STRATEGIC PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE
NOTICE OF MEETING
To: Mayor Bill Spragg
Councillors Ward Councillor Ron Nelson Manoah Councillor Jan-Claire Wisdom Councillor Ian Bailey Marble Hill Councillor Jan Loveday Councillor Kate Hosking Councillor John Kemp Mt Lofty Councillor Simon Jones Councillor Bill Gale Councillor Lynton Vonow Onkaparinga Valley Councillor Andrew Stratford Councillor Linda Green Torrens Valley Councillor Malcolm Herrmann
Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions under Section 87 of the Local Government Act 1999 that the next meeting of the Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee will be held on:
Tuesday 26 March 2013 6.30pm 63 Mt Barker Road Stirling
A copy of the Agenda for this meeting is supplied under Section 87 of the Act.
Meetings of the Council are open to the public and members of the community are welcome to attend.
Andrew Aitken Chief Executive Officer
STRATEGIC PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE
AGENDA FOR MEETING Tuesday 26 March 2013 6.30pm 63 Mt Barker Road Stirling
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Council Vision Nurturing our unique place and people
Council Mission Delivering activities and services which build a resilient community, sustain our built and natural environment and promote a vibrant economy
1. COMMENCEMENT
2. APOLOGIES/LEAVE OF ABSENCE 2.1. Apology 2.2. Leave of Absence
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS 3.1. Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee – 19 February 2013 Recommendation That the minutes of the Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee held on 19 February 2013, as supplied, be confirmed as an accurate record of the proceedings of that meeting.
4. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY Decisions of this Committee were determined under delegated authority as adopted by Council on 12 March 2013
Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee Meeting AGENDA
5. DECLARATION OF INTEREST BY MEMBERS OF STRATEGIC PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE
6. REPORTS 6.1. Presiding Member Reports 6.2. Councillor Reports 6.3. Information Circulars
7. MATTERS DEFERRED FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION/LYING ON THE TABLE 7.1. Matters Deferred – Nil 7.2. Lying on the Table – Nil
8. MOTIONS ON NOTICE Nil
9. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE Nil
10. PETITIONS / DEPUTATIONS / PUBLIC FORUM 10.1. Petitions – Nil 10.2. Deputations – Nil 10.3. Public Forum
11. PRESENTATIONS Nil
12. OFFICER REPORTS 12.1. Barossa Valley Protection District – Character Values for the SA Planning Strategy
That:
1. The Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee endorse the following as the content for the submission from Adelaide Hills Council regarding the character values which should be recognised pursuant to Clause 7 of the Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Act 2012:……. Refer to report for full recommendation
Page 3 Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee Meeting AGENDA
13. MOTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
14. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
15. CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS Nil
16. NEXT MEETING Tuesday, 23 April 2013, 6.30pm, 36 Nairne Road Woodside
17. CLOSE STRATEGIC PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT POLICY MEETING
Page 4 ADELAIDE HILLS COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLANNING & POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday 26 March 2013 AGENDA BUSINESS ITEM
Item: 12.1
Originating Officer: Marc Salver, Director Planning & Development Services
Subject: Barossa Valley Protection District – Character Values for the SA Planning Strategy
File No: 03.65.5
SMP Goal: Goal 2: Sustainable Natural, Built & Agrarian Environments
SMP Key Issue: Issue 2.7: Built Environment
1. SUMMARY
The State Parliament passed the Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Bill 2012 on 1 November 2012.
The Minister for Planning approved the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale – Revised – Protection Districts DPA on 18 January 2013.
To implement this legislation and associated DPA, the Minister has asked the four Councils affected to provide input on the Character Values which will form part of a (to be updated) version of the State Planning Strategy for this Protection District. Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Light Regional and Mid Murray are the affected Councils in this instance.
The Councils have worked collaboratively with URS consultants (engaged by the Barossa Council), to provide a common input on the Barossa Protection District’s essential character values under the headings defined in the legislation. As this is an ongoing process, the attachments to this report include the report on the Consultation Process (See Attachment 1), Maps 2, 3 and 4 below, and the latest version of the Character Value Statements in the format of the State Planning Strategy (See Attachment 2 ). Staff from the four Councils, URS consultants, and Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure (DPTI) staff are continuing to work together to refine the material in Attachment 2 to meet DPTI’s requirements. An updated version from this refining process will be provided to members at this Committee Meeting.
At this point in this process, staff are seeking the Committee’s endorsement of the content of the Character Value Statements, and Maps 2, 3 and 4, as the basis for the Amendment of the State Planning Strategy.
Page 1 Adelaide Hills Council SPDPC Meeting 26 March 2013 Barossa Valley Protection District – Character Values for the SA Planning Strategy
DPTI’s advice from the 19 March 2013 meeting is that the Character Value Statements will be divided into two parts, namely:
1. An edited version of the high level material from these Statements forming the Amendment to the Planning Strategy, 2. The remainder and more detailed component forming the basis of future Council DPAs affecting the Barossa Valley Protection District.
Staff are also seeking delegated authority to make editorial changes as required before the final version is submitted to DPTI and the Minister.
2. GOVERNANCE
Strategic Management Plan
Goal 2: Sustainable Natural, Built & Agrarian Environments Issue 2.7: Built Environment
The Minister’s Protection Districts are intended to protect notable urban fringe parts of Adelaide from urban development. For the AHC area north of Kersbrook, the final policy content has changed little, with minor impacts on the built form of new development. Proposed changes to the Planning Strategy (the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide) reflecting this project’s Character Values will guide future Council DPAs affecting this area.
Legislation
Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Bill 2012 Character Preservation (McLaren Vale) Bill 2012 Development Act, 1993. S22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28.
Sustainability
Economic Social Environmental Governance
Budget
Not applicable
Consultation
Council staff were involved in a Public Workshop held on behalf of the four affected Councils at Barossa Council’s Nuriootpa offices. The 75 attendees discussed how the five character values specified in the legislation should be addressed in amendments to the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide.
Page 2 Adelaide Hills Council SPDPC Meeting 26 March 2013 Barossa Valley Protection District – Character Values for the SA Planning Strategy
3. BACKGROUND
This report refers to the following legislation:
• Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Bill 2012 • Character Preservation (McLaren Vale) Bill 2012 • Development Act, 1993. S22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28.
The Minister for Planning proposed the creation of Protection Districts to protect the McLaren Vale and Barossa agricultural areas from residential and other inappropriate development, by placing “ restrictions on the types of development expected in rural and non-rural areas within the districts, and promoting the retention of heritage values ”.
The proposal now involves three parts:
• legislation which is independent of the Development Act to provide a framework for the protection of these areas; • a Development Plan Amendment ( DPA ) under the Development Act to implement the required changes; and, • amendments to the Planning Strategy to define the character of each of the Districts.
The State Parliament passed the legislation , the Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Bill 2012 and the Character Preservation (McLaren Vale) Bill 2012, on 1 November 2012. This legislation established the following five character values to guide the development of planning policy in the Protection Districts:
• rural and natural landscape and visual amenity; • heritage attributes; • built form of townships; • viticulture, agricultural and associated industries; and, • scenic and tourism attributes.
The Minister for Planning approved his Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale – Revised – Protection Districts DPA on 18 January 2013. This DPA reinstated former new dwelling provisions, and removed encouragement for Wind Farms in the Districts.
To complete the implementation package, the Minister has asked for amendments to be made to the Planning Strategy to define the character of each of the Districts. The four Councils affected by the Barossa Valley Protection District (AHC, Barossa, Light Regional and Mid Murray Councils) are working together with consultants URS (retained by Barossa Council) to provide a submission on how best to amend the Planning Strategy to allow the affected Councils to achieve the desired guidance for future planning policy.
Page 3 Adelaide Hills Council SPDPC Meeting 26 March 2013 Barossa Valley Protection District – Character Values for the SA Planning Strategy
4. DISCUSSION
In this Report:
• the consultant’s report with Character Value Statements ( Attachment 1 ); • Maps 2, 3, and 4 below (Townships and Heritage; The Setting and Qualities; and the Barossa Economy); and, • a later version of the Character Value Statements in the format of the Planning Strategy ( Attachment 2 ).
This Final Product: The result of this work will be an amendment of the State’s Planning Strategy, or the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide. The Amendment will contain the strategic or high level components of the Character Value Statements. The remaining elements of the Character Value Statements will form the Character Statements of subsequent Council DPAs affecting this area. In effect, Council will be guided by both parts of the Character Value Statements. The result of this work will not have a direct effect on current planning policy work being undertaken or on any development application processes.
Discussion: The Minister’s Protection Districts are intended to protect notable urban fringe parts of Adelaide from urban development. For the AHC area north of Kersbrook, the final policy content has changed little, with minor impacts on the built form of new development. Proposed changes to the Planning Strategy (the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide) reflecting this project’s Character Values will guide future Council DPAs affecting this area.
Council staff were involved a Public Workshop held on behalf of the four affected Councils at Barossa Council’s Nuriootpa offices. This public consultation process involved our Council writing to over 300 property owners whose lands are included in the Protection District. At the joint public meeting, only around 75 people attended the meeting from the four affected Councils, some of whom were from the Adelaide Hills Council area. The attendees discussed how the five character values specified in the legislation should be addressed in amendments to the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide.
The public consultation process, and extensive input from the four affected Councils, has provided the basis for URS to prepare a submission to the Government on the preferred content of the amendment to the Planning Strategy to address the desired character of the Barossa Valley Protection District. The draft text for that Amendment forms section 4.2 (on page 24) of Attachment 1 which has since been adopted by the other 3 affected Councils and has been forwarded to DPTI.
URS has summarised the comments received at the Nuriootpa Workshop and during direct stakeholder contacts, and worked with the four Councils, to provide the joint input to the Government (DPTI) contained in Attachment 1 and in Maps 2, 3 and 4 below.
The extent of the Barossa Valley Protection District is shown in Map 1 of this report. The key themes to emerge from this process for each Character Value are as follows and have been shown spatially on Maps 2, 3 & 4 of this report:
Page 4 Adelaide Hills Council SPDPC Meeting 26 March 2013 Barossa Valley Protection District – Character Values for the SA Planning Strategy
The key themes to emerge from this process for each Character Value are:
Rural and natural landscape and visual amenity • Balance of human activities with the natural environment • Opposition to mono-cultural primary production • Protection and enhancement of vistas – of the ranges, from the ranges, roadside and tourist points, from the towns – view management framework? • Diverse pockets of activity and landscapes – sub areas • Thread of history embedded in the landscape • Siting and design of built form • Windfarms • Icons – Eden Valley gum trees; Barossa ranges; Stone walls; Watercourses
Built form of townships as they relate to the district • Support for township boundaries but not always ‘hard’ edges • Recognise and protect the individual character of each township and settlement • Protect and enhance township gateways – varies for each township • Protect the physical separation between townships and settlements – also avoid linear development along key roads • Avoid land divisions that create a suburban appearance – townships historically allowed for a mix of uses and a finer grain. • Better design and no use of Res-code • Debate and mixed views about building height and density within towns • Design charter?
Heritage attributes • Eden Valley – Big gum country • General desire to protect built heritage • Creation of a ‘heritage’ for future generations in quality modern buildings with enduring design – including farm sheds • Allow adaptive re-use of early settler buildings and other heritage
Viticulture, agricultural and associated industries • Right to farm concept • ‘Right’ to subdivide • Managing farming interfaces with sensitive uses • Flexibility in primary production / horticulture zoning • Future of less viable land – hobby farms, rural living • Zoning and soil capability • Viticulture vs. broadacre vs. food • Focus on premium production • Allow evolving economic activity through flexible zoning.
Scenic and tourism attributes • Food and wine experience • Diversity of business activity – cellar doors, boutique wineries, accommodation • Cycling and walking path connections • Uniqueness of townships, village feel • Potential for improvement e.g. mainstreets • Risks to tourism economy – empty shops, zoning, transport
Page 5 Adelaide Hills Council SPDPC Meeting 26 March 2013 Barossa Valley Protection District – Character Values for the SA Planning Strategy
Map 1: Barossa Valley Protection District
Page 6 Adelaide Hills Council SPDPC Meeting 26 March 2013 Barossa Valley Protection District – Character Values for the SA Planning Strategy
Map 2: Townships and Heritage
Page 7 Adelaide Hills Council SPDPC Meeting 26 March 2013 Barossa Valley Protection District – Character Values for the SA Planning Strategy
Map 3: The Setting and Qualities
Page 8 Adelaide Hills Council SPDPC Meeting 26 March 2013 Barossa Valley Protection District – Character Values for the SA Planning Strategy
Map 4: The Barossa Economy
Page 9 Adelaide Hills Council SPDPC Meeting 26 March 2013 Barossa Valley Protection District – Character Values for the SA Planning Strategy
5. RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. That the Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee endorse the following as the content for the submission from Adelaide Hills Council regarding the character values which should be recognised pursuant to Clause 7 of the Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Act 2012: • the content of the Barossa Character Values: Community Engagement Report (forming Attachment 1 ); • the draft Character Values (forming Attachment 2 ); and, • Maps 2, 3, and 4 above, titled “Townships and Heritage”, “The Setting and Qualities”, and “The Barossa Economy”. 2. That the Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee delegates authority to the Director Planning and Development Services and the Senior Strategic and Policy Planner to make any amendments, as may be required, to the maps and the description of character values, within the context of Recommendation 1, and to continue to progress this matter as required. 3. That Council forward to The Barossa Council, an acknowledgement of its efforts and financial contribution in relation to this project.
6. APPENDICES
(1) Barossa Character Values: Community Engagement Report (2) Draft Character Values
Page 10
Appendix 1 Barossa Character Values: Community Engagement Report
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement report
Co
Prepared for the Barossa Valley District Councils 26 February 2013
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 1
Contents Limitations ...... 3
Introduction ...... 5
Purpose of Participation…………………………………………….…8
Engagement Methodology ...... 22
Next steps ...... 35
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 2
Limitations URS Australia provides this document in either printed format, electronic format or both. URS considers the printed version to be binding. The electronic format is provided for the client’s convenience and URS requests that the client ensures the integrity of this electronic information is maintained. Storage of this electronic information should at a minimum comply with the requirements of the Commonwealth Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) 2000.
Where an electronic only version is provided to the client, a signed hard copy of this document is held on file by URS and a copy will be provided if requested.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 3
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 4
1.0 Introduction The Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Act 2012 commenced in January 2013. The Act is primarily intended to protect and enhance the special character of the Barossa Character Preservation
Part 6 (1) of the Act recognises the following character values for the Barossa Character Preservation District (the Barossa Valley district):
Rural and natural landscape and visual amenity Heritage attributes Built form of the townships as they relate to the district Viticultural, agricultural and associated industries Scenic and tourism attributes
The Act further states that the character values are relevant to assessing the special character of the district and also the future policies to be developed and applied under the Planning Strategy and relevant Development Plan (Development Plan Amendment(s) (DPA)).
The Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Act 2012 requires the Minister for Planning to take steps to amend the Planning Strategy within six months of the commencement of the Act. The amendment to the Planning Strategy will occur in accordance with section 22 of the Development Act 1993. Each Council’s Development Plan must then be reviewed to reflect the changes to the Planning Strategy within a further six months.
These requirements will mean that the time available for undertaking community engagement is compressed in order to meet these legislative timeframes. This timeframe governs the timing of project deliverables. Changes to the Planning Strategy means alterations or additions, via an ’Addendum‘ to the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide’ and ‘Murray and Mallee Region Plan’ which are the relevant volumes of the Planning Strategy for the Barossa Valley district.
The Department for Planning Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) recognises the importance of working with the affected Councils primarily to allow each authority to identify and describe what constitutes the special character in their area.
This community engagement has focused on identifying and describing in a spatial context, the character values for the Barossa Valley district. DPTI will use this information to prepare an Addendum to the 30 Year Plan.
Critical Timelines
January - Character Preservation Bill enacted March 2013 – DPTI complete Addendum utilising input from each affected Council April / May 2013 - DPTI undertake public consultation End June 1013 - 30 Year Plan Addendum gazetted
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 5
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 6
1.1 The Study Area The study area is defined by the geographic boundary of the Barossa Valley district and includes parts of the local government areas of Barossa, Mid Murray, Light and Adelaide Hills.
Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure 2013
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 7
2 Purpose of Participation In late 2012, the Barossa Council made a decision to seek community input into identifying the character values and defining the special character of the Barossa Valley district.
This expanded in scope to work jointly with the other three Councils to incorporate the entire Barossa Valley district.
The purpose of encouraging the community and other stakeholders to participate in this process is to ensure the community has a strong role in deciding how development within the Barossa Valley district should occur in the future. DPTI officers have indicated that the relevant councils are best placed to identify the character values and therefore define the special character for their district and preparing the map insert and text for the Addendum.
The final decision about what information is placed in the Addendum to the Planning Strategy will be made by the Minister for Planning.
The Councils are fully aware of the previous consultation work that was undertaken in recent years, particularly with the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide in 2008 and more recently, the Character Preservation Bills.
Therefore, the engagement strategy considered the following:
Significant opportunities for the wider Barossa population to interact and support the special character analysis Reinforce transparency in the strategic planning process and clarification of all stakeholder roles in the project - this is crucial given the extensive recent consultation undertaken as part of the Bill and the DPAs but with decisions being made at the State Government level not always to the satisfaction of the community or council Recognising and addressing the potential for over-consulting (especially due to the need for other consultation on forthcoming matters e.g. Strategic Directions Report and future DPAs) and the need for local community engagement to be meaningful at all levels for all interested local stakeholders Direct (and accessible) engagement with relevant stakeholders in the Barossa Valley district and State Government in Adelaide
“We have taken but the first small step. You can still have your comment”
Mayor Brian Hurn Character Values Workshop February 2013
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 8
3 Engagement Methodology To forge a genuine engagement framework, the methodology concentrated on: Visibility of the Project Team and their frequent availability Focusing our attention on building a genuine partnership with the community and stakeholders Setting up an opportunity for face-to-face discussions with the community and stakeholders (including a workshop) Incorporating demonstration and visual aids, making the required work and options easy to understand Employing a variety of engagement methods to reach a diverse cross section of the community Choosing effective engagement techniques for each stage of the project Bringing creativity and a relaxed atmosphere into the community engagement The approach to community engagement involved a range of activities designed to provide information, collect and compile input and bring people and ideas together. The methodology was based on three main stages (see Appendix A):
1. Providing information 2. Compiling input 3. Sharing ideas / Bringing people together
Given the relatively short timeframe and the constraints of the summer holiday period, the community was given a range of options to provide responses, particularly for online feedback which could be done remotely by residents who may have been away on holiday during this period. In working on this project it should be noted that some ground rules needed to be observed due to the technical nature of the strategies:
Non-negotiables
The five Character Values have been established in the legislation and are not able to be altered. The primary intent of the community engagement should be to identify or ratify attributes under each of these character value headings and utilise these to assess the special character of the Barossa Valley district in accordance with Sections 3(2), 6(1), 7(1) and 7(2) of the Bill
Negotiables
The detailed statement of values about the identity and character of the Barossa Valley district, and locations within the district that these should apply will be determined between, Council, DPTI and the Minister The key message to the community:
The Barossa Council seeks active engagement with the local community in defining the special character (including identification or ratification of character values attributes) of the council area. This information will be used by the Council and URS (the project team) to prepare a Special Character Map and supporting text for submission to the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI).
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 9
3.1 Providing Information In mid-December 2012, information in the form of a fact sheet about the character values/special character assessment or definition was disseminated through:
a dedicated page on the Barossa Council’s website and Facebook page which also provided
• project information
• enable on-line participation
• promote the engagement process, particularly the Community Workshop
direct mail out to people who made a submission on the interim DPAs or contacted Council about the changes, selected persons and community groups, and industry groups advertisement in the local press public information displays at key Council locations – within the council offices and libraries
In addition, the Mid Murray, Light and Adelaide Hills Councils sent a direct mail letter to landowners within the Barossa Valley district to advise them of the community engagement process in late December 2012. This included more than 1000 residents.
The Barossa Council also published an article about the process, and upcoming community workshop in its community newsletter distributed in early February 2013.
A copy of the media press release sent out in December 2012 is attached at Appendix B.
Council Website(s)
Facebook page
Engage with representors
Direct letter mail out
Displays
Community newsletter
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 10
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 11
3.2 Compiling Input The community was encouraged to provide a response to the five Character Values by letter, or text or pictures through the internet and social media. An opportunity for residents to provide a submission over the phone was also considered important for people who may not use the internet or have been able to attend the community workshop.
At the time of writing, a total of 25 written submissions were received from the community in this format. A summary of the submissions is attached at Appendix C.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 12
3.3 Bringing People Together - The Character Values Community Workshop
Preparation and Format
This engagement process is not constrained by statutory requirements and for this reason, a flexible and creative approach to the workshop was adopted. The format was designed to maximise the opportunity for participants to discuss matters of importance to them and share ideas when thinking about the special character of the Barossa area.
The workshop sought to gain information but also to acknowledge and value the lived experiences of the Barossa community.
A ‘world café’ technique was selected for the workshop. This format involves groups of participants seated around tables in a ‘café style’ arrangement. The small group setting and relaxed seating encourages a ‘conversation’ style of discussion. The conversation is based on a series of pre-determined questions which are designed to foster open and constructive discussion by the group and bring out areas of common ground. An important element of this format is thinking about the experience of the participants. The ‘café’ format is designed to create a welcoming and comfortable space where people feel invited to share their ideas and perspectives.
Participants are encouraged to shift to different tables during the process to create rounds of discussion. This approach is considered useful to encourage participants to gain exposure to a range of different perspectives. The questions are designed to draw the conversation away from the interests of individual participants and towards the common interests of the group.
The output of the discussion is not a set of agreed facts but rather common themes and ideas which were recorded by participants on maps, butcher’s paper, and by table hosts on large post-it-notes. Participants were grouped around tables of approximately eight people. Each table had a ‘host’ to lead the conversation and record the key themes and outputs of each discussion. Each table had a set of base maps and targeted maps, images or other information to assist the ‘host’ and attendees. The host will also be provided with a series of ‘prompt’ questions to help facilitate discussion if necessary.
The format option incorporated three tables focusing on:
The Setting and Qualities – this primarily covers the ‘Rural landscape and visual amenity’ and ‘Scenic and tourism attributes’ values Townships and Heritage - this primarily covers ‘ Heritage attributes’ and Built form of townships’ values The Barossa Economy – this primarily covers ‘Viticulture, agricultural and associated industries’
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 13
The reason for grouping the character values under three themes is:
To not artificially restrict conversation between character values which overlap To allow for community workshop participants to comment on all character values within the workshop timeframe (i.e. if there were five tables and five ‘moves’ which would not be practical at this evening session )
Participants begin at a given table and then rotated through all three to ensure they had the opportunity to input into all five values (set under the three themes). To help the discussion and seek to maximise the value of community input, three questions were designed to ensure a logical progression to promote a discussion about things that matter to people:
What gives the Barossa Valley Character Preservation District its special character?
What are the features we want to protect?
What do we want the Barossa to look like in the future?
The proposed table arrangements allows for nine tables – up to 75 attendees at a maximum of eight per table
A wall space was provided for participants to place comments and ideas on large ‘post-it-notes’. This would allow participants to make specific comments that may not ‘fit’ within the broader conversations at each table. This was encouraged so that all participants feel that they have had an opportunity to have their say.
The table ‘Hosts’ were critical to running of the workshop and were required to:
Welcome participants on your table and encourage them to say where they are from Include an ‘ice breaker’ question asking each participant what is their favourite place in the Barossa Valley Character Preservation District and why – first round of table discussions only Help the group focus on the question at hand but with reference to the five character values Encourage everyone to participate – to write and draw on the maps, paper table cloths and post- it notes.
Mayor Brian Hurn welcomed attendees and set the context for the workshop. URS facilitated the event.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 14
Prompts
A series of maps and other plans were prepared to provide visual aids and discussion points for each table.
Maps showed:
Land Use
Development Zones
Aerial
Townships
Heritage
Agriculture, Viticulture and Livestock
Relief
Roads and Rivers
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 15
On the Day
Date: Thursday February 7 2013 Venue: 7pm at The Barossa Council Chambers
Hosts: The Barossa Council Adelaide Hills Council Mid Murray Council Light Regional Council Consultant – URS Australia
Attendance: A total of 75 people attended the workshop.
Attendees included residents, business owners, producers, elected members and community group members from across the four councils. Staff from the four councils and URS acted as facilitators and table hosts at the workshop.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 16
‘Burning Issues’ and ‘The wall’
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 17
What was said?
A summary of the responses from the workshop are attached at Appendix D. At the end of the workshop, each table host provided a summary of key discussion points. They are shown below under the three themes. Table 1 Summary
The way the physical landscape is and balancing with the environment Scenic qualities and sustainable efforts – more support from Government (clearer rules) A ‘Barossa’ that looks a lot like the way it is now Table 4 Summary The Setting Diversity of land use o What is current/previous land uses and Qualities o Horticulture in favour of viticulture Economics of broad acre farming Village feel/townships – contained within current boundaries – preserving character Table 7 Summary
Maintaining identity of townships – buffer between townships Open Character – wineries interspersed with natural character Hills, water bodies and forestry – important landscapes
Table 2 Summary
New development – must fit with existing character of townships Heritage – must be functional, viable and part of community so that it can be maintained Size of buildings – primary industry areas (large buildings) – part of the landscape (landmarks) Entrance themes Townships Large gum trees – part of the Barossa landscape
and Heritage Table 5 Summary
Heritage – preservation of ‘the best’ Encouraging heritage for the future – new building design Townships – approaches/topography/vistas of towns are unique – must be valued and maintained Edges around towns – organic – not just a rigid approach – mix of uses Heritage outside of townships – “landscape buildings” – important to the character
Table 8 Summary
Old settler cottages/ruins – re-use as a dwelling or short term accommodation Varied setbacks of buildings and valued original buildings used – timber/stone (rather than more modern materials) ‘The Good’, ‘The Bad’ and ‘The Ugly’ - Examples of scenic routes o Coming into Tanunda from Gomersal Road – ‘Good’ o Entrance to Angaston – ‘Bad’ o Sturt Highway into Nuriootpa – Modern development – ‘Ugly’
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 18
Table 3 Summary
Strong need expressed for protection of primary agriculture and farming – help make the ‘balance’ work Protecting existing business – to make the economy work Protect cultural heritage – which has helped to ‘set the character’ The Barossa “Protect the past – while we move into a productive future”
Economy Table 6 Summary
Strong need expressed for protection of primary agriculture and farming – help make the ‘balance’ work of a range of viable primary production activities Protect the ‘Barossa Brand’ – high quality food and wine Allowing diversity in farming crops Difficulty in changing within primary production activities Farm sheds/tanks – need to be ‘blended’ in with the environment Managing interface between activities and the burden of restrictions Must remember the health of the environment
Table 9 Summary
Culture based on agricultural production Protection of productive land within the District Match land use with land capability and water resources Best practice farming – match with nearby development Concerns about wind farm development (Keyneton development)
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 19
A snapshot of ‘The Wall’ (see Appendix E for full list)
Land Use Built Form Community Heritage and Culture
Future development - Mainstreet Protected and preserved - patch All focus should not be on grape with small frontage shops with Lets face it vineyards don't employ work effect of mixed farming vines. Other agriculture industries are vernacular and articulation that as many people as they did years versus large expanse of of equal importance. reflects the predominant cultural ago to pick grapes monoculture landscape
Need to review some of the existing laws to allow for small farms to Views of rural hinterland that Strengthen townships with more Barossa Ranges/Escarpment from diversify into other agriculture permeate the gaps in built form services and retail dominant built form industries
Dominant Built Form (feature Need Medicare, Family Assistance, Use up vacant blocks first buildings) that anchor a streetscape Hamlets/small settlements Motor Registration and entry points
Townships and Heritage - No No more subdivision Sense of community - it's people Small local feel of towns unsightly properties
Keep character which has orchards, Rustic rural character of towns (i.e. add dairies, chaff merchants and Rural qualities maintained The lifestyle, colours (soil/vines) open vacant allotments, farms, vines fences, etc)
Children need to learn about these No 'Kalbeeba' style development The Valley Floor Scale - small local industries
Connecting Murray Plains and Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges containing Use of local rock in building Signage for towns Community Values nationally significant plants and material wildlife in spectacular land scape
No need to keep so many vines and Not massed by large car parking Entrance/exit Rural Lifestyle wineries. areas
Save the broad acre farming Individual/yet themed Peaceful Need to prevent future
If a vineyard is planted - buffer zone Entrances - Landscaped gateways should be made - Duty of Care by with signage (i.e. turn off of Gomersal Agriculture - good soil Need well design solutions vineyard owner Road/Sturt Highway)
At the moment broad acre farmer Stop the houses The People! Lifestyle! Wineries/wine/vintage taking the brunt of responsibility
Save rural land - no more houses on Industrial area in Angaston The visual amenity of the region Heritage/buildings prime agriculture land
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 20
3.4 Direct Stakeholder conversations In addition, Council officer’s sought direct engagement through the process with the community and stakeholders. This was conducted in person, via the telephone or email. Conversations were held with a number of stakeholders who had provided written submission to explore the issues raised in greater depth with regard to the five Character Values.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 21
4 Community Engagement Initial Outcomes
4.1 Summary of emergent themes
The following provides an initial ‘cutting’ of the workshop responses and identification of key themes. As a pictorial representation, a ‘word cloud’ has been prepared highlighting the most common ‘words’ highlighting
Rural and natural landscape and visual amenity Balance of human activities with the natural environment Opposition to mono-cultural primary production Protection and enhancement of vistas - of the ranges, from the ranges, roadside and tourist points, from the towns –view management framework? Diverse pockets of activity and landscapes – sub areas Thread of history embedded in the landscape Siting and design of built form Windfarms Icons – Eden Valley gum trees Barossa ranges Stone walls Watercourses
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 22
Built form of townships as they relate to the district Support for township boundaries but not always ‘hard’ edges Recognise and protect the individual character of each township and settlement Protect and enhance township gateways – varies for each township Protect the physical separation between townships and settlements – also avoid linear development along key roads Avoid land divisions that create a suburban appearance – townships historically allowed for a mix of uses and a finer grain. Better design and no use of Res-code Debate and mixed views about building height and density within towns Design charter?
Heritage attributes Eden Valley – Big gum country General desire to protect built heritage Creation of a ‘heritage’ for future generations in quality modern buildings with enduring design – including farm sheds Allow adaptive re-use of early settler buildings and other heritage
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 23
Viticulture, agricultural and associated industries Right to farm concept ‘Right’ to subdivide Managing farming interfaces with sensitive uses Flexibility in primary production / horticulture zoning Future of less viable land – hobby farms, rural living Zoning and soil capability Viticulture vs. broadacre vs. food Focus on premium production Allow evolving economic activity through flexible zoning.
Scenic and tourism attributes
Food and wine experience Diversity of business activity – cellar doors, boutique wineries, accommodation Cycling and walking path connections Uniqueness of townships, village feel Potential for improvement e.g. mainstreets Risks to tourism economy – empty shops, zoning, transport
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 24
4.2 Character Value Statements The following section provides a draft statement on each of the character values as a concluding summary element of the engagement process:
Rural and natural landscape and visual amenity Heritage attributes Built form of the townships as they relate to the district Viticultural, agricultural and associated industries Scenic and tourism attributes
The rural and natural landscape and visual amenity of the district The character and unique identity of the Barossa Valley district arises from the blending of natural and human-influenced features which create a cultural heritage embedded within the physical landscape. A history of settlement and legacy of traditional farming practices have produced a rural setting which forms a ‘rich and diverse palate’ of fields, vines, orchards and rural settlements. Natural features which contribute to the distinct character of the district include the backdrop of the Barossa Range, remnant native vegetation (which is significant in some localities), large trees and water courses. Iconic places in the landscape include the Eden Valley, Jutland Valley, Keyneton and Mount Pleasant localities and their River Red gums, stone walls and water courses particularly the North and South Para River and its tributaries. The form and nature of the natural environment and the arrangement of land-use activities mean that the landscape differs across the district with a broad disposition of amenity as follows: Barossa Valley Generally this area comprises flat plains filled with intensive viticulture and food production activities stretching from the foot of the Barossa Ranges to the North Para River. The land is primarily flat though undulates in the north-west and in the Rowland Flat area to the south. There is limited tree coverage within the vines. More vegetation is found along the road side and the edges of the many streams that flow through from the Barossa Ranges to the North Para Ranges on the western border. There is a large marble and limestone quarry at Penrice and a car dump at Schrapel Road. The Barossa Ranges is a significant backdrop in this area. There is also a mix of tourism and accommodation facilities. The North Para River flows through the valley. This river is the principal watercourse in the District and flows through the townships of Tanunda and Nurioopta (where a linear reserve has been created). Barossa Range The range comprises a striking range of rounded hills and spurs extending the full length of the Barossa Valley The western escarpment is visible for a considerable distance westward, well beyond Freeling. The escarpment provides a boundary to the Barossa Valley and provides a strong common feature which links the District together as a whole. The Range forms an eastern boundary to the main vine-growing area within the District. The Range rises to about 300 metres above Barossa Valley with high points at Kaiserstuhl (580m), Little Kaiserstuhl (560m), and Mt Menge (620m).
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 25
The Range is partly barren, with other parts having extensive scattered trees. Trees line many of the streams flowing out of the Range’s westward. Some of the roads through the escarpment also have roadside vegetation. The Range is mainly used for grazing. There is a working quarry at Penrice near Angaston, few vines and plantations of pines at its southern end. Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park and adjacent land lies on the eastern side of the Range. This small area is heavily treed and contains significant native vegetation plus grazing land. Western Barossa This part of the District incorporates Sandy Creek and nearby areas and extends westwards towards the approach to Freeling. The land extending from Sandy Creek to Williamstown comprises significant rural living plus the hillier, more heavily vegetated lands on the south-western corner of the District (including the Barossa Reservoir and Whispering Wall). This land is undulating with extensive native vegetation, roadside vegetation and some streamside vegetation. Close to Sandy Creek there is significant grazing land with vines more prevalent north of Lyndoch Road. The south-western area acts as a buffer between the agricultural and viticultural uses in the Valley and the more urban and developed areas to the south west outside of the District. The land surrounding Freeling is much flatter with the landscape dominated by broad acre farming and other primary production activities. There is limited tree coverage, though long distance vistas of the Barossa Ranges add visual interest. Gomersal and Seppeltsfield Gomersal is a transition zone between the viticulture of the Barossa Valley and the conventional arable agriculture of much of the region to the west. The land is gently undulating with low rounded hills and low north trending ridgelines. The landscape is mainly arable and grazing with minimal tree coverage. There are few vines though more in recent years particularly in the southern area emanating out from the Barossa Valley. Seppeltsfield is an important viticulture area based around the historic Seppeltsfield winery and other more recent wineries. It has a mix of streams, scattered dams and trees (including extensive introduced pines planted along ridgeline east of Seppeltsfield). Maggie Beer’s farm is located in this area. Barossa North This includes land encapsulated within an arc from North Greenock to Moculta. In general, the land is used for broadacre farming and grazing with some viticulture particularly close to Greenock. There is an associated mix of farm buildings, dams and a concentration of tree planting along the ridge tops. The land comprises a mix of wide valleys and undulating terrain with land rising towards Moculta (which is elevated approximately 100m above the Barossa Valley). In general, the area is less treed than other parts of the District primarily due to the extensive amount of arable land. The Light River traverses the northern boundary of the District and the large township of Kapunda is located in close proximity further to the north. The Nain range is also visible to the west Eastern Barossa This area contains comprises a large treed valley extending south from Angaston and Lindsay Park to Flaxmans Valley Road. The valley contains a mix of scattered trees including many very large trees. There is also considerable vegetation along the roads and streams. Grazing is a dominant activity along with viticulture in the west and south. The former horse training facilities at Lindsay Park is located in the region. The area to the far east is dominated by the Eastern Mt Lofty Ranges. The land is heavily undulating in various parts and contains large allotments, generally in excess of 20 hectares. Dry land grazing is the dominant agricultural activity in the area, but some vineyards do exist in the Eden Valley
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 26
Region. In addition a number of smaller animal keeping operations (pigs, poultry and cattle) are present in the area. The Somme and Marne Watercourses traverse the Eastern Mt Lofty Ranges, with the banks of both watercourses being densely vegetated. While other parts of the area contain sections of native vegetation comprising tall trees with significant canopy spreads, other sections of land have been cleared and are void of vegetation. Built form generally consists of detached dwellings on large allotments with associated domestic and farm buildings. The area also contains an extensive network of dry stone walls, which reflect the heritage of the area and are valued by the local community Eden Valley and Southern Barossa This part of the District has many similar landscape features of land to the north around Collingrove but with extensive viticulture and much hillier. The land is generally undulating and with greater topographic variation in the west. There is a wide eastward valley along the Marne River that also acts as an important watershed area. There are extensive areas of scattered trees and some of native vegetation. Roadside and streamside vegetation is generally very good. Pines plantations are evident in western and southern areas, in particular, within land bounded by the Adelaide Hills Council. There is a mix of vineyards, arable and grazing land and pine plantation. Important broadacre farming areas are predominant in the south western portion of the preservation district.
Land east of Williamstown is more undulating and it becomes gradually flatter on the eastern side where the land abuts Mount Pleasant – Keyneton Road. The area includes large groupings of trees and vegetation throughout with some groupings more dense than others. Forest areas are most concentrated south of Warren Road within the Mount Crawford Forest Reserve. There are some areas with scattered trees just south of Springton Road. The predominant feature within the area is the Mount Crawford Forest Reserve which is centrally located between Springton Road to the north, South Para Road to the west, Mount Pleasant – Keyneton Road to the east and Forreston Road to the south. The area also includes the Warren Reservoir located at the northern end of Warren Road. The industrious nature of human activity and natural movement during the changing seasons is also reflected in varying landscapes across the district; as crops grow, as they are harvested, and as vines mature or trees lose their leaves in Autumn. Townships also follow the seasons as deciduous trees shed leaves and contrast with native vegetation. These changes create a unique rural and natural landscape. In addition, preservation of historic man-made elements within the landscape combined with its diversity through a mix of uses and farming practices including broad acre farming, viticulture and horticulture make it unique. Therefore protecting this unique identity by promoting a positive distinction between townships and the rural landscape continues to be important, as will be maintaining diverse pockets of land-use activity and sub-areas including areas of natural vegetation with high conservation value such as the many Recreation or Conservation Parks (.i.e. Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park). Ultimately, preserving the vistas of the Barossa Range, of the valley from the Barossa Range, along road corridors and from the towns into the surrounding rural landscape will ensure a holistic approach to landscape amenity as well as the individual elements that contribute to it.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 27
Future Development Future development should reinforce and enhance a wide range of elements within the landscape which give the district its special character. In particular, it should make a positive contribution to the Barossa’s status as an iconic wine and food producing region that is distinct and identifiable as a separate entity from metropolitan Adelaide. Primary production will need to contribute to a diversity of land uses which support a range of economic activities and also reinforce the predominantly rural features of the landscape. The scale, siting, and design and landscaping of built form requires strategic management and appropriate policy development so that it harmonises with the natural features of the landscape and its historic pattern of settlement.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 28
Heritage Attributes The heritage character and cultural significance of the Barossa Valley district is closely associated with the German and British culture and history of the area. The generational success of these and later settlers manifests itself in many ways from street and town names to the ongoing family operators of many businesses within the district today. The cultural heritage landscape contributes itself to a high sense of community within the district and a diverse range of land use activities and events that bind the area together in an effective ‘place-making’ context. The built form legacy from the early (late 1830s/40s) and diverse settlement of the area provides for a rich mix of residential, institutional and other buildings that enhance streetscapes within the townships and rural amenity outside of the centres. There are more than 700 heritage items and 10 historic conservation areas within the district. Examples range in scale from smaller cottages and memorials to substantial and grand buildings. A short list of places listed on the SA Heritage Register includes Lindsay Park, Seppeltsfield winery, mausoleum and date palms, Luhr’s Cottage, Kingsford homestead, TST Distillery Chimney, Menge’s Island and Cave, Orlando Winery Complex and Chateau Tanunda. The breadth and diversity of heritage places within the district is not commonly found in the rest of regional South Australia. Each of the towns and settlements contain a diversity of heritage or character buildings including residential, commercial and civic buildings that are individually listed and/or contained within numerous heritage character areas. In particular, Tanunda and Angaston are well known for the mix of heritage buildings along with their respective main streets and within the townships as a whole. Importantly, they reflect the evolving stratum of economic, social and design changes over time and can often ‘tell’ valuable stories on local history. These heritage buildings or places are often landmarks and are very important in achieving a sense of place. The district also benefits from a significant number of wineries, factories, commercial, cultural and institutional buildings located within the townships and the rural areas alike. They are an important connection to the historic fabric of the district and often positively contribute to the attractiveness of their surroundings. This unique built form heritage should continue to be protected and enhanced. This does not always mean replication or conformance to a defined historical palette of materials. There is potential for the construction of well-designed contemporary buildings that can act as a counterpoint and enhance older buildings or streetscapes. The adaptive re-use of older buildings should also be encouraged as they contribute to ensuring the longevity of an important building and add to the vitality of the local area not only within townships but also in the rural areas of the district. Examples such as the Barossa Farmers Market in the Vintners Shed (Angaston) demonstrate the flexibility of older buildings for modern use. Pro-active measures to re-use the early settler buildings scattered across the district should also be investigated and implemented where appropriate. Retaining the valued historic fabric of the district and seeking to achieve a balance of new development means that a strong focus should be placed on design quality and strategically integrating this with cultural elements. The district’s landscape has also been modified since early settlement. This includes the clearing of land, planting of vines, construction of fencing and stone walls, historic farm buildings and infrastructure. This landscape heritage contribute to the scenic qualities of the district; however modification has not always been successfully integrated with the landscape and measures should be implemented to ensure future
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 29 development contributes positively and achieves a level of rehabilitation and more sustainable management for better longer term outcomes. Areas where the natural environment has survived are also extremely significant. They should be maintained and enhanced to feature important landscape elements such as the large stands of gum trees and remnant (or rehabilitated) native vegetation in the Eden Valley, Keyneton and Mount Pleasant localities.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 30
Built form of townships as they relate to the district The Barossa Valley district comprises a tapestry of towns and settlements that connect together to underpin and support the living, working and recreation activities of the district. Nurioopta is the commercial centre of the district with other townships such as Tanunda, Lyndoch and Angaston providing a greater tourist focus and local service provision. A range of smaller townships and settlements such as Mount Pleasant, Williamstown, Moculta, Keyneton and Greenock also act to varying degrees as a community hub, tourist destination, employment and population centre. These towns have developed since earliest European settlement during the late 1830s. Each town and settlement has evolved to reflect the nature and character of their topography, natural features, local economy and the built legacy of successive generations. The townships are often diverse in built form, density, land use mix and siting arrangements. Such diversity is an inherent feature that should be understood and acknowledged in future development. Each township has an interface where rural activities sit directly adjacent residential properties or other activities such as industry. The town edges are often blurred or ‘organic’ with a mix of activities not confined by a ‘hard edge’. The close relationship between primary production, industrial and residential activities is a notable element within the district. It is important that future development respects the need for co-existence and any planning addresses viability, amenity, liveability, design and other issues at the interface. In general, the core of each town and settlement has an established main street set within a grid pattern of roads. Some are modified to reflect the local environment such as Angaston. There are a mix of land uses including retail, commercial, entertainment, residential and industry. Many places have a prevailing mix of heritage buildings, although this is often punctuated by more recent developments of varying quality. While there is a basic structural similarity between the district’s townships, it is clear that each town and settlement is defined by its own layering of history and spatial relationship both within and in response to the surrounding environment. This degree of individual character is much valued by the local community and is a part of its culture. It is also a key element in attracting tourism and encouraging visitors to explore the district as a whole. The towns and settlements are all connected by road and an evolving cycle and pedestrian network. The gateway or entry (multiple in some cases such as Nurioopta) is vital in terms of enhancing township amenity and signalling the move into a more urban environment. The southern entry into Tanunda is an attractive gateway and enhances the appearance of the town. Conversely, the northern and western entries into Nurioopta from the Sturt Highway are considered poor due to the sprawled layout and arrangement of recent residential housing. Identification of key gateways into each town and settlements and implementation of planning controls to ensure appropriate development and enhancement measures to improve their appearance is encouraged. While towns and settlements such as Nurioopta, Tanunda, Angaston, Lyndoch, Keyneton and Williamstown all have potential capacity for further residential growth, they are sensitive to significant change without appropriate contextual policy, structure planning and design responses. In particular, local distinctiveness may be lost if residential subdivisions or other developments are large enough to change their context or sited inappropriately so as to contrast with existing development, or if they do not respond to or enhance the positive attributes of the township. This may also require a more considered application of regulatory codes such as the Residential Code or other standardised planning policy that has the potential to incrementally impact on character.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 31
It is necessary to fully examine both the physical landscape as well as the cultural landscape in order to successfully integrate new development into the District. For this reason, these attributes are also currently being examined for potential World Heritage listing.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 32
Viticulture, agriculture and associated industries The Barossa Valley district is a working agrarian landscape. Primary production has formed the basis for economic activity since settlement and is a highly valued and integral element of the district. Viticulture is interwoven into the fabric and history of the Barossa. Viticulture is focussed primarily in the Valley Floor region extending broadly between Williamstown and Ebenezer, the Gomersal-Greenock, and the Eden Valley areas. Viticulture also promotes value added employment though cellar door sales, on- site restaurants, wine production and other associated activities. The district incorporates the majority of the Barossa Valley Geographical Indication and Eden Valley Geographical Indication areas, and portion of the Adelaide Hills Geographical Indication area. A Geographical Indication (GI) is an official description of an Australian wine zone, region or sub-region. It takes the form of a textual description (i.e. a list of grid references, map coordinates, roads and natural landmarks which can be traced to outline the regional boundary) along with a map. Its main purpose is to protect the use of the regional name under international law, limiting its use to describe wines produced from winegrape fruit grown within that GI. Source: Wine Australia. In strong parallel, there are other important primary production activities including broadacre farming/cropping, livestock/grazing and food and fibre production. There are also significant tracts of forestry lands associated with a series of reservoirs in the southern portion of the district around Williamstown under State Government and private ownership. Broadacre farming and cropping concentrates within the western half and north-east part of the district utilising generally flatter land often held on larger land titles. Livestock and grazing activities primarily utilise land in the eastern and south-eastern part of the district. These lands are generally hillier and are often less suitable for grain and hay production that dominates western and north-eastern areas. This broad disposition of primary production contrasts with the underlying local mix of activities across the district. This local diversity prevents a monoculture economy and forms the basis for the viable harmonious rural landscapes that often form the basis for ‘scenic tourist drives’ and are highly sought after by the community and tourists. The district has an internationally recognised and valued reputation as a food and wine destination. The quality of local produce is generally very high. In addition, there is often a direct relationship between producers and consumers within the district, exemplified by the Farmers Markets and use of locally sourced goods in many restaurants. Across the district, varying land form, soil typology, rainfall and emerging best practice affect the capability of the land for primary production. Mapping and the protection of priority land for primary production will inform future policy decisions. Viability of future primary production in the district is essential to ensure that valuable land is not lost through irreversible changes in land use. On land suitable for primary production, incorporating greater flexibility and less rigidity in local planning policy may allow producers increased opportunity to respond to these ever-changing environmental and market factors. Future climatic conditions and water availability will also influence primary production patterns in the district. Further review and collaboration with government agencies should be considered to enhance information bases and future planning. Primary production and other land uses often sit in close proximity within the district. This may include residential development abutting farming land or two rural uses with different impacting management regimes (i.e. cropping vs. viticulture). This engenders potential conflict and must be managed to avoid
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 33 unnecessary restriction or deleterious impact on existing operators. Future policy direction should seek to balance amenity, environment, economic and social responsibility. This requires a whole of government approach in order to achieve appropriate resolution. Efficient and viable primary production requires supporting infrastructure; however inappropriately placed or designed. Built structures can mar a landscape or vista. Primary producers need greater support and guidance to assist their decision making process. Appropriate and targeted regulation remains necessary to ensure that design outcomes protect the local landscape.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 34
The scenic and tourism attributes of the district As a destination for a wide range of visitors, the Barossa Valley district presents an authentic and unique locality experience and scenic landscape. The district’s cultural heritage and reputation as a producer of premium wine and food provides a tourist destination valued for the quality and diversity of landscape and land use experiences. Attributes which are recognised to contribute to the district’s special character as a tourist destination include the contrasting rural settings of localities such as Eden Valley, Jutland Valley, views over the Murray Plains and from Menglers Hill; wineries such as Yalumba, Jacobs Creek, Seppeltsfield, Chateau Tanunda and Peter Lehmann Wines; together with the separate identities and village feel of townships like Tanunda and Angaston, and the tree-lined gateway approach into Lyndoch. Various trails and paths such as the Heysen Trail, Mawson Trail and Jack Bobridge Track are a significant form of tourist infrastructure throughout the district which link the towns and provide for interaction with the rural landscape. A number of self-drive tourist routes through the district such as the Torrens Valley Scenic Drive are important visitor attractions as are the numerous historic cottages, conservation parks and forest reserves and lookouts interspersed within agricultural and viticulture localities. To this end, primary production activities form part of an authentic and diverse landscape and new development should subsequently be sited to minimise visual intrusion by taking careful account of the existing character and landscape. Future development in the district should protect the integrity of cultural, heritage and landscape attributes and reinforce the district as a premium destination for visitors. It should reinforce land use practices that contribute to its diversity, key economic activities (food, wine and grape production) and natural landscape features (especially native vegetation, large trees and views of the hills and over the valleys). Development and value–adding activities should enhance the sense of ‘non-urban open space’ and prevent loss of agricultural land or heritage elements that would detract from the scenic attributes of the district. Protection of built heritage and culture should be balanced, and not contrast with modern development. Investment in tourism can be encouraged by facilitating adequate infrastructure development outside urban zoned areas to support new tourism initiatives. The economic base of the district will be broadened by enabling businesses to offer a range of tourism related activities which will enhance and reinforce the quality and diversity of experiences available to visitors. These may include dining, hospitality, accommodation, arts and crafts, and retreats. There is also potential to enhance heritage buildings with tourism appeal such as the Laucke Mill in Angaston, the Tanunda railway station precinct, and the stone walling throughout the district. Improvements at the entrances to towns, visitor information signage, and other tourism infrastructure should be of a scale and design that make a positive contribution to the character, identity and visual amenity of the district. Signage should improve legibility and access to the landscape while allowing places for discovery.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 35
5 Next Steps
The joint Barossa Valley district councils will provide DPTI with a joint submission to describe the attributes of the five character values that are relevant to assessing the special character of the district. DPTI will then prepare an amendment to the Planning Strategy and commence a period of community consultation required by the Development Act, 1993. Members of the community will have a further opportunity to comment and provide input into the process. The Barossa Council will undertake a review of its Development Plan during 2013 to identify changes to bring it into alignment with the Planning Strategy. Council will then seek to update its Development Plan accordingly. Both of these processes will involve further community engagement and provide an opportunity for the stakeholders and the general public to have further input into the preservation of the special character of the Barossa Valley district.
Barossa Valley district Character Values Character Preservation Act 2012 December 2012 - February 2013
30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide Amendment April - May 2013
Potential Character The Barossa Council Development Plan Strategic Directions Report Amendment (SDR) late 2013 February – mid 2013 (subject to SDR outcomes)
Strategic planning changes for the Barossa Valley District – likely timeframes
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 36
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 37
Appendix A
Engagement Methodology
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 38
Activity Timeline
Development of fact sheet material Early December 2012 Public Notice and press release for local 19 December ‘ The Leader’ newspaper
Direct mail letter to stakeholder database December (to arrive prior to Christmas)
Information and fact sheet on council’s website 19 December
Providing information Providing Information display at Council library December to February 2013 Meetings with key stakeholder groups e.g. Key Arrange prior to Christmas for mid-January industry stakeholders - first week in February
Community ‘hotline’ December to February 2013 input Compiling Compiling Community workshop – world café format 1st week February
‘Bringing People Together’
Sharing Sharing ideas Evaluation of outcomes and preparation of Mid February draft report. Report expected to include: Character value mapping Special character assessment and definition Draft map and supporting text for Addendum
The Report will be cognisant of the requirements set out in the Character Preservation Bill
Presentation of results to Council. This will Late February
include the recommended Addendum map and
supporting text.
Report and briefing to DPTI officers about the Early March 2013 outcomes of the community engagement and special character assessment process. Presentation of Council endorsed map and supporting text for inclusion the Addendum
Evaluation and Reporting and Evaluation Feedback to community and stakeholder groups Mid March 2013
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 39
Appendix B
Media Release
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 40
The Barossa – Heritage, Lifestyle, Opportunity, Prosperity December 17, 2012
MEDIA RELEASE B25/12
Tell us what you value about the Barossa
The Barossa Council is seeking input from the community about places, landmarks, views, activities, natural landscapes or other features that illustrate the unique character and identity of the Barossa Valley and should be preserved and enhanced.
The Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Act 2012 has been put in place to protect and enhance the character of the Barossa Valley district, recognising it as a special place to live, work and enjoy.
The legislation introduces five character values that will help to describe the unique character and identity of the area:
Rural landscape and visual amenity Heritage attributes Built form of townships as they relate to the rural areas Viticulture, agricultural and associated industries Scenic and tourism attributes
The State Government has asked Council to provide advice about the character attributes for the Barossa Valley district.
Council’s advice will be used by the State Government to inform planning policy decisions that will be used by the Government and council to guide future development. This may include a review of the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide in accordance with the Act.
Council’s response to the Government will incorporate feedback and advice from the local community.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 41
Mayor Brian Hurn encouraged everyone to share the things they value about the Barossa.
“We want to hear about the many features or aspects that help make the Barossa Valley district a special place. Please tell us, so we know what our community values,” he said.
“We realise it is a tight deadline but I assure people their feedback won’t be lost in the busy Christmas period.
“We will also continue to keep the community informed in the New Year so everyone has a chance to have their say.”
People can respond by:
•Downloading information from Council’s website •Posting a photo or comment which highlights places or landscapes that reflect the five unique character values on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thebarossacouncil) •Registering to be kept informed on Facebook •Attending the community workshop on February 7, 2013 at 7pm at the Council chambers in Nuriootpa. (Participants must register prior to the event) •Phoning our ‘character values’ hotline on 8563 8444. •Sending us a letter or emailing [email protected]
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 42
Appendix C
Written Submissions Review
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 43
Barossa Valley District – Character Values Public Engagement December 2012 – February 2013 Written Submissions (including email responses)
No. Name Key Focus for Comments Comment Summary 1 Dr Brian Mid Murray Council Jutland Valley has been conserved as a beautiful Morley enclosed valley Stone walls and structures are of state significance – should ensure legislative protection Areas of grassy woodland – need incentives for private landowners to revegetate Excessive subdivision with modern infill housing changes township character New buildings need to respond to character of existing township Growth of hobby farms has potential to erode rural character – also avoid onshore wind farms Barossa should market to tourists as ‘authentic’, not phoney – Bethany is a good example. Leave some areas undeveloped to be ‘discovered’ 2 Carmel Mid Murray Council Value landscape – hillsides of Keyneton, Sedan and Connors Cambrai Substantial impact from 150m high turbines and ‘essential infrastructure’ Range of impacts from wind farms Need to exclude wind farms from the Protection District – otherwise impossible to preserve area Need exclusion zone for 3 Cathy Potts Barossa Protection Identified the following places that need preservation- President of the District Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park Friends of Kaiser Stuhl Sandy Creek Conservation Park Conservation Park Para-Wirra Recreation Park Hale Conservation Parks and Precinct Warren Conservation Park and Precinct Cromer Conservation Park and Precinct Areas of Native vegetation on Mt Crawford Forestry SA Land Altona Reserve and precinct – native vegetation and fauna Remnant native vegetation along roadsides All unmade Council roads with remnant native vegetation All other remnant areas of native vegetation on the Valley Floor Iconic rural landscapes in the Barossa Ranges with large old Red and Blue Gums North Para river and its tributaries large open spaces with native vegetation, such as the Mount Pleasant golf course The Barossa Bush-gardens and precinct All these areas are sensitive to inappropriate development. Should be highlighted as needing special consideration for potential environmental impacts in any planning decisions 4 Chris Hall Barossa Protection Retention of Carob trees along Murray Street, Tanunda District Retention of large gums along roads such as the corner of Barossa Valley Way and Vine Vale Road – preserve
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 44
Barossa Valley District – Character Values Public Engagement December 2012 – February 2013 Written Submissions (including email responses)
No. Name Key Focus for Comments Comment Summary native vegetation in road projects such as roundabouts Recognise the importance of Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park and surrounds 5 Craig and Barossa Protection Suggest vista incorporating the forest that overlooks Beryl Hunter District Seppeltsfield winery should be protected 6 David Ashton Mount Pleasant Picturesque valley should be preserved Mount Pleasant has little in common with Tanunda- Angaston-Nuriootpa. If dwellings cannot be built on rural land, the economic underpinning of the district will be eroded Farming appears to be a primarily inherited occupation in this area – succession is difficult and planning controls limit land division etc. This has an effect on morale of the people Mount Pleasant needs economic growth, it is not a tourist destination. There is a need for young people in Mount Pleasant. This includes rural living opportunities 7 Don Barrett Barossa Protection Concerns regarding naming of act and process of District consultation 8 Fiona Koch Barossa Protection Submitted copy of Barossa Cultural Landscape paper District prepared by Dr Noris Ioannou 9 Jan Angas, Barossa Protection Detailed submission addressing a range of matters Roland District including: Chatterton, A need for good design outcomes. Models such as a Design Margaret Advisory Group or Design Advisor should be explored Lehmann, As the district covers three LGAs, there is a powerful reason to James review council boundaries Lindner, Suggestion that a Design Charter be included in the 30 Year Plan Penny An attribute summary incorporating: Rafferty and Need to respond to positive natural and landscape features Michael Positive spatial patterns of buildings and landscape is Wohlstadt benchmark Diversity in rural activities Right to Farm Maintain vistas and skylines Diverse land uses for heritage and ‘landscape buildings’ Reinforce the organic nature of towns and settlements Avoid straight town edges No Residential Code in townships Preference for infill over expansion Moderate visual impact of industries Site large scale development to protect environment A signage code A Cultural Plan to be prepared 10 Jill Nation Barossa Protection Values the existing character of Lyndoch including the District large trees and perception of space Interesting conservation parks in close proximity to Lyndoch – Altona, Sandy Creek and Kaiser Stuhl Open nature of land surrounding Lyndoch
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 45
Barossa Valley District – Character Values Public Engagement December 2012 – February 2013 Written Submissions (including email responses)
No. Name Key Focus for Comments Comment Summary Future development should maintain development in the same style and not turn town into a suburb 11 Jo Zander Barossa Protection Concerns on how legislation will affect grape growers – District including viability, land division, hobby farm issues Very well to preserve agricultural landscapes, however, it needs to be profitable 12 Grant Burge Barossa Protection See summary 9 (this letter is primarily extracted from District that document) 13 Maureen Barossa Protection Concerns over who is leading the preservation debate Chapman District Does not consider development to be an issue – need revenue, fast food is affordable and good training for young people Does not consider zinculume to be an issue Would like to subdivide their land but unable too – causing financial and other issues 14 Nathan Barossa Protection Concerned with need to protect subsistence farming in Chattaway District the district Council should consider a community title shared rural arrangement to allow like-minded families to share burden of debt servicing Ban the default planning requirement to specify colorbond 15 Peter Grocke A detail set of correspondence with Light and Barossa Councils. Key issues are: merit based planning approval for development easily accepted in surrounding council districts now could become major obstacles and even worse category 3 rated. Loss of superannuation through lack of ability to sell off small block no longer viable to farm for farmlet or isolated house with own buffers so no interference with pre- existing broad acre farms. Screening with trees is common in Europe so why not here? 3/Compensation fund put up by community, local and state government. for all costs and losses including time and business interruption when farmers forced
Lack of ability of the system to comprehend basic fundamentals of grain farming plus the demise of profitability of the dairy, pig, wine(family growers), cattle plus grain farming in the now marginalised inner western and hills zones (BV) There is a need to enable succession through selected sale of small allotment for residential. Council ward variance in policy is unfair to farmers (both councils have severe problems) 16 Trevor Barossa Protection Recognise the different values of sub districts with Anderson District appropriate policies to facilitate development Need equality in rural landscape (mix of built form should be allowed) Barossa towns need to grow – policies should reflect
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 46
Barossa Valley District – Character Values Public Engagement December 2012 – February 2013 Written Submissions (including email responses)
No. Name Key Focus for Comments Comment Summary good business practice 17 Victoria Barossa Protection Likes the history and respect for heritage buildings Turner District 18 William and Barossa Protection Emphasise the importance of preserving old buildings Elizabeth District Riedel 19 Yvonne Mount Pleasant The character of Mount Pleasant is: Jameson / Bob Rural agricultural pastoral pursuits of grazing sheep, cattle, Long dairy cows, goats and horses Regular stock sales and farm services Some cropping and hay making to support those activities A few pockets of vineyards and forestry Not much other industries or employment Significant historical buildings A very popular Talunga Park 20 Alex Randell Barossa Protection We need industry to be proud of. Avoid factory farming District of animals and preserve local small scale producers Need to recognise, preserve, improve and promote the natural heritage. Encourage new business, collaboration and marketing opportunities for the patchwork of small communities and landholders in areas where remnant native vegetation exists and connects Use strategic Conservation Action Planning (CAP) – currently being prepared for Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges 21 Jan Angas Barossa Protection Detailed submission. Points include: District What we build today will be tomorrow’s heritage and therefore need to plan well for the future as well as preserving the good attributes of our past. Historical legacy led to inconsistency in allotments across district – can be refined now Need for a Design Code Attribute comments: Diverse land uses for heritage and “landscape buildings” The Barossa brand is a mainstay of economic viability Good design codes coupled with good planning to enhance and support the brand elements is needed A vibrant region around agricultural activity is the aim, without destroying the visual landscape Well-designed single dwellings and outbuildings are not the enemy, but they do need good planning management Large-scale housing development in rural living areas is the enemy Consistency across the entire Barossa Character Preserve is paramount. Powerful reason to review the local boundaries so that they coincide within the area of the Barossa Preserve Barossa Tourism is based on a food, wine experience linked with outdoor and cultural experiences Current planning regulations often hamper the
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 47
Barossa Valley District – Character Values Public Engagement December 2012 – February 2013 Written Submissions (including email responses)
No. Name Key Focus for Comments Comment Summary development of these in areas of new cellar doors, outside dining, number of accommodation rooms in townships, pop up events “right to farm” See also submission 9 as some text is extracted from this document
22 Margaret Barossa Protection The emergence of lifestyle properties – erupting like MacKenzie District pimples on the tip of a nose – no dominant buildings on the top of hills Areas blighted by ribbon development. Should consolidate towns back from main roads – need to maximise rural aspect Need for lower speed limits and more run-off passing places. Safety concerns with current road widening practices Build bush-fire damage prevention into landscaping advice given with the planning permission for new houses 23 Arthur Graetz Loves the access to services, beautiful pristine environment, vineyards, gum trees and rolling hills Proximity of towns means you can easily move between towns to find something Menglers Hill is a key asset with excellent view. Concerned with recent tree planting and sculpture park causing loss of view 24 Mrs S Gugis Suggests that a working Silesian style Bauernhof (a ‘peasant yard’) would be a valuable addition to the district. This would also pay respect to the Silesians – pioneers in the Barossa 25 James March BGWA supports the desire to introduce legislation to (Barossa protect the district’s special character Grape and Wine) Considers that a strategic directions for the district is to foster and encourage sustainable development that enhances the visual beauty, vibrancy and economy of the Barossa’ Strategic priorities needed to maintain the special character include (see letter for full list): Clearly definable geographic entity A clear sense of arrival Promotion of rural activity Encouraging stay opportunities Distinct patterns of village settlements to remain Distinct commercial industrial zones Sympathetic design Main street focus Environmental stewardship Integrated design at heart of all planning policies Township master plans Encourage small scale value adding Rural activities to remain as the core driver for economy
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 48
Barossa Valley District – Character Values Public Engagement December 2012 – February 2013 Written Submissions (including email responses)
No. Name Key Focus for Comments Comment Summary
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 49
Appendix D
Barossa Protection District Character Values Workshop
Table Summaries
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 50
Barossa Protection District Character Values Workshop Conversation summary from tables 1, 4 and 7
Value Attributes
The rural and natural landscape and visual amenity of the district The scenic and tourism attributes of the district
Agreed by Disagreed by Comment other group other group
Rural Landscape and Natural Scale of all development even vineyards. Industrial scale vineyards are not appropriate for Barossa character Trees can break up monoculture vineyards, also open grazing and other land uses. Eden Valley is a good example of vineyards 50% offset i.e.. Yalumba and Torbreck are good examples. Preference for local species of native vegetation No windfarms. Destroy visual amenity. Kill wildlife: 300 birds, 600 (bats?) per turbine / year Moss rocks extraction - illegal Dirt bikes restricted to zones / other provisions Fragmentation of ecological communities, blocking migration of species, threatened bird species in Eastern hills, stream siltation (drought / rain events etc.) Buildings to be in harmony / colour / siting are there guidelines for structures / visibility? Examples of gross siting still occurring. Creek lines. Overstocking in the creeks is causing erosion Walking trails / Pine Hutt Road (stone walls) are visually stunning. Enhance by management. Eden Valley village / vista (gums) rolling hills, serenity, built form matching landscape. We should not be part of the Greater Adelaide plan. Town community ovals and parks Hills face: Barossa Ranges North Para River - lack of water flow Diversity of land use - patchwork of activities and colours. Low density and spatial pattern of buildings. Clusters of buildings Autumn show of deciduous trees Scale of building and activities that is appropriate Orchards Pockets of market gardens Sheep in fields Grazing cattle hills and dales Back roads and their secrets Ngariatpa - place of the neck (between north and south Mt Lofty Ranges) Defined townships that can house the region to minimise impact on rural areas.
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 51
Encourage quality development that appreciates the town's history The Barossa is not a series of suburbs, it is a series of townships that are friendly and inviting Altana - conservation v recreation Need more trees and greater varieties particularly for koalas plus under-storey for the birds What is it about the Barossa that makes it special? I think the vineyards are important and attractive (not to become a monoculture) The huge gum trees in Eden Valley The clear ranges on the backdrop, some of the well-designed modern buildings Beware of postage stamp residential allotments on prime agricultural land Retain low profile buildings, less hard surfaces, buildings need to be blended into 'garden' greenery, small verandahs Protect landscape with sensible development A sustainable balance of natural landscape and new development Government should engage in an on-going process of consultation with those in the CP Zone. Respect the different characteristics of different localities and not impose single regiments from above. What makes the Barossa special is the natural balance of agriculture and natural landscape including the production of orchards and small farmers who contribute to the availability of healthy food sources so that people have a choice where their food comes from. Also great need to protect the natural landscape. Balance between a modern progressive region that respects the landscape. Protecting from all but the essentials of modern life i.e.. communication technology The hills - hills faces and eastern Mt Lofty Ranges So far the record is abysmal, overstocking, moss rock removal and agricultural practices detrimental to the natural environment Trees, community open spaces, parks, restoration of old buildings Visitors: Eden Valley lookout, Stein Garden, Barossa / Mt Pleasant farmers market, small cellar doors, Seppeltsfield Stone walls on Pine Hutt Road, native remnants and Kaiser Stuhl, Wildlife of eastern hills. Do a walking / ecotourism bike loop: Gawler - Goolwa Peppermint Box and Redgums mixed with food production areas Visitors: I take them to look behind our house. Most people use the phrase "quintessential Australian landscape" Stone walls all around the valley especially in the hills around Sedan / Keyneton Autumn in the Barossa - the colours Use of open space and interaction of local land uses and townships Ecotones and connectivity between them and dramatic changes in terrain protect nationally and state listed grassy woodland threatened ecological communities including 7.5 threatened bird species of Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges Landscape, human interaction, thread of history, blending human / nature / historical. Preventing conflict of use. Keeping the balance
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 52
Beauty of the landscape, mixed agricultural uses, vineyard, cropping, grazing, backdrop of the hills and little towns nestling relatively unobtrusively. Hopefully. The uncluttered horizon. No industrial development on the horizon. Vegetation - magnificent gums which need to be replaced and supported by other vegetation The importance of the interrelatedness of vegetation with bird and animal life. Good green landscapes and beautiful trees, hills and rivers (even in summer). Value: churches and villages of the Barossa. Unique character of each rural village. Rural landscape Rural rolling views. Road side views. Diversity of landscape. Old buildings and sheds Use of railway land (or lack of). Township entrance areas. Dying trees. Poorly maintained property
Scenic and Tourism Quality and diversity and whole experience of food and wine Villages and village feel. Separate identities. Organic shape. Distinct Pockets of iconic elements e.g.. Krondorf; Tree lined approach to Lyndoch; Rural - Tanunda stretch of views Authenticity Cellar doors of interest and character Bethany Walks and trails - especially off road Independent bakers and butchers of integrity Unique village shopping precincts - no big centres Laucke Mill in Angaston in Dire road of some sort of restoration and become a tourist destination What is the plan for Nuriootpa railway station? Heritage for Main Street tourism, but modern for 'behind the scenes' townships, need to deal with empty properties Sealed roads to township facilities and tourist drives Scale of business, small business, boutique wineries, accommodation and retreats Strengthen existing communities Encourage small businesses Improved transport out of an within Barossa Linear connections: rivers, cycle paths, lanes, rail corridors that permeate the landscape and the built form to improve connectivity and public access Better signage (think like a tourist) Development (housing) only when needed Good ratio of small and large business / wineries Economically viable for the locals and small business The walking / cycling paths including the Heyson / Mawson trails that are dotted throughout the region Houses need to be designed and built (on appropriate rural blocks in regional areas) in harmony with the landscape
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 53
Visitors: to Eden Valley lookout, to Collingrove Homestead, to Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park, to Yalumba winery, to Angaston x2 Chateau Tanunda views over valley floor and Murray Plains showing patchwork Upper Saunders Creek Sanctuary at Jutland Scenic and tourism potential of stone walling - potential Gawler to Goolwa bikeway
Entrances Sturt Highway to Nuriootpa need aesthetic committee and redevelopment /rest area parkland. Don't like Sturt Highway from Stockwell to Nuriootpa. Plant tree avenue and rest area. Transportable housing. Need visitor centre on Sturt Highway, rest area/facilities for travellers. Drives up through Menglers Hill and out to Keyneton, Eden Valley and up to Sedan Hill. Also out to some of the cellar doors such as Yalumba, Jacobs Creek, etc. Anywhere with a beautiful garden or natural landscape
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 54
Barossa Protection District Character Values Workshop Conversation summary from tables 2, 5 and 8
Value Attributes
Built form of townships as they relate to the district The heritage attributes and built form of the district
Agreed by Disagreed by Comment other group other group Design and Regulation no metropolitan style development - should avoid 'sprawl' like housing developments x2 style of new subdivisions not in keeping with Barossa heritage - village feel will be lost x3 better 'master planning' of subdivisions - should avoid monotonous layouts, long straight roads, dominance of fencing or garaging. Should consider vistas, landscaped pathways, squares/meeting spaces and mix of uses - why can’t a small artisan studio be next to a house? Tanunda East is a lost opportunity x3 Residential Code should not apply within the Preservation District front setbacks should be varied in older areas no long stretches colorbond fencing - concerns that continuous lengths of straight fencing are not in keeping with township ' feel' x2 utilise traditional building materials especially in main streets (other attendees also value high quality contemporary design) x1 new buildings should complement not detract from existing built form enduring and better design is needed (i.e. last for generations) x2 dry stone walls should be preserved/restored x2 large structures seem to get approved, however, farmers have trouble getting approval for their buildings - need a level playing field greater focus on design criteria in planning assessment - need greater skills in assessment - consider design panels and design charter x2 no extractive industry within Protection District dislike poor quality farming sheds - should not use zinculume (note: another group also disliked galvanised iron) x2 new allotment densities too low at 300sqm in townships (note: other attendees considered 300sqm acceptable, however, disliked gutter to gutter housing, high site coverage, poor design and lack of tow storey - all led to monotony) - need a variety of allotment sizes x1 allow for variation in height in parts of townships - already two/three storeys along some main streets - allow for a European style of living Harmony of building materials in heritage areas - colours and textures sit quietly within the environment Low profile buildings use local natural materials and stone walling and sustainable house designs using local native plants Want an integrated design approach To secure the sense of place Do not equate development with housing
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 55
Allow people to bulldoze cream brick/generic housing and replace with a "Barossa Style House" Don't like Jubilee Avenue, Angaston; Rouch Park, Nuriootpa (needs aesthetic appeal) Don't like housing on agricultural land Don't like sheds in isolation blocking views (think Leo Tech) Roofs in light colours - from elevated points stick out - zinculume sheds and roofs Use galvanised iron Don't like - ugly housing estates. Junk yards. Quarries scar the landscape The future - no generic housing, more eco-friendly designed housing, green zones in townships, maintain and protect buildings, encouraging Barossa style housing, more vines, crops, animals - less housing
Townships reduce volume of heavy vehicles - create by-pass routes physical separation of townships and settlements is important x4 retention of authentic German heritage retain sense of individual character between each town x5 need strategic analysis of all towns and check appropriateness of zoning strict boundaries needed for towns remove or underground stobie poles x3 town entrances need better signage main streets - heritage facades no exotic landscaping at town entrances maintain the thread of history in built form/enterprise need buffer management to support farmlands adjoining townships x2 small scale shopping suited to character of townships and villages recognise 'right to farm' Scale of townships in balance with Natural Areas of vegetation, vines and farms Feeling of community in small towns ovals, community parks and showgrounds are important for township life (including agriculture fairs and shows) value that towns were built following contours as too difficult to excavate at large scale - this is lost in new developments Peace and quiet in small towns, especially in the evening Keep density in townships
Town approaches or features
Nuriootpa Barossa Valley Road - value vineyards Murray Street - need streetscape of trees Train Park and Linear Park Valued - poorly signed Sturt Road - poor entrance Maple Ave - messy transition Ratio of yards to house e.g.. Through Bethany where scale of houses within their settings is in balance
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 56
Township entrances - acknowledge where the township starts - where does Nurioopta start when you enter from Tanunda? Business in townships is in scale with townships
Angaston Crennis Mines Road - unsightly aluminium works Eden Valley Road - pleasant entrance - drive past Yalumba Winery some row houses on main street approach from Salters Gully (Angaston Road) is attractive One of the most beautiful towns in the Barossa but is constantly surrounded by noise from the quarry and Adelaide Brighton. Adelaide Brighton can be very disturbingly loud at night and should be made to shut down after 9:00pm
Tanunda Braunack Road - poor interface, retain views towards Burings Road Basedow Road - industry interface protect blend of vineyards and housing stone wall entrance is good row houses on main street Barossa Valley Way - much improved entry statement
Eden Valley Garden of grapes and gums' balance of social, spiritual and historical elements heritage retained
Mount Pleasant approach from Glen Devon Road
Lyndoch sense of arrival and attractive vista - approach from Yaldara Drive
Keyneton Too full of transportable houses
Specific sites: Jubilee Avenue needs a makeover Washington Street, Main Street, Sturt Street, Eden Valley Road and Penrice Road should be protected Heritage Rose Garden is valued Main Street - requires more detailed heritage mapping and detailed guidance - avoid too much modern housing Flaxman valley Road - native vegetation - a hidden treasure value of water bodies (Marne, North/South Rhine and Little Para) for recreation, wildlife and tourism x3 retain existing character of valley floor x2 Peramagnk dwellings need to be protected protect Kegel Hall x2
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 57
Heritage Big gum country should be protected by appropriate action/legislation community is important to retaining heritage values - sports, church, hotels, Red Cross, progress association should preserve buildings of value - not all older buildings should seek to create 'heritage' for future generations preservation of buildings need to economic viability and flexibility - encourage the adaptive reuse of buildings design code - can mesh together old and new, needs to be high quality x2 early settler cottages - should encourage not limit ways to reuse these buildings - they are valuable and should not be lost x2 early settler cottages and other rural buildings could be described as 'landscape buildings' - need to also examine the title situation for these properties, they should be able to be used for residential or other uses need an audit of Barossa heritage need to provide support for farmers or owner of heritage protect Institutes and their history protect grand bank buildings value and protect stone farm walls and farm buildings x2 potential for thatched farm sheds value Barossa colonial architecture sheds should be grouped together - should encourage use of traditional materials where visible from road. We need Barossa Council to spearhead a roadside planting scheme that could employ the unemployed which will help what is a very fragile native flora reality, regenerate Visitors come to the Barossa to see its heritage buildings and natural heritage. We need to keep the balance. We need to preserve and protect out outlined natural landscapes which are still very fragile No demolition of old buildings. New buildings built in sympathy to surrounding ones, including homes on acres. Big ugly houses on hilltops should be avoided so they don't dominate
Other responses maintain and promote forestry in southern part of the Protection District - potential for recreation and tourism 5 star accommodation needed - should be targeted to respond to market demand and should be located in scenic areas x2 new cycleways through the Protection District x2 monoculture on viticulture this is an asset, however, also a liability for lack of wildlife wind farms will detract from open character from inside and outside the Protection District amalgamation and realignment of boundaries of rural land parcels to encourage controlled dwelling construction x2 x1 no housing or significant development on ranges or hills - but need to be realistic avoid small scale hobby farms
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 58 potential for by-pass road part Tanunda - would improve amenity of main street - utilise route along Presser Road which connects to Barossa Valley Way north of Tanunda)
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 59
Barossa Protection District Character Values Workshop Conversation summary from tables 3, 6 & 9
Value Attributes
Viticulture. Agriculture and associated industries
Agreed by Disagreed by Comment other group other group Regulation and Land Use Agriculture land development - programs for helping farmers care of land - diversifying ability Transitions between urban and rural infringes on what farmers need Buffer zone should not be on the farmer x 3 Spraying by vineyards is not being restricted. Farmers have strict legislation to follow Managing interfaces between activities and burden of restrictions are burning issues x 2 Restrictions between crops Allow evolving/viable primary production Right to farm protection One set of rules for district Regulatory system discourages economic flexibility within primary production range of activities Regulations restrict ability to viably farm and change Any development should not be deleterious to existing land use and or business Conflict in land use/right to farm (using best practice)/siting of dwelling near farm boundaries Proceeds of wind farm development could be distributed amongst community affected rather than title holder Dwellings on less viable land - visual impact? (e.g. hillsides) Land title rationalisation/consolidation Retention of rural dwelling ownership related to sale of land Consideration for heritage buildings in rural settings/separate from viable farming allotments
Viticulture The viability of a profitable wine industry Micro climates for viticulture are being identified - protect for diversity of styles Reliable region for world class grapes and wines
Other industries Save the existing industries (dairy)
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 60
Intensive animal keeping All industries - not just vineyards need to be protected x 2 Greenock dairy - not just viticulture - allow them to expand Vines tend to define region currently but need to ensure other crops can develop = diversity and ability to change crops easily and to value add (in aesthetically compatible by location) Other economic activities = horse breeding and training
Agriculture Marketing of the Barossa - foods + wines needs to be marketed better - only gourmet is not comprehensive enough Protect the Barossa brand high quality food and wine A region of high end quality produce cabbages as sour kraut Focus on food as opportunity - high yield branded premium food District is about food and wine (viable) including all forms of agriculture Conserving productive land versus food security
Tourism Tourism that attracts high end spending visitors
Other Do not like the timing of the 30 Year Plan The German History influence on the character of the Barossa Village way of life Tank farm lighting Rowland Flat Sustainable development (based on location) No Mt Barkers here Land owners not caring for their land and causing neighbours land to be destroyed Land values being inflated Sealed roads in a lot of the Barossa Large VA industrial etc. should be (destroyed) coloured to be aesthetical compatible with location Penrice has remoulded hills is part of character of Angaston - large employer, replanting is great North/South Para Rivers dammed - not flowing - bad quality. HM water should be removed? Better manage rivers Properties large enough to remain profitable Can't let district stagnate German history and families/history traditions Historical stone buildings Scenery Space - not crowded Big sky
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 61
Small community Wildlife Diverse landscape Proactive community Towns with village feel Bethany and Angaston differing history - community pride parochial footy Agriculture/viticulture buildings To prosper = need big sheds etc., what is viable by location, fair go to maintain productivity Skylines natural ridgelines important Keep town boundaries World heritage proposal Not forget the health of the environment to continue to sustain such endeavours Maintain diversity Ability to evolve economic activity - mixed farming - position in food wine tourism and servicing x 2 Maintain agriculture landscapes as products/change End/water resource mapping - understanding capabilities Labour intensive production is not so successful in Australia but what are opportunities "Barossa" being security and identity - the known quality brand Business = employment = needs People = need houses = ?? Impact Gawler = workers = close Residential on prime agricultural land = crippling future economies land suitability/land capability and water resources Linking climate change with land capability Change of land use intensive activities/impacts/water resource availability Economic farming parcels development Challenge ToT's Tourism as an associated industry No wind farms x 2
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 62
Appendix E
Collation of post-it-notes of ‘The Wall’ and ‘Burning Issues’
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 63
Landscape - Scenic Land Use Built Form Community Heritage and Culture Food and Wine Attractiveness Future development - Mainstreet with small All focus should not be Lets face it vineyards frontage shops with Protected and preserved - patch Balance between wine, Tanunda - views stone on grape vines. Other don't employ as many vernacular and work effect of mixed farming food and tourism to create thriving diverse open agriculture industries people as they did articulation that versus large expanse of a diverse and space village friendly are of equal years ago to pick reflects the monoculture interconnected region. clean importance. grapes predominant cultural landscape Take visitors to? Walk to Need to review some Views of rural Whispering Wall, bakeries, of existing laws to Strengthen townships hinterland that Barossa Ranges/Escarpment from restaurants, wineries, Landscape protection allow for small farms with more services permeate the gaps in dominant built form Menglers Hill, Wohlers in policies to diversify into other and retail built form Tanunda, bike and walking agriculture industries track Dominant Built Form Wine making, viticulture, Scale of buildings (and (feature buildings) Need Medicare, Use up vacant blocks character, community industry) to be that anchor a Family Assistance, Hamlets/small settlements first spirit, volunteering ethos, controlled to reduce streetscape and entry Motor Registration council impact points Townships and District eyesore - Sense of community - No more subdivision Heritage - No Small local feel of towns Wine and food, wineries Angaston Quarry it's people unsightly properties Overlook Keep character which Rustic rural character of towns has orchards, add Rural qualities The lifestyle, colours Competition from Entry and Barossa (i.e. open vacant allotments, dairies, chaff maintained (soil/vines) Adelaide Hills signage or welcome farms, fences, etc) merchants and vines Children need to learn No 'Kalbeeba' style Alternative agriculture Style of buildings need about these local The Valley Floor Scale - small development activity to keep heritage style industries Connecting Murray Plains and Eastern Important aspects - Mount Lofty Ranges Use of local rock in building Menglers Hill, Jacobs containing nationally Signage for towns Community Values Support current viticulture material Creek Winery, Angas significant plants and Park, Seppeltsfield wildlife in spectacular land scape Visual amenity including buildings, sheds, vineyard design, No need to keep so Allow small businesses to Not massed by large car parking biodiversity to include many vines and Entrance/exit Rural Lifestyle flourish - 'encourage' good areas preservation of natural wineries. operators bush and reserves - road side vegetation, creek line preservation Erwin Thaller - I live on the Eastern Barossa Save the broad acre Wine (wineries), food, Individual/yet themed Peaceful Need to prevent future Ranges and the breeding farming vineyards, towns (shops) belt of wildlife that wind farm will kill If a vineyard is planted Entrances - The lack of industry - it's - buffer zone should Landscaped gateways Character of the Barossa - too beautiful to destroy be made - Duty of with signage (i.e. turn Agriculture - good soil Need well design solutions wine and food with huge ugly wind Care by vineyard off of Gomersal turbines owner Road/Sturt Highway) Special places to take people to visit - Angas Park Fruit, small Menglers Hill (views), At the moment broad wineries, scenic look outs, Seppeltsfield (Cultural acre farmer taking the Stop the houses The People! Lifestyle! Wineries/wine/vintage key factory, Heritage), Pewsey Vale brunt of responsibility Seppeltsfield/Moranaga Forest (views, recreation, nature, relax)
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 64
Landscape - Scenic Land Use Built Form Community Heritage and Culture Food and Wine Attractiveness Save rural land - no Industrial area in The visual amenity of View from Shea Oak Log more houses on prime Heritage/buildings Wine Angaston the region Hill over the Valley agriculture land Architecture, vineyards, Planning Policy to Food, wine, visual Vineyards and broad wineries, food and food allow diversification of amenity - landscape, Smoke stacks acre crops, heritage Scenery production, primary production heritage, natural and buildings accommodation, B & B (i.e. rural tourism) environment quality, tourism - scenery Pug building on Sturt Viticulture, Barossa Highway (opposite Incentive to invest in Pro-active nature of Ranges vista, rural living piggery) very Agricultural Practices biodiversity the community amenity, food and wine, important. Needs help history Germans - falling down. Outstanding rural Nobody waits for Policy to support environment character Sturt Highway someone else to do 'it' viable farming units supported by like- expansion went for them - they get Produce and food and reduce minded people who feel around building organised and do it for fragmentation. pro to be living in the themselves region Reduced rates/tax on What makes the Barossa land that is Strict controls on special? The reliable People - local amalgamated to standard of buildings Proximity to city (location) conditions for growing community encourage larger and materials used premium grapes and holdings world class wine What to protect? ATCO Huts and Industries other than Farmland, viticulture, containers are not of wine need to be given Small business - heritage buildings, any standard yet consideration so that restaurants and The people significant trees, water people are still living they can coexist and wineries courses, villages of in them. Legality? And remain profitable individual features and enforcement of it character Environment - hills, Protected and preserved Expansion of vineyard large gums, - wineries, viticulture, should require the No 'car bodies' in rural watercourses, Authenticity heritage, land - size of buffer to be planted properties tranquillity, fresh air, acreage, environmental on their land bird life practices, fauna Town entrances: Future - better roads No Kalbeeba Signage, Gardens, German Lutheran Heritage and services Development Individual Statements Diverse in income and Special feature of the Barossa - Small business lifestyle Heritage/old age buildings Take tourists… Whispering Wall, Menglers Hill Lookout From broad acre Barossa Ranges are better than (morning is best i.e. sun cropping through to the Metro Hills Face Zone - no sky behind), big (i.e. Jacobs hobby farms and lining of buildings Creek) and small (i.e. lifestyle blocks Rockford) wineries, Seppeltsfield Road and Café Y What makes the Barossa special? The natural landscape surrounding the valley floor - especially the Big Gum Common goal (i.e. same industry country and rock Rural life - mostly) formations on the Eastern Ranges along with some unique and stunning gorges which will be in real jeopardy if a wind farm goes ahead
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 65
Landscape - Scenic Land Use Built Form Community Heritage and Culture Food and Wine Attractiveness The Ranges that form Community and Character wineries the backdrop to the lifestyle view of vineyards The walking paths that The dirt Panoramic beauty take you through the hills and townships The Village type towns (not suburbs) Autumn snow of leaves people/community No houses on horticultural/primary The generations of Colourful history production land - must effort be preserved for feeding us What makes it special - The wine, the food, Cultural heritage diverse food production the belief capacity Need to get fundamentals right - i.e. romantic imagery of a Agricultural and diversity and it's Community spirit gum studded landscape economic value rather than an industrial image of primary production The Village way of life What makes Barossa special? - that has a unique cultural landscape defined by "Barossa" flavour - Natural scrub land, built heritage (i.e. churches), based in heritage and landscape and scenery tradition (i.e. food) and seasonal enlivened by new practice (i.e. vintage) thinking More services in What makes the Barossa special? Walking tracks, animal Williamstown and - unspoilt, sense of history, and bird life Mount Pleasant diversity - vistas/industry, etc
What makes the What makes Barossa special? - Barossa special? German history, world class Community events, wines, old stone buildings, space History of area Nuri Tanunda - not crowded, wildlife (native), Merengler Road scenic, townships - village feel
Makes Barossa special - the style Fresh air - pollution free, of building history in a beautiful no intensive animal mixed landscape, vineyards, keeping or extensive broadacre glass houses
Large gum trees - need Variety of stone buildings to plant more and other reflecting the stone of the region species of Eucalyptus Barossa Range - no sky Unity in diversity lining Small business - need Wineries, tourism, hills and flexibility to grow and scenery and German heritage infrastructure support
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 66
Landscape - Scenic Land Use Built Form Community Heritage and Culture Food and Wine Attractiveness
Heritage buildings and tourism - we have an 1890s stone homestead with a stone barn 100 metres away. We have wanted to renovate the stone barn for 12 Panoramas (protect and years and turn into a B & B. preserve) - not built out Adelaide Hills Council regulation won't allow. This should be changed. At least looked at by council (Chris and Tracey 0429 260 000)
Beautification of towns - For all to share (not just standards of signage and fit-outs from lookouts) not consistent Campaign to rid Valley Large blocks in towns - verandahs of mistletoe. Killing and garden many gums! Entrance signage to townships is Keep village atmosphere severely lacking - no sense of (restrained sprawl) arrival
Save prime agricultural land from housing - Save Freeling West
Protection of church steeples, country style housing, country schooling, Menglers Hill and Aircraft Museum
River, wineries, restaurants, Menglers Hill, "The Book Paddock", the horse trials, hunts and special events
Heritage - being world renowned
Celebrate township history - signage on significant places
Rustic/rural - keep and preserve
Building restrictions against - 'new and glossy' and high density NOWHERE
Whispering Wall, Menglers Hill
To see Aircraft Museum, Gully Gardens Farmer's Market and Chaff Merchants
Signage - What's left as a community hub? If the church goes, what's left - the pub and the sporting clubs
Rolling hills, landscape, country feel, history Culture mix of the people, industry and landscape
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 67
Landscape - Scenic Land Use Built Form Community Heritage and Culture Food and Wine Attractiveness History Heritage Culture: landscape, hills face, agriculture land
Town character in words - the old style / stone buildings / country style shops
Visitors - Menglers Hill, Cellar Doors, Seppeltsfield, Kaiser Stuhl Park, Bethany Reserve, Eden Valley Lookout
Thread of human interaction with the landscape, blend of human artiface with the natural beauty, balance and grace
Preservation of heritage building
Heritage, Climate, Christian Heritage, Valley of Churches
Small local feel of towns
Rustic
(Patrick Hannaga) People, rural land, heritage attributes, built form townships as relate to the rural areas, viticulture and associated industries and scenic tourism attributes
Heritage character can be kept even with new homes
Limited vegetation
Museum in Lauckes Mill preserve historical goods
Still need to have food production and all can be in little stone sheds
Screening of houses etc needs to stipulate tree heights and density to lower fire danger particularly on outskirts of townships
Want to build infrastructure to expand production of a dairy but will not destroy heritage buildings on property
Landscape - beauty
Wine and food - quality and diversity
Vibrant economy
Exciting
The Coop
Barossa Character Values Community Engagement Report 68
Appendix 2 Draft Character Values – in Planning Strategy format
Character Preservation Districts – draft material for a Planning Strategy amendment 18 March 2013
Legislative definition of Special Character: the identity and characteristics of the district and locations within the district having regard to the relevant provisions of the Planning Strategy and the character values of the district.
Barossa
The rural and natural landscape and visual amenity of the district
The character and unique identity of the Barossa Valley district arises from the blending of natural and human-influenced features which create a cultural heritage embedded within the physical landscape. A history of settlement and legacy of traditional farming practices have produced a rural setting which forms a ‘rich and diverse palate’ of fields, vines, orchards and rural settlements.
Natural features which contribute to the distinct character of the district include the backdrop of the Barossa Range, remnant native vegetation (which is significant in some localities), large trees and water courses open vistas of the Kersbrook Valley along the Little Para Road and the forested ridges (AHC insertion). . Iconic places in the landscape include the Eden Valley, Jutland Valley, Keyneton and Mount Pleasant localities and their River Red gums, stone walls and water courses particularly the North and South Para River and its tributaries.
The form and nature of the natural environment and the arrangement of land-use activities mean that the landscape differs across the district with a broad disposition of amenity as follows:
Barossa Valley
Generally this area comprises flat plains filled with intensive viticulture and food production activities stretching from the foot of the Barossa Ranges to the North Para River. The land is primarily flat though undulates in the north-west and in the Rowland Flat area to the south. There is limited tree coverage within the vines. More vegetation is found along the road side and the edges of the many streams that flow through from the Barossa Ranges to the North Para Ranges on the western border. There is a large marble and limestone quarry at Penrice and a car dump at Schrapel Road and these are examples of sites that require rehabilitation so their contribution to the landscape can be restored (AHC deletion) The Barossa Ranges is a significant backdrop in this area and ultimately should be protected. There is also a mix of tourism and accommodation facilities that needs to be carefully sited if it is to successfully maintain landscape amenity.(AHC deletion)
The North Para River flows through the valley. This river is the principal watercourse in the District and flows through the townships of Tanunda and Nurioopta (where a linear reserve has been created).
Barossa Range
The range comprises a striking series of rounded hills and spurs extending the full length of the Barossa Valley The western escarpment is visible for a considerable distance westward, well beyond Freeling. The escarpment provides a boundary to the Barossa Valley and provides a strong common feature which links the District together as a whole. The Range forms an eastern boundary to the main vine-growing area within the District. The Range rises to about 300 metres above Barossa Valley with high points at Kaiserstuhl (580m), Little Kaiserstuhl (560m), and Mt Menge (620m).
Sections of the Barossa Range are partly barren, with other parts having extensive scattered trees. Trees line many of the streams flowing out of the Range’s westward. Some of the roads through the escarpment also have roadside vegetation. The Range is mainly used for grazing. There is a working quarry at Penrice near Angaston, few vines and plantations of pines at its southern end. Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park and adjacent land lies on the eastern side of the Range. This small area is heavily treed and contains significant native vegetation plus grazing land.
Western Barossa
This part of the District incorporates Sandy Creek and nearby settlements and extends westwards towards the approach to Freeling. The land extending from Sandy Creek to Williamstown comprises significant rural living plus the hillier, more heavily vegetated lands on the south-western corner of the District (including the Barossa Reservoir and Whispering Wall). This land is undulating with extensive native vegetation, roadside vegetation and some streamside vegetation. Close to Sandy Creek there is significant grazing land with vines more prevalent north of Lyndoch Road. The south-western area acts as a buffer between the agricultural and viticultural uses in the Valley and the more urban and developed areas to the south west outside of the District. The land surrounding Freeling is much flatter with the landscape dominated by broad acre farming and other primary production activities. There is limited tree coverage, though long distance vistas of the Barossa Ranges add visual interest.
Gomersal and Seppeltsfield
Gomersal is a transition zone between the viticulture of the Barossa Valley and the conventional arable agriculture of much of the region to the west. The land is gently undulating with low rounded hills and low north trending ridgelines. The landscape is mainly arable and grazing with minimal tree coverage. There are few vines though more in recent years particularly in the southern area emanating out from the Barossa Valley.
Seppeltsfield is an important viticulture area based around the historic Seppeltsfield winery and other more recent wineries. It has a mix of streams, scattered dams and trees (including extensive introduced pines planted along ridgeline east of Seppeltsfield). Maggie Beer’s farm is located in this area.
Barossa North
This includes land encapsulated within an arc from North Greenock to Moculta. In general, the land is used for broadacre farming and grazing with some viticulture particularly close to Greenock. There is an associated mix of farm buildings, dams and a concentration of tree planting along the ridge tops. The land comprises a mix of wide valleys and undulating terrain with land rising towards Moculta (which is elevated approximately 100m above the Barossa Valley). In general, the area is less treed than other parts of the District primarily due to the extensive amount of arable land.
The Light River traverses the northern boundary of the District and the large township of Kapunda is located in close proximity further to the north. The Nain range is also visible to the west of Kapunda.
Eastern Barossa
This area contains a large treed valley extending south from Angaston and Lindsay Park to Flaxmans Valley Road. The valley contains a mix of scattered trees including many very large trees. There is also considerable vegetation along the roads and streams. Grazing is a dominant activity along with viticulture in the west and south. The former horse training facilities at Lindsay Park is located in this part of the region. The area to the far east is dominated by the Eastern Mt Lofty Ranges. The land is heavily undulating in various parts and contains large allotments, generally in excess of 20 hectares. Dry land grazing is the dominant agricultural activity in the area, but some vineyards do exist in the Eden Valley Region. In addition a number of smaller animal keeping operations (pigs, poultry and cattle) are present in the area.
The Somme and Marne Watercourses traverse the Eastern Mt Lofty Ranges, with the banks of both watercourses being densely vegetated. While other parts of the area contain sections of native vegetation comprising tall trees with significant canopy spreads, other sections of land have been cleared and are void of vegetation.
Built form generally consists of detached dwellings on large allotments with associated domestic and farm buildings. The area also contains an extensive network of dry stone walls, which reflect the heritage of the area and are valued by the local community
Eden Valley and Southern Barossa
This part of the District has many similar landscape features of land to the north around Collingrove but with extensive viticulture and much hillier. The land is generally undulating and with greater topographic variation in the west. There is a wide eastward valley along the Marne River that also acts as an important watershed area.
There are extensive areas of scattered trees and some of native vegetation. Roadside and streamside vegetation is generally very good. Pines plantations are evident in western and southern areas, in particular, within land bounded by the Adelaide Hills Council. There is a mix of vineyards, arable and grazing land and pine plantation. Important broadacre farming areas are predominant in the south western portion of the preservation district.
Land east of Williamstown is more undulating and it becomes gradually flatter on the eastern side where the land abuts Mount Pleasant – Keyneton Road. The area includes large groupings of trees and vegetation throughout with some groupings more dense than others. Forest areas are most concentrated south of Warren Road within the Mount Crawford Forest Reserve. There are some areas with scattered trees just south of Springton Road. The predominant feature within the area is the Mount Crawford Forest Reserve which is centrally located between Springton Road to the north, South Para Road to the west, Mount Pleasant – Keyneton Road to the east and Forreston Road to the south. The area also includes the Warren Reservoir located at the northern end of Warren Road.
The industrious nature of human activity and natural movement during the changing seasons is also reflected in varying landscapes across the district; as crops grow, as they are harvested, and as vines mature or trees lose their leaves in Autumn. Townships also follow the seasons as deciduous trees shed leaves and contrast with native vegetation. These changes create a unique rural and natural landscape. In addition, preservation of historic man-made elements within the landscape combined with its diversity through a mix of uses and farming practices including broad acre farming, viticulture and horticulture make it unique. Therefore protecting this unique identity by promoting a positive distinction between townships and the rural landscape continues to be important, as will be maintaining diverse pockets of land-use activity and sub-areas including areas of natural vegetation with high conservation value such as the many Recreation or Conservation Parks (e.g Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park). Ultimately, preserving the vistas of the Barossa Range, of the valley from the Barossa Range, along road corridors and from the towns into the surrounding rural landscape will ensure a holistic approach to landscape amenity as well as the individual elements that contribute to it.
Adelaide Hills
This part of the District is primarily grazing, with very limited viticulture and horticulture along the Valley floor. Four enclaves of smaller rural residential allotments are located on steeper land above the main farming areas.
Vegetation along the Valley floor is sparse, but the ridges comprise commercial forests to the west and north, and conservation areas to the east. The rural residential areas have more tree cover than the farming areas. (AHC insertion)
Future Development
Future development should reinforce and enhance a wide range of elements within the landscape which give the district its special character and this includes the biodiversity of the natural environment which must be protected.
. In particular, it should make a positive contribution to the Barossa’s status as an iconic wine and food producing region that is distinct and identifiable as a separate entity from metropolitan Adelaide. Primary production will need to contribute to a diversity of land uses which support a range of economic activities and also reinforce the predominantly rural features of the landscape. The scale, siting, and design and landscaping of built form requires strategic management and appropriate policy development so that it harmonises with the natural features of the landscape and its historic pattern of settlement.
Draft: Heritage Attributes
Rationale: The breadth and diversity of heritage places within the towns and rural landscape of the Barossa Valley district is unique in regional South Australia. The heritage of the district is derived from the history of settlement and land use practices started by pioneers including German and English migrants. The existing range of land use activities and events in the district is underpinned by the diverse built form legacy that has developed over generations. This includes a rich mix of residential, institutional, employment, rural, and other historic buildings of varying scale and architectural style. Many buildings have been sympathetically restored or adapted for contemporary activities such as restaurants or cellar doors.
Each of the towns and settlements contain a notable blend of heritage or character buildings and places that reflect economic, social and design changes over time. Heritage buildings or places are often landmarks and help form attractive spaces, streetscapes, or vistas. They are very important in achieving a sense of identity and place.
The district’s landscape has also been modified since early settlement. Important historic elements in the rural landscape include the clearing of land, planting of vines, construction of fencing and stone walls, farm buildings using simple building techniques and associated infrastructure.
Policies:
Future development should:
• Maintain the historic fabric of the district by identifying, protecting and enhancing the built form heritage with sympathetic contemporary building design and finishes. • Identify and preserve areas of recognised heritage character. • Protect and enhance areas of rural and natural landscape heritage such as the large eucalypts and remnant native vegetation including roadside vegetation in the Eden Valley, Keyneton and Mount Pleasant areas. • Ensure future development contributes positively and achieves a level of rehabilitation with more sustainable management practices for better longer term outcomes. . • Achieve a balance of heritage and new development through the use of appropriate materials and quality design which is integrated with cultural elements. • Identify and prepare measures that encourage the adaptive and economical re-use of heritage or character buildings. • Facilitate good integrated design that seeks to enhance heritage buildings, places or streetscapes. Well-conceived contemporary architecture can often act as a positive counterpoint. • Encourage township growth that recognises and addresses the design legacy and sense of place derived from the significant number of wineries, commercial, cultural, and institutional buildings located within the townships and the rural areas.
DRAFT: Built form of townships as they relate to the district
Rationale:
The Barossa Valley district comprises a tapestry of well separated towns and settlements that have developed since European arrival during the late 1830s.
Each town and settlement has evolved to reflect the nature and character of its topography, natural features, local economy and the built legacy of successive generations. In particular, the town edges are often ‘organic’ with a loosely arranged mix of activities rather than being defined by a ‘straight-edged’ boundary. This approach to development, layering of historical uses, and spatial relationship to the surrounding environment exemplifies each town’s character and identity and is much valued by the local community. It is also a key element in attracting tourism and encouraging visitors to explore the district as a whole.
Due to its attraction as a place to live and work, ongoing opportunities to accommodate natural ‘organic’ population growth will be needed across the district having regard to the various identified character values.
Policies:
Future development should maintain a separation between the towns in the district and surrounding areas, and retain their individual character and identity. It should:
• Reinforce the current diverse mix of land uses including retail, commercial, entertainment, residential and small-scale industry. • Enhance the township interface between rural and other activities such as residential and industry. • Maintain and manage the close spatial relationship between primary production, industrial and residential activities and address any issues of viability, amenity, liveability, design at the interface between these uses. • Protect towns from growth in the form of large residential subdivisions or ‘codified’ developments that may adversely affect township appearance, or context, and jeopardize their distinctive character and identity. • Be sited to reinforce and respond to existing patterns of development that are generally characterised by a site specific response to topography, mixed densities, , low profiles, small scale designs, and heritage elements. • Promote the evolving network of cycle and pedestrian connections between the towns. • Identify and enhance key gateways to towns in order to improve their amenity and signal the change into a more urban environment. • Reinforce the predominantly low scale development at the town edges by identifying opportunities for higher density housing and mixed use development located within the centre of selected townships.
DRAFT: Viticulture, agriculture and associated industries
Rationale:
The Barossa Valley district is a working agrarian landscape. Primary production is a highly valued and integral element of the district and is interspersed with the townships and other activities. Historically this interface has been successfully managed; however competing demands may affect this balance in the future.
Viticulture is a key activity and is focussed primarily in the Valley Floor region extending broadly between Williamstown and Ebenezer, Gomersal and Greenock, and the Eden Valley areas. The district is an internationally recognised wine region.
Broadacre food and fibre production concentrates within the western half and north-east part of the district utilising on generally flatter land often held on larger land titles. Livestock and grazing activities primarily utilise land in the eastern and south-eastern part of the district. These lands are generally hillier and are often less suitable for grain and hay production that dominates western and north-eastern areas.(AHC deletion) Forestry occurs in the south based round a series of reservoirs.
This broad disposition of primary production contrasts with the underlying local mix of activities across the district that avoid a monoculture economy. This diversity forms the basis of the attractive rural landscape appreciated by the community and visitors, although possibly marred by inappropriately placed or designed supporting infrastructure.
Across the district, varying land form, soil typology, rainfall and emerging best practice affect the capability of the land for primary production in the future.
Policies: • Development measures (including mapping) to ensure protection of priority land for primary production. • On land suitable for primary production, consider greater flexibility and less rigidity in regulatory systems to allow producers increased opportunity to respond to ever- changing environmental and market factors. • Protect viable primary production areas to ensure that valuable land is not lost through irreversible changes in land use. • Ensure new primary production activities do not unfairly impact on the operation of existing primary production through the use of ‘separation distances’ or physical buffers within the site of the newly introduced activity. • Provide opportunities for small scale value adding activities that complement existing primary production. • Protect the scenic value of the rural landscape through the control of inappropriate or visually disruptive development. This may include measures to control built form such as siting, design, materials, articulation and screening. • Encourage the co-location of supporting infrastructure to minimise the amount of land lost for primary production. • Large scale development is to be avoided and buildings only sited where character and landscape amenity can be maintained and vistas, heritage, and rural / natural appearance of land can be protected. • Bulky commercial, industrial, and transport buildings and activities need to be appropriately sited in key locations away from areas of landscape amenity and close to adequate access and infrastructure. • Investigate opportunities for the adaptive re-use of disused farm buildings or the needs of succession planning for primary producers. • Retain the primacy of the open rural landscape when viewed from key transport / tourist routes, pathways and cycle routes.
DRAFT: The scenic and tourism attributes of the district
Rationale
The district’s cultural heritage and production of premium wine and ‘slow’ food create a tourist destination valued for its quality, diversity and authenticity of experience.
Important visitor attractions include the historic townships and rural landscapes and buildings, conservation parks, forest reserves, wineries and cellar doors. The scenic attributes of the Barossa District include Eden Valley, Jutland Valley, lookouts with views over farms and vineyards, the views over the Murray Plains and from Menglers Hill; and townships with separate identities and village ‘feel’ denoting a non-urban layout, scale and design.
A number of self-drive tourist routes through the district such as the Torrens Valley Scenic Drive showcase these scenic attributes as do the trails and paths such as the Heysen Trail, Mawson Trail and Jack Bobridge Track. These are a significant form of tourist infrastructure which link the towns and provide for interaction with the rural landscape.
The economic base of the district can be broadened by enabling a range of tourism related activities which will enhance and reinforce the quality and diversity of experiences available to visitors. These may include dining, hospitality, accommodation, arts and crafts, and retreats.
Policies:
Future development should:
• Reinforce land use policies that contribute the diversity of key economic activities and natural landscape features. • Enhance the sense of ‘non-urban open space.and non-metro development style.’ • Prevent loss of agricultural land or heritage elements that would detract from the scenic attributes of the district. • Balance the protection of built heritage and culture with sympathetic modern development that does not detract from these elements. • Enable improvements to tourism infrastructure including transport, appropriate signage, visitor information, and entrances to towns. • Promote investment in tourism by facilitating infrastructure development within as well as outside township areas to support new tourism initiatives.
[Note that the paras below are the first version of the text (with AHC edits ) from which the above summary was taken ]
Future development in the district should protect the integrity of cultural, heritage and landscape attributes and reinforce the district as a premium destination for visitors. It should reinforce
land use practices that contribute to its diversity,
key economic activities (food, wine and grape production) and natural landscape features (especially native vegetation, large trees and views of the hills and over the valleys).
Development and value–adding activities should enhance the sense of ‘non-urban open space’, open scenic landscapes and prevent loss of agricultural land or heritage elements that would detract from the scenic attributes of the district. Protection of built heritage and culture should be balanced, and not contrast with modern development. [Note: this makes the exercise an urban retreat rather than a functioning rural and food producing area – that will not go down well with anybody outside Adelaide.]
Investment in tourism can be encouraged by facilitating adequate infrastructure development outside urban zoned areas to support new tourism initiatives. The economic base of the district will be broadened by enabling businesses to offer a range of tourism related activities which will enhance and reinforce the quality and diversity of experiences available to visitors. These may include dining, hospitality, accommodation, arts and crafts, and retreats. There is also potential to enhance heritage buildings with tourism appeal such as the Laucke Mill in Angaston, the Tanunda railway station precinct, and the stone walling throughout the district.
Improvements at the entrances to towns, visitor information signage, and other tourism infrastructure should be of a scale and design that make a positive contribution to the character, identity and visual amenity of the district. Signage should improve legibility and access to the landscape Signage should be easily readable, and not intrude into scenic landscapes, while allowing places for discovery.
McLaren Vale Character Values Statement
Onkaparinga Strategic Directions Committee endorsed this Statement but sought additional commentary bolstering reference to Kaurna aboriginal cultural heritage and the area’s geological significance before finalisation for formal submission.
Introductory statement
This statement refers to the area outlined on the attached map. The attached map outlines three key transitional areas that the statement refers to. It is acknowledged that the Protection District is physically diverse, and to reflect this, the map identifies the three general geographical areas within the District. These areas are not distinct, and there are broad transition zones as indicated on the map, each with characteristics that impact upon the other areas. The three geographical areas can generally be referred to as rolling hills, hills face and basin.
Character is continuous, and the character of McLaren Vale basin extends further than the boundary that has been delineated for the purpose of outlining the Protection District. It is acknowledged that much of the character is intertwined with areas outside of the delineated Protection District, such as the coastal region, townships, and regions south of the mapped areas.
Aboriginal people have been traditional owners of the land for thousands of years and it is acknowledged that Aboriginal heritage has an important place in the character of the area as a whole.
Since European settlement, the area has evolved as a working landscape of farms, vineyards, wineries, townships, tourist activities and bushland and needs to continue as such. The colour and character change seasonally. Looking to the future, it is anticipated that the region is adaptable to allow for future productive industries whilst retaining and building upon the existing character which is highly valued.
The statement below outlines the elements of existing character for the district that has been identified as being valuable to the City of Onkaparinga Council.
The rural and natural landscape and visual amenity of the district.
The scale and spaciousness of the natural environment create a sense of arrival which can be noticed from the key entrance points to the basin, from Victor Harbor Road in the centre to Main South Road in the north and far south. The natural landscape provides views to the hills, basin, sea, cliffs, scrub; rivers and creeks. The rivers and creeks are valued as they provide wetlands for native animals and areas for passive recreation.
While the vineyards currently dominate the plains, changes to the working landscape will occur in response to evolving agricultural uses over time. Development associated with industry situated in the district including farm sheds and vats are important economically, and form a key part of the scenic character.
Expansive views of the plains from both the Hills and Rolling Hills areas are an important feature of the character of the area as a whole. The Willunga Basin is a significant and distinctive natural landscape feature of the district, giving legibility to the district and defining the connection between the hills and the sea.
Market forces over time have resulted in the dominance of viticulture, interspersed with pockets of roadside and remnant native vegetation. While it is acknowledged that farming patterns may change, an orderly pattern of rural development is still envisaged for the future. The small scale nature of food/wine production is very important to the character of the area, with smaller land holdings and rural enterprises knitting together to form a whole. Low level development in the hills face, and rolling hills areas has resulted in high scenic resource value in these areas of high visual sensitivity. It is envisaged that new development and urbanisation remain minimal in these areas. Housing within rural areas is currently well integrated and nested within the rural environment in most instances, and generally associated with on-site or nearby primary production and/or industry.
The heritage attributes of the district.
The region encompasses a history of European settlement centred around the development of the original townships and early primary industry. Agriculture has been dominant, although extractive industry has formed an important part of the historic local economy. Early colonial food production was supported by townships and ports and road networks.
Character encompasses early colonial influences which are still evident in the rural patterns and remaining buildings from this era.
The built form of the townships as they relate to the district.
The township character contrasts with the nearby urbanised areas north of the Onkaparinga River. The townships of Willunga, Kangarilla, Clarendon and McLaren Vale each have an individual built form and development pattern, including irregular township edges which are a central part of the district’s character. They provide important services, and recreation grounds and other facilities for regional communities.
The townships are currently physically separated, primarily by significant areas of viticulture and agriculture, but linked by the existing road network and by cycling and walking trails. It is anticipated that the physical separation of townships will continue. Essentially it is anticipated that the focus of the district will continue to be centred on primary production, with residential settlements limited to the existing townships.
The townships of Clarendon and Kangarilla are characterised by the topography and built heritage within. Sitting in small valleys both the topography and built heritage create a sense of arrival when approaching the townships.
Willunga’s unique character focuses around the built heritage which was developed around slate production and was once an important government and trading centre. The township itself is not highly visible from other aspects of the Protection District, and this is attributed to low intensity, historical development. McLaren Vale is a vibrant small town providing an important regional service centre for the district, with a combination of new development, built heritage and adaptive reuse.
The viticultural, agricultural and associated industries of the district.
The McLaren Vale vineyards and wineries currently dominate the landscape of the basin with olive tree plantings also being a common feature. It is anticipated that rural uses will continue in these areas, maintaining the same orderly pattern of rural development. However, some change in these uses is anticipated, which will be a reflection of variations in product demand, climate change adaptation and farm viability.
Past primary production patterns have evolved around the areas of Kangarilla and Clarendon where traditionally wheat production, orchards, market gardens and timber production prevailed. Some of these uses have been replaced by farming, vineyards and olive trees. Much of the area remains suitable for a range of agricultural production, including vines, grazing, cropping, almonds, strawberries and other similar foods including niche market products.
Extractive industry also has an important place in the district. Historically quarries such as Willunga slate quarry were a key source of income for the district, and it is acknowledged that extractive industry has played an important historical role in the development of the district, and may play an important role in the future economy of the district.
The Willunga Basin area has been identified as a major part of South Australia’s key primary production areas, based upon a number of factors including favourable soil and water conditions, and therefore maintaining a flexible approach to agricultural industry in this area is important.
The scenic and tourism attributes of the district.
The townships form key tourist hubs, with diverse local produce on offer. The integration of cellar door wine sales with boutique wineries and restaurants and quality foods, such as olive oil, cheese and other delicacies, is a key drawcard for tourists, and essentially customers are coming to the producers. Tourism is important to the region which offers a diversity of experiences and the convenient location in close proximity to Adelaide.
Tourist accommodation, along with winery development, are important industries within the Protection District. These forms of development generally blend into the landscape to the extent that is reasonably possible. The natural and rural landscapes and townships provide a scenic venue which has attracted events and festivals, along with artistic and creative communities.
Informal thoughts tourism
• All 5 qualities should include tourism and there will be a lot in common in north and south districts • Protect the landscape then identify the type of the tourism growth and then the tourism attributes • P111 of the 30YP is about integrated tourism facilities in identified locations • Not a ‘cookie cutter’ approach
Informal PIRSA comment
• Emphasis on landscapes being productive • Amenity (visual) value balanced against economic reasons for development • Avoid a ‘museum’ approach – policies to appreciate the value add and diversification of primary production and agribusiness • Appropriate primary production related development – including integration with tourism etc