210,000 Draft Figure 5.2 "

Rivers E Metres Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 J RICHMOND Drawing Title Motorway Moderate Constraint " Coordinate System Data Source: www.arup.com PARKES " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping " EDITH " Geotechnical Constraints " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial PhotoGeotechnical 2010 constraints Major Roads Low Constraint COWRA SYDNEY Scale at A3 Drawing Status " " AP 28/11/2011 XY AP PR BATHURST Job No Drawing No " LITHGOW Issue Date By Chkd Appd 1:210,000 Draft Rivers " 220904-06Metres 1

RICHMOND J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Geotechnical Constraints.mxd " © ArupCoordinate System Data Source: " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " 39 " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY " " AP 28/11/2011 XY AP PR Job No Drawing No Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Geotechnical Constraints.mxd © Arup Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5.4 Ecology High constraint > Endangered ecological communities, un-fragmented native The Bells Line of Road corridor contains areas of exceptionally vegetation and riparian zone vegetation, and significant aquatic high ecological values. The ecology of the area is critical to the habitats. decision-making process for any future road upgrade. Moderate constraint Between Kurrajong Heights and Bell, the Bells > Fragmented native vegetation that is not an endangered Line of Road passes through the Greater ecological community. Blue Mountains World Heritage Area with Wollemi National Park to the north and Low constraint Blue Mountains National Park to the south. >Areas not containing native vegetation. This central section features dense native vegetation with associated fauna. 5.4.2 Community input In the eastern section, the surrounding area has been heavily cleared. However there Numerous comments were received from the community are still large and significant remnant patches about the ecology, flora and fauna of the corridor. There was of native vegetation associated with various substantial concern about the potential impacts on vegetation and Endangered Ecological Communities on the threatened and endangered species if future road development Cumberland Plain and the escarpment near Kurrajong. were to occur. The following areas, species and communities Melaleuca/Eucalypt vegetation community were specifically mentioned: The western section features dense native vegetation, particularly along the Darling Causeway and Chifley Road. >Western Sydney dry rainforest. > The flora and fauna of Botanist’s Way (a tourist drive that includes Bells Line of Road). 5.4.1 Mapping methodology >Blue Mountains National Park. The ecology constraint analysis was based on three aspects: >Hanging swamps on sandstone. >Native vegetation. >Giant dragonfly habitat. >Endangered ecological communities. >Little Wheeny Creek – platypus, echidna, wallabies. >Bellbird habitat. >Riparian vegetation and aquatic habitats. >Small pockets of ecological communities on Bellbird Hill. The following constraint classifications were used to develop the >Large trees, including Eucalyptus deanei, near Bilpin. ecology constraints map: > Extensive corridor linkages between fauna populations in the Grose Wilderness and Wollemi National Park.

40 230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,0005 Constraint analysis 310,000 Western Central Eastern

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000

COLO RIV Western E P C Central EasternR U A TT S Y T RO L A D 6,300,000 E WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK R

E A G COLO RIV H E C R PU

A H TT S I Y G T RO L H A D 6,300,000 E WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK W R D A E A Y A O G R E H D G ERRY ROA F H R ID E LE E R L I IF V L G CH Y I I R S H E Lithgow R MB D V W " O GA N K A AN DA C A L WOL AL A Y D X LA O S B R Bilpin E OAD G S RRY R " D FE R I I E LE E R N L D CHIF Y IV L R S G I A E V R B D L Lithgow O O M N K 6,290,000 GA E " N OF A C R A Bell A LL T D " WO L A Kurrajong HeightsAX O E E BL S " N L N Bilpin L I R " S I L I O V N A D K B G A C E D A L O

6,290,000 L S E L OF R Bell " S Kurrajong T E Kurrajong Heights" O E " R N L N I R IL D O A L BUR O V ES Y RIV A K KING ROAD O B A K ER D C R E D W A I LL A S TA S Kurrajong H AT " C R North Richmond " D O A D BU A S RY RI KING ROAD O A E VER R O K I Mt Victoria D W R A A " H TT A N Richmond C " W "North Richmond O D T 6,280,000 D A T AD A IT O O P O R R AD O BLACKTOWN ROAD Mt Victoria E Y R R D V R S " RI R E U H A N GRO S E B G V RichmondO A G S "A W E R O C E MACQUARIET STREET R K R 6,280,000 N Y T D E IT A AD R E O W A P L O R R AD O L BLACKTOWN ROAD E Y T R R D O A IV R A R S S R E

N E GR E U H H A A D E T O S B G C V O J S A A G N E R C E MACQUARIE STREET R K R O N Y W E D A E R I L W L ND N R S O BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK A T OR A S N H A E O R

L D

J E T C O N A D O W D IND N S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK OR O R L THE NORTHERN ROAD GARFIELDO ROAD A R D IC H 6,270,000 M THE NORTHERN ROAD GARFIELD ROADO N R D IC H R 6,270,000 Katoomba M O " O A N D STER H E N D

R W I N M G E 7 P O M R Katoomba EA O E " N RIVER A TO V H D R I T H ER THE NORTHERN ROAD R ES N W E A S W I W N M U Y X G EP 7 M E D O O R N C AN RIVER T E A O E IV H A Penrith R O THE NORTHERN ROAD V R Y " W E R A A S W K U Y X E E E ABBOTT ROAD D D O N U L C R A M E B A Penrith S I L A O M V ITT R Y " L L I A E V R A

R E K R ORWAY R E I E M V D O T E ABBOTT ROAD U M L A E M 4 R R B M S C L A M I 6,260,000 ITT R L I L E R VE A R ORWAY R IV O T M 230,000 E 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 4 M 290,000Client A 300,000 310,000 R M C 6,260,000 DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales " 230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client 300,000 310,000 ER V DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales RI " Job Title Legend N A R BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan L VE Bells Line of RoadO Level 10, 201 Kent Street Legend RI Ecological Constraints Job Title NN NEWCASTLE" Sydney, NSW 2001

AE Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 J BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Motorway L High Constraint Drawing Title Bells Line of RoadO Ecological Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Streetwww.arup.com NEWCASTLE Figure 5.3 N PARKES " Sydney, NSW 2001 " E Ecological Constraints Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321

Major Roads J Moderate Constraint Drawing Title Scale at A3 Drawing Status Motorway High Constraint www.arup.com PARKES BATHURST Ecological constraints " " LITHGOW Ecological Constraints Draft MajorRivers Roads Low Constraint " Metres Scale at A3 1:210,000Drawing Status Moderate Constraint RICHMOND BATHURST " Coordinate System Data Source: " LITHGOW " " PENRITH 0Metres 2,000 4,000 6,000 1:210,000 8,000 Draft ARUP, RTA 2011 Rivers Extent of Mapping Low Constraint EDITH " " RICHMOND GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA " SYDNEY Coordinate System Data Source: " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " Job No Drawing No " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY 41 " " AP 29/11/2011IssueXY DateAP By PR Chkd Appd Job No 220904-06Drawing No 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Ecological Constraints.mxd © Arup Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Ecological Constraints.mxd © Arup Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

>> The Air Services Australia site, which the Castlereagh Road Moderate constraint areas corridor passes through. This contains critically endangered >> Areas of moderate constraint reflect areas of fragmented vegetation communities, notably about 250 hectares of vegetation communities. These are isolated in small Cumberland Plain shale woodlands and Shale-Gravel concentrations, particularly south of Richmond on the transition forest and 111 hectares of Cooks River Castlereagh Cumberland Plain and within the Hartley Valley. ironbark forest, mostly in good condition and free of weeds. This site also contains habitat for a considerable number of Low constraint areas bird species that are now rare and declining in the Sydney >> Areas of lower constraint are generally seen in areas where area. vegetation has been disturbed by urban development >> Endangered ecological communities within the road reserve (eastern section) and rural development (central and western of the Bells Line of Road corridor. sections). In addition, many people who provided comments were concerned about the impacts of an upgraded road on the environment of the Blue Mountains and Wollemi national parks. 5.4.4 Future investigations These concerns related to: Any future road planning and design will require detailed ecological >> Negative impacts on tourism, cultural heritage, endangered studies. More targeted mapping and species identification will be shale forest communities and upland swamps. required in relation to: >> Possible loss of National Park land. >> Extent and condition of vegetation, particularly endangered >> Permanent damage to the Greater Blue Mountains World ecological communities. Heritage Area, two wilderness areas and the Wollemi and >> Presence and location of threatened and other significant flora Blue Mountains national parks, including impacts on the species. Wollangambie and Grose rivers. >> Actual and potential presence of threatened and other significant fauna species. 5.4.3 Mapping results >> Presence of endangered ecological communities, as listed under NSW and/or Commonwealth legislation. Ecological constraints are shown in Figure 5.3. >> Extent of wildlife movement corridors. High constraint areas >> Types and location of quality habitat. >> There are extensive areas of high ecological constraint within the Bells Line of Road corridor. This reflects the native >> Condition and extent of aquatic habitats and species. vegetation communities associated with the Blue Mountains and Wollemi national parks (including endangered ecological communities, especially on the Cumberland Plain), riparian ecology, and state forests in the central and western areas.

42 5 Constraint analysis

The corridor was divided into two broad categories (urban 5.5 Landscape character and wilderness) which were then broken into further discrete Landscape character is the aggregate of built, natural and cultural landscape characters. aspects that make up an area and provide its unique sense of place. Landscape character types Along the length of the route there are two broad landscape The Bells Line of Road corridor offers areas of visual richness categories: and a diverse range of experiences. These qualities are a function of climate, topography characterised by major changes > Urban/rural/settled landscapes clearly modified for human use in elevation and dramatic landforms, cultural and heritage items, or habitation. and the close proximity of unique vegetation. The corridor > Wilderness landscapes, mostly undisturbed bushland or forest. includes the Wollemi and Blue Mountains national parks and the Hawkesbury River. At a more detailed level, the corridor contains 17 discrete landscape character types. Each was assigned a constraint At both ends of the corridor are established towns with level (high, moderate, low) based on its sensitivity to any road embodied European heritage, the Macquarie towns of Richmond upgrades. The character types and constraint level classifications and Windsor at the outer extent of Sydney’s metropolitan are summarised in Table 5.2. footprint in the east and Lithgow in the west.

5.5.1 Mapping methodology The landscape constraint analysis was based on the following characteristics of the landscape alongside the corridor: >Geology >Topography >Culture >Economy >Transport environment >Land use >Pedestrian/cycle amenity >Vegetation >Hydrology >Views

>Built form Rural landscape with wilderness landscape in the background

43 Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

Table 5.2 Landscape character types Character type Constraint Description level Established suburban High Larger areas of residential land (plus schools, shops, etc), mainly in north-western Sydney, Kurrajong and Lithgow. Mountain village High Urban centres in the central section that form a service base with schools, post offices, accommodation, general stores, etc. High street civic High Established centres that serve a civic function (eg local council chambers, police stations, courthouses, commercial and retail). Forest ridgeline High Areas where Bells Line of Road is on a ridgeline with forest immediately adjacent to the corridor, with very few built elements. Mountain pass High Areas along the road corridor associated with sharp changes in elevation and winding routes that provide a constantly changing visual experience. Forest flood plain High Flood plain areas with remnant or regrowth forest and agricultural land. The suitability of much of the surrounding land for agriculture means that large areas of this character type are rare. Forest mountain/national park High Areas in the central section with native vegetation, either untouched or regrowth forest. Spatial quality is enclosed. River/riparian Moderate Areas where a watercourse (eg Hawkesbury River) is large enough to have a visual presence as well as offering recreational opportunities such as water-skiing or parkland on its banks. Mountain rural Moderate Rural properties above the escarpment mainly in the central section, and, to a lesser extent, in the western section. Rural escarpment Moderate The area above the Hawkesbury River beyond North Richmond, characterised by a repeating pattern of agricultural land, residential areas, small shopping centres and remnant vegetation. Rural valley Moderate The area between Great Western Highway and the base of the ridges. Contains Newnes Plateau, Darling Causeway and Chifley Road, and comprises rural residential land and small village centres. Institutional Moderate Department of Defence land, universities, TAFEs and other institutional land. New growth area residential Low Future land release areas within the North West Growth Centre. Rural flood plain Low Rural areas in the South Creek–Hawkesbury River flood plain area. Includes agriculture and related businesses such as agricultural and landscape supplies, as well as some concentrated recreational areas. Combined road/rail corridor Low Where road and rail corridors run parallel and within visual proximity of each other. Commercial/retail Low Areas with commercial and retail activity, generally located in areas of higher residential density. Industrial Low Industrial land, including mining. Use tends to be concentrated on the floodplain and around Lithgow.

44 5 Constraint analysis 230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 Western Central Eastern

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000

COLO RIV E P C Western Central EasternR U A TT S Y T RO L A D 6,300,000 E WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK R

E A G COLO R H IV E P C H R U A T I T S G Y T RO H A L WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK D 6,300,000 E W

R D A A E Y O A R G E ROAD H G RRY D FE R I E H LE E R L HIF Y V L I C I I G R S R BE D V H Lithgow O AM N K W " G A AN A C OLL L D A D W AX A A Y BL O S R Bilpin E S D " G ERRY ROA D I F R I N E D FLE E R L I V G A CH Y I S IL R L R BE D V O 6,290,000 Lithgow M E K OA A OF N R " Bell G " LLAN A T C O Kurrajong Heights L E D W E AX O A " BL NS L N I Bilpin R IL L " S O V I A K B N D C G D E A A

L L O S 6,290,000 L O E S F Kurrajong R Bell " " T E Kurrajong Heights R O E " N L N D I L O R I A L BUR O V S Y RI K KING ROAD O A KE VER A R B D C I E D AW A A L S T L Kurrajong H AT S " C R "North Richmond O D D A A O BUR KING ROAD O A ES Y R R Mt Victoria K IVE I R " D AW R A T N H Richmond AT " C W " North Richmond TO D 6,280,000 D TT AD A A PI ROAD BLACKTOWN ROAD O ER Y O O R D Mt Victoria IV R R R S R E " E U H A GRO S B G N V S RichmondO A G A W E " R C E MACQUARIEO STREET R K R N Y T 6,280,000 D E T A E R T L AD ROAW A L PI D BLACKTOWNR ROAD O ER Y A O T RO A S D V R E N S I R H A R U H A

D E E T E C J V G GRO S B G O A R S A N E R C E O MACQUARIE STREET E K R W Y N D E IN A W R D L A L N SO BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK T R R

O O T S N E R HA A L O E D J C A N D O W D IND N S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK OR O THE NORTHERN ROAD R L GARFIELDO ROAD A R D IC H 6,270,000 M THE NORTHERN ROAD GARFIELD ROADO N R D

IC R H O 6,270,000 Katoomba M A " O D STER H N E N D W I M N R G EP 7 M R Katoomba EAN RIVER O OT E A O V " H R I D H T THE NORTHERN ROAD R S ERN W E E A S I W M W U 7 Y X G N M E D O O P N C R EA T N A O ER E E H A RIV Penrith R V O V I Y " W THE NORTHERN ROAD R R A A

E S K W Y E E X D E U ABBOTT ROAD U D L O R N C M A S B A E L A Penrith M I IT Y T R O V L I " L E V A R E R A

R O RWAY R IV K T M E O E ABBOTT ROAD E D M E A U 4 L R M M R C B S

6,260,000 I LITT A R M L I L E V A R E ORWAY R T R I O M V M Client 230,000 E 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 M4 290,000 A 300,000 310,000 R C

6,260,000 DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales " Client 230,000 ER240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 V DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales RI " Job Title Legend N A L BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Bells Line of RoadO Ecological Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Street Legend NEWCASTLEJob Title N " Sydney, NSW 2001 E Tel +61 (2)9320Figure 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 5.4 9321 Motorway J High Constraint BLOR Long DrawingTerm TitleStrategic Corridor Plan Bells Line of Road Landscape Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Streetwww.arup.com PARKES NEWCASTLE" Sydney, NSW 2001 " Ecological ConstraintsLandscape character constraints Major Roads Moderate Constraint Drawing Title Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 FaxScale +61 at (2)9320 A3 9321 Drawing Status Motorway High Constraint www.arup.com PARKES BATHURST " " LITHGOW Landscape Constraints Draft Rivers Low Constraint " Metres 1:210,000 Major Roads Moderate Constraint RICHMOND Scale at A3 Drawing Status " Data Source: BATHURST Coordinate System " LITHGOW " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 1:210,000 8,000 Draft ARUP, RTA 2011 Rivers Extent of Mapping Low Constraint " EDITH " Metres " RICHMOND GDA 1994 MGA Zone 4556 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA " SYDNEY Coordinate System Data Source: " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 Job No ARUP, RTADrawing 2011 No Extent of Mapping EDITH " " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY Issue Date By Chkd Appd " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR 220904-06 1

Job No Drawing No J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Ecological Constraints.mxd © Arup Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Landscape Constraints.mxd © Arup Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5.5.2 Community input 5.5.4 Future investigations Many community members living in the Bells Line of Road When planning for future road upgrades, detailed urban design corridor expressed concerns about: investigations will be required. An urban design framework for the corridor should be developed to incorporate the following > Potentially losing the unique character of the area if major road upgrades were to occur. The rural lifestyle, the objectives: agricultural land and country atmosphere were viewed as > Urban structure: Maintain and enhance the urban structure of contributors to the tourist economy, and were highly valued settlements that occur along the corridor. lifestyle factors. > Existing communities: Maintain and enhance the integrity > The potential for communities to be physically divided should of Blue Mountains and Cumberland Plain communities that a major road upgrade be built. contribute to the unique character of the corridor. Rural activity in the Kurrajong area > Cultural elements: Maintain and enhance those cultural elements within the corridor that contribute to the unique 5.5.3 Mapping results character of Bells Line of Road. Landscape character constraints are shown in Figure 5.4. > Natural features: Maintain and enhance the existing natural features within the corridor that contribute to its unique High constraint areas visual and landscape character. > Areas in close proximity to the unique vegetation of > Landscape value: Maintain and enhance the World Heritage the Wollemi and Blue Mountains national parks and the and Blue Mountains National Park landscape that contributes Hawkesbury River. to the unique visual and landscape character along the > Areas in the central section, mainly due to the sensitivity of corridor. the ‘forest mountain’ character zone and regular occurrence > Views: Maintain and enhance short and long distance views, of mountain villages. within the corridor and from surrounding major vantage > The established towns with embodied European heritage – points, that contribute to the unique visual character of the the Macquarie towns of Richmond and Windsor in the east Bells Line of Road corridor. and Lithgow in the west – at both ends of the corridor. > Planning: Use the urban, landscape and visual assessment process to assist the selection and planning of the corridor. Moderate constraint areas > The majority of the rural areas west of the Hawkesbury River.

Low constraint areas > Areas of low constraint occur where the built environment will change in the future in the North West Growth Centre.

46 5 Constraint analysis

5.6 Visual character Moderate constraint >> Areas with commercial, special use/community, open space/ Constraints associated with visual character differ from landscape recreation and residential land uses. character in that they relate to the change to the landscape that would be visually perceivable as a result of new road Low constraint development, rather than potential impacts on the broader >> Areas with industrial, military, infrastructure and forestry land urban and rural fabric. uses. The Bells Line of Road corridor contains dramatic visual landscape Native vegetation associated with the national parks, changes in elevation and a range of visually sensitive land uses. The clearing of native vegetation will generally result in changes to the landscape, such as scarring and/or changes to vistas. 5.6.1 Mapping methodology High constraint >> Areas of native vegetation, particularly more densely forested The visual constraint analysis evaluated the likely visual sensitivity areas. of any upgrade(s) of Bells Line of Road. The analysis considered three main inputs representative of the visual character of the Low constraint corridor – land use, native vegetation and slope. These inputs >> Areas with no native vegetation. were considered separately in the visual analysis and combined in an overall visual character constraint map. Slope Slope has a correlation with earthworks volumes. Generally, the Land use steeper the terrain, the greater the level of cut and fill required Land use was used as an indicator for the location of viewers during construction, and the greater the potential change in the and to help assess land use sensitivity to possible future road landscape. upgrade(s). A higher constraint was given to areas with a higher number of viewers, where views are of a longer duration, and/or High constraint where the quality of views is particularly important, including the >> Areas with a slope of greater than 15 per cent. dramatic visual landscape of the Blue Mountains and Wollemi national parks. Medium constraint >> Areas with a slope of 5–15 per cent. High constraint >> Small rural lots (less than 10 hectares), rural, active fruit Low constraint growing, flood plain agriculture and open space/environmental >> Areas with a slope of 0–5 per cent. protection areas.

47 Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5.6.3 Mapping results Visual character constraints are shown in Figure 5.5.

High constraint areas > The visually dramatic bushland landscape within the national parks has great visual importance. Areas of high constraint are found predominantly in the central and western sections associated with the occurrence of native vegetation and high slopes of the Blue Mountains and Wollemi national parks.

Moderate constraint areas > Areas of moderate constraint in the eastern section reflect the flatter, relatively less vegetated areas. > Areas of moderate constraint in the western section are generally due to the presence of native vegetation.

Low constraint areas > Areas of low constraint are largely to the east of the Hawkesbury River and reflect less visually sensitive land uses (eg rural settlement) and relatively flatter, cleared areas.

5.6.4 Future investigations Section of Bells Line of Road indicating the visual effect of a road through forest 5.6.2 Community input Visual character will change over time, depending on changes Community input highlighted the importance of the scenic in adjoining land use and vegetation growth. Therefore, this environment to the community. Specific comments related analysis and mapping should be reviewed and updated as part to views to and from Bells Line of Road, including views to of future investigations. A detailed visual impact assessment will orchards, the passage of road through a forested landscape and need to be undertaken in relation to planning for any future road the importance of views to the cliffs and Grose Valley between development in the corridor. Mount Tomah and Bell. In addition, there were concerns about potential impacts of road upgrades on the scenic values of, and views from, the Grose and Wollemi wilderness areas within the Blue Mountains National Park and the highly scenic Gardens of Stone. 48 5 Constraint analysis

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 Western Central Eastern

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000

COLO RIV E C R PU A Western Central Eastern TT S Y R T OA L WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK D 6,300,000 E

E A G C H OLO RIV E P C H R U A T I T S G Y T RO H A L WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK D 6,300,000 E W R D A E A Y A O G R H E G RRY ROAD FE H R ID E I LE E R L G IF V CH Y I IL H R S R BE D V W Lithgow M OA GA D N K A " AN A A C Y LL L D WO O X A R LA S E B D G ERRY ROA Bilpin D E F R " I S IFLE VE R L CH Y I IL I R S N D R E V B D G Lithgow M A OA GA N K " N A L LLA L C O 6,290,000 D WO O X A F A E R Bell L S " B T E Bilpin Kurrajong Heights O E " L N " S N I I N D R IL G L A O V L O A K 6,290,000 B O E F R D C Bell E " L T A L E Kurrajong Heights O E S " L S N Kurrajong N I " R R IL L O V K B A D E O D C L A A L BSU S Kurrajong A ES RY R KING ROAD O " K IVE R R D AW R I H TA O D AT BU A C A ES RY KING ROAD O K RIV North RichmondR D W ER " I A D H TA AT A C O

Mt Victoria North Richmond R " " D N RichmondA " O W Mt Victoria R " TO N 6,280,000 Richmond D ITT AD " ROA A W P ER Y D O O BLACKTOWN ROAD RO V R D T 6,280,000 S D I R T R A T E AD AE U H PI V R ROADGRO SO B BLACKTOWN ROAD G E Y O A RO IV R R D S A S G E R R U A C E GR E H E MACQUARIE STREET V O S B G K R O R N S Y A A E G R A E W R L C E E LMACQUARIE STREET R K R N Y T R O E A A R S N L E A W L H A E T R

E O A D T S C J N A H E A N E D

J T C O N W D O W IND D N S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK IND OR N O S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK OR R O L R O L O A A D D

THE NORTHERN ROAD THE NORTHERNGARFIELD ROAD ROAD GARFIELD ROAD

R R IC I H C 6,270,000 M H 6,270,000 O M N O D N

R D

O Katoomba R T R A " S E N O Katoomba E D " W STER H A E N D I N H M W G EP 7 M R EAN R O E RIVI E TO M H N G 7 IV EP R M R R THE NORTHERN ROAD EAN W O E RIVER E A TO S W H X IV U Y R D THE NORTHERN ROAD O R N W C E A S A W Penrith E A O V U Y X Y " D R A N O C K A E E E ABBOTT ROAD D A E Penrith U L R O V M Y " D B S I R A L A M

ITT R L I L E KV A E E ABBOTT ROA R ED E R ORWA R I Y M V U T L O R E M M A B 4 S R C I LIT A R M M 6,260,000 T L I L E R VE A R ORWA R I T Y M V Client O 230,000 E 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 4 M 300,000 A 310,000 R M C DUBBO 6,260,000 [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales "

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client 300,000 310,000 Job Title Legend DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales " BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Bells Line of Road Visual Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Street NEWCASTLE" Sydney, NSW 2001 Legend Drawing Title Job Title Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Motorway High Constraint www.arup.com PARKES " Visual Constraints BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan MajorBells RoadsLine of Road VisualModerate Constraints Constraint Scale at A3 Drawing Status Level 10, 201 Kent Street NEWCASTLE BATHURST " Sydney, NSW 2001 Figure 5.5 " LITHGOW Draft Rivers Low Constraint " Metres 1:210,000 Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Motorway High Constraint RICHMOND Drawing Title " Coordinate System Data Source: www.arup.com PARKES 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 Visual constraints " " PENRITH ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " Visual Constraints " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010Scale at A3 Drawing Status Major Roads Moderate Constraint COWRA SYDNEY " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR BATHURST Job No Drawing No " LITHGOW 1:210,000 Draft Rivers Low Constraint " Issue Date By Chkd Appd Metres RICHMOND 220904-06 1 " CoordinateJ:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\VisualConstraints.mxd System Data Source: © Arup " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR 49 Job No Drawing No Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\VisualConstraints.mxd © Arup Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5.7 Aboriginal heritage >> West of the Hawkesbury River, the corridor is characterised by the steeper, heavily vegetated land of the Blue Mountains. There is a rich heritage of Aboriginal occupation in the Bells The western occupation model for the Blue Mountains Line of Road corridor. The widely varying topography and considers the following factors: native vegetation, geology environment, however, resulted in different patterns of use by (ie the presence of Hawkesbury Sandstone), creeks and Aboriginal people. waterways, and slope. Similar to the eastern model this model considers that Aboriginal occupation and the preservation of Aboriginal heritage is understood to varying degrees across the any artifacts is more likely along waterways and within areas Bells Line of Road corridor. The eastern section has been well of undisturbed native vegetation. Additional factors of slope studied over the last 20 years. However, there is an absence and geology have been included in the western model to take of baseline information for the central and western sections, into account accessibility and transversibility of steep terrain which means that these areas are relatively poorly understood and that certain geologic layers have a greater likelihood of archaeologically. formation of rock shelters and surfaces suitable for engraving.

High, moderate and low constraints for each of the above 5.7.1 Mapping methodology factors have been identified. Inputs into the two occupation The Aboriginal heritage constraint analysis aimed to show areas models are listed below: of the corridor more likely to have had Aboriginal occupation. Cumberland Plain (east of Hawkesbury River) These are considered to have a higher sensitivity to upgrade(s) of Bells Line of Road, and therefore were rated with a higher High constraint: constraint. >> Native vegetation within 100 metres of a creek or waterway. Due to the different land uses and differences in topography Moderate constraint: between the east and west of the Hawkesbury River, two >> Native vegetation greater than 100 metres from a creek or different occupation models were developed: waterway. >> East of the Hawkesbury River on the Cumberland Plain, the corridor is characterised by flatter, more disturbed flood plain. Low constraint Vegetation is more fragmented than to the west of the river, >> Land without native vegetation – that is, cleared land. reflecting the influence of rural and residential land uses. The eastern occupation model for the Cumberland Plain considers Blue Mountains (west of Hawkesbury River) the following factors and the interaction between them: native vegetation, creeks and waterways, and disturbance. Aboriginal Native vegetation occupation and the preservation of any artifacts is considered High constraint: more likely along waterways and within areas of undisturbed native vegetation. >> Areas of native vegetation.

50 5 Constraint analysis

Low constraint: >> Bells Line of Road – considered to be used as an ancient >> Un-vegetated areas – that is, cleared land. footpath by Aboriginal people. >> Dharug and Wiradjuri associations – from North Richmond Geology to Bell. >> Aboriginal land claims – particularly east of the Hawkesbury High constraint: River. >> Hawkesbury Sandstone, which has a greater likelihood of formation of rock shelters and surfaces suitable for engraving. Low constraint: 5.7.3 Mapping results >> Geology that is not Hawkesbury Sandstone. Aboriginal heritage constraints are shown in Figure 5.6.

Waterways High constraint areas >> High constraint is restricted to small, concentrated areas, High constraint: particularly in the central region, associated with the >> Land within 100 metres of creek or waterway. occurrence of Hawkesbury Sandstone and accessible areas along drainage lines. High constraint is strongly influenced by Low constraint: the occurrence of creeks and vegetation, especially within the >> Land greater than 100 metres from creek or waterway. eastern section. >> In the more mountainous areas to the west of the Hawkesbury Slope River, where slope has a greater influence, dispersed areas of High constraint: high constraint occur due to the occurrence of waterways, >> Land where slope is less than 20 per cent. Hawkesbury Sandstone and lower slope.

Low constraint: Moderate constraint areas >> Land where slope is greater than 20 per cent. >> Concentrated areas of moderate constraint are dispersed throughout the eastern, central and western sections of the corridor. These correspond with drainage lines and creeks, 5.7.2 Community input especially west of the Hawkesbury River, as well as vegetated areas, slope and geology. Aboriginal cultural heritage and its preservation was of interest to the wider community. A number of specific areas were suggested as having potentially significant cultural heritage value and recommended for investigation during planning for the corridor. Specific input and concerns relating to Aboriginal cultural heritage and its need for preservation included:

51 Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 Western Central Eastern

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000

COLO RIV E P C Central Eastern R U A Western TT S Y T RO L WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK A

6,300,000 E D

R E A G COLO RIV H E PU C R A H T S T I Y T G RO L WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK A H 6,300,000 E D W R D E A A A Y O G R H E D RY ROA H G R D FE I R I E G LE E R L HIF V L H C Y I I R S W R E D V MB D A O A N K NG A A Y A OLLA O L C D W R AX A Lithgow E BL AD S " G FERRY RO R Bilpin ID E E L IFLE V " R S CH Y I IL R S I R BE D V N D O M N K NGA G A A LLA A C L L O D WO X A 6,290,000 OF A S E Lithgow BL R Bell " " T E Bilpin Kurrajong Heights O E " S N " N L I I N D R L L G A I O V L O

6,290,000 OF A K E R Bell C " BE T D E E L Kurrajong Heights O A " L L IN N S S L L R I O V A K B Kurrajong C E " R D A D L A L BSU S O ES RY KING ROAD O K RIV R W ER I Kurrajong A HA A " R D TT BU D A A O ES RY R KING ROAD O C K IVE R A AW R I H TA D D AT North RichmondC A " O Mt Victoria R " D North Richmond A N " O Richmond W Mt Victoria " R " O N T 6,280,000 Richmond D T AD " A W IT ROA O BLACKTOWN ROAD P O ER Y D O T 6,280,000 R D IV R R D T S AD A R IT ROA U H A P E O ER Y DGRO SO E B BLACKTOWN ROAD D G V R V R O A S G RI R S A U A E G E H E R C R RO S B G E V O MACQUARIE STREET G S K R N A A Y E R C R E E E A W MACQUARIE STREETR K R L L N Y E E T R O A A R A L W L S N H E

T R O A T A A E S D

N H E C J T A E D J C N

N O

O W D W IN D I D BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK N ND S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK N SO OR O R O R R L L OAD OAD

THE NORTHERN ROAD THE NORTHERNGARFIELD ROAD ROAD GARFIELD ROAD R IC R H I

6,270,000 C M H 6,270,000 O M N O D N R D H O Katoomba " A R I T R H D O Katoomba ES E N G " W A I H M T R N 7 D ES E N E G MO R PEA E W N RIVER TO W H R M IV NE W 7 R THE NORTHERN ROAD P MO R EA E A S E A N RIVER Y TO X W U R Y V D O I N W C THE NORTHERN ROAD A R E Penrith E A S A " O V Y U

X R A Y

D O K N E C E E ABBOTT ROAD D A E U L M R Penrith O V B " S I L A M ITT R R A L L I E A R KVE R E E R E ABBOTT ROAD IV D ORWAY M T L U A E M MO R R B 4 C S M I A M 6,260,000 LITT R L I L E R VE A R Client R 230,000 IV 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 TOR300,000WAY M 310,000 E MO A R DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority 4 of New South Wales C " M 6,260,000

230,000 ER 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client 300,000 310,000 Legend IV Job Title R DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales " N " Town A Aboriginal Heritage Constraints BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan L Level 10, 201 Kent Street O NEWCASTLE" Sydney, NSW 2001 Bells Line of RoadN HighR Constraint E Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321

Legend E V Drawing Title Job Title J I R www.arup.com " Motorway N Moderate Constraint PARKES Town A Aboriginal Heritage Constraints " Aboriginal Heritage ConstraintsBLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Scale at A3 Drawing Status Major Roads L Low Constraint Level 10, 201 Kent Street Figure 5.6 O BATHURST NEWCASTLE" Sydney, NSW 2001 Bells Line of RoadN High Constraint " LITHGOW Draft " Metres 1:210,000 Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Rivers E RICHMOND Drawing Title Motorway J Moderate Constraint " Coordinate System AboriginalData Source: www.arup.com heritage constraints PARKES " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping " EDITH " Aboriginal Heritage Constraints " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY Scale at A3 Drawing Status Major Roads Low Constraint " " AP 28/11/2011 XY AP PR BATHURST Job No Drawing No " LITHGOW 1:210,000 Draft Rivers " Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06Metres 1

RICHMOND J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Aboriginal Heritage Constraints.mxd " 52 © ArupCoordinate System Data Source: " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY " " AP 28/11/2011 XY AP PR Job No Drawing No Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Aboriginal Heritage Constraints.mxd © Arup 5 Constraint analysis

Low constraint areas >> Low constraint is dispersed throughout the corridor. East of the Hawkesbury River, low constraint corresponds with land disturbed by rural and residential land uses. Within the Blue Mountains (west of the Hawkesbury River) low constraint areas correspond to particularly high-slope areas, reflecting less accessible areas.

5.7.4 Future investigations The limited information available on Aboriginal cultural heritage sites, together with the importance of this area indicates a need for a detailed, site-specific assessment of Aboriginal heritage as part of any future investigations. This would include targeted surveys and consultation with the Aboriginal community.

53 Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5.8 Non-Aboriginal heritage >> The presence of colonial architecture and convict relics along and near the existing route. The Bells Line of Road corridor and townships of the area have a >> The use of Bells Line of Road as a major stock route and rich cultural heritage, associated with exploration and settlement a walkway to the western goldfields, and its connections to within the mountains. Non-Aboriginal heritage sites include scientific and botanical explorations. sites of State, regional and local significance. The Greater Blue >> The road at North Richmond, Kurrajong Heights and Mount Mountains World Heritage Area, which is listed on the World Tomah and its connections with early explorations from 1793 Heritage and National Heritage registers, is also included in the to 1823. constraints mapping. >> Associations with explorers Matthew Everingham, George Caley and Archibald Bell Jr, after whom Bells Line of Road 5.8.1 Mapping methodology was named. >> History associated with 19th century botanist and natural The constraint classifications for the non-Aboriginal heritage historian Louisa Atkinson, who at one time resided in analysis are based on a search of currently listed sites within the Kurrajong Heights, where she gathered and painted flora and corridor. Constraint classifications are: fauna. High constraint >> Any listed site of State, regional and local significance, and any 5.8.3 Mapping results listed site on the World Heritage List or National Heritage List and identified historic trails. Non-Aboriginal heritage constraints are shown in Figure 5.7.

Moderate constraint High constraint areas >> Not considered. >> The largest concentration of high constraint is located in the central section, and is attributed to the Greater Blue Low constraint Mountains World Heritage Area. >> No listed sites. >> Items of high constraint (heritage listed sites) are dispersed throughout the study area, associated with individual sites within townships and suburbs. 5.8.2 Community input >> The more substantial clusters of individual sites are found The community expressed a preference to preserve non- around the larger and older centres of occupation – Kellyville, Aboriginal heritage items during any future plans for the road Rouse Hill, Riverstone, Agnes Banks, Castlereagh, Kurrajong, corridor. A number of specific areas were suggested as having Kurrajong Heights, Hartley, Lithgow and, particularly, Richmond heritage value and recommended for investigation during and Windsor. Sites are also located at Mount Victoria and planning for the corridor. The community identified the presence Mount Wilson. of a number of heritage items and associations, including:

54 5 Constraint analysis

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 Western Central Eastern

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000

COLO RIV E C R PU A Western Central Eastern TT S Y T RO L WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK A D 6,300,000 E

E A G H COLO RIV E C H R PU A I T G T S Y T H RO L WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK A W D 6,300,000 E D R A A E Y O A R G E H ROAD G FERRY D H R I E LE E R L I IF V G CH Y I L R S I H E Lithgow R B D V W OA AM N K " G D A AN A C OLL A L Y D W O AX A R BL S E ROAD Bilpin G FERRY R " ID E S E L IFLE V R I CH Y I IL N D R S E V G Lithgow R B D A OA M N K A L " ANG O A C O 6,290,000 F LL L E D WO X A R Bell A " E BL S T Kurrajong Heights O E N Bilpin " N L I " S

I R L L N D I O V G A L A K B O O 6,290,000 E F D C E R Bell L T A " E S LS Kurrajong Heights O E " L IN Kurrajong N " L R R IL O V B O A K D E D C L UAR A B S Y RIVER O LS A ES KING ROAD Kurrajong D K R " R W I A TTA O H D A BURY A C A S RIVER NorthKING Richmond ROAD O E R D K " I D W A A T A H AT C O Mt Victoria R " " North Richmond D N RichmondA W " O Mt Victoria R O " T 6,280,000 D N TT AD Richmond A PI "R ROAD W BLACKTOWN ROAD E Y O O RO D IV R R T

6,280,000 S R A E ED U H ITT V AD O GRO SA B G P R R AD BLACKTOWN ROAD O A E Y O S A RO D IV R R E R C S E G R U H A MACQUARIE STREET E G E K R N V RO S B G Y R S A O E A A W R E R L L C G E MACQUARIE STREET E K R T R O N Y S R E E N A R HA L A W L A E D E T R C J O S

E N N T HA A A E C D J O

N T W D IN O D BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK N W S D IN OR O D BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK N SO R L R O R O L O A A D D

THE NORTHERN ROAD THE NORTHERN ROAD GARFIELD ROAD GARFIELD ROAD

R R IC IC H H 6,270,000 6,270,000 M M O O N N D D R

Katoomba O R " STER A O Katoomba D " WE N STER H A D E N H I M7 G N W EP MO R EAN I TO M7 EG R N E H RIV E R MO IV R PE W R THE NORTHERN ROAD AN ER TO E H RIV E A S V W Y R I U W X THE NORTHERN ROAD R D O N C E A W A S A E Y Penrith U Y X " O V D O N R A

C A K A E E E ABBOTT ROAD D E Penrith Y O V U " L M R AD S R A B I LITT A RK M L I E L E ABBOTT RO E V A E R ED TORWAY R U O R L R IV M M M 4 S E B M A I L A M ITT R R C L I L 6,260,000 E V A R E TORWAY R O R I M V Client 4 M 230,000 E 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 M 300,000 A 310,000 R DUBBO C 6,260,000 [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales " 230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client 300,000 310,000 Legend DUBBO Job Title [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales " BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Bells Line of Road Non_Aboriginal Heritage Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Street NEWCASTLE" Sydney, NSW 2001 Job Title Legend Drawing Title Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Motorway High Constraint www.arup.com PARKES BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan " Non_Aboriginal Heritage Constraints MajorBells RoadsLine of Road Non_AboriginalLow Constraint Heritage Constraints Scale at A3 Drawing Status Level 10, 201 Kent Street NEWCASTLE" Sydney, NSW 2001 Figure 5.7 BATHURST " LITHGOW Draft Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Rivers Motorway High Constraint " Metres Drawing Title 1:210,000 RICHMOND www.arup.com PARKES " Coordinate SystemNon-AboriginalData Source: heritage constraints " " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000Non_Aboriginal Heritage ConstraintsARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " Scale at A3 Drawing Status Major Roads Low Constraint " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY " BATHURST" AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR " LITHGOW Job No Drawing No Draft Rivers " Metres 1:210,000 IssueRICHMOND Date By Chkd Appd " 220904-06 1 Coordinate System Data Source: J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Non_AboriginalHeritage Constraints.mxd " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 © Arup ARUP, RTA 201155 Extent of Mapping EDITH " " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR Job No Drawing No Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Non_AboriginalHeritage Constraints.mxd © Arup Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

Low constraint areas > Generally, non-Aboriginal heritage is a low constraint across the eastern and western areas of the corridor.

5.8.4 Future investigations The constraint mapping provides a general overview and does not include all listed sites, due to some listings lacking specific location data. There are also likely to be a large number of unlisted sites with heritage significance occurring within the corridor. Future detailed investigations would need to identify these. Any future upgrade to Bells Line of Road will also require consideration of sites that are currently nominated for listing on the statutory registers. Such items/sites include the Blacktown Native Institution and the Colebee/Nurragingy Land Grant nominations on the State Heritage Register and the Hartley Valley, which is currently nominated for listing on the National Heritage List. Additionally, future planning will also need to consider the heritage listed walking trails (there are more than 300 trails) of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Fieldwork will need to be undertaken as part of future planning. It is expected that the number of potential heritage items and archaeological sites will increase after detailed historical analysis and a site survey are undertaken. More detailed investigations will need to consider both direct and indirect impacts on heritage items, and consider design measures to minimise any impacts. Heritage building in Richmond

56 5 Constraint analysis

5.9 Water quality Low constraint >> Greater than 100 metres from a watercourse and outside a Bells Line of Road lies within the Hawkesbury–Nepean River wild rivers or drinking water catchment. Catchment, one of the most important rivers in the greater Sydney area. The Hawkesbury–Nepean River system provides drinking water for Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra, 5.9.2 Community input and water for agriculture and coal-mining operations. It also The community raised specific concerns about potential impacts supports commercial and recreational fishing. In addition, the on river systems and drinking water catchments. Specific corridor includes the ‘wild river’ catchments of the Grose and comments included concerns about: Colo rivers (as defined by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974). Wild river declaration provides a high level of protection >> Impacts on the Wollangambie and Grose rivers. and conservation to some of the least disturbed watercourses in >> A possible Lithgow bypass (potentially associated with an NSW. Water quality protection is particularly important in these upgrade of the Bells Line of Road corridor). It was commented areas. that this could impact on Lithgow’s drinking water supply. >> The need to protect dams in the keyline dam system, directly west of North Richmond. These dams will need to be 5.9.1 Mapping methodology considered in planning any upgrade(s) to the Bells Line of The water quality constraint analysis focused on mapping Road. watercourses and sensitive catchments with the potential to be affected by road upgrade(s). Sensitive catchments were identified as drinking water catchments and the ‘wild river’ catchments of 5.9.3 Mapping results the Grose and Colo rivers. Water quality constraints are shown in Figure 5.8. Buffers were established around the watercourses to quantify High constraint areas areas of constraint. For the purposes of identifying the importance >> High constraint areas include watercourses, such as the of potential water quality impacts and the risks to any upgrade(s), Hawkesbury River and water courses feeding this and the the following classifications were used. Grose and Colo rivers. These high constraint areas correspond directly to watercourses, where the potential impacts on High constraint water quality are considered the highest. >> Less than 50 metres from a watercourse. Moderate constraint >> Within 50–100 metres of a watercourse. >> Within a wild rivers catchment, for the Grose or Colo rivers. >> Within a drinking water catchment.

57 Bells230,000 Line of Road Long Term 240,000Strategic Corridor Plan 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 Western Central Eastern

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000

Western Central COEastern LO RIV E C R PU A TT S Y T RO L A

6,300,000 WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK D E

R E A COLO RIV E C G R PU A H TT S Y H T RO L I A G

6,300,000 WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK D E H R W E D A A A G Y O H R E H ROAD G FERRY I D G R I E IFLE VE R L H CH Y I IL R S W R E D V Lithgow MB D A O A N K " NG A A Y A A C OLL L O A D W AX R BL E S G RRY ROAD Bilpin D FE R I S E FLE E " R L CHI Y IV I L R S N I D R E V B D G A Lithgow O AM N K " G L O A N A C 6,290,000 LLA E O OF L A R D Bell W X " LA T S E Kurrajong Heights B O E " L N Bilpin N S I " R L I I L N O D V

G A A K BE C L D O A 6,290,000 L E L OF R S Bell " S Kurrajong T E Kurrajong Heights" O E " R L N N I R L O I D L O V A BU A K B A S RY R O E IVER D CKING ROAD E A R L D K I LS AW S A Kurrajong H TT " R A North Richmond C O " D BURY D A A ES RIVER KING ROAD A O K O R D W I Mt Victoria A R A T " H AT Richmond C N North Richmond" W " O D T 6,280,000 D D ITA T A A P O R ROAD O BLACKTOWN ROAD Mt Victoria E Y R RO V R D S " RI R E U H A N GROS E B G V RichmondO A G S A " W E R O C R E MACQUARIE STREET T K

6,280,000 R N Y T D E D IT A A E W A R P L R ROAD L O BLACKTOWN ROAD E Y R RO T D O A IV RA S R N S R H E

E E U A H A T G E ROS B C G D V O J A S G A N E R C E R O MACQUARIE STREET K R N Y W E D I A E R N W L D L N S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK T R O O A R A S O N H E R

A L

E T C D O J A N D O W D IND N S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK OR O THE NORTHERN ROAD R L GARFIELD ROADO A R D IC H 6,270,000 M THE NORTHERN ROAD GARFIELDO ROAD N R D

IC R H O 6,270,000 Katoomba M " A O D T R H ES E N N D W I G N M EP R 7 M R EAN ER O O E Katoomba H RIV TO V " A R I D R STER H THE NORTHERN ROAD W E S E N W A X W I U Y G N D M O E N 7 C P M E A O R A AN ER E E H RIV Penrith T Y O IV " O V R THE NORTHERN ROAD R A W R K E W E S ED E A ABBOTT ROAD U Y X U L R D O M N B S C I A LITT A R A Penrith M E L I Y L E V O A V R E " ORW AD R A A R Y R T M I V O K M A E E ED M4 E ABBOTT RO R C U L R

6,260,000 M B S I LITT A R M L I L E V A R ER ORWAY Client R 230,000 IV 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 OT 290,000 M 300,000 310,000 E 4 M A R DUBBO M [ Roads and Traffic AuthorityC of New South Wales " 6,260,000

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client 300,000 310,000 Job Title Legend DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales " BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Bells Line of Road Water Quality Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Street NEWCASTLE Legend " Job Title Sydney, NSW 2001 Motorway High Constraint Drawing Title Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan www.arup.com Bells Line of Road Water Quality Constraints PARKES Level 10, 201 Kent Street " NEWCASTLE Water Quality Constraints Major Roads Moderate Constraint " Sydney, NSWScale 2001 at A3 Drawing Status Motorway High Constraint BATHURST Drawing Title Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 " LITHGOW www.arup.com Draft Rivers Low Constraint PARKES " Metres 1:210,000 Figure 5.8 " RICHMOND Water Quality Constraints Major Roads Moderate Constraint " Scale at A3 Coordinate SystemDrawing Status Data Source: " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping BATHURST EDITH " " LITHGOW" Water qualityGDA 1994Draft MGAconstraints Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 Rivers Low Constraint COWRA " SYDNEY Metres 1:210,000 " RICHMOND " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR " Coordinate SystemJob No DrawingData Source: No " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " Issue Date By Chkd Appd " GDA 1994220904-06 MGA Zone 56 1Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Water QualityConstraints.mxd " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR © Arup 58 Job No Drawing No Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Water QualityConstraints.mxd © Arup 5 Constraint analysis

Moderate constraint areas > The large proportion of moderate constraint areas in the central and western sections reflects the occurrence of drinking water and the catchments of the Grose and Colo rivers (which are classified as wild rivers). The moderate constraints do not relate directly to watercourses but rather the catchments which feed them. Low constraint areas > Low constraint areas dominate the eastern section of the corridor, as there are no specific catchments in this area.

5.9.4 Future investigations Any planning for future upgrade(s) must consider potential Hawkesbury River near Richmond impacts on both the wild river and drinking water catchments, which are protected by State legislation and planning policies. Similarly, development within a drinking water catchment must demonstrate neutral or beneficial effects on water quality. Any road development in the corridor will require a site-specific soil and water management plan to address construction phase water quality and may require water quality monitoring to be undertaken. Water quality will also be an important component of the design of any future road development due to the need to avoid road contaminants entering sensitive waterways as a result of road operation. Planning and design will need to consider spill containment and the quality of day-to-day road runoff.

59 Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5.10 Flooding 5.10.3 Mapping results Major waterways within the study area include the Hawkesbury, Flooding constraints are shown in Figure 5.9. Grose and Colo rivers and their tributaries. High constraint areas Historically, flooding associated with the Hawkesbury River has >There are no areas of high constraint. been a concern, with flood immune access and flood evacuation routes an important consideration. Moderate constraint areas > Areas of moderate constraint are restricted to the Cumberland 5.10.1 Mapping methodology Plain. Rural land use on the Hawkesbury River flood plain The flooding constraint analysis focused on the Cumberland Plain Low constraint areas and flooding associated with the Hawkesbury River. Flooding was >Flooding is a low constraint along most of the corridor. not considered a key constraint in the more mountainous areas. The constraints classifications were based on the 1 in 100 year flood event of the Hawkesbury River. The following constraints 5.10.4 Future investigations classifications were used: Hydrological modelling will be required in the planning phase of High constraint any future road development in the corridor. The provision of > No high constraint was applied as flooding issues can to some flood immunity will also need to be considered. extent be addressed in road design. Consideration of other modelled flood levels other than the 1 Moderate constraint in 100 year event will also be important in future planning and design, including the probable maximum flood event, as well as > Within the 1 in 100 year flood level for the Hawkesbury River. smaller (higher recurrence interval) events. Low constraint > Outside the 1 in 100 year flood level for the Hawkesbury River.

5.10.2 Community input Community comments about flooding were in relation to the provision of a flood-free access from Bells Line of Road across the Hawkesbury flood plain.

60 5 Constraint analysis

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 Western Central Eastern

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000

COLO RIV E C R PU A Western Central Eastern TT S Y T RO L A D 6,300,000 E WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK R

E A G COLO RIV H E P C R U A H TT S I Y T G RO L A H D 6,300,000 E WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK W R D E A A A Y O G R H E AD G RRY RO H D FE I R I E G LE E R L HIF Y V L H C I I R S W R BE D V Lithgow M D A O A N K " NG A A Y A A C OLL O L A D W R AX E BL OAD S G FERRY R R Bilpin ID E L IFLE VE " R S CH Y I IL R S I R BE D V N D Lithgow M N K " O GA G A A LAN A C L L O D WO L A 6,290,000 O AX S E F BL R Bell " T Bilpin Kurrajong Heights O E E " S " N L I N N D I R IL G A L O V L O

6,290,000 O E A K B F R Bell C " E T D L E Kurrajong Heights O E A L " L S S N Kurrajong N I " R IL L R O V B A K E D C D L O A L SBS UR A S Kurrajong KE Y KING ROAD O " A W RI R R HA VE I D R A D TT O A A SBUR KE Y KING ROAD O C A AW RIV R D H ER "North RichmondI TTA D A A C North Richmond O Mt Victoria " R " D A N RichmondO W Mt Victoria " R " O N T 6,280,000 Richmond D T AD " A W IT ROA O BLACKTOWN ROAD P O ER Y D O T D 6,280,000 R D IV R R T S AD R IT A A E ROA UBLACKTOWN ROAD H P O ER Y DGRO SO E B G V R V R D O A S RI R S A A E E U H E R C G GRO S B G E V O MACQUARIE STREET S K R N A A Y R E R E C G E A W MACQUARIE STREETR K R L L N E Y R R E A T O A R W L S N L E H E O A A T R A E S D E C

J N H A A T

JE C D N T N O

O W D W IN D I D N ND SO BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK N SO R BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK O R O R L R L OA OA D D

THE NORTHERN ROAD THE NORTHERNGARFIELD ROAD ROAD GARFIELD ROAD R IC R H IC 6,270,000 M H 6,270,000 O M N O D N

R D O

Katoomba R " A STER D O Katoomba E N H M 7 A " W M STER I O D N H E N G EP TO M R W EAN RIVER R 7 M E H I W V N O I G E A T THE NORTHERN ROAD O R PE Y R A E R S W N RIVER E H W X V U I D A O N C THE NORTHERN ROAD R A Y A E Penrith E S Y W " O V U

X A R

D O K N E E C E ABBOTT ROAD D A A E U PenrithL R M Y O V B " S D L A M I ITT R R A

L I L E R KVE A E R E R O WAY R E ABBOTT ROA IV D O T M U M A L E M 4 R R B M C S L A M I 6,260,000 ITT R L I L E V A R E R R O WAY R I M V Client O T 230,000 E 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 4 M 300,000 A 310,000 R M DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales C

6,260,000 "

ER 230,000 IV 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client 300,000 310,000 Legend R Job Title N DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales A " L BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Bells Line of RoadO Flooding Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Street R NEWCASTLE N E " Sydney, NSW 2001 E IV Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Motorway J R Moderate Constraint Drawing Title Job Title Legend N www.arup.com PARKES A " Flooding Constraints BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Major Roads L Low Constraint Scale at A3 Drawing Status Figure 5.9 Bells Line of RoadO Flooding Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Street NEWCASTLE N BATHURST " Sydney, NSW 2001 " LITHGOW Draft Rivers E " Metres 1:210,000 Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321

J RICHMOND Drawing Title Motorway Moderate Constraint " Coordinate System Data Source: www.arup.comFlooding constraints PARKES " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping " EDITH " Flooding Constraints " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 Major Roads Low Constraint COWRA SYDNEY Scale at A3 Drawing Status " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR BATHURST Job No Drawing No " LITHGOW 1:210,000 Draft Rivers " Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06Metres 1

RICHMOND J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Flooding Constraints.mxd " © ArupCoordinate System Data Source: " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 201161 Extent of Mapping EDITH " " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR Job No Drawing No Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Flooding Constraints.mxd © Arup Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5.11 Noise > Concerns about noise created by trucks and motorbikes using Bells Line of Road. Truck noise was reported to be very loud Noise sources in the vicinity of the Bells Line of Road corridor at night, and motorbikes were reported to cause a noise include motor vehicles, residential properties, farming and nuisance on weekends. agricultural activities, and some commercial and industrial > Concern that an increase in traffic, especially heavy vehicles activities. The noise environment varies along the corridor, as and construction vehicles, could increase noise and intrude on do the number, type and proximity of ‘noise-sensitive receivers’ the bush and recreational experiences on Bells Line of Road. to potential noise sources. Noise-sensitive receivers are defined as those human activities and locations that would be likely to be impacted by an increase in noise. Within the corridor, these 5.11.3 Mapping results New growth areas in western Sydney will be sensitive to include residences, schools, places of worship, hospitals, aged- traffic noise Noise and vibration constraints are shown in Figure 5.10. care facilities and other community facilities. High and moderate constraint areas 5.11.1 Mapping methodology > High and moderate constraint areas are dispersed throughout the corridor and reflect the urban and rural settlement pattern. The noise constraint analysis focused on the location of noise- > The concentrated areas of high constraint reflect the denser sensitive receivers. These receivers were identified through aerial areas of urban residential settlement of Richmond, Windsor, photography and other mapping sources. Quakers Hill and surrounding suburbs, as well as Kurrajong, Kurrajong Heights and Lithgow. High constraint >Within 30 metres of a sensitive receiver. Low constraint areas Moderate constraint > Noise and vibration are generally a low constraint along the >Between 30 and 150 metres of a sensitive receiver. majority of the corridor, due to the large areas of bushland along the corridor. The concentrations of sensitive receivers Low constraint are associated with the existing road network. >Greater than 150 metres from a sensitive receiver. 5.11.4 Future investigations 5.11.2 Community input A site-specific noise and vibration study will be needed as part Noise issues raised by the community included: of planning for any specific future upgrade. Noise modelling may be required depending on the type and location of future road > The importance of a quiet environment to the community, development. A noise and vibration management plan may be particularly in residential areas. required for future construction works and operation of the Bells Line of Road.

62 230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 5 Constraint analysis310,000 Western Central Eastern

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 Western Central Eastern COLO RIV E C R PU A TT S Y R T OA L WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK D 6,300,000 E

R E A COLO RIV E C G R PU A H TT S Y H T RO L I A G WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK D 6,300,000 E H R W E D A A A G Y O H R E H ROAD G FERRY I D G R I E IFLE VE R L H CH Y I IL R S W R E D V Lithgow MB D A OA A N K " NG A A C Y LLA L O D WO X R A LA S B E AD G FERRY RO R Bilpin ID E FLE E " R S L CHI Y IV I L N I D R S R E G V Lithgow B D A OA M N K A L " NG A C O 6,290,000 LLA OF E O L A R D Bell W X " LA T S B E E "Kurrajong Heights O N Bilpin N L I " S R IL L I N O D V G B A A K L D C E O A 6,290,000 OF E L R S Bell " LS Kurrajong T E "Kurrajong Heights" O E IN R N L R L I D L O V O A A K B SBURY O E A E RIVE D CKING ROAD L K R A R D W S I LS Kurrajong A TA " H AT R C North Richmond D O " D A BUR A ES Y RIVE KING ROAD A O K R O R W I Mt Victoria D A R A T " H AT Richmond C N North Richmond" W " O D T 6,280,000 D ITA T AD A P O R ROAD O BLACKTOWN ROAD Mt Victoria E Y R RO R D S " IV R R A E E U H N V GRO S B G RichmondO A G S A " W E R O C R E MACQUARIE STREETT K

6,280,000 R N D Y TT E E I A AD W A R P L R ROAD L O BLACKTOWN ROAD E Y R RO T D O A IV R S R S E

N E R UHA A H A T G E E V RO S B C G D J A G S A O N E R C R E MACQUARIE STREET O K R N Y W E D A E R I W L ND L N S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK R O O A T R S O N HA A E R L

E T C D O J A N D O W D IND N S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK OR O THE NORTHERN ROAD R L GARFIELD ROADO A R D IC H 6,270,000 M THE NORTHERN ROAD GARFIELDO ROAD N R D

IC R H O 6,270,000 Katoomba M " A H O STER D E N N I D M7 W G N MO EP R TO E O R H A E Katoomba N RIVER R V " A W H I D R STER W THE NORTHERN ROAD A E N E Y S I M U 7 X W G N M D O O A EP N T C E A O R H A E E Y N RIVER Penrith R IV " O V W THE NORTHERN ROAD R A A R W K E Y E S ED E ABBOTT ROAD U X U L R D O M N B A S C A I M L A E ITT R Y Penrith L I L E O A V R VE " TORWAY R O A R R I M V 4 M K A E E ED M E ABBOTT ROAD R C U L R

6,260,000 M B S I LITT A R M L I L E V RW A R E O TO ClientAY 230,000 240,000 250,000 R 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 R 300,000 310,000 IV 4 M M E DUBBO M [ Roads and Traffic AuthorityA of New South Wales R " C 6,260,000

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client 300,000 310,000 Job Title Legend DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales " BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Bells Line of Road Noise & Vibration Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Street NEWCASTLE Legend " Job Title Sydney, NSW 2001 Motorway High Constraint Drawing Title Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan www.arup.com Bells Line of Road Noise & Vibration Constraints PARKES Level 10, 201 Kent Street " NEWCASTLE Noise & Vibration Constraints Major Roads Moderate Constraint " Sydney, NSWScale 2001 at A3 FigureDrawing Status 5.10 Motorway High Constraint BATHURST Drawing Title Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 " LITHGOW www.arup.com Draft Rivers Low Constraint PARKES " Metres 1:210,000 " RICHMOND Noise & Vibration Constraints Major Roads Moderate Constraint " Scale at A3 CoordinateNoise SystemDrawing constraintsStatus Data Source: " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping BATHURST EDITH " " LITHGOW" GDA 1994Draft MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 Rivers Low Constraint COWRA " SYDNEY Metres 1:210,000 " RICHMOND " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR " Coordinate SystemJob No DrawingData Source: No " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " Issue Date By Chkd Appd " GDA 1994220904-06 MGA Zone 56 1Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Noise & Vibration Constraints.mxd " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR © Arup Job No Drawing No 63 Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Noise & Vibration Constraints.mxd © Arup Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5.12 Air quality 5.12.2 Community input Air quality in the corridor is influenced by the Sydney Basin air Community concerns and feedback to date relating to air quality shed, as well as, more locally, the level of motor vehicle emissions, impacts were limited. While not strictly an air quality issue, domestic solid-fuel heaters, some rural and agricultural land uses, specific concerns were raised regarding increases in greenhouse and industrial and commercial activities. The existing air quality gas emissions as a result of increased traffic. is likely to vary along the corridor based on proximity to major roads and to other sources of air pollution, as are the number, type and proximity of sensitive receivers that could potentially be 5.12.3 Mapping results affected by any change in air quality during the construction or Air quality constraints are shown in Figure 5.11. operation of any future road upgrade(s). High and moderate constraint areas >> Areas of high and moderate constraint reflect the settlement 5.12.1 Mapping methodology patterns of urban and rural residential areas. Sensitive receivers were identified based on existing mapping and >> More concentrated areas of high constraint in the eastern and analysis of aerial photography. From an air quality perspective, western sections reflect the denser urban areas. sensitive receivers are generally located close to the existing road network. Within the corridor, these include residences, Low constraint areas schools, places of worship, hospitals, aged-care facilities and >> Air quality is a low constraint along the majority of the other community facilities. corridor because of the distribution of sensitive receptors and the generally small area of potential impact associated with air The following buffer thresholds were applied for the air quality quality from roads in a rural environment. constraints map based on typical dispersion patterns of pollutants associated with major roads.

High constraint 5.12.4 Future investigations >> Within 10 metres of sensitive receivers. A site-specific air quality study may be required for future road development. This may require modelling of air quality impacts if Moderate constraint projected traffic volumes and the proximity of sensitive receivers >> Between 10 to 40 metres of sensitive receivers. warrant this. Low constraint >> Greater than 40 metres from sensitive receivers.

64 5 Constraint analysis

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 Western Central Eastern

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000

COLO RIV E C Western Central Eastern R PU A TT S Y T RO L WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK A

6,300,000 E D

R E A G COLO RIV H E R PU C A H T S T I Y T G RO L WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK A H 6,300,000 E D

R W D E A A A Y O G R H E D RY ROA H G R D FE I R I E G LE E R L HIF V L H C Y I I R S W R E D V Lithgow MB D A O A N K " NG A A Y A OLLA O L C D W R AX A E BL ROAD S G FERRY R Bilpin ID E E L IFLE V " R S CH Y I IL R S I Lithgow R BE D V N D O M N K " GA G A A AN A C LL L L O D WO X A 6,290,000 OF LA S B E R Bell " T E Bilpin Kurrajong Heights O E " S N " N L I I N D R L L G A I O V L O

6,290,000 OF A K E R Bell C " B T D E E Kurrajong Heights O E A

L " L L N N S I Kurrajong S L L " R I O V A K B R C E D A D L A L O SBUS RY S Kurrajong KE RI KING ROAD O " W VE R A A R I R H A D D TT B A A O ES URY K RIV KING ROAD O C A AW ER R H "North RichmondI D TA D AT C A North Richmond O Mt Victoria " R " D A N RichmondO W Mt Victoria " R " O N T 6,280,000 Richmond D T AD " A W IT ROA O BLACKTOWN ROAD P ER Y D O T 6,280,000 RO D IV R R D T S AD A R IT A P E ROAD UBLACKTOWN ROAD H ER Y GRO SO E B G RO D V V R O A S RI R S A U H A E G E E R C G RO S B G E V O MACQUARIE STREET S K R N A A Y R E R C G E E A W MACQUARIE STREETR K R L L N R E Y E T R O A R A L W L S E E N R H O A A T A E S D

J N A H A E C E T D

J C N T N O

O W D W IN D I D BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK N ND S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK N SO OR O R O R R L L O O A A D D

THE NORTHERN ROAD THE NORTHERNGARFIELD ROAD ROAD GARFIELD ROAD R IC R H I

6,270,000 C M H 6,270,000 O M N O D N R D O Katoomba R " H A STER D O Katoomba E N I H A " W G M STER NE 7 M D I E N H PE O R AN G T E W RIVER OR M IV NE W 7 W THE NORTHERN ROAD M R H P O R EA E A T S E N RIVER Y O X U R V A D O I N W W THE NORTHERN ROAD C Y A R E Penrith E A S " O V Y U

X R A

A D O K N Y E C E E ABBOTT ROAD D A E U L M R Penrith O V B " S AD L A M I I A TT R R L L I R E W A R KVE O TO AY R E E R E ABBOTT RO IV D 4 M M U M A L E M R R B C S A M I 6,260,000 LITT R L I R L E W A R VE O TO AY R Client R 230,000 IV 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 4 M 300,000 M 310,000 E M A R DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New Sout h Wales C " 6,260,000

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client 300,000 310,000 Legend Job Title DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New Sout h Wales " BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Bells Line of Road Air Quality Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Street NEWCASTLE" Sydney, NSW 2001 Drawing Title Job Title Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Legend Motorway High Constraint www.arup.com PARKES " Air Quality Constraints BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Major Roads Moderate Constraint Scale at A3 Drawing Status Bells Line of Road Air Quality Constraints Level 10, 201 Kent Street Figure 5.11 BATHURST NEWCASTLE" Sydney, NSW 2001 " LITHGOW Draft Rivers Low Constraint " Metres 1:210,000 RICHMOND Drawing Title Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Motorway High Constraint " Coordinate System Data Source: www.arup.comAir quality constraints PARKES " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping " EDITH " Air Quality Constraints " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 Major Roads Moderate Constraint COWRA SYDNEY Scale at A3 Drawing Status " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR BATHURST Job No Drawing No " LITHGOW 1:210,000 Draft Rivers Low Constraint " Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06Metres 1

RICHMOND J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\AirQuality Constraints.mxd " Data Source: © ArupCoordinate System 65 " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR Job No Drawing No Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\AirQuality Constraints.mxd © Arup Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

5.13 Overview of constraints This area (particularly the central section) includes the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area which has a wide range of A combined constraints map was prepared from the 11 ecological and cultural values. It also coincides with challenging environmental, social and technical factors presented above. Equal terrain which would be likely to add greatly to the cost of weighting was given to all factors at this point of development. construction (refer to Section 5.3 Geotechnical constraints). The combined map (Figure 5.12) shows areas of higher and Any major road upgrade through this area would require an lower constraint on a graduated scale. extremely strong justification in terms of community need and economic benefit to counter the potential environmental and Higher constraint areas social impacts. >> Areas of higher constraint in the eastern section are generally associated with urban and vegetated areas. There are more opportunities for new road development in the >> Generally, the higher constraint areas are within the central eastern section than in the central and western sections. In this section, associated with the steeper and more vegetated land section there are areas of lower environmental value and terrain of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Blue that are generally more conducive to road construction. One Mountains and Wollemi national parks). major challenge in this area is increasing urbanisation in western >> Areas of high constraint in the western section correspond to Sydney, which will gradually increase the level of constraint urban areas as well as specific land uses, including mining and on new road development. Early planning for any future road defence land. development in this area will maximise opportunities to integrate the road development into future urban areas, minimising its Moderate constraint areas impact to those communities. >> Areas of more moderate constraint include vegetated areas outside the World Heritage boundaries and some smaller lot rural areas and larger lot rural areas with steeper terrain. Lower constraint areas >> Areas of lower constraint are generally associated with the rural, un-vegetated, flatter areas of the eastern and western sections. >> Lower constraint in the central section generally corresponds with areas directly adjacent to the Bells Line of Road.

This constraint analysis suggests that any major road upgrade through the central and western parts of the Bells Line of Road corridor would be extremely challenging from an environmental, approvals and cost perspective.

66 5 Constraint analysis

230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 230,000 Western240,000 250,000 260,000 Central 270,000 280,000 290,000 Eastern 300,000 310,000 Western Central Eastern

COLO RIV E C R PU A COLO TT S RIV Y T E P RO C L R U A

6,300,000 T D A E WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK T S R Y T R E O L A

6,300,000 EA WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK D R G

E H A H G I G H

H H W I G D A A HY O W R E D A G A RRY ROAD Y FE R ID O E LE E R R L HIF V L C Y I S E I AD E R G RRY RO R B D D V FE Lithgow O AM R N I K E " FLE NG E A R L CHI Y A LLA IV L C L D WO R S A I R E AX V Lithgow MB BL D S " O GA N K A LAN Bilpin A C OL L S D W " AX A BL I S N D

Bilpin G A " S L O

6,290,000 I NE D OF R Bell T " G A Kurrajong Heights O E E L " N L O 6,290,000 E N OF R Bell L " I T R I L E Kurrajong Heights O O V E " N A K L BE N C L I R D A I L L L O S V S Kurrajong A K BE " C L D A L R S S Kurrajong D " A O SBURY RIV R E ER KING ROAD O A K R AW I D O D H BURY TA A S RIVER T O KE KING ROAD A A W C R NorthA Richmond I "D H TTA D A A C "North Richmond O Mt Victoria R D " A N Richmond O W Mt Victoria " R " O T N 6,280,000 D D Richmond ITT A ROA A " P W ER Y D O BLACKTOWN ROAD O RO IV R R D T 6,280,000 S R T E D U H D A T A GRO SE B G A PI V ROAD O BLACKTOWN ROAD A ER S Y A O RO V E R R D C S G RI R E MACQUARIE STREET K U H A E R Y N GRO SE B G V R E O A R L A W S L A R E R O C G E A T E MACQUARIE STREET K S R E N N H Y RA A E E D A R J L W C L

N T T R O E A S N H O E A A W E D J C D IN

N D T N S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK OR O O W R L D IND O N S A BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK OR D O R L O A D THE NORTHERN ROAD GARFIELD ROAD

R THE NORTHERN ROAD IC GARFIELD ROAD H 6,270,000 R M IC O H N 6,270,000 M D

O R N Katoomba O D A " T RD S ER H Katoomba E N O " W A I N M E D 7 T G PE M R S ER H AN O E E N RIVER TO V W H R I I N E THE NORTHERN ROAD M7 R G P W E E M S R AN RIVER O A X E W U TO Y V H D R O I N C THE NORTHERN ROAD R A W E E S A Penrith A O V W " U X Y Y

R D A O N C K A E E ED A Penrith E ABBOTT ROAD U O L V " R M Y B R S A

LITT K A R M I L E L E I E ABBOTT ROAD E R D VE ORWAY A U T L R O R R IV M M B 4 M S A I LITT E A R M M L R I C L E R VE ORWAY A 6,260,000 T R O R IV M M E M4 A R Client C

6,260,000 230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales " 230,000 240,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000Client 300,000 310,000 DUBBO [ Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales " Legend Job Title BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Legend Bells Line of Road Composite Constraints Job Title Level 10, 201 Kent Street NEWCASTLE Higher constraint " Sydney, NSW 2001 BLOR Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Motorway Bells Line of Road Composite High Constraint Constraints Drawing Title Level 10, 201 Kent Street Figure 5.12 NEWCASTLE www.arup.com PARKES " Sydney, NSW 2001 " Composite Constraints Low High Constraint Constraint Drawing Title Tel +61 (2)9320 9320 Fax +61 (2)9320 9321 Major Motorway Roads Lower constraint Scalewww.arup.comCombined at A3 Drawing Statusconstraints PARKES BATHURST " " LITHGOW Composite Constraints Draft Rivers Major Roads Low Constraint " Metres 1:210,000Scale at A3 Drawing Status RICHMOND BATHURST " Coordinate System Data Source: " LITHGOW " " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000Metres 6,000 8,000 1:210,000 Draft ARUP, RTA 2011 ExtentRivers of Mapping EDITH " " RICHMOND GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA " SYDNEY Coordinate System Data Source: " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR 67 " PENRITH 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 Job No Drawing No ARUP, RTA 2011 Extent of Mapping EDITH " " GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Aerial Photo 2010 COWRA SYDNEY Issue Date By Chkd Appd " " AP 29/11/2011 XY AP PR 220904-06 1

Job No Drawing No J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Composite Constraints.mxd © Arup Issue Date By Chkd Appd 220904-06 1 J:\220904 BLOR\04-00_Arup Project Data\04-07_GIS\projects\Constraints\Composite Constraints.mxd © Arup