Seven Mile peninsula a strategic land use & development study for the seven mile peninsula
REPORT 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY for the Department of Economic Development
tract consultants pty ltd robert luxmoore pty ltd neil shephard and associates cpr communications north barker ecosystem services john miedecke and partners pty ltd aquenal pty ltd tardis enterprises ttm consulting
June, Vision for Seven Mile Peninsula
‘A shared vision for Seven Mile Peninsula as a valued multiple use resource serving the communities of Seven Mile township, Clarence and beyond. Known for its physical beauty and diversity of activities, where recreation and productive resource uses can coexist with appropriate development that preserves the areas natural features and leads to, over time, environmental improvements.’
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a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula 1 Acknowledgements & Abbreviations
The consultant team would like to thank the following organisations for their time and input into this Abbreviations study SMP = Seven Mile Peninsula
ɹ Members of the public who made submissions MRT = Mineral Resources Tasmania Attendees of the public information day ɹ RPDC = Resource Planning and Development Commission ɹ Norske Skog EPBC = Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act ɹ Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd PWS = Parks and Wildlife Service ɹ Seven Mile Beach Community Group
ɹ Seven Mile Beach Coastcare HIA = Hobart International Airport
ɹ Tasmanian Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (TALSC) Notes ɹ Birds Tasmania For clarity Seven Mile Beach, the township, is referred to throughout this report as Seven Mile Beach ɹ Orienteering Tasmania township. Seven Mile Beach, the beach, is referred to as Seven Mile Beach. Mineral Resources Tasmania ɹ The terms ‘subject site’, ‘Peninsula’ and ‘SMP’ are used interchangeably throughout the report and refer ɹ Sandbar to the study area as defi ned in Chapter 3.1 of the full report.
ɹ The Tasmanian Fishing Industry Council For further information please contact ɹ Marine and Safety Tasmania
ɹ Clarence City Council Robert Luxmoore ɹ Parks & Wildlife Service 03 9416 3207 www.luxmoore.com.au ɹ Tasmanian Conservation Trust [email protected] ɹ Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment
ɹ Representatives from the horse racing (thoroughbred and harness) community Tract Consultants ɹ Chiefs of Staff of the Minister for Tourism, Member for Franklin (SMP electorate) Paula Wriedt, the 03 9429 6133 Minister for Health and Member for Franklin Lara Giddings and Minister for Planning. www.tract.net.au [email protected] ɹ Crown Land Services
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a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula Introduction
Seven Mile Peninsula, a unique sandy spit known for its physical beauty, varied uses and proximity to 1.2 Terms of Reference Hobart, faces many challenges as the 21st century moves towards its second decade and beyond. Comprehensive management has been hampered by the lack of an agreed overarching vision, which Terms of reference were provided by the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development, as part sets out a strategic plan that recommends land uses and supporting infrastructure to be used by of the tender process. These terms of reference were used by the study team as a basis for devising managers and the public as a framework for coordinated, complementary decision making. the methodology, undertaking investigations and fi nal reporting. The terms of reference are:
This land use study seeks to fi ll that need, off ering a strategic vision for the Peninsula, based on ‘The Study should specifi cally address, but should not be limited to, the following: community and stakeholder consultation and supplemented by new primary research. a) Land use options, in light of its current status,
b) Environmental values and impacts, particularly in relation to the Pitt Water Ramsar site, 1.1 Site and locality description c) Social values, including Aboriginal heritage values, and impacts, Seven Mile Peninsula is approximately 17 kilometres east-north-east of central Hobart. Located within Clarence City Council, the site is bordered to the north by Lower Pitt Water, and to the south d) Marine and coastal values and impacts, including potential vulnerability to climate change and sea- by Frederick Henry Bay. Pitt Water is fed by the Coal River which fl ows in from the hills to the west. level rise, These bays are linked by a narrow deep channel that separates the Peninsula from Lewisham and Dodges Ferry to the east. The study area, at approximately 970 hectares, is bounded to the west by e) Recreational values and impacts, the Hobart International Airport. f) Future long term access to sand resources, Land immediately to the west of Pitt Water Road has been recently purchased from the Crown by HIA, g) Impacts of resource mining, and is excluded from the study area. Access is from two points, Surf Road in the south and Pitt Water Road via Tasman Highway in the north. As a result the major activities are concentrated at these entry h) Protection of the groundwater resources, points. The eastern point of the study area is the tip of the Peninsula, known as Sandy Point. Beyond Sandy Point, across the channel, are the towns of Lewisham and Dodges Ferry. The Seven Mile Beach i) Infrastructure constraints and opportunities, township is to the west of HIA, with a population of 1089 people (ABS, 2001). Residents of Seven Mile Beach township are common users of the Peninsula. j) Access implications,
For an overview of the site’s main features please refer to Figure 1 – Site Analysis. k) Commercial development capability of the site(s), land use options and impacts on the values as identifi ed by the Study,
l) Local area integration options, focusing on present and proposed land use and development issues,
m) Economic evaluation of development options,
n) Public benefi t of any recommendations, and
o) Existing Australian, State and Local Government policies’.
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Piner’s Hut a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula 23 MIDDAY
Pitt Water Woodyoo Bluff Islandan Barren Tasman Highway Island
To Hobart
AFTERNOON RN MORNING Day Use Area 5 BBQ Facilities Children’s Play Equipment OvalOva Five Mile Beach 5 Piner’s Hut 23 5 5 Parks and Wildlife Equipment Base quipmentpmentnt Basese 2.55 2.5 24 2.5 LewishamLeww sham Pittwater Road P 2.5
2.5 22 Centre RoadRoa
LewishamLe Scenic Drive wisham Scenic Drive
ham Scenic Drive 2.5 MonmouthM uutuththh HobartHoob Pony 5 7.5 d Internationalernattio all & Riding ClubC b 5 15 10 15 5 7.5 Airportport 5 5 5 5 15 15 15 Whisperinger 5 15 cett Sands 5 15 21 25 orcett R 15 orcett 11 7.5 Stablesles 20 2.5 15 20 PittwaterPPi Road 5 1915 7.5 d Seven Mile Beach 5 2.5 20 10 15 10 Old F 2.5 18 15 16 5 15 15 10 17 15 9 20 10 10 15 7.5 P 5 8 15 15 P 10 1 P 10 2 3 5 7 Race Horse Training Area 14 Llanhernenhnhe 10 10 10 Day Use Area 4 - Car Parking with Beach Access 12 Golf Course 6 10 Coouursu 5 Day Use Area 3 - Parks and Wildlife Service 7.5 10 2.5 5 Office 7.5 4 20 10 10 10 15 Toilets and Change Facilities 10 Residences 10 10 10 7.5 25 10 10 5 10 5 55 10 5 30 135 10 Sandy 35 Point
Surf Rd 2.5 30 Frederick Henry Bay
7.5 10 25 10 CarCa 10 d 20 lton 5 lton o 5 DodgesDodge hR 5 ach Rd Riv Ferry iv 5 B ere Rd n Be Rd lton Be R 7.5 lt Seven Mile Beach Car 26 LEGEND
P PARKING SUBJECT SITE WATER BODY MAJOR ROAD HORSE TRAIL |5 RAMSAR WETLANDS AIRPORT NOISE CONTOURS ACCESS RD WATER COURSE CROWN LEASE Buffer Area Natural and Artificial MARINE LEASES PITTWATER NATURE RESERVE 9 PHOTO LOCATION VEHICULAR TRACK LOW TIDE MARK With view direction Shellfish Farming
SCALE 1:12500 @ A1@ a strategic landFIGURE 1useu - SITE & ANALYSIS developmentd study for the mileTRACT peninsula CONSULTANTS - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS 0 125 250 3755 500 625 1250 SEVEN MILE PENINSULA, TASMANIA FEBRUARY 2007 306374 GA/AT PD P 01 1.3 Team 1.4 Report Structure The Tasmanian Government, through the Department of Economic Development, engaged Robert Three separate reports comprise the outputs of this study, as follows: Luxmoore, Tract Consultants and a team of specialist consultants to undertake a Strategic Land Use and Development Study for the Seven Mile Peninsula (SMP). ɹ Report 1 (this document) is the executive summary, which summarises the key fi ndings and recommendations of the study in a short condensed volume. The full consultant team, and their recognized areas of expertise, is as follows: ɹ Report 2, is the full report. The structure of the report is designed to allow reading of selected ɹ Robert Luxmoore – Project Management, Feasibility, chapters, although a full appreciation of the report can only be gained through a full reading. The principle aim of this study is to develop a contemporary strategic vision and framework ɹ Tract Consultants – Strategic Planning, Masterplanning, Recreation, Demographics, Landscape that will assist in future decision making, and in doing so, make recommendations for actions to Analysis, facilitate the realisation of the vision. It is necessary to set the basis for the study and describe in ɹ North Barker Ecosystem Services – Environmental, Terrestrial Flora and Fauna, detail the issues and values of the site. As such, the full report introduces the goals of the project as expressed through the terms of reference. Chapter 2 introduces the team and sets the basis ɹ John Miedecke and Partners Pty Ltd – Mining Engineering and Groundwater, for the following chapter. Chapter 3 describes in detail the geographic and historical context of ɹ CPR Communications - Consultation, SMP and an overview of the main characteristics of the site that infl uence the recommendations. Chapter 4 outlines the methodology used by the consultant team and states the vision and ɹ TTM Consulting - Transport, objections for SMP as developed through this study. Chapter 5 highlights in detail the issues ɹ Neil Shephard and Associates – Statutory Planning, and values found on SMP, such as fl ora and fauna, archaeological and sand resources, along with an analysis of key policies. Chapter 6 provides a strategic overview of the possible land uses Aquenal Pty Ltd – Marine Ecology, and ɹ and their advantages and disadvantages, before making 14 recommendations for action. The ɹ Tardis Enterprises – Aboriginal and Historical Cultural Heritage. fi nal chapter (7) describes how the strategic vision and plan should be implemented, discussing funding, further research and the fi nal ‘where to now’ steps.
ɹ Report 3, the appendix, contains the specialist consultant reports and the full literature review.
|6 Parks and Wildlife Service Offi ce, Seven Mile Beach
a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula 2 Vision and Objectives
2.1 Aim of the study 2.2 Objectives for SMP A fundamental prerequisite of the methodology is the setting of the study aims. To this end, the Having established the aims and principles of the study, a long-term strategic vision for SMP itself was following aim for the study was established: formulated. It refl ects contemporary planning practice, relevant state and local planning policy, and results from the stakeholder and community consultation, as follows: ‘To prepare a rigorous and implementable strategic vision and development study for the Seven Mile Peninsula that uses the best available science, is informed by comprehensive consultation and meets ‘A shared vision for Seven Mile Peninsula as a valued multiple-use resource serving the communities of contemporary triple bottom line standards’. Seven Mile township, Clarence and beyond. Known for its physical beauty and diversity of activities, where recreation and productive resource uses can coexist with appropriate development that preserves the areas natural features and leads to, over time, environmental improvements.’
The vision has led to the setting of specifi c objectives for SMP. These objectives will inform the recommendations and strategic land use options presented in this study. They will also provide a basis for decision making by authorities, such as Clarence City Council, for land uses proposed for the site arising out of this report. The literature review revealed a range of policy statements that broadly applied to the site, such as those within the Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 and State Coastal Policy 1996. It is therefore vital that the objectives be comprehensive and achievable. It was also critical that the objectives embraced the long-term nature of this study. A strategic plan and vision is by its very nature long-term, requiring planning and foresight to predict patterns and infl uences thirty plus years in advance.
Accordingly, the objectives for SMP are to:
ɹ Protect and enhance natural values and processes,
ɹ Use and develop land in a sustainable manner,
ɹ Promote economic use of resources,
ɹ Protect visual and landscape values,
ɹ Enhance recreation use, and increase public use and access by improving visitor experience,
ɹ Conserve Aboriginal and Cultural heritage, and
ɹ Understand and plan for impacts of climate change including sea level rise.
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a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula 3 Methodology and Consultation
The methodology adopted by this study has been to: A project website was developed to support the study (www.7milepeninsula.com.au). The website aimed to provide interested parties with general information on the study, its scope, key dates and ɹ Establish aims for the study, latest information. It was updated regularly with further information as the study progressed and ɹ Establish a vision and objectives for the SMP, allowed users to download key plans and documents. The site also detailed the consultation strategy and advised of ways to contribute to the process and outcomes. ɹ Undertake site inspections and a literature review, The consultation revealed that SMP is considered to be of high recreation value by local residents and ɹ Prepare and enact a consultation strategy, specialist user groups. The public consultation process revealed that users value the amount of space, ɹ Conduct on site specialist assessments, the aesthetics, cleanliness, ease of access, lack of crowds and safety of the SMP.
ɹ Review land use and development options, and A proforma submission, prepared by a third party group, was used by 30 submitters, 22 of which ɹ Prepare the report and strategic plan. agreed with the following ‘community statement’. ‘The local community has a vision of the Peninsula that ensures: 3.1 Community and stakeholder consultation ɹ the preservation of the area as a public recreational facility for the greater Hobart community, An extensive stakeholder and public consultation process was undertaken as part of the study. ɹ no further purchasing of any Crown Land be permitted, This brought many benefi ts, such as a clearer indication of existing and potential economic and environmental assets and community values for SMP. The consultation program targeted identifi ed ɹ any development be in keeping with the natural values of the area and be unobtrusive, stakeholder groups and the general public. ɹ as much area of the Peninsula as practicable be rehabilitated and to remain vegetated,
To provide an opportunity for local people and other interested stakeholders to contribute to the ɹ no development takes place until a full environmental, cultural and Aboriginal heritage values study, and have their views known, a seven page questionnaire was prepared. This was posted on the assessment is undertaken, and project website, distributed on the public information day, and posted to local residents and other identifi ed stakeholders. ɹ preservation of the natural values and the restoration of the riparian species shall be implemented.’
Identifi ed stakeholder groups and their representatives were contacted directly in relation to the Public Information Day (PID), held at the WorldMark Centre at Seven Mile Beach on March 25, 2007. A Seven Mile Peninsula Strategic Land Use & Development fl yer was also posted in several key business locations in Seven Mile Beach and Cambridge.
The PID attracted a broad range of stakeholders: Seven Mile Beach residents, Clarence City Council Aldermen, specialist group representatives and the general public from Greater Hobart. Those who attended the PID were given a general study questionnaire, and all were encouraged to prepare and submit whatever level of contribution they wished to make.
In addition to the PID, targeted meetings were conducted with stakeholders identifi ed as having a key interest in the Peninsula and the outcomes of the study.
|8 Boating in Frederick Henry Bay
a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula 4 Uses and Values
4.1 Planning Issues 4.2 Current uses The subject site is classifi ed as ‘Public Reserve’ under the Crown Lands Act 1976 and is reserved under SMP contains a range of diverse uses. The study area features public facilities to support its current section 8 of the Act for ‘an area of Crown Land that contains biophysical, natural, cultural or economic recreational and conservation role. It hosts a pine forestry operation, a wide mix of recreation uses, values’. The Department of Primary Industries and Water, through Crown Land Services, coordinates horse training and riding, four-wheel drive and chainsaw training, orienteering and many other use, development and management of crown land, including its licensing, leasing, sale and rental. informal uses. Day to day management of the Seven Mile Beach Public Reserve is currently undertaken by PWS, a division of Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment. It supports a variety of beach activities including swimming, dog walking (a popular pastime for Seven Mile Beach residents) and picnics. Much of the activity is centred around the day use areas at Hobart International Airport is the major neighbour to the study area and its current and future Seven Mile Beach and Five Mile Beach. activities have the potential to impact heavily on the potential use and development of SMP. The airport authority has recently purchased land along its eastern boundary from the Crown with Pitt The site, especially the eastern tip, is used extensively for orienteering purposes. Two courses exist, Water Road now operating as the border between the Airport owned land and SMP study area. Due referred to by Orienteering Tasmania as ‘Pitt Water Dunes’ and ‘Sandridge Pines’. National events to its proximity to ocean and bays, bird strike is a major problem for the airport, ranking amongst the are held here periodically. The pines off er a tree density not commonly found in Australian forests. highest in Australia for bird strike (Tucker, pers comm.). Detailed mapping of the Peninsula has been undertaken by Orienteering Tasmania.
Due to aircraft noise, any proposed sensitive (defi ned as uses where people spend extended periods Horse riding, training, galloping and trail rides are common uses of the study site. Tangara trail, a of time) development on SMP should be confi ned outside the 20 Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) renowned regional multi purpose trail, terminates immediately to the west of the study area, and buff er under Clarence City Council policy. horse trails meander through the dune areas in the southern section. Car parks with horse facilities exist at Five Mile Beach and Seven Mile Beach and are used frequently by the commercial operators The land subject to this study is within the area of the Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 located on Centre Road as well as other groups. Seven Mile Beach is regarded as one of the best which is a statutory instrument. The subject land is currently zoned entirely ‘ACTIVE RECREATION’. The locations in Southern Tasmania to train horses due to its isolation, salt water, length and width of recent amendment changed the status of ‘Extractive Industry’ from ‘Prohibited’ to ‘Discretionary.’ beach.
A signifi cant resource of sand suitable for the production of concrete is known to exist on the Restricted use of the inland tracks by various emergency services for four-wheel drive training Peninsula. purposes is currently permitted. Chainsaw training has also been periodically conducted on SMP.
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Horses training along Seven Mile Beach
The Eucalyptus Viminalis forest near Five Mile Beach a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula 4.3 Key fi ndings of research 4.4 Environmental Issues The research conducted through the study has identifi ed the following key issues: The environmental condition of the site refl ects years of intensive forestry and recreation uses and is in a largely degraded state. There are, however, land and marine environmental values that exist as ɹ The area is particularly susceptible to potential rises in sea-level. There is potential that uniform detailed below. Terrestrial ecological values of particular conservation interest on or in the vicinity sea level rise, combined with typical storm surges, will result in coastal inundation and further of the Peninsula are: dune erosion that will aff ect SMP with increasing frequency, ɹ Eucalyptus Viminalis coastal forest; a vulnerable forest community, ɹ The area is considered an area of moderate to high landscape scenic value that possesses additional value to the community as a result of its close visual relationship to the coastal ɹ Potential habitat of threatened fl ora including two endangered orchids; Prasophyllum milfordense edge, (Milford Leak orchid) and Arachnorchis saggicola (Milford spider orchid) and Cynoglossum australe (Austral hounds tongue), ɹ A large groundwater resource exists a various depths across the site and needs to be regularly monitored, ɹ Pitt Water/Orielton Lagoon RAMSAR site which is a signifi cant wetland for a number of migratory bird and fl ora species, ɹ Five sites of archaeological signifi cance have been recorded, all in the north west corner of the site, ɹ Five Mile Beach inter tidal feeding and associated roosting grounds for migratory birds, and nesting sites of resident shore birds, ɹ Forestry is the longstanding dominant use of the site, and Norske Skog cutting rights expire in 2010. The commercial crop in the north west corner requires a further 5 to 10 years to mature, ɹ Seven Mile Beach inter tidal feeding and nesting sites for resident shore birds, and Norske Skog have expressed an interest in extending their cutting rights, ɹ The pied oyster catcher is of particular interest as the Peninsula supports the highest nesting ɹ The site has long been mooted as a site for possible sand extraction. The characteristics of density of this resident bird in Tasmania, and the sand make it particularly suited to the building and construction industry. The resources Roosting sites for migratory and resident waders and sea birds at Sandy Point. proximity to Hobart, large size, lack of signifi cant environmental constraints, and distance from ɹ residential dwellings have been identifi ed by various studies as advantages compared to other The primary marine ecological values near the study area include: potential reserves, and ɹ The largest known population of the endangered live bearing seastar Patiriella vivipara, ɹ Throughout the consultation process, feedback from local interest groups, Clarence City Council, Government Departments, local industry and business representatives (including property ɹ An important shark nursery habitat comprised of seagrass beds and associated benthic industry specialists with particular expertise in valuation practices) has confi rmed the potential environments in Pitt Water, suitability of at least part of the site for tourism related uses. ɹ The endangered southern right whale Eubalaena australis and vulnerable humpback whale Further information on the key fi ndings of the study are found in Report 2 (the full report). Megaptera novaengliae, ɹ Juvenile and larval life stages of the vulnerable Australian grayling (a native fi sh), which may occur seasonally in Pitt Water,
ɹ Seagrass beds, which provide nursery habitat for protected seahorses and related species, as well as other fi sh and invertebrates,
ɹ The giant string kelp Macrocystis pyifera, the nearest located on headlands at Dodges Ferry,
ɹ Sponge beds, which occur in the channel entrance to Pitt Water and in Frederick Henry Bay,
ɹ Intertidal invertebrate beds, which occur at Five Mile Beach and on other mudfl ats in Pitt Water and provide an important food resource for wading birds, and
ɹ Fish assemblages which include both fully marine species and species that migrate between freshwater and marine habitats. |10 Water quality is critical for sustaining shellfi sh aquculture and wildfi sheries, and the health of the marine communities described above is an important consideration for the land uses proposed as part of this study.
a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula 5 Recommendations
Active management and forward planning can reduce confl ict and increase the likelihood that the The recommendations to guide future decision making, planning and policy over the next 30 plus site will be used in a sustainable manner. A strategic plan can identify future issues and locate uses years of SMP as follows (refer to Report 2 (Full Report) for further detail): spatially in a way that leads to orderly land use planning. As part of the study process the consultant team developed a number of land use alternatives for the future of SMP based on experience, ɹ Recommendation 1: Apply and over time implement the landuses identifi ed in the strategic established study principles and preliminary feasibility tests. land use plan. Recommendation 2: Clarify the ongoing on-ground management roles and responsibilities for This chapter seeks to outline recommendations for the future land use and development of SMP. In ɹ Seven Mile Peninsula doing so, it has sought to reconcile diff ering values and uses, and off er spatial and temporal separation of uses that have the potential for confl ict. ɹ Recommendation 3: Continue and extend forestry operations (Precinct 7)
Figure 2 shows the various geographic constraints that have infl uenced the recommended location ɹ Recommendation 4: Negotiate sand mining in designated inland areas subject to approval of uses, and Figure 3 discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a range of potential land uses followed by native vegetation rehabilitation and dune re-creation (precincts 7, 8 and 9). that arose throughout the process. ɹ Recommendation 5: Rehabilitate dunes and coastal buff ers with native vegetation (precincts 3, 4, 5 and 6) A strategic land use plan has been prepared to guide land uses and development of the subject site (refer Figure 4). ɹ Recommendation 6: Upgrade Seven Mile Beach Day Use Area
Land use options were assessed by the consultant team after an analysis of the advantages and ɹ Recommendation 7: Relocate and upgrade horse stables and car park. disadvantages of each option, as detailed in Figure 3. This land use matrix outlines possible uses ɹ Recommendation 8: Develop equestrian centre and horse training facility that may be considered appropriate over the longer term for the site. The ‘disadvantages’ column identifi es practical or legislative reasons why the land use may not be appropriate, along with issues ɹ Recommendation 9: Set aside land for a potential Seven Mile Beach Community Centre and that need to be addressed if the proposal is to proceed. The assessment of the appropriateness of Farm the use is based on current issues and thinking. Over the longer term, it is appropriate to review the ɹ Recommendation 10: Encourage the potential development of a tourism facility assessments to refl ect changing circumstances. ɹ Recommendation 11: Investigate opportunities to reuse recycled water In particular, the matrix states that the site is not suitable for residential development, aff ordable ɹ Recommendation 12: Prepare an Operations and Procedures Report to guide day to day housing or aged care/retirement villages in the foreseeable future. For the site to become suitable management. for these uses over the long-term, the reasons given as ‘disadvantages’ in the matrix would need to be addressed or changed, namely planning legislation including the zoning, infrastructure and servicing ɹ Recommendation 13: Upgrade roads and walking tracks provision, the sites isolation from an existing urban area, and sea-level rise. Although it is considered ɹ Recommendation 14: Support Clarence City Council plans for aquifer storage as part of a unlikely that this will occur over the period of this study, the review and monitoring suggested at strategic approach to sewage treatment for the region Chapter 6.2 will ensure that all uses are reassessed as circumstances change over time.
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a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula Pitt Water Woody Bluff Island Barren Tasman Highway Island
To Hobart
Day Use Area 5 Macrocarpas and Fence Posts BBQ Facilities Children’s Play Equipment Oval
Five Mile Beach Piner’s Hut 5 Parks and Wildlife Base 2.5 2.5 2.5 Lewisham
2.5 Pittwater Road P
2.5 Centre Road
Airport Conservation Lewisham Scenic Drive Zone
2.5
Hobart 5 7.5 International 5 15 10 15 5 7.5 d Airport 5 5 5 5 15 15 15 Whispering 5 ett R 15
5 15 Sands orc Stables 15 7.5 2.5 15 20 5 5 Old F Pittwater Road 7.5 Commercial / Industrial Seven Mile Beach 15 2.5 20 15 and General 2.5 15 Aviation Zone 15 15 10 10 10 20 15 7.5 P P P 5 Race Horse Training Area Day Use Area 4 - Car Parking with Beach Access 5 2.5 Day Use Area 3 - Parks and Wildlife Service Office 7.5 10 Toilets and Change Facilities Residences 7.5 10 10 5 10
10 Sandy Possible zone of runway Point extension post 2020 20 ANEF Surf Rd 2.5 Contour Frederick Henry Bay
7.5 10
10
10 Car 5 d lton 5 Dodges 5 Ferry Riv
5 Beach R er R lton d Car 7.5 Seven Mile Beach
LEGEND
SUBJECT SITE WATER BODY MAJOR ROAD AIRPORT ZONES FORESTRY CUTTING RIGHTS BANKSIA / ACACIA FOREST PREVIOUSLY RECORDED HISTORIC SITES Adjacent borders Norske Skog |12 RAMSAR WETLANDS AIRPORT NOISE CONTOURS ACCESS RD WATER COURSE CROWN LEASE BIRD HABITAT AREAS Buffer Area Natural and Artificial North Barker 2007 PITTWATER NATURE RESERVE FREEHOLD PROPERTY VEHICULAR TRACK P PARKING MARINE LEASES LAND SUBJECT TO SEA LEVEL RISE Shellfish Farming Clarence City Council Overlay based on Sharples (2006)
SCALE 1:12500 @ @ a strategic landFIGURE 2use - CONSTRAINTS & developmentd study for the mileTRACT peninsula CONSULTANTS - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS 0 125 250 3755 500 625 1250 SEVEN MILE PENINSULA, TASMANIA FEBRUARY 2007 306374 GA/AT PD P 05 Figure 3 - Land Use Matrix
Land Use Advantages Disadvantages Assessment
Residential Developmentɹ Proximity to Seven Mile Beach ɹ Contrary to the aims and responses contained within the RPDC Planning Advisory Note: Integration of Land Use and Transport ɹ The site is not suitable for ɹ Potential government revenue raised from the sale/lease of the land in Planning Schemes residential development in the foreseeable future ɹ Adding to supply of land to ensure ongoing housing aff ordability ɹ Would require signifi cant investment to provide or upgrade key infrastructure ɹ Employment and investment benefi ts ɹ Contrary to the outcomes of the State Coastal Policy 1996 in respect of urban and residential development ɹ Long-term possibilities for suburban development ɹ Currently Prohibited under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 : would require consideration of a planning scheme amendment ɹ Has potential to temporarily reduce pressure on residential growth in the Sorell Municipality ɹ Currently Prohibited under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 : would require consideration of a planning scheme amendment ɹ Site is currently isolated from existing urban areas with little community focus ɹ Site is currently isolated from existing services such as sewage and public transport ɹ Potential isolation from Seven Mile Beach township by runway extension and possible long-term closure of Surf Road ɹ Potential signifi cant community and Airport opposition ɹ Potential loss of recreation or community area ɹ The current inability of Five Mile Creek and Lower Pitt Water to cater for greater amounts of treated effl uent ɹ Regulatory constraints provided by airport noise as required by the airport buff er overlay ɹ Negative impact of Airport activity on residential amenity ɹ Possible loss of large areas of productive resource (sand) ɹ Potential environmental impacts from large scale residential development ɹ Potential visual and landscape impacts ɹ Long-term concerns over sea level rise ɹ Disposal of stormwater ɹ Contrary to current Clarence City Council urban development strategy ɹ Could compete with urban development in Sorell Municipality ɹ Contrary to principles of urban consolidation
Aff ordable Housingɹ Proximity to Seven Mile Beach ɹ Contrary to the aims and responses contained within the RPDC Planning Advisory Note: Integration of Land Use and Transport ɹ The site is not suitable for ɹ Increase the diversity of housing in greater Hobart in Planning Schemes development for aff ordable housing in the foreseeable future ɹ Cater for an under-represented area of the market ɹ Would provide no obvious social benefi t other than a stock of housing ɹ Provision of a valuable community service ɹ Contrary to the outcomes of the State Coastal Policy 1996 in respect of urban and residential development ɹ Availability of large areas of Crown Land ɹ Currently Prohibited under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 : would require consideration of a planning scheme amendment ɹ Employment and investment benefi ts ɹ Currently Prohibited under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 : would require consideration of a planning scheme ɹ Location more proximate to Hobart, Glenorchy and Rosny employment amendment opportunities than Sorell and Southern Beaches ɹ Site is currently isolated from existing urban areas with limited community focus ɹ Site is currently isolated from existing services such as sewage and public transport ɹ Potential isolation from Seven Mile Beach township by runway extension and possible long-term closure of Surf Road ɹ Potential signifi cant community and Airport opposition ɹ Cheaper housing would be off set by increased transport costs for residents to employment opportunities and services ɹ Loss of recreation or community area ɹ The inability of Five Mile Creek and Lower Pitt Water to cater for greater amounts of treated effl uent ɹ Regulatory constraints provided by airport noise as required by the airport buff er overlay ɹ Negative impact of Airport activity on residential amenity ɹ Possible loss of large areas of productive resource (sand) ɹ Potential environmental impacts from large scale residential development ɹ Potential visual and landscape impacts ɹ Long-term concerns over sea level rise ɹ Contrary to current Clarence City Council urban development strategy ɹ Could compete with urban development in Sorell Municipality ɹ Contrary to principles of urban consolidation ɹ Would require signifi cant investment to provide or upgrade key infrastructure |13
a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula Land Use Advantages Disadvantages Assessment
Aged Care / Retirement ɹ Proximity to Seven Mile Beach ɹ Currently Prohibited under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 : would require consideration of a planning scheme ɹ The site is not suitable for aged facility ɹ Availability of large areas of Crown Land amendment care or retirement facilities in the foreseeable future ɹ Potential government revenue raised from the sale/lease of the land ɹ Currently Prohibited under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 : would require consideration of a planning scheme amendment ɹ Employment and investment benefi ts ɹ Site is currently isolated from existing urban areas ɹ Potentially attractive lifestyle and amenity ɹ Site is currently isolated from existing services such as sewage and public transport ɹ Potential isolation from Seven Mile Beach township by runway extension and possible long-term closure of Surf Road ɹ Large distances to health infrastructure such as hospitals, pharmacies, and medical suites and community services ɹ Low proportion of late middle aged or elderly people living in the immediate vicinity ɹ Lack of integration with an existing or planned community ɹ Incompatibility with the Commonwealth’s ‘Ageing in place’ charter ɹ Negative impact of Airport activity on residential amenity
Development at Sandy ɹ Potential government revenue raised from the sale/lease of the land ɹ Prohibitive cost of up front infrastructure upgrades especially roads and sewage (as paid by developer) ɹ Tourism or other development Point ɹ Off ering unique tourism development sites not provided in region ɹ Potential disruption to terrestrial habitat values, especially for sea birds options are not considered appropriate at Sandy Point ɹ Employment and investment benefi ts ɹ Potential disruption to marine habitat values ɹ Consistent with Clarence City Council Economic Development Plan 2005-2007 and ɹ Potential unwanted erosion of the dune system Clarence 2050 strategic document ɹ Geotechnical concerns over building on unstable surfaces ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 ɹ Long-term concerns over sea level rise ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 ɹ Potential signifi cant visual and landscape impacts ɹ Compromises the areas ‘natural’ and ‘intactness’ values and degree of isolation ɹ Access confl icts with potential sand mining and forestry ɹ Community perception of fragility of Sandy Point
Retail / Commercial (stand ɹ The potential government revenue raised from the sale/lease of the land ɹ Site is currently isolated from existing urban areas ɹ Retail activity on SMP should be alone) ɹ Potential to link retail and commercial to other proposed uses ɹ Potential isolation from Seven Mile Beach township by runway extension and possible long-term closure of Surf Road restricted to a supporting role for other major proposed land uses, eg ɹ Employment and investment benefi ts ɹ No signifi cant tradeable catchment, especially to the east, south and north convenience retail for tourism uses ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 on a limited ɹ Potential confl ict with possible developments at HIA and Cambridge Industrial Estate (refer to recommendation 10) scale ɹ Inconsistency with Clarence City Council commercial/ retail hierarchy ɹ Discretionary use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 on a very limited ɹ Under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 any such use other than take away food shop is ‘prohibited’ and would require scale (except for take away food) consideration of a planning scheme amendment
Agricultureɹ Increased production close to Hobart markets ɹ The poor soil limits the feasibility of most forms of agriculture without considerable nutrient supplement ɹ Refer to Recommendation 3 ɹ Potential use for treated water from the new water treatment plant adjacent to the ɹ Rainfall below state average airport ɹ Potential surface and groundwater degradation due to regular use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers and possible long- ɹ Possibility to be a suitable interim use before potential sand mining term degradation of marine life, intertidal fl ats, and the viability of aquaculture leases ɹ Limited employment and investment benefi ts ɹ Concerns over long-term commercial viability ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 ɹ Generally consistent with vision for SMP (see chapter 4.2 of full report)
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a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula Land Use Advantages Disadvantages Assessment
Forestryɹ Traditional established use ɹ Dispersion of seed and growth of pine ‘wildlings’, often several kilometres from the source ɹ Refer to Recommendation 3 ɹ Supports community and recreational use including orienteering, four-wheel drive ɹ Surface and groundwater degradation due to regular use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers and possible long-term training and chainsaw operation training degradation of marine life, intertidal fl ats, and the viability of aquaculture leases ɹ Public revenue stream from leasing post 2010 ɹ Off ers limited habitat values for native species ɹ Productive use of otherwise unproductive land ɹ Lowering of the water table ɹ Land management benefi ts which include visual buff ering, wind breaks and erosion control ɹ Potential for signifi cant conservation improvements through rehabilitation with native vegetation ɹ Provides fi re protection to complement Parks and Wildlife Service ɹ Opportunity for upgrade of local roads to service plantations ɹ Possibility of working in synergy with staged sand mining operations ɹ Potential use for treated water from the new water treatment plant adjacent to the airport ɹ Employment and investment benefi ts ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 ɹ Generally consistent with vision for SMP (see chapter 4.2 in full report)
Sand Miningɹ Generally consistent with vision for SMP (see chapter 4.2 in full report) ɹ Some community opposition ɹ Refer to Recommendation 4 ɹ Depth, quantity and quality of sand resource (100+ years of possible supply) ɹ Extra risk from negative impacts of sea level rise due to lowering of terrain through removal of sand ɹ Proximity to established towns and developed areas compared with South Arm and ɹ Potential minor risk to terrestrial and marine habitat values northern Tasmanian sites ɹ Impacts of visual and landscape values ɹ Transport savings compared with other sites ɹ Compromises the areas ‘natural’ and ‘intactness’ values and degree of isolation (see Chapter 5.2 in full report) ɹ Employment and investment benefi ts ɹ Potential to limit future land use options post-mining ɹ Opportunity for rehabilitation with native species ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 ɹ Can create development sites
Tourism Developmentɹ Consistent with vision for SMP (see chapter 4.2 in full report) ɹ Treatment of sewage and other wastewater ɹ Refer to Recommendation 10 ɹ Can satisfy known demand for tourism accommodation ɹ The potential for sea level rise, increased storm surges and coastal erosion ɹ Revenue stream from sale/lease of crown land to private operator ɹ Potential surface water runoff , sedimentation and erosion ɹ Opportunity to support the creation of an activity node with complementary uses ɹ Impacts of visual and landscape values ɹ Potential link to function / conference centre proposed adjacent to the Seven Mile ɹ Lack of key attraction/limited natural amenity attributes Beach Day Use area ɹ Infrastructure limitations ɹ Ecotourism opportunity ɹ Potential use of excess treated water ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002
Boating Facilitiesɹ Increased recreation amenity ɹ Existing facilities are currently in the region adequate for recreational boating purposes ɹ New recreational boating facilities ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 ɹ Lack of support from MAST are not recommended at this time ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 ɹ Possible interruption to marine values ɹ Ongoing maintenance and infrastructure implications
Recreation upgrades at Five ɹ Consistent with vision for SMP (see chapter 4.2 in full report) ɹ The potential for confl ict with the environmental sensitivities of this area, particularly bird nesting ɹ Existing basic facilities should be Mile Beach ɹ Potential to build on existing Day Use Area ɹ The potential for confl ict with known Aboriginal sites of signifi cance maintained, but not upgraded. Refer to Recommendation 6 ɹ Potential to link to existing areas of regenerated Eucalyptus Viminilas Forest ɹ The ongoing maintenance of two day use areas within close proximity presents excessive future management responsibilities ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 for government ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002 ɹ Poor links with other proposed land uses ɹ Existing security and maintenance issues indicate potential for escalating cost |15
a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula Land Use Advantages Disadvantages Assessment
Recreation upgrades at ɹ Consistent with vision for SMP (see chapter 4.2 in full report) ɹ Cost of upgrades and funding uncertainty ɹ Refer to Recommendation 6 Seven Mile Beach ɹ Supports recreational use of reserve ɹ Extra management responsibilities for Government ɹ Opportunity to support the creation of an activity node with complementary uses ɹ Possible isolation from Seven Mile Beach township if the airport runway is extended ɹ The ability of upgrades to be supported by the tourism development ɹ Five Mile Beach being an inappropriate location for upgrades due to the reasons outlined above ɹ The ability of government to more easily manage facilities co-located with the existing services ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002
Relocation and Upgrades to ɹ Consistent with vision for SMP (see chapter 4.2 in full report) ɹ The potential for confl ict with the environmental sensitivities of this area, particularly bird nesting ɹ Refer to Recommendation 7 Horse Training Facilities ɹ Satisfy known local and regional demand for more and improved facilities ɹ Some infrastructure implications eg water, sewer, access, roadworks, stalls/stables ɹ Minimisation of confl ict with Seven Mile Beach Day Use area ɹ Funding and cost uncertainties ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 ɹ Potential isolation from Seven Mile Beach township by runway extension and possible long-term closure of Surf Road ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002
Aquifer storage ɹ Supported by Clarence City Council ɹ Cost and funding uncertainty ɹ Refer recommendations 11 and 14 ɹ Need for holding facility to cater for winter outfl ow from new treatment facility ɹ Ongoing monitoring & environmental management costs ɹ Number of potential users for the water proposed by this strategic plan ɹ Reduction of potentially damaging outlfl ows from Five Mile Creek into Lower Pitt Water ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002
Private Horse Training ɹ Consistent with vision for SMP (see chapter 4.2 in full report) ɹ Possible lack of commercial interest or viability ɹ Refer to Recommendation 8 facility ɹ Good links with proposed horse training relocation and natural advantages of SMP ɹ Some infrastructure implications eg water, sewer, access, roadworks, stalls/stables for horses ɹ Possible ramifi cations of waste water disposal ɹ Potential source of revenue ɹ Potential impacts on bird habitats ɹ Potential user of recycled water ɹ Long-term concerns over sea level rise ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002
Community Centre and ɹ Consistent with vision for SMP (see chapter 4.2 in full report) ɹ Cost and funding uncertainty ɹ Refer to Recommendation 9 Farm ɹ Logical use of area within ANEF contours ɹ Initial funding would be needed for development ɹ Cater for high demand for passive recreation ɹ Potential isolation from Seven Mile Beach township by runway extension and possible long-term closure of Surf Road ɹ Supports the large proportion of young families in the Seven Mile Beach township ɹ May be dependent on support from government agencies ɹ Strong regional demand from schools and community groups in growing Sorell, ɹ Long-term concerns over sea level rise Cambridge, and Acton and more broadly Greater Hobart ɹ Provides a service/facility lacking in Tasmania ɹ Potential user of treated water ɹ Good links with proposed surrounding recreational and tourism uses ɹ Allowable use under Eastern Shore (Area 2) Planning Scheme 1986 ɹ Allowable use under Draft Clarence Planning Scheme 2002
Regional Public Hospitalɹ Availability of large undeveloped area of Crown land ɹ Lack of key infrastructure ɹ The site is not suitable for a regional ɹ Few competing existing land uses ɹ Remote from Hobart metropolitan CBD public hospital in the foreseeable future ɹ Remote from western shore sub-regions (Kingborough, Glenorchy) ɹ Lack of transport options linking the site |16 ɹ Lack of supporting commercial and professional services (specialist services, shops, consulting rooms, ambulance depot, staff housing) ɹ Disbenefi t to Hobart CBD from relocation a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula 3
2 1 3 7 15
4 9 8 6 14
10 13 11 Vegetated buffer to proposed sand mining precincts 12 5 Coastal buffer
Note: Precinct 9 - The current lease expires in 2007. No decision has been made about long term use.
Precinct 1 (approx. 6ha)– Eucalyptus Viminalis Forest. Active management to maintain biodiversity. Precinct 7 (approx. 345ha)– Forestry or agriculture /Sand Mining/Rehabilitation. Interim Forestry Precinct 12 (approx. 14ha)- Day Use 3 and 4 Area. Upgrade current facilities or agriculture, then Sand Mining, followed by Rehabilitation with Eucalyptus Viminalis Forest and (interpretation centre, toilets, signage, trails etc) and development of Precinct 2 (approx. 8ha)– Day Use 5 area. Maintain basic facilities without encouraging greater dune reformation. restaurant/function centre, intergrated with tourism facility. Rehabilitation of usage. Direct bulk of visitors to Day Use Area 3 and 4. residual land. Precinct 8 (approx. 95ha)– Sand Mining/Horse Training Facility. Sand mining followed by Precinct 3 (approx. 10ha)– 5 Mile Beach Coastal Buffer. Remove Pines and Rehabilitate with possible major horse training facility. Precinct 13 (approx. 12ha)- Community Centre and Farm. Development of Eucalyptus Viminalis Forest with erosion control measures. Seven Mile Beach Community Centre and Farm. Rehabilitation of residual land.|17 Precinct 9 (approx. 25ha)- Horse training/Sand Mining/Recreation. Horse training facility Precinct 4 (approx. 155ha)– Sandy Point West. Remove Pines and Rehabilitate with Eucalyptus (current lease expires 2007) then sand mining, followed by community recreation purposes. Precinct 14 (approx. 12ha)– Freehold Land. Continue current uses with poten- Viminalis Forest and/or open scrub, grasslands, sedgelands and herblands as topography allows. tial for uses complementary to tourism facility, horse training facility and com- Precinct 10 (approx. 35ha)– Tourism facility. Development of tourism facility integrated with Precinct 5 munity centre and farm. (approx. 80ha)– Sandy Point East. Active management to remove weeds. neighbouring uses. Rehabilitation of residual land. Precinct 6 Precinct 15 (approx. 8ha)– Banksia / Acacia Woodland. Protect and rehabilitate. (approx. 90ha)– 7 Mile Beach Coastal Buffer. Remove Pines and Rehabilitate with Precinct 11 (approx. 13ha)- Horse Day Use area. Relocation and upgrading of short term stable Eucalyptus Viminalis Forest and/or open scrub, grasslands, sedgelands and herblands as topography facilities and car parking for horse trainers with beach access. Rehabilitation of residual land. Seven Mile Peninsula Interpretation Trail allows. SCALE 1:25000 @ A3 a strategic landBASEPLANFIGURE 364use - -STRATEGIC STRATEGIC & development LAND LAND USE USE PLAN PLAN study for the mileTRACT peninsula CONSULTANTS - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS 0 125 250 3755 500 625 1250 SEVEN MILE PENINSULA, TASMANIA JUNE 2007 306374 GA/AT 6 Implementation and Where to Now?
6.1 Funding options 6.2 Where To Now? The consultant team recommends that SMP Public Reserve receive greater government funding A strategic land use and development study cannot address issues of detail especially for plans that and higher priority be attached to its management and proposed environmental improvements. have 30 year horizons. To do so could constrain future options and lock in a level of detail that is Other than direct government initiatives, funding sources may include, Council contributions, inappropriate and likely to change. environmental grants and developer contributions. The majority of the uses recommended in this study require a planning permit from the Clarence City The recommendations in this report outline projects that should receive additional funding. The sites Council, and that is the appropriate forum to discuss matters of detail. At that time the proponent can potential contribution to consolidated revenue in future years should be recognised and considered undertake the necessary investigations and research to proceed with an application to Council. in budget prioritisation, along with its iconic location, proximity to growing populated areas and tourism potential. Separate from the uses requiring a planning permit, there exists a need to undertake further research and work in the following areas: The private sector can play in important role in funding the necessary improvements to SMP. To encourage spending in the area, it is important to set the appropriate framework to provide long- ɹ Site and context masterplanning of preferred land use options including the tourism term security and tenure for any private interests. The tourism facility in the south-west corner hub development, can be a catalyst project for contributions towards the upgrade of local roads, interpretive signage ɹ Rehabilitation plans taking into account the known pre-European variation across the study and walking trails. The facility may contain an environmental interpretation centre that complements site, the commercial tourism venture, and may contain a restaurant and/or function centre as discussed in Recommendation 10. Private sector interest could also be expected in the equestrian facility (refer ɹ Full onground cultural and heritage assessments, to Recommendation 8) and the relocation of horse stables and car park (refer to Recommendation ɹ Fauna surveys of the site across multiple seasons to ensure maximum accuracy, 7). ɹ Design of Interpretation Centre Upgrades,
ɹ Reduction in the Airport Noise Overlay to refl ect modern standards,
ɹ Planning scheme amendments to support the recommendations of this study,
ɹ Design of walking trail upgrades and signage improvements,
ɹ Funding analysis of land use options and projected revenue models,
ɹ Monitoring of groundwater levels over several years,
ɹ Economic modelling and valuation assessment of the tourism development,
ɹ Modelling of potential sea-level rise impacts on SMP, and
ɹ An expression of interest campaign for the proposed tourism facility. The further research outlined above will assist in progressing the recommendations and refi ning the suggested priorities. Parallel to this process, it is recommended that the report be placed on View west from Sandy Point exhibition for a period of public consultation. Whilst this study included an extensive community and stakeholder consultation process, and this was used to shape the recommendations, the full recommendations need the benefi t of public and stakeholder comments and suggestions. As part of this process, it is recommended that discussions with key stakeholders be commenced to refi ne responsibilities and determine timeframes. |18
a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula
A key next step is to implement Recommendation 2, which is to clarify the ongoing on-ground manager of SMP. Internal government discussions should be convened to progress this recommendation as a matter of priority. Following any decision in this regard, Government should consider a range of models to fund the recommendations of this study.
The Tasmanian Government should commence early discussions with commercial operators and conduct an expressions of interest campaign for the pines outside the Norske Slog cutting rights area (refer to Recommendation 3). The early removal of the pines, in areas not needed for a visual break to the proposed sand mining, will greatly aid future revegetation eff orts. Expressions of interest campaigns should also be conducted for:
ɹ The proposed tourism development in precinct 10 (refer to Recommendation 10),
ɹ The proposed equestrian centre in precinct 8 (refer to Recommendation 8), and
ɹ The proposed extension of forestry or other agricultural practices in precinct 7 in areas not required by the proposed sand mining in the short-term (refer to Recommendation 3). A full tender process for these sites should follow the expressions of interest campaign. The aim of the tender process is to gain full benefi t to the Tasmanian people of the use of the land, in accordance with the Crown Lands Act 1976.
This study has presented a vision for the future of this iconic sandy spit that seeks to combine recreation, productive resource uses and environmental improvement. It has done so across degraded land that is constrained by noise, potential sea-level rise and archaeological sites, within a growing region of young families and next to the state’s largest airport. From another perspective these constraints also present opportunities; opportunities that the recommendations in this report seek to capitalise on. The challenge remains to implement the recommendations to realise the site’s potential. Inland tracks provide unique terrain for four-wheel drive training
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a strategic land use & development study for the mile peninsula