Eaglehawk Township Strategy

Eaglehawk Township Strategy 2002/03 Strategic Planning Unit City of Greater Bendigo

CONTENTS

Executive Summary...... 4 The Process ...... 4 Outcomes...... 4 Implementation...... 5 Introduction...... 6 Statistical Information ...... 12 The People...... 16 What has been Happening in Eaglehawk? ...... 16 What Did the Community Say? ...... 22 The Place ...... 24 What has been Happening in Eaglehawk? ...... 24 What Did the Community Say? ...... 28 The Economy ...... 34 What has been Happening in Eaglehawk? ...... 34 What Did the Community Say? ...... 37 References ...... 40 Action Plan ...... 42 Year 1. 2003 – 2004 ...... 43 Year 2. 2004 – 2005 ...... 49 Year 3. 2005 – 2006 ...... 54 Annual and Ongoing ...... 57 Appendix 1: Suggestions for Improvement...... 62 The People ...... 62 The Place ...... 63 The Economy ...... 65

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E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Eaglehawk is a historic town, with a population of approximately 8,000 people, located six kilometres to the west of the Bendigo CBD. Formerly an independent municipality, Eaglehawk is recognised as a suburb within the City Of Greater Bendigo, with a distinct identity and unique features.

Council resolved to undertake an Eaglehawk Township Strategy to consider how it could work more effectively with the Eaglehawk community in the delivery of Council’s services.

The Process

A draft Eaglehawk Township Strategy was prepared based upon the results of consultation with residents, Councillors and Council staff. The consultation process provided direction to the project, and an understanding of the community’s values and their vision for the future. The consultation included: Surveys circulated throughout the Eaglehawk community; Public forums with interested community members and agencies; Workshops with interest and sector groups, such as the Eaglehawk Business Network and Dahlia & Arts Festival Committee, and with Year 10 students from Eaglehawk Secondary College; Discussions with individual community members; Liaison with other service providers such as the Department of Human Services and Bendigo Community Health; and Meetings with Council Managers and officers to discuss ‘best practice’, priority projects and service delivery and improvement.

The draft Strategy was also informed by a review of earlier Council and Borough documents and plans, and by reference to current major strategic plans. This review and cross-referencing has ensured that previous expertise and efforts were recognised and embraced, and that the development of policy is consistent.

The draft Eaglehawk Township Strategy proposed “Suggestions for Improvement” related to the people, the place, and the economy based on consultation, research and review.

The draft Strategy was placed on public exhibition for one month. The draft Strategy and a summary brochure were distributed to members of the community, and displayed at 6 locations in Eaglehawk. The community was encouraged to provide feedback on the draft Strategy by the inclusion of a “Your Comments” sheet. Twenty-seven comment sheets were returned and an additional nineteen submissions were received.

Eaglehawk was the first venue selected for Council’s resident meetings, introduced in 2003, which provided further opportunity for community consultation. The Eaglehawk Township Strategy was presented at this meeting on the 1st of September 2003 and questions about the Strategy were taken from the floor.

Outcomes

The Eaglehawk Township Strategy contains an Action Plan with recommendations based on the “Suggestions for Improvement” in the draft document.

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The “Suggestions for Improvement” in the draft Strategy were reviewed on the basis of community feedback, feasibility, and resources. For reference purposes the original “Suggestions for Improvement” are included in Appendix 1.

The Action Plan articulates goals for the future of Eaglehawk, and matches these against actions that Council will undertake. These goals and actions are considered in terms of their effect on the people, the place, and the economy.

The People Mechanisms by which goals will be achieved include:

Formation of an Implementation Committee, including Ward Councillor, Council Officer and representative Eaglehawk citizens.

The Place Mechanisms by which goals will be achieved include:

Enhance High Street through the introduction of banners and dry land planting to the central median strip; Improve pedestrian circulation and vehicular movement in Victoria Street; Enhance Victoria Street through the coordinated use of paving materials, introduction of street tree planting, and the considered location and design of street furniture and signage; and Redevelop Brassey Square as a forecourt to the Eaglehawk Town Hall suitable for an outdoor meeting place and public events venue.

The Economy Mechanisms by which goals will be achieved include:

Investigate establishment of “attractors” or job generators in Eaglehawk through the proposed Commercial Strategy

The complete Action Plan is contained in the final chapter of this document.

Implementation

The Eaglehawk Township Strategy details Council’s commitment to actions that will be implemented over a timeline of up to 10 years.

The proposed Implementation Committee will resolve details and priorities when required. The Implementation Committee will provide a means of accountability and communication with the wider Eaglehawk community. Implementation of the Strategy will be subject to Council’s annual budget process, and funding applications.

While this document specifically outlines Council’s future direction, it may signal opportunities not specifically governed by Council. Other community groups may consider responding to these identified opportunities. The plan also references the Department of Human Services “Neighbourhood Renewal Project” being undertaken in east Eaglehawk. There are obvious synergies between the two projects, and efforts will be made to share opportunities for development.

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I NTRODUCTION

The Eaglehawk Township Strategy has been developed to identify Eaglehawk’s inherent strengths and core values, and to ensure that a coordinated approach to the provision of Council services will facilitate Eaglehawk’s prosperity and vibrancy well into the future.

In the past, a multitude and range of planning documents have been developed in relation to Eaglehawk. However, since the change in status from the Borough of Eaglehawk, to the Eaglehawk Ward in the City Of Greater Bendigo in 1994, no overarching strategic framework has been developed for Eaglehawk.

Council has a clear responsibility to ensure that its community functions properly. Broadly, this role is approached through the delivery of programs and services, statutory regulation, leadership, advocacy and representation. The Eaglehawk Township Strategy will identify ways to enhance Council’s services/programs, to reiterate statutory requirements and to heighten leadership, advocacy and representational opportunities.

The Story of Eaglehawk Gold was first discovered in Bendigo in October 1851. The gold rush came to Eaglehawk in 1852 when a group of gold seekers found a nugget while searching for a stray horse. Legend has it that an ‘eaglehawk’ flying near the claim inspired the towns name. 1

Alluvial gold was largely exhausted by 1853. Following this, quartz mining continued for almost one hundred years. Three hundred tonnes of gold were ultimately extracted from Eaglehawk. Commonly known localities were named according to the dozens of gold and quartz mines established on hills (Virginia Hill) and in gullies (Sailors Gully, Job’s Gully).

The first sale of land facing High Street took place on the 20th and 21st September 1854. By 1855 the population had reached 20,000. Declared an independent borough in 1862, Eaglehawk developed into a self-sufficient working class town with a range of industries and factories sustaining the local community.

In 1880, the Eaglehawk Borough had a population of 7500, the ratepayers numbered nearly 800 and the town, four miles from Bendigo, had its own Town Hall, money order office and telegraph office. Its hills and gullies included numerous hotels; two state schools, and eleven churches as well as three banks. The Library of the Mechanics Institute had over 1500 books for loan. In Canterbury Park, the people of Eaglehawk had open space formed and laid out with flowerbeds and shrubs.2

Some fine buildings were constructed in Eaglehawk in the nineteenth century, however it was essentially a working class area where the majority of houses were simple miners cottages. In 1888, Eaglehawk boasted forty-one hotels.3

In June 1890, the first trams ran between Sandhurst (Bendigo) and Eaglehawk, however Eaglehawk had already developed a separate and independent character. This sense of separate identity was well illustrated at the Borough Council meeting of 6th May 1874 when it was proposed to erect a tollgate at the entrance to Eaglehawk from Bendigo.2

The continued existence of mining landscapes and mullock heaps provides a link with Eaglehawk’s foundations in gold mining. However, a rugged bush landscape has also survived and Eaglehawk is now in close proximity to nature reserves and parks of state and national significance.

1 http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/ncas/multimedia/gazetteer/list/eaglehawk.html and http://www.bendigolive.com/history.htm

2 Eaglehawk & Bendigo Heritage Study, Vol 2, Page 39

3 Bendigo Historic Buildings, National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Central Victorian Branch 1997 - Butcher and Flanders

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Today, Eaglehawk is an urban village whose residents express pride in its ability to meet local needs. A strong sense of the township’s history and its 19th century architectural legacy underpin the town’s identity. Upon amalgamation of the Borough of Eaglehawk with other neighbouring Councils to form the City of Greater Bendigo in 1994, the community expressed fears of disenfranchisement, and were concerned that loss of the independent Borough status would lead to the town’s decline. The citizens of Eaglehawk have expressed concern that Eaglehawk is considered a ‘less desirable place to live’ by residents from other areas, nevertheless the residents of Eaglehawk are proud of being from ‘the Borough’ and keen to promote its assets.

The town’s vibrancy is demonstrated daily, in the busy retail centre, thriving industrial estate and dynamic school cultures. Indeed, the town’s annual “Dahlia and Arts Festival” is highly successful as a result of an active local committee and patronage from locals and visitors alike. The operation of the Star Cinema in the historic Eaglehawk Town Hall draws visitors to Eaglehawk, and also provides activity in the town centre at nights and on weekends. It is a reminder of past days when the Eaglehawk Town Hall was the centre of cultural activity.

Since Eaglehawk’s gold era heyday, many changes have occurred to make way for progress. Changes such as removal of tram infrastructure, demolition of original verandahs, and replacement of bluestone and brick kerbing with concrete kerb and channel have all altered the appearance of Eaglehawk. Concerns that Eaglehawks character and heritage places could still be lost were frequently raised in the strategy’s consultation process.

Today it is understood that a balance between old and new is required. The need to keep, protect and conserve things from the past must be balanced by an appreciation that the needs and wants of the community have changed and that sensitive new development should also be allowed.

Consultation The Township Strategy has been strongly guided by the Eaglehawk community. Advice and suggestions have been sourced through a range of consultation and surveying processes, across various social and age groups. The Eaglehawk Times newspaper has provided publicity and assisted in facilitating the consultation process. An initial survey was compiled and sent to a mailing list of Eaglehawk clubs, organizations and individuals who had expressed interest. The survey was also published in the Eaglehawk Times. One hundred surveys were completed and returned.

Community forums held on the 12th November 2002, were broadly publicized through the media and involved around 60 participants from all walks of life. Feedback was provided about what is valued in Eaglehawk, what issues need to be addressed and suggested strategies for tackling issues.

Meetings were also held with the Dahlia and Arts Festival Committee, the Eaglehawk Environment Group, and representatives from industries based in Eaglehawk. A forum was also held with Year 10 students from Eaglehawk Secondary College, providing a youthful perspective on Eaglehawk’s strengths and recommendations for development. The Eaglehawk Business Network provided the results of a survey they conducted, which details recommendations for retail enhancement. A mailing list was compiled for people wishing to be informed about the project, and a regular Bulletin on progress distributed.

Consultation has also occurred with Council officers and Managers to ascertain current priorities and plans, and to gain their advice on the community’s suggestions. Council officers’ ‘best practice’ knowledge has contributed to the decision-making process regarding the final recommendations of the Eaglehawk Township Strategy.

Ultimately, the Eaglehawk Township Strategy reflects the priority needs and values of Eaglehawk residents and community members and ‘paints a picture’ of Eaglehawk’s past and present, in order to signal directions into the future.

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Values Gaining an understanding of the most highly valued features of a community is essential in developing a plan. The survey question “What are the five things you value most about Eaglehawk?” provided the mechanism for gauging what is valued. The task of assessing what is valued in a community also provides insight into what the community ‘values’ are. Indeed, it is the community values that help form priorities and inform decision-making.

The survey results demonstrate that the ten most highly valued features in Eaglehawk are:

1. Community spirit and participation; 2. Sporting facilities – good variety and quality; 3. Shopping facilities – good access, quality and range; 4. Friendliness and people; 5. Heritage value and pride in the past – places and objects; 6. Canterbury Park/Gardens; 7. Lakes; 8. Access to Services; 9. Bush land/Whipstick, established walking and cycling paths well used; and 10. Parking being free and accessible.

The Survey Question “What attracted/influenced you to live in Eaglehawk?” provides further insight into what Eaglehawk’s resident values are. The survey results demonstrate that the ten greatest attractions to living in Eaglehawk are:

1. Housing Prices; 2. Family; 3. Community Feeling; 4. Shops; 5. Heritage Buildings; 6. Schools; 7. Friendly people; 8. Whipstick Forest; 9. Bus Service; and 10. Sporting Facilities.

These values influence the process of prioritising recommendations for the Eaglehawk Township Strategy and also inform the strategy in regards to maintaining and building upon the township’s most highly valued features.

Process Development of the Eaglehawk Township Strategy has involved the following stages: Community input through a range of consultation processes; Council officer input on current and past activities and possible future activities; Review and integration of relevant past plans; Release of draft plan, for community feedback and input; Leadership and decision-making in prioritising actions and funding; Review of community submissions; Presentation at Eaglehawk residents meeting; Finalization of the final Strategy document; and Adoption by Council.

A review of background documents was conducted, to gain an understanding of past plans and issues of importance. Plans such as the 1997 Eaglehawk Town Centre Plan, the Canterbury Park Master Plan, The Eaglehawk and Bendigo Heritage Study, and the Heritage Management Plan for High Street Eaglehawk, among others, are relevant and will continue to provide guidance for future projects.

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Neighbourhood Renewal Project The Department of Human Services, Office of Housing is undertaking a Neighbourhood Renewal Project (NRP) in the east Eaglehawk area that will be implemented over a 10-year period. Public housing was developed in east Eaglehawk during the late 1970s and 1980s. The NRP focuses on: Community development, by enhancing the communities social capacity, and Physical development, through the upgrade of housing stock and improvement of the physical environment.

The community development component of the project is being undertaken by a partnership between St Lukes, Community Health Bendigo, and the Department of Human Services. Their mandate is to develop a Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plan addressing the following key action areas: Pride and identity; Health and wellbeing; Learning and economic development; Crime and safety; and Housing and physical environment.4

The physical development component of the Neighbourhood Renewal Project proposes to undertake improvements to the housing stock, and urban design of east Eaglehawk, in conjunction with project partners, such as Council and other authorities.

It is recognised that updating houses, creating connecting linkages by pathways and roads, and enhancing landscapes can assist in alleviating the stigma of the area. The Office of Housing also acknowledges that the high concentration of public housing, with its uniformity of eras and styles in a single area, contributes to a negative impression from outside communities and a lowered esteem within the neighbourhood.5

The Neighbourhood Renewal Project focuses specifically on the east Eaglehawk subdivision, whereas the Eaglehawk Township Strategy looks at a much broader geographical area. Nevertheless, similar themes and synergies exist between the Neighbourhood Renewal Project and Council’s Eaglehawk Township Plan, which will ensure better outcomes for the whole community.

Framework The Eaglehawk Township Strategy plays a prominent role within Council’s corporate and strategic planning framework. Not only is it a critical planning tool, providing specific actions and outcomes for Eaglehawk’s immediate and medium term future, but it also provides a concrete demonstration of Council’s policies.

The Eaglehawk Township Strategy has been developed in reference to the Council Plan 2002 - 2005. The Council Plan sets Councils vision, values, objectives and strategy in regard to providing leadership and management, infrastructure development and employment, environmental management, and community development and support.

The other two key documents that inform the Eaglehawk Township Strategy are the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme (Municipal Strategic Statement) and the Health and Wellbeing Framework. Both are statutory policy documents; the first providing direction for appropriate land use and physical development, and the other providing a direction for health and social outcomes.

Council plays an important role in ensuring land development is appropriate and sustainable through its land use policies. The principal tool by which it does this is the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, supported by numerous strategic documents. The Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme contains a

4 The residents of Eaglehawk, Bendigo Community Health Services Inc., St Lukes Anglicare Inc., Department of Human Services – Office of Housing, Eaglehawk Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plan, 2003. 5 SGS Economics and Planning, Housing Masterplan, East Eaglehawk, March 2003.

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Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS), which details the land use policy framework for the built and natural environments. Its objective is to create a vibrant municipality that builds on the opportunities available for housing, commerce, tourism and industry.

The Health and Wellbeing Framework recognises that a vibrant and prosperous community depends on a balance and synergy between the social, environmental and economic factors. Each factor requires sufficient resourcing and planning in order to sustain the others. The creation and maintenance of healthy physical and community services and environments, provides the essential foundations for a prosperous economy. Residents who enjoy the benefits of physical environments that cater to need will experience better health and social outcomes and will be better positioned to contribute to the local economy.

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S TATISTICAL I NFORMATION The Eaglehawk Township Strategy includes the area boundaries of the City of Greater Bendigo Ward of Eaglehawk, but due to limitations of census collection areas, the statistical information (following) refers to the shaded area in Figure 1 only. This analysis however provides a broad understanding of Eaglehawk’s population base.

Figure 1: Map of Area used for Statistical Information

B E N D IG O -P Y R A M ID R O A D

(

(

(MYERS FLAT Sailors Gully

Eaglehawk LO DD ON VA LLE Y H IG ( JACKASS FLAT HW AY

(CALIFORNIA GULLY

California Gully

(NORTH BENDIGO

(LONG GULLY

(Source: ABS 2001 Census)

Age 2001 Census data suggests that age comparisons between Eaglehawk and Bendigo/Victoria do not vary significantly (see Figure 2).

Total Population of Eaglehawk and Sailors Gully is 4,596 (5.33% of Greater Bendigo Population). 19.3% of the Eaglehawk and Sailors Gully population are aged over 60 and of this figure approximately 57% are female.

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Figure 2: Age Comparision

25 Eaglehawk 2001 Greater Bendigo 2001 20 Victoria 2001

15

10 Percentage

5

0 0-4 5 17 18-24 25-34 35-49 50-59 60-74 75+ Age Group

(Source: ABS 2001 Census)

Employment The three largest Employment Sectors in Eaglehawk as recorded in the 2001 Census (ABS, 2001) are: 1. Retail Trade (358 persons) 20.1% (Greater Bendigo ranking 1, Victoria 2) 2. Manufacturing (293 persons) 16.5% (Greater Bendigo 3, Victoria 1) 3. Health & Community Services (233) 13.1% (Greater Bendigo 2, Victoria 4)

Eaglehawk residents experience almost the same level of employment status as Greater Bendigo residents with 90.4% of the workforce employed in Eaglehawk, compared to 91.6% for Greater Bendigo.

Qualifications In Eaglehawk 26.7% of the people hold a qualification of some kind, compared to 31.9% in Greater Bendigo & 34.8% in Victoria (ABS, 2001).

Weekly Household Income Though incomes are lower in Eaglehawk than across Greater Bendigo, 2001 Census data shows that housing is cheaper in Eaglehawk, for renters and those buying their own homes (ABS, 2001).

21.2% of households in Eaglehawk and Sailors Gully earn in excess of $1,000 per week, compared to 28.0% of households in Greater Bendigo and over 39% of households across Victoria. The most common household income group for Eaglehawk and Sailors Gully is $300-$599, with 31.7% of households falling into this category. This compares to 30% for Greater Bendigo and 23.6% for all Victorian households.

Household Size Eaglehawk has experienced a similar trend to rest of Greater Bendigo, and to Victoria in general, with the average number of people per household decreasing over time. Currently, in Eaglehawk and Sailors Gully there are approximately 2.5 persons per house. Interestingly, the Census data also shows that in Eaglehawk and Sailors Gully there are 60 homes that have over 6 people living in them (ABS, 2001).

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Dwelling Tenure Home Ownership in Eaglehawk and Sailors Gully is comparable to Greater Bendigo and Victoria, with 42.67% of people owning their own home in Eaglehawk and Sailors Gully compared to 42.92% and 42.00% for Greater Bendigo and Victoria respectively.

Figure 3: Dwelling Tenure 50 45 Eaglehawk 2001 40 Greater Bendigo 2001 35 Victoria 2001 30 25 20 Percentage 15 10 5 0 Fully Owned Being Purchased Rented Other Not Stated Tenure

(source: ABS 2001 Census)

The number of people purchasing their own home in Eaglehawk and Sailors Gully (29.44%) is similar to that of Victoria (29.53%), both of which are slightly higher than that for Greater Bendigo (27.77%).

Slightly less people are living in rental accommodation in Eaglehawk and Sailors Gully (22.16) and Greater Bendigo (22.12%) compared to Victoria in general (23.33%).

Property Valuations An analysis of Council records show that house prices in Eaglehawk are less than the equitable property in Bendigo. Anecdotal evidence shows that the City of Greater Bendigo is enjoying the statewide boom in Real Estate pricing that has seen prices rise by over 30%.

Table 1: Eaglehawk Property Valuations ($) 2003 (to August) 2002 2001 2000 House 120,327 97,864 83,637 84,538 Unit 121,340 120,430 88,536 99,443 Vacant Land 42,411 38,202 34,350 28,500 (Source: City of Greater Bendigo)

Housing Loan Repayments

The 2001 Census data records the two most common Monthly Housing repayments for Eaglehawk and Sailors Gully as $400-599 (29.1%) and $600-$799 (27.8%). While in Greater Bendigo repayments between $400-599 account for 26.9% and $600-799 for 25.7%. Victorian figures are 15.2% and 19% respectively (ABS, 2001).

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Weekly Rent

Of those Renting in Eaglehawk 84.1% pay $1 - $149 per week rent, compared to 71.8% in Greater Bendigo & 46.4% Victoria (ABS, 2001).

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T HE P EOPLE

Strengths: The strength of the Eaglehawk community is in the capacity of individuals to come together in times of celebration and challenge.

Values: Community spirit, participation and friendliness

Vision: Eaglehawk is a diverse, dynamic and inclusive community with a commitment to retaining its distinct local identity

Residents expressed a great deal of pride in Eaglehawk’s numerous attributes. It is regarded by many as a vibrant, close knit and accepting community. What members of the Dahlia and Arts festival Committee have said about their community festival holds true for many about the community generally:

“…A festival that all involved can be proud of…A rebirth of energy and enthusiasm…a lot of hard work that brings many local people, groups and community based organisations together to work on common goals of celebrating who we are.”

There is a range of factors that are broadly recognized as critical to a healthy and happy community – such as participation in community activities, volunteering, and the existence of social and cultural opportunities. The physical amenity also has a central role to play in how a community keeps in touch and keeps fit. Physical fitness, mental health and longevity are all key outcomes for a community that has access to adequate social, cultural and recreational opportunities.

Eaglehawk is a township that boasts a range of natural and built assets, in the way of parks, lakes, recreational and sporting facilities and heritage buildings. All of these foster activity and participation and provide a setting for socializing, physical fitness and cultural development. The success of the Dahlia and Arts Festival is, in part, due to central public assets such as the Town Hall, Canterbury Park and Lake Neangar.

What has been Happening in Eaglehawk?

Council’s vision is that Greater Bendigo, including Eaglehawk, will be a progressive, vibrant and caring community.

Community Development and Support has been identified in the Council Plan 2003 – 2006 as one of Councils four areas of focus. In delivering its services Council aims to:

Enhance the well being of individuals, families and communities; Foster a strong sense of community, creating opportunities for participation in community and cultural life; and Increase accessibility, availability and enjoyment of open spaces and civic buildings.

Council plays an important role in ensuring the wellbeing of Eaglehawk residents. Council details its commitment in the ‘Health and Wellbeing Framework’. Council is committed to; service provision, education and advocacy in relation to Public Health and Safety; leadership in relation to participation in Primary Care Partnerships and other health related forums; social justice commitments in relation to provision of community, aged care and disabilities programs; provision of leadership and participation opportunities, such as youth services; development of health related planning frameworks; development and maintenance of recreational and community facilities and environments.

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Council’s commitment provides a framework for examination of Eaglehawk’s ‘people’ oriented activities and assets:

Cultural Events and Activities; Recreation and Sport; Community services; Families and Children; Young People; Accessibility; and Community Grants Program.

Cultural Events and Activities Council is dedicated to assisting and facilitating cultural activity throughout the City of Greater Bendigo, by providing skills and professional advice to community based arts and cultural groups, particularly in regard to project development. In 2001, Council adopted the Arts and Cultural Strategy, which provides a framework for delivering programs in the municipality. The Events Strategy similarly provides directions for key events. Council conducts a seminar program each year, to improve the skill level of groups undertaking cultural projects. A number of cultural publications are also produced to enhance information provision and professional networks.

Eaglehawk boasts an active cultural and artistic life. Various groups in Eaglehawk regularly host events and activities of a cultural nature.

The Dahlia and Arts Festival is a 10-day community festival that provides an opportunity for local and regional artists and flower growers to display their talents. The Dahlia and Arts Festival is intimately linked with the Canterbury Gardens, which is noted for its collection and display of dahlias. The only other public display of dahlia cultivars in the state is at the Portland Botanic Gardens.

The festival encourages:

• Local service organizations to raise funds for their projects; • Families to participate in the procession, family fair and all other events, at an affordable cost; • Local schools to enter in events that support the classroom curriculum; • Sporting bodies to promote their activities and encourage membership; and • Promotion of film, heritage, and the arts.

As a community based festival, the Dahlia and Arts Festival heightens participation, community spirit and identity, and is recognised as being a valuable event in terms of ‘health and wellbeing’ outcomes. Professional performers are engaged as part of the festival to motivate and encourage local groups. The festival allows the local churches to combine together with an ecumenical church service, the only one held for the year by the churches.

The festival is coordinated by a dynamic and resourceful committee with funding sourced from sponsors and Council grants. Sourcing funding is a time consuming activity for the committee, and currently funds are attained on a year-by-year basis. The committee raised an issue related to the high costs of insurance for the 2003 event, whereby sponsorship funds were used entirely for insurance purposes. Unfortunately, the Penny Farthing and Human Powered Vehicles races had to be cancelled due to additional public liability costs.

St Luke’s, “Promoting Harmony Project”, began in early 2003, with the aim to improve community cohesion in the public housing estates of Long Gully and East Eaglehawk. This is to be achieved through involving residents in the development of focused community activities and personal strategies and seeking appropriate ways these could be incorporated into the culture of the neighbourhood. A range of strategies will be offered to promote the messages

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and develop networks, confidence, self-esteem and pride in the community and will be expressed through artistic pursuits, including theatre and video production opportunities.

The Eaglehawk Town Hall has seen a renewed focus on cultural activities since renovations in 1999-2000 and has become the home for a local business, the Star Cinema. Use of the Council owned Hall by business is balanced by availability for community use and the role of the cinema in attracting people and activity. The venue is used for a number of fund-raisers, and cultural events such as NAIDOC Week. Many residents expressed strong sentiments about the Town Hall and suggested that it should remain in public ownership and available for community use.

The North Central Goldfields Regional Library Service provides a library service in Eaglehawk on Fridays from 2-5pm in the Mechanic’s Institute Building, next to the Eaglehawk Town Hall. This service has replaced the previous mobile library and provides access to recreational, cultural and educational resources.

The Summer in the Parks program, developed and managed by Council’s Recreation and Youth Services unit, was initially focused on events at Rosalind Park and the Civic and Library Gardens. However, in the 2002-2003 season the program was expanded to include events at other venues. In 2002-2003, a jazz music concert was held in the Canterbury Gardens at Eaglehawk. Although inclement weather kept attendances low, the event was regarded as a success and Council plans to continue to hold events in Eaglehawk as part of the Summer in the Parks program.

Recreation and Sport Membership and participation in sporting clubs is highly valued in the Eaglehawk community, and the sporting facilities are generally well utilized and maintained. In addition there are numerous opportunities for passive recreation through the provision of gardens and connecting pathways. Provision of opportunities for physical participation is recognised by Council as essential in providing for a community that is fit and healthy.

Canterbury Park. Canterbury Park, consisting of the Canterbury Gardens, Lake Neangar, Lake Tom Thumb and associated sporting facilities has been continuously maintained as a public garden and recreation reserve since 1870. Achieving a balance between the passive recreation and horticultural displays of the Garden, and the active sporting areas is critical to the long-term value of the place. Canterbury Park has formed into a recreation precinct with the introduction of facilities for football, netball, cricket and lawn bowls, passive recreation opportunities, and the relatively recent construction of the Bendigo Leisure Centre.

A Canterbury Park Sports Precinct Masterplan is currently being developed in consultation with sporting clubs. It signals a range of enhancements to the facilities so that they can best meet user demand. It also details improvements to the interface between the sports clubs, gardens, parks, lakes and carparking so that there is a visual and pedestrian flow between the various environments. The Masterplan will guide any future development in the precinct and will require significant funding for its complete implementation.

The Canterbury Gardens Masterplan was developed in 1997 and has been partly implemented. This Masterplan makes many recommendations that should be used to guide the future development of the Gardens. Council purchased a parcel of land on Sailors Gully Road several years ago, with the intention of utilizing its proximity to Canterbury Gardens and the Canterbury Park Sports Precinct. It is recommended that Council retain this parcel to assist in the integration of the sports/park and civic/town centre precincts.

Bendigo Leisure Centre. The Bendigo Leisure Centre is owned by Council and managed by the YMCA. The Centre has the only indoor heated pool in the municipality. This is a highly utilized facility, drawing users from across the city to access the heated pools for Aquatic Education and Vic Swim programs. The YMCA has developed a three-stage plan for the

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upgrade of the facility. The proposal includes a new entrance, café, offices, new toilets/change rooms, improved customer access to stadium, gym and pool, and improved security. The estimated cost of the works is in excess of $1.5 million and will require contributions from other funding bodies. The first stage proposes landscaping and gardening works at the entrance to the facility. The YMCA will provide the ongoing maintenance for the upgraded gardens and Council has agreed to provide funding.

Albert Roy Reserve. The Council owned Albert Roy Reserve provides a stadium with table tennis and badminton facilities. There is also a BMX track and 2 baseball diamonds. In 2000, improvement works were undertaken at the Albert Roy Reserve and pavilion to the value of $10,000. The table tennis and badminton stadium underwent a major upgrade and extension to the value of $700,000.

Truscott Reserve has two soccer ovals with a good quality central clubhouse.

California Gully Recreation Reserve features an oval and clubrooms.

Bright Street Park. The need to improve this neighbourhood park and playground has been identified by the community, Council, and the Eaglehawk Neighbourhood Renewal Project.

Skate Park. The Eaglehawk Rotary Club is considering the design and construction of a skate park in Eaglehawk.

Community Services Through Council’s Community Services, a range of Home and Community Care programs provide services to support frail, older people, people with disabilities and their carers who are assessed as in need of support, to retain their independence and quality of life in Eaglehawk. Services or activities are provided to people assessed as eligible. Services include:

Respite Care Services support the caring relationship by providing Carers of frail older people and people of any age with a disability, with a break from their caring responsibilities. It enables the Carer the opportunity to participate in community, social and family activities.

General Home Care is a support service provided to maintain a safe, hygienic environment inside the home, assistance with domestic tasks, shopping, and escorted assistance to appointments.

Personal Care services provide assistance with tasks that a person would normally have the capacity to do, but because of illness, disability or frailty they are unable to perform without the assistance of another person.

Property Maintenance service is available to people who are frail aged or disabled and require assistance to maintain a safe, secure home environment. Priority is given to safety and security tasks.

Food Services provide a nutritious, appetizing and culturally appropriate meal delivered to the consumer’s home, or to a community centre where meals are eaten in a social setting. They are provided to individuals who have no other option for supporting their nutritional needs. This service also supports the client with monitoring and social contact.

Planned Activity Groups maintain an individual’s ability to live at home and in the community by providing a planned program of activities directed at enhancing the skills required for daily living. These activities also provide opportunities for support and social interaction as well as respite and support for carers.

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Men In Sheds is a positive retirement program for men. The program provides an opportunity for men to socialise with other men while being productive, creative, learning and sharing skills in a shed environment.

Occasional Care Program provides support to Carers of frail older people and adults with disabilities who need short term occasional care in a centre based safe and caring environment.

Social Support - Visiting Program is a volunteer based program offering a friend to visit regularly and enjoy compatible interests.

Social Support - Transport Program offers local transport to people who cannot access public transport and require door-to-door assistance.

Social Support – Telelink Project is a program to provide people who are socially isolated/housebound, due to frailty and language barriers, the opportunity to participate in a group telephone discussion. The discussion is led by a trained staff member or volunteers and conducted regularly. The telephone connection is free. A group of 8-10 people with common interests and language develop friendships over the telephone.

Ten Senior Citizens Clubs operate within the municipality providing social support and recreational opportunities. The Eaglehawk Senior Citizens Centre is located in Darling Street, effectively behind the Eaglehawk Town Hall and is thus part of the civic precinct.

Families and Children Council operates the Maternal & Child Health Centre currently based at the Eaglehawk Town Hall. This service is available to all families with children from birth to six years old, providing advice and assistance in regards to the health and wellbeing of infants. A parent group also operates out of this centre. This service was previously co-located with Bendigo Community Health service in Eaglehawk and may be a feasible option again in the future.

Council also coordinates the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Service providing one-to-one assistance to families who require extra support with parenting (children under 6 years old) and provides a free immunisation program for infants, children and adults each month.

Council manages five Child Care Centres throughout the municipality. Council owns two Pre-school buildings in Eaglehawk, the Bright Street and Neangar centres. These are operated by Management Committees.

Children’s Services regulations have required a review of preschools in the municipality, including Eaglehawk. The decline of births in Eaglehawk and static preschool enrolments suggest that existing level of children’s services in Eaglehawk is adequate.

Young People There are a range of settings and programs in Eaglehawk that foster young people’s growth and development. The local primary and secondary schools play an important role and have strong relationships with the broader community. The schools provide an important way for new families to become integrated with the existing community. The local schools actively pursue wider involvement for young people in community life.

The Eaglehawk Focus Centre was launched early 2003 and provides a tailored educational setting for young people who have had difficulties in mainstream education. Currently operating out of the Bendigo Leisure Centre, this program is recognised as successful by both the community and education professionals alike.

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Council runs a number of programs for the benefit of all young people in the City Of Greater Bendigo,

Youth Forums: Information or issue based Forums organized to help address current youth issues in Bendigo. Freeza: Live band gigs or dance parties are organised by a group of young people in the Bendigo area. These events are for all ages, have no pass outs and are drug and alcohol free. YAK (Youth Action Committee): Aims to represent the youth of Bendigo, organise projects to assist young people and raise the profile of young people in their community through positive activities. First Base Program: A youth worker works one on one with young people who have been involved with the police to assist the young person with any issues that may have led them to their offending behaviour. www.bcentralvic.com: Is a website targeting Central Victorian young people. The website provides a number of services including chat rooms, forums, games, information, links and updates from a variety of other sites and many other functions. There are also a number of Bcentral Internet kiosks operating across the region.

Council also runs some youth programs specifically in Eaglehawk.

The Youth Activity Service (YAS) currently includes 12 young people in Year 9 from Eaglehawk Secondary College. YAS provides safe and educational opportunities for young people who may not have access to mainstream clubs and groups due to financial constraints. The Family Liaison Program is run in conjunction with YAS. It focuses on communication skill development, dispute resolution, and development of family relationships. The Peer Skills Program developed by Kids Help Line and facilitated by Youth Services was held (and will be available in the future) at Eaglehawk Secondary College. It aims to develop personal strengths within participants.

The Bcentral youth resource precinct is in the development stage. It is planned to be a multi-purpose recreation, referral and information centre for all young people, based in a central Bendigo location. The objective of the Bcentral project is to enhance the well being of individuals, families and communities through developing a centralized, integrated information and resource service for young people.

Accessibility In 2001, Council adopted the Community Access Plan, a Strategy dedicated to the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act. The Community Access Plan details Council’s commitment to equity of access for all people to Council’s services, buildings, and information. Council also coordinates the Rural Access Program, which fosters community participation opportunities for people with disabilities. Examples of Council’s actions include the construction of an accessible toilet at the Eaglehawk Town Hall and the proposed permanent access ramp to the main entry of the Eaglehawk Town Hall, recommended for inclusion in the Brassey Square urban design project.

Community Grants Program Council operates a community grants program to assist community groups in developing and implementing community orientated projects. Applications are accepted in a number of categories:

General grants; Welfare; Cultural; Recreation; and Environment.

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In the last funding period, general grants were approved for the Eaglehawk Heritage Society Inc. for “improvements to the storage of and access to the collection” ($2000), Eaglehawk Secondary College “Sponsorship for ‘Caltex Student of the year’” ($200), and the Eaglehawk Business Network Inc. “Eaglehawk Banner Project” ($3000).6 (Greater City of Bendigo, Council Minutes, December 2nd, 2002, Pg. 55-59.)

Council’s Cultural Grants Program allocates funds annually to eligible projects that will enhance Bendigo’s cultural vibrancy. Last year the Eaglehawk community received funds for a variety of cultural projects; Eaglehawk Citizens Brass Band Inc. “Purchase of Xylophone” ($1000), Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival Inc. “2003 Dahlia & Arts Festival – Many faces – One Country” ($3000), the Eaglehawk Citizens Brass Band, Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival Inc. and the Festival of Healthy Living festival, ($3000).

Through its Recreation Grants, Council distributes funds to enhance the municipality’s recreational life. Last year recreation grants were awarded to: Rotary Club of Eaglehawk, “Bendigo by Bike’ ($2000), Eaglehawk & District Tennis Association, “repainting tennis courts, painting of floor to clubrooms & sign writing” ($3000), Eaglehawk Playgroup “storage space – shelves & cupboards” ($3000).

Last year the Eaglehawk Environment Group Inc. was granted a $2000 Environment Grant to extend the understorey at Lake Tom Thumb.

What Did the Community Say?

Through the consultation process it became evident that role of community groups (whether sporting, religious or service orientated) were highly valued by the community. People enjoyed the opportunity to participate in these clubs, and in community events of a cultural, social or health orientated flavour. However, they also felt that they were not always aware of the opportunities available.

It was suggested that Council could assist in the promotion of these groups, activities and events. Council is well placed to achieve this through its Community Services and Recreation programs by facilitating linkages and information sharing, and also through promoting the importance of community participation.

There were a number of comments and suggestions about the need for a central meeting place where relationships can develop between community associations: i.e. Bendigo Leisure Centre, clubs, churches, neighbourhood and schools groups. At such a place people could share information and network, develop community partnerships, participate in cultural and community development, and assist isolated people to participate in community activities.

Community and church groups are planning to meet to consider the possibility of forming a community activity/meeting centre by combining resources and drawing linkages between common values.

Community/Neighbourhood Houses are local centres where social and cultural activities, educational programs and community building projects occur. The Eaglehawk Community House is located in Truscott Avenue, east Eaglehawk, and its future development is being considered in the Department of Human Services Neighbourhood Renewal project. Due to its location this House tends to service its immediate community rather than the whole of the Eaglehawk population. However its critical role in community building is recognised. The Eaglehawk Community House website promotes the centre as: “A friendly informal place where people are welcome to visit for information, a cuppa and a chat, or to join a short course or interest group. The Community House aims to identify Community needs and to then work with the local Community to address these issues as well as offering the opportunity for learning and support . . . The Eaglehawk Community House is

6 City of Greater Bendigo, Council Minutes – December 2, 2002 (pages 55-59).

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run by a Committee of Management which is made up of House Participants, Community Members and representatives from Community Organisations. The Committee meet on a monthly basis. A coordinator over-sees the day to day running of the House . . . .” Bendigo Theatre Organ Society has proposed the gifting of a historically significant Theatre Organ to the citizens of the City Of Greater Bendigo. They have recommended that the organ be installed into the Eaglehawk Town Hall so that all of the community may enjoy the unique instrument, which was built in 1927. Many volunteer hours and considerable expense has been dedicated to its restoration, although substantial funds are still required to complete the restoration and undertake the installation.

This proposal was put forward in the draft Eaglehawk Township Strategy and received a high level of community support. A feasibility study is necessary to assess the project requirements. It is recognised that funds will need to be sought to enable the restoration and installation to occur. Furthermore, approval will be required from Heritage Victoria as the Eaglehawk Town Hall is listed in the Victorian Heritage Register.

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T HE P LACE

Strengths: Eaglehawk is a historic village with a unique identity stemming from mining and working class histories

Values: Unique and strong sense of place

Vision: The village feel of Eaglehawk will be enhanced, and the natural environmental and heritage assets will be protected and conserved

The intrinsic sense of place felt by members of the Eaglehawk community is the result of an intertwined understanding of history, culture, buildings, landscape and the bush. The strength of this identity lies in its uniqueness. While people in other parts of the municipality may not understand how Eaglehawk can be the ‘greater part of Bendigo’, for Eaglehawk residents this understanding reaches back to the 1860s when the town was economically, politically and socially independent from the adjacent town of Bendigo.

While these days nobody expects that Eaglehawk can operate without connection to the rest of the municipality, this history has left a legacy that will ensure Eaglehawk maintains a sense of place and identity when other places are struggling to manufacture or design one.

What has been Happening in Eaglehawk?

Council’s vision is that Bendigo, including Eaglehawk, will be a progressive, vibrant and caring community.

Management of the Built and Natural Environment has been identified in the Council Plan 2003 – 2006 as one of Councils four areas of focus. In delivering its services Council aims to:

Ensure that growth in urban and rural settings is sustainable and responsible; Identify, acknowledge and respect places of local heritage and cultural significance; and Preserve, protect, and enhance our natural environment.

Council plays an important role in ensuring land development is appropriate and sustainable through its land use policies. The principal tool by which it does this is the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, supported by numerous strategic documents.

Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme The Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme contains a Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS), which details the land use policy framework for the built and natural environments. Its objective is to create a vibrant municipality that builds on the opportunities available for housing, commerce, tourism and industry. These opportunities combined with excellent community services and facilities, a unique natural environment, built and cultural heritage and a pleasant climate, aim to ensure that Greater Bendigo becomes the pre-eminent inland municipality in Victoria.

The Green Plan: A Natural Environment Management Strategy The Green Plan provides a detailed schedule of actions that enable Council to effectively achieve its environmental obligations. In brief, the main obligations are to maintain biological diversity, ensure a balance between environmental and recreational requirements, provide input into Crown land assessment, sustain surface water and ground water resources, improve the natural visual amenity, and ensure that development activities are consistent with the Environmental Management Strategy.

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Open Space Strategy Council is preparing an Open Space Strategy that will involve an audit of all existing vacant land parcels (including Crown land), and an analysis of open space needs. The outcome will be the definition of use and status, of all vacant utilized and unutilised public land in Bendigo.

Residential Development Strategy Recently, Council completed a Housing Audit detailing the demand and supply issues affecting housing throughout the municipality. The audit indicates that rises in housing prices since 1999 have reduced affordability for many people in relation to housing purchase and rental. The availability of rental housing is low, as is social/community housing. 2001 census data, however, suggests that housing in Eaglehawk is considerably more affordable than in Bendigo.

The Housing Audit also indicates that the supply of land available for residential development across the municipality is likely to last for 16 years at the current take-up rate. However given recent growth trends it is likely that this 16 year forecast may need to be revised downwards.

In August 2003, Council commenced the development of a new residential strategy, which will, among other things, guide residential development until 2021 and beyond. It is anticipated that the strategy will be completed by December 2003 and will be exhibited for public comment in the New Year.

Residential Character Study In 2002, Council completed a Residential Character Study. To encourage sensitive future development the Study provides clear descriptions of the character traits of residential neighbourhoods. The study details seven distinct character precincts in Eaglehawk and provides the following vision for the Eaglehawk Township:

“The mix of character types, with generally small scale houses in relation to block sizes, will be maintained, and the distinct identity of Eaglehawk within the Bendigo urban area will be strengthened, by

• Encouraging the retention of heritage buildings that reflect the early settlement of the town; • Encouraging the use of appropriate building materials; • Ensuring the siting of buildings to reflect spacing patterns; • Ensuring building form and scale reflects predominant patterns; • Encouraging the use of appropriate vegetation in public and private planting schemes; and • Encouraging open front boundary treatments.

These plans and strategies provide a framework for examination of Eaglehawk’s ‘place’ oriented assets:

Heritage Eaglehawk Town Centre Streetscape Parks and Lakes Flora and Fauna

Heritage

The Eaglehawk and Bendigo Heritage Study (1994) identified the significant heritage places and precincts in Eaglehawk, which are now protected by the Heritage Overlay provisions of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme. The Heritage Overlay requires a permit to undertake development works that will affect the appearance of a place. The extent of these Overlays can be examined in the brochure “Heritage Precincts” which can be obtained from Councils Planning Department.

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Council provides a range of services to assist in the conservation, restoration and maintenance of Eaglehawk’s heritage assets.

Council provides a free Heritage Advisory Service whereby owners or developers of heritage protected properties are able to get free advice about conservation and restoration. Council can assist with no interest loans for the restoration of heritage buildings through the Bendigo Heritage Restoration Loan Scheme. A Heritage Advisory Committee, with community and professional members, acts as a reference group for Council on all heritage matters. In addition, the Heritage Management Plan for High Street Eaglehawk (Volume 1, 1991) provides guidelines for the reconstruction of verandahs in High Street Eaglehawk.

A number of highly valued heritage buildings exist in Eaglehawk’s civic precinct centred upon Brassey Square; the former Post Office (Neangar House), the Eaglehawk Town Hall, the Mechanic’s Institute, the former Courthouse, and Log Lock-Up. Various groups manage these buildings, however Council is responsible for the management and care of the Eaglehawk Town Hall. The main auditorium of the Hall is utilised by the Star Cinema, the kitchen and Council Chambers by the Eaglehawk Training Station for hospitality training, and the ground floor offices by Council’s Maternal & Child Health Service. The Town Hall is also used throughout the year for many types of community activities.

Over the last five years or so the Eaglehawk Town Hall has undergone repair and restoration works, to the value of $248,000. These works have included exterior painting, construction of an accessible toilet, internal painting, ceilings repaired, new carpet, roofing replaced, and the auditorium floor sanded and coated with polyurethane.

Eaglehawk Town Centre Streetscape Council has long recognised the need to improve the appearance and functionality of the Eaglehawk town centre. The “Eaglehawk Town Centre Plan” (1997) made a range of suggestions for improvement. A review of this document shows that some actions have been implemented, however some are no longer appropriate, and others are still valid and are worth pursuing.

In urban design terms, Eaglehawk has three clear precincts in close proximity; a civic precinct containing many heritage buildings centred on Brassey Square, a linear shopping precinct lining High and Victoria Streets, and a recreation precinct extending from Canterbury Gardens to Lake Tom Thumb and incorporating Canterbury Park, sporting facilities and Lake Neangar. Eaglehawk’s sense of place will be strengthened by better connectivity between these three precincts.

Three urban design projects were put forward in the draft Eaglehawk Township Strategy: High Street, Victoria Street, and Brassey Square. The design of the three projects takes a broad view of Eaglehawk’s open space assets and town centre layout, and aims to enhance the existing strengths of the place by reinforcing local distinctiveness. The concept of “placemaking”, enhancing a sense of community through the design of public spaces has informed the development of the urban design projects.

High Street Eaglehawk was upgraded in response to the 1997 plan. These works included the construction of the granite median strip, bundling of overhead electric cables, planting of street trees, and repair and reconstruction of footpaths. Victoria Street is of a lower standard with a diverse range of paving materials, minimal street trees and problems with pedestrian safety and vehicle movements. Brassey Square has great potential as the civic centre of the community and its current layout and design does not maximize this potential.

The proposed urban design works in Eaglehawk aim to improve pedestrian pathways from High Street, through to Brassey Square, and through to Canterbury Park, Lake Neangar and Tom Thumb. Thus the urban design projects include street crossing points and measures to make a safer and more amenable pedestrian environment. The Canterbury Park Sports Precinct Masterplan and the Canterbury Gardens Masterplan both identify the need to improve the visual and pedestrian flow from Canterbury Gardens through to Lake Neangar.

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The state government’s, Environment’s for Health Framework, describes how important desirable, safe and accessible public spaces are in heightening health and wellbeing outcomes and encouraging community participation.

One of the objectives of the Eaglehawk Township Strategy is to ensure that plans for streetscape improvements are implemented and that they reflect demonstrated need. Council has budgeted for streetscape works to be undertaken in the Eaglehawk town centre and is awaiting the results of this Strategy to ascertain the priorities of the community.

Parks and Lakes Situated a short block away from the town centre and connected to Brassey Square are the Canterbury Gardens, Canterbury Park and Lake Neangar. These recreational spaces offer much to local people and visitors alike. The Canterbury Gardens Master Plan recommends the integration of Canterbury Gardens with the Canterbury Park sports precinct and the Lakes. Sensitive landscape design could open up views of Lake Neangar from Canterbury Gardens, and the design of linkages will enhance access to, through and around these places by walking or cycling.

Recent Council works at Canterbury Park amount to $300,000 and include new toilets near the park’s entrance on Sailor’s Gully Road, landscaping and extensions, drainage, lighting, fencing and irrigation works.

Lake Neangar is popular with walkers and joggers, and contains barbecue and picnic facilities, and the playground is well patronised. Improvement works to the value of $340,000 have been undertaken at Lake Neangar, including construction of a boardwalk, jetty and amphitheatre and the installation of lighting.

Lake Tom Thumb is situated adjacent to Lake Neangar. Council has recently undertaken landscaping and revegetation works to the value of $40,000. Extensive plantings of native species and construction of gravel walking paths are just some of the projects that have been completed in recent times. Suggestions have been made to link Lake Tom Thumb to the Plantation Reserve across Avery’s Road by better paths and signage.

Lake Neangar and Lake Tom Thumb are linked to Lightening Hill, a Parks Victoria site, by the Mulga Bill Bicycle Trail. This trail connects Lake Neangar to Lightening Hill lookout. The trail is short, but from the lookout provides magnificent views of Eaglehawk and Bendigo as well as the Whipstick.

In response to the concerns about the quality and levels of water in the Lakes, Council and Bendigo Mining have begun to pipe recycled mining water into Lake Neangar with an overflow into Tom Thumb. The constant flow, facilitated by this process, will reduce the incidence of blue-green algae and enhance the appearance of the lake.

Council’s environment officer is currently overseeing the development of five Water Quality Management Plans for Bendigo’s urban lakes, including Tom Thumb and Lake Neangar. The plans are an outcome of Councils Stormwater Management Plan and are funded by the Environment Protection Agency and Catchment Management Authority. They will focus on management actions that Council can take to improve the water quality in the lakes thereby leading to the improved quality of waters leaving the lakes and entering creek and river systems downstream. This plan will take into account the reuse of water supplied by Bendigo Mining.

Flora and Fauna The Eaglehawk community recognizes the importance of protecting and enhancing its natural environmental assets. There are well-used natural recreational spaces, which are valued community resources for both residents and visitors to Eaglehawk.

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Whipstick Park is 3km north of Eaglehawk, just off the Loddon Valley Highway. The Whipstick has seen intensive use over the past 150 years, ranging from gold mining, land selection, forestry, and eucalyptus oil production. Many significant relics of these industries, particularly the gold mining and eucalyptus oil industries, remain in the park today.

There are barbecues and picnic areas within the Whipstick, and the Whipstick Environment Centre has accommodation, which is a well-used popular destination for schools and environmental study groups.

Abundant spring wildflower displays and the brilliantly flowering Whirrakee wattle, found only in the Bendigo area, also attract many people to the Park.

Songbirds such as the grey shrike-thrush are among the 170 species of birds likely to be seen or heard in the parks. The mammals that are most commonly encountered are the eastern grey kangaroo, black wallaby, and echidna.

Visitors may participate in a range of activities from camping, mountain biking, viewing and photographing the flora and native animals, to fossicking and prospecting for gold.

The Whipstick is now part of the Greater Bendigo National Park, which also includes the Kamarooka State Park, One Tree Hill Regional Park, Mandurang State Forest, and Sandhurst State Forest.

Eaglehawk may be promoted as one of the entry points to the newly established Greater Bendigo National Park. Eaglehawk may be an appropriate place to locate the proposed Box-Ironbark Forest Interpretative Centre. The form and location of such a centre is currently under consideration by Parks Victoria.

What Did the Community Say?

“. . . if the place has a good feel people will want to stop and look around . . .” Feedback on draft Eaglehawk Township Strategy

The sporting facilities, shopping facilities, heritage buildings, Canterbury Park and Gardens, Lake Neangar and Lake Tom Thumb, the Whipstick and bush are highly valued by the people of Eaglehawk.

Feedback on the draft Eaglehawk Township Strategy drew attention to particular concerns of the community. The condition and future of Canterbury Gardens Canterbury Park, Lake Neangar, and their playgrounds were of concern to a number of respondents.

It was suggested by some that Council had provided inadequate resources for the regular maintenance and cleaning of Lake Neangar, Lake Tom Thumb and their surrounds. An improved level of maintenance may increase the interest and motivation of local people to do their bit and to maintain pride in this Eaglehawk asset. It may also encourage the development of a ‘friends’ group for Eaglehawk’s parks and lakes.

Residents also drew attention to the fact that trees play an important environmental, aesthetic and economic role in creating a distinctive and healthy place to live. Eaglehawk is unique in its proximity to the box-ironbark forests of the Greater Bendigo National Park. Some residents feel it is important that new tree planting is indigenous in keeping with Eaglehawk’s distinct local environment. Others, however, believe that exotic species are part of the heritage of the town centre and that the nineteenth century tradition of exotic street tree planting should continue. Clearly the type of trees selected for each site need to be carefully considered in relation to their context.

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Many suggestions have been provided regarding ways to improve Eaglehawk’s streetscape in the town centre. The Eaglehawk Business Network survey report has also provided valuable input in regards to streetscape requirements.

Key themes arising from residents’ comments are:

Improve pedestrian and traffic accessibility; Undertake planting and beautification works; Improve street crossings, in both High Street and Victoria Streets; Encourage outdoor seating for cafes; Improve image and style; Install a median strip in Victoria Street near the IGA supermarket to prevent accidents; Upgrade public toilets in Victoria Street; and Improve appearance of High Street median strip.

The urban design project in Victoria Street drew a high level of comment. Opinion was divided between those that thought the proposal should be implemented straight away, and those that had concerns with the design and thought that further options should be looked at. It is safe to say that there was broad agreement that there are pedestrian and vehicle safety issues in Victoria Street that need resolution.

In comparison to High Street, Victoria Street was regarded as ‘tired and outdated’. A variety of paving materials have been used creating an uncoordinated appearance. Remnant landscaping, consisting of large rocks in low planting beds have caused safety problems.

The Brassey Square urban design proposal was supported, however it is clear that further design resolution is required particularly in relation to the location and extent of carparking.

Of the three urban design projects put forward, High Street was seen as the lowest priority, despite debate about the attractiveness of the granite median strip. This is perhaps a reflection of works completed in High Street in recent years and the high priority of resolving safety issues elsewhere for the community.

Some respondents were concerned about truck routes through the town centre and vehicle speeds. High Street is part of the Loddon Valley Highway, and as such must be expected to carry reasonably heavy traffic loads. However, VicRoads have recently introduced a 50km/per hour zone in the Eaglehawk town centre, which will contribute significantly to creating a more pedestrian friendly place.

Generally the idea of a skate park was supported. Some respondents expressed concerns that the location proposed at the rear of the Bendigo Leisure Centre would detract from the interface between Canterbury Gardens and Lake Neangar. Furthermore, it was expressed that it was inappropriate that passive open space be annexed for this purpose.

Cafes with outdoor seating in the Eaglehawk town centre would provide a sense of life and activity on the streets. Barriers to the establishment of such outdoor areas include the availability of suitable businesses and the grade of the footpath (particularly in High Street). Business interested in developing an outdoor component to their operations should make contact with Councils Retail Development officer who will be able to explain requirements and facilitate the approval and development process. Interested parties should be aware that costs for any civil construction works (such as modifications to the kerb or footpath) are usually borne by the business owner.

Concerns have been expressed about signage in the Eaglehawk town centre that may contravene planning and heritage controls. The town centre of Eaglehawk currently features a plethora of signs that have not been designed to suit the buildings on which they are placed, or with an understanding of the impact of ad hoc signage on the overall appearance of the place.

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An Eaglehawk heritage trail was prepared a number of years ago. The trail features thirty buildings and sites with significant histories and architectural values. The trail may be of interest to tourists, but will also improve the knowledge of Eaglehawk’s history and heritage places amongst the local community. Development of a brochure and trail markers are all that is required to implement this proposal.

Three Urban Design Projects for Eaglehawk A summary of the three urban design projects is presented here, along with a suggested implementation schedule.

1. High Street

Council has recently implemented a range of improvements in High Street, such as planting street trees, power line bundling and improved asphalt footpaths.

Proposed further improvements to the visual amenity of High Street include the addition of beds of low dry land planting to the central median and installation of banners on the existing light poles.

The banner concept has been put forward and developed by the Eaglehawk Business network in conjunction with Council. The idea of the banners is to reinforce to passing traffic that they are passing through a town centre, provide some colour and movement to the granite median strip, and engender a sense of pride about the appearance of Eaglehawk. Implementation of the banner concept is dependant upon approval by VicRoads.

A proposal is made for kerb extensions on High Street at the Napier Street crossings, to improve pedestrian safety. The possibility of a dedicated right hand turn lane from the eastern end of Victoria Street onto High Street is to be investigated. The provision of three vehicle lanes (forward, left turn and right turn) at the Victoria and High Streets intersection would assist traffic flow across High Street.

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2. Brassey Square

Brassey Square is prominently placed, as the forecourt to the Town Hall. It is a focal point for High Street, and is closely connected with Canterbury Park, which flows through to the lakes.

It is proposed to develop Brassey Square’s role as the civic centre of Eaglehawk through hard and soft landscaping, reconfigured carparking, additional planting, street furniture, lighting and possibly public art. The integration of an art project with the urban design of Brassey Square would heighten the cultural prominence of this central town feature and contribute to the public amenity. Importantly, it is proposed that the redevelopment incorporate a permanent access ramp to the front entry of the Town Hall.

Central to the overall Eaglehawk Township Strategy is the potential of developing connections between the various precincts. Accordingly this project incorporates pedestrian crossing from Brassey Square to Canterbury Park across Sailors Gully Road.

In the interests of safety Council will remove the dangerous pedestrian path that current leads across Peg Leg Road towards Brassey Square, but which delivers pedestrians to the middle of an intersection. This Strategy also recommends that Council pursue the establishment of a formal crossing across Peg Leg Road to Brassey Square with VicRoads. It is unlikely that the new Peg Leg Road crossing will be implemented as part of this project, due to cost constraints.

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3. Victoria Street

A number of pedestrian and traffic safety issues require addressing in Victoria Street. Currently pedestrians wander haphazardly across the wide street, increasing the risk of accidents. Residents, the Eaglehawk Business Network and the police have all expressed safety concerns. Problems have been caused by traffic turning right out of the supermarket car park onto Victoria Street, conflicting with cars reversing from the angle parking on the opposite side of the road, and with pedestrian movement across the adjacent pedestrian crossing. Local police officers have also identified a problem at the intersection of Panton Street and Victoria Street. This intersection is very wide and visibility is poor.

A suitable solution is to install a median strip, and a pedestrian crossing in the vicinity of the post office/supermarket section of Victoria Street, and a roundabout at the Panton Street intersection.

In response to concerns about the appearance of Victoria Street it is proposed to plant an avenue of Plane trees along the road reserve to continue the theme started at the eastern end of Victoria Street and the works already completed in High Street. The trees will create a cooler, green appearance and provide shade for both pedestrians and vehicles. Given the width of the footpath and the presence of verandahs along the street, placing trees in the road reserve is regarded as the most efficient and cost effective solution.

The toilet in Victoria Street has been termed ‘an eyesore’ and requires external and internal upgrading. An accessible toilet facility should be provided and appropriate lighting installed.

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Urban Design Implementation Schedule The urban design proposals will be developed and finalized in conjunction with the proposed Eaglehawk Township Strategy Implementation Committee. Implementing all of the urban design projects will require significant funds, an extended timeline, and staged approach.

It was recently announced that Council had been successful in receiving funds from the state governments Pride of Place Program for the Brassey Square project. The availability of funding, to complement Councils allocation, means that this project will be the first to commence on site.

In addition, the complex traffic management issues in Victoria Street mean that a longer lead-time is required before commencement on site. The cost implications for High Street can be accommodated within existing budgets.

It is recommended that the implementation priority for the urban design projects is High Street, Brassey Square and Victoria Street, due to the availability of funding and the time required to develop detailed plans due to the relative complexity of each project.

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T HE E CONOMY

Strengths: Eaglehawk provides many opportunities for local employment, having a vibrant commercial centre, and a diverse industrial sector.

Values: Eaglehawk is proud to be self-sufficient.

Vision: Eaglehawk’s economy will continue to strengthen improvements to physical amenity, marketing of identified key growth areas and enhanced coordination and cooperation in all sectors.

Eaglehawk is a vibrant town centre, where existing retailers meet most of the shopping needs of the community. Tourism is currently not a large component of the local economy with most visitors being from other parts of the municipality, rather than from outside it. Eaglehawk benefits from a high functioning and profitable industrial sector, which includes businesses that are pivotal to the whole of Bendigo’s economy.

A diversity of industries is located within the Eaglehawk, California Gully & Long Gully industrial precincts. Broadly, these include:

Building and service products; Transport - small to medium enterprises with less than 100 staff; Mechanics and electricians; Recycling and waste services that supply recycled quarry products such as crushed concrete and bricks, plus recycling of metal; Specialist and advanced manufacturing/industrial such as ceramic product manufacturing; Electroplating, powder coating, high performance catamarans and sail making, and manufacturers of industrial equipment; and Warehouse and distribution centres.

What has been Happening in Eaglehawk?

Council’s vision is that Bendigo, including Eaglehawk, will be a progressive, vibrant and caring community.

Infrastructure and Economic Development has been identified in the Council Plan 2003 – 2006 as one of Councils four areas of focus. In delivering its services Council aims to:

Support the improvement to the transport network; Grow the local economy; and Establish and promote greater Bendigo as a leading centre to live, do business and visit.

The economy of Eaglehawk may be considered in terms of three sectors,

Industry; Retail; and Tourism.

Industry It is impossible to examine the role of industry in the Eaglehawk community without acknowledging the interconnection and interdependence between Eaglehawk and its neighbours - California Gully and Long Gully. There are approximately 32 industrial businesses in the Eaglehawk area alone.

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Eaglehawk industrial businesses rely on industrial and manufacturing businesses located in California Gully and Long Gully, to supply them with services and products to support their manufacturing processes.

Industrial Land Strategy (ILS) The City of Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Strategy (Bendigo Industrial Land Strategy, June 2002,) provides a valuable resource in understanding the potential for industrial development throughout the Greater City of Bendigo. In relation to Eaglehawk and California Gully, the ILS recognises four precincts: • Precinct 6a: Located at the Loddon Valley Highway, this site is partially developed. This area is poorly serviced and comprises old works and mining areas. The Industrial Land Strategy recommends retention as an industrial zone and promotion of “land rehabilitation, active recreation and distribution of commercial goods.” Any expansion of this industrial area would need to examine the availability of surrounding Crown land (disused mining sites). • Precinct 6b: This precinct is located at Victoria Street and Watson Avenue. It is a fully developed site and represents a better quality landscape and amenity, and is recommended to be retained as Industrial 1 Zone. • Precinct 6c: Located at Turner and Alexandra Streets, this site is fully developed and also represents a better quality amenity. It is recommended to be retained as Industrial 1 Zone. • Precinct 8a and 8b. These precincts are located in California Gully. The ILS advises that they are both fully developed, and that therefore future development would be limited to redevelopment only. This report was completed before the closure of the Stafford Ellison factory, which fully occupied Precinct 8a, and the land is now available for redevelopment by new businesses. The ILS recommends that the Industrial 1 zoning be retained for both sites.

Waste The City Of Greater Bendigo’s main landfill site is located on Upper Road, in Eaglehawk. It is important to recognize that the landfill site is integral to the economy of Eaglehawk, and also a critical facility that serves the whole of the municipality. Bendigo plays a role as leaders in recycling and waste management, with long term strategies to meet future needs and demands. Activities at this site include green waste mulching, which is sold to private consumers and supplied to Bendigo Parks. Council is currently investigating opportunities that exist for innovative ‘waste to energy’ projects and improved recycling and waste reduction processes.

The Eaglehawk Recovery and Sales yard is recognised nationally for selling reusable items that may otherwise have been considered as waste and added to landfill.

Eaglehawk Enterprise Park The Regional Enterprise Network Central Victoria Ltd (RENCV) incorporates the Eaglehawk Enterprise Park (EEP); a factory complex commenced in 1992. The network provides flexible workspaces and business support in Bendigo and five country towns for start-up and emerging small businesses. The RENCV supports some 75 micro/new businesses with a total of approximately 163 employees.

The RENCV operates a complex of 17 factories and one office within the EEP based in the Upper California Gully Road Industrial estate, near the Bendigo landfill site. RENCV manages the EEP on behalf of Council, with Council also having a representative on the RENCV Advisory Board. Council plays a role in attracting small businesses to use RENCV facilities. ‘Start-ups’ are supported by the incubator scheme for up to three years. Council works with businesses on a needs basis, directly, or through referral from the RENCV.

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Eaglehawk Training Station The Eaglehawk Training Station is an organisation that creates employment and training opportunities and resource capacities for those who are unemployed. The organisation is proud that they have been able to utilise and partly restore the former Eaglehawk Railway Station buildings. The Eaglehawk Training Station was involved in setting up the Recovery and Sales yard, and has more recently facilitated an initiative called “Made In Eaglehawk”. This project entails the training and resourcing of people to undertake small castings jobs, including casting pieces required by furniture makers, manufacturing club badges and plaques.

The Eaglehawk Training Station has become involved in the east Eaglehawk Neighbourhood Renewal Project and in the near future is establishing a “Public Housing Home Maintenance Enterprise”. Currently 95% of public housing tenants in the Eaglehawk and Long Gully estates are unemployed. The Office of Housing engages private contractors to undertake maintenance works on the housing properties. This project proposes to provide training programs to public housing tenants in building maintenance and assist them in tendering for Office of Housing maintenance contracts. The Office of Housing Neighbourhood Renewal project is participating in this project.

Retail Eaglehawk boasts a diverse and vibrant retail sector. The retail precinct caters to the local needs of the township and contributes to Eaglehawk’s village atmosphere. The consultation undertaken in the development of this Strategy confirmed that the shops in Eaglehawk are one of the main attractors to living in the town. The accessibility, quality and range of shopping facilities is highly valued by residents and visitors alike. On the whole, parking is regarded as sufficient, though some suggestions for improvement were put forward.

Recently, surveys were conducted by both the Eaglehawk Business Network (EBN) – “An Investigation to Inform and Support Planning Processes of the Eaglehawk Business Network – (February, 2003), and Council’s “Streetlife” project. The Eaglehawk Business Network report recommended a range of actions, attending to three key areas:

1. Strengthen the Eaglehawk Business Network by improving communication and holding social events, and creating opportunities for joint ventures; 2. Encourage progress in Eaglehawk, through development of networks, marketing campaigns, and support for Eaglehawk development projects (such as the Eaglehawk Township Strategy, Streetscape Strategy and light industry plans); and 3. Improve the business capabilities of network members by encouraging development of business plans, use of new technologies and development of individual networks.

The report details a range of observations about the retail sector, including expressions of pride and enthusiasm for future potential. The Eaglehawk Business Network takes a positive, broad approach to understanding their position in the community, recognising community development and support/sponsorship roles. Promotional days are recognised as good for marketing the whole community and business in general and may provide work experience and employment opportunities for young people.

Tourism It is recognised that Eaglehawk has many attractive features: its heritage and gold mining history, the Dahlia and Arts Festival, the State and National Parks and walking trails, the village atmosphere, and the lakes and parks, to name a few. There is an opportunity to heighten the role of tourism in Eaglehawk’s economy, however a target market must be identified before projects are commenced.

Community Festivals. Anecdotal evidence suggests that community festivals, such as the Dahlia and Arts Festival, heighten economic activity and the profile of a township. All local Service Clubs are represented on the Dahlia and Arts Management Committee and provide practical assistance in all areas of the festival. Numerous visitors come to Eaglehawk over

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the 10-day festival and increase patronage and financial returns for local traders, with ancillary benefits to other parts of Bendigo’s economy.

Greater Bendigo National Park. Currently Parks Victoria are funding a ‘feasibility study’ to investigate the location and form of a Box Ironbark Interpretive Centre within Greater Bendigo. The format of the centre is also under consideration; it may be a stand-alone building, or a virtual centre linked with the existing Bendigo Visitor Information Centre. Eaglehawk is a possible location for such a centre due to its proximity to the Whipstick Park and other significant box-ironbark reserves.

Bendigo Tourism represents tourism providers and acts as the peak tourism body in Bendigo. Bendigo Tourism is lobbying Tourism Victoria to develop policies at a state level that will improve strategic planning in allocating grants and other support, improve responsiveness to local community needs, and improve consultation with local people so that training programs and skill development can occur within the region. • The Strategic Partnership Program is soon to be launched, through the Department of Education & Training. This will involve education project officers, working initially with local primary schools and later upper-secondary school students, within the schools curriculum standards framework. The aim will be to develop local tourist attraction packages. An outcome may be the development of local brochures and self-guided tours. Seed funding would be required to do this. • The Bendigo Visitor Information Centre is currently in the pilot project phase of its innovative Community Partnership Program (CPP). The CPP is running within the Central Bendigo District from the Visitors Information Centre. The aim is to have a project that functions at a ‘grass roots’ community level, evolving out of the Visitors Centre. Its purpose is to link to residents and educate them about local cultural and tourist attractions and what the Visitors Centre has to offer.

Improvement works to the built and natural environment are critical to the development of a successful tourism business sector.

What Did the Community Say?

Responses from the community raised the possibility of the redevelopment of the former Stafford Ellinson site on Eaglehawk Road in California Gully, and furthermore what effect this might have on existing businesses and homes in the area.

There was an appreciation from the community that an attractive environment is conducive to economic prosperity. Hence, concerns that the appearance and presentation of the town centre, and also that of the industrial precincts, needs to be improved.

The respondents rated the shopping facilities in Eaglehawk very highly, however they were also concerned at the number of vacant shops. It was suggested that you could buy almost everything that you need in the Eaglehawk town centre. The vacant shops were seen as a sign of economic decline and their emptiness does not contribute to a lively streetscape.

It was suggested that shopping in Eaglehawk could be promoted as a unique experience. As a historic town centre where retailing has developed along the ‘strip’ model, it is unique in comparison to the internal mall style of development common in larger cities, and demonstrated in Bendigo through examples such as the Marketplace and Lansell Plaza.

A focus group was held with representatives of the industrial sector to determine opportunities to enhance industry development and improve amenity in Eaglehawk. Concern has been expressed about the visual and physical amenity in the industrial precincts. Indeed, the Industrial Land Strategy

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recognises the need for general and aesthetic improvements in the industrial estates, and the need for better maintenance to attract new investments.

Council’s Industry Development Officer is currently working with the Long Gully and Eaglehawk industrial precincts to identify actions that need to be undertaken to lift the image of the area. Commonly made suggestions include; improving the amenity of the area by appropriate landscaping, kerbing and channelling, and improving signage in the area, to assist people navigating their way through the precinct.

Further comments about the retail precinct, from surveys and forums include:

Maintain the village atmosphere, Promote and develop a unique shopping experience, Control the size of the retail area, size of the shops, Complementary shopping centre/plaza development in tune with Township theme, Promote Eaglehawk as a ‘Place to do Business’: creating a busy retail sector generating low vacancy rates, Monthly produce farmers market encouraging current retailers in the CBD and local residents, and Seek tenants for vacant retail premises.

A number of suggestions for aesthetic and physical improvements to the retail strip were made and have been described in the “Place” chapter of this document.

The findings of the EBN’s survey report support the comments made by the broader community in the Eaglehawk Township Strategy consultations. Similarly, comments were consistent with those made by customers and retailers surveyed by Council’s Streetlife Retail Project.

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R EFERENCES

Key Contacts Community Survey Eaglehawk Secondary College Student Survey Results of Community Survey Results of Student Survey Community Consultations Workshops Eaglehawk Secondary College focus group workshops Industry & business (non retail & non hospitality) sector focus group Industry & business (non retail & non hospitality) sector individual interviews Streetlife project: retailers and customers survey

Bibliography Completed Strategies & Reports Australian Bureau of Statistics 2001 Census. Applied Development Research Streetlife Report Borough of Eaglehawk The Borough of Eaglehawk Community Plan – Vision, Philosophy, Programs, 1991. Butcher, M, and Flanders, G Bendigo Historic Buildings, National Trust of Australia (Victoria), Central Victorian Branch, 1997. Butler, G & Associates Eaglehawk & Bendigo Heritage Study, 1993 City of Greater Bendigo Bendigo Industrial Land Strategy, Adopted 17th June 2002. City of Greater Bendigo Arts & Cultural Strategy, March 2001. City of Greater Bendigo Vacant Industrial Site Register, Stage I, May 1998. City of Greater Bendigo Eaglehawk Town Centre Plan, 1997. City of Greater Bendigo Residential Character Study Perry, William The End of An Era: Life in Old Eaglehawk and Bendigo, 1995. Residents of Eaglehawk, Eaglehawk Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plan, 2003. Bendigo Community Health Services Inc., St Lukes Anglicare Inc., Department of Human Services, Office of Housing SGS Economics and Planning Housing Masterplan, East Eaglehawk, March 2003. TBA Planners etc, Bendigo Highway Entrances and Boulevards Study, October 1994 Tract Pty Ltd, Canterbury Gardens – Masterplan Tivendale, R, An Investigation to Inform and Support the Planning Processes of the Eaglehawk Business Network, February 2003, unpub. report. Wallace, R Eaglehawk Sketchbook of a Golden Past, Cambridge Press, Bendigo, 1983 Ward, Andrew & Associates Heritage Management Plan for High Street Eaglehawk, 1991, Volume I: Guidelines for Verandah Reinstatement in the Eaglehawk Shopping Centre, Ward, Andrew & Associates Heritage Management Plan for High Street Eaglehawk, 1991, Volume 2: Street Furniture

Strategy Development in Progress City of Greater Bendigo Canterbury Park – Sports Precinct Masterplan City of Greater Bendigo Commercial Strategy City of Greater Bendigo Cycling Strategy City of Greater Bendigo Health & Wellbeing Plan City of Greater Bendigo Open Space Strategy City of Greater Bendigo Residential Development Strategy

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A CTION P LAN

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Year 1. 2003 – 2004

Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

The People

1.1 Implement the Eaglehawk Township Form an implementation committee, Manager Community representatives, No additional Strategy through a representative including Ward Councillor, Council Strategic Ward Councillor, strategic ‘steering group’. Officer and representatives Planning planning, other Council staff Eaglehawk citizens as applicable.

The Place

1.2 Improve the appearance and quality HIGH STREET Manager Engineering $20 000 of the public domain so that it Enhance High Street through the Capital Works VicRoads enhances the significant historic introduction of banners and dry land building stock of the Eaglehawk Town planting to the central median strip. centre. Investigate feasibility of a right hand turn lane from Victoria Street onto High Street and if appropriate refer for future budget consideration.

BRASSEY SQUARE Manager Engineering Stage 1 – ’03-‘04 Capital Works Redevelop Brassey Square as a DSE $85 000 (PoP) forecourt to the Eaglehawk Town (Pride of Place) Stage 2 – ’04-‘05 Hall. The redevelopment should

incorporate a permanent access $115000 (COGB) ramp to the main entrance of the Town Hall. ($200 000 project)

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

Determine status of access to Director Manager Property No additional Eaglehawk Town Hall from 'Right Community DSE (Crown Land of Way' on the former Post Office Services Management Unit) side.

Investigate the proposed 3-stage Manager Cultural Development & No additional plan to install a Theatre Organ into Capital Works Events Eaglehawk Town Hall. Heritage Victoria

1.3 Pursue synergistic implementation of Undertake Stage 1 of Bright Street Manager DHS/OOH Budget allocation the Eaglehawk Township Strategy Park redevelopment (two stage required Recreation & Manager Capital Works and the Neighbourhood Renewal project). Youth Services Project. Bright Street Park Community Group

Investigate upgrade and Community DHS/OOH Consider in Open development of Jobs Gully Linear Space Strategy Environment DSE (Parks Vic) Park in the Open Space Strategy Officer and in conjunction with Parks Manager Engineering Victoria. Manager Recreation & Youth services Manager Land Development

Support proposed one-off Hard Director DHS/OOH $1000 Rubbish Collection in the Infrastructure Neighbourhood Renewal Project through provision of a skip system.

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

Undertake street tree planting in the Manager DHS/OOH No additional Neighbourhood Renewal Project Bendigo Parks Manager Capital Works within current program and budget.

Consider proposals for traffic Manager DHS/OOH No additional management and pedestrian safety Engineering Manager Capital Works measures in the Neighbourhood Renewal Project within current program and budget.

Consider proposals to increase Manager DHS/OOH No additional connectivity by modifying the road Engineering DSE (Parks Victoria) network and providing pedestrian access across Jobs Gully Creek Manager Capital Works within current program and budget.

1.4 Protect and value native flora and Consider linkage of plantation Community Manager Bendigo Parks Refer to Open fauna, and improve amenity and reserve on Avery’s Road to the Environment Space Strategy Recreation & Youth Services appearance of the natural Lake Tom Thumb reserve by Officer Budget allocation components of Eaglehawk improved paths, signage and Eaglehawk Environment required maintenance. Group

1.5 Provide appropriate and responsible Encourage best practice residential Manager DSE Refer Residential residential development opportunities development through the Strategic Development in Eaglehawk Residential Development Strategy Planning Strategy

Identify potential residential Manager Planning & Development No additional development sites through the Strategic Residential Development Strategy Planning

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

Refer issues regarding the Manager Planning & Development No additional provision of housing for the elderly Strategic for consideration in the Residential Planning Development Strategy

1.6 Ensure Eaglehawk functions in an Explore options for utilising recycled Director Bendigo Mining No additional environmentally sustainable manner water in Lake Neangar and Lake Infrastructure Manager Bendigo Parks Tom Thumb, and re-use on Canterbury Gardens and Oval.

1.7 Develop recreational opportunities Investigate need to increase the Manager - Refer to that encourage healthy, active seating at the football ground. Recreation & Canterbury Park lifestyles. Youth Services Sports Precinct Masterplan

Assist the community to identify Manager Rotary No additional options for the design and location Recreation & of a skate park in Eaglehawk. Youth Services

Improve acoustics at the Bendigo Manager YMCA $117 000 Leisure Centre Capital Works

Install power point at Lake Neangar Manager - No additional amphitheatre. Property

Investigate feasibility of a bike-path Manager Vic Roads No additional between Eaglehawk to Epsom in Recreation & Open Space Strategy and Cycling Youth Services Strategy.

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

The Economy

1.8 Strengthen Eaglehawk’s Economy. Investigate establishment of Manager Economic Development Unit Refer to Promote Eaglehawk as a ‘place to do ‘attractors” or job generators in Strategic Commercial Land business.’ Create vibrant and healthy Eaglehawk though the proposed Planning Strategy retail and industry sectors, and link to Commercial Land Strategy local tourism.

Promote availability of the Executive Eaglehawk Business Network No additional promotional video for Greater Manager

Bendigo ‘Great Place to Live – Economic Great Place to Work” to business Development groups in Eaglehawk for use in Unit recruitment.

Advocate for the employment of Director DHS/OHS No additional Eaglehawk residents in the Community Neighbourhood Renewal Project Services

1.9 Assist the retail sector to meet its Facilitate participation by retailers in Executive Eaglehawk Business Network Refer to Streetlife potential marketing workshops. Manager EDU Project

Utilise the Streetlife Retail Project Executive - No additional findings and the Eaglehawk Manager Business Network's (EBN) report, to Economic enhance retail opportunities in Development Eaglehawk. Unit

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

1.10 A well defined, successful and well- Encourage those who participate in Executive - No additional promoted tourism sector the Tourism sector (accommodation Manager providers and others) to become Tourism members of Bendigo Tourism Inc.

Support feasibility study into the Director Tourism No additional appropriate form and location of a Planning & Economic Development Unit National Parks Interpretative Development Centre. DSE & Parks Victoria

Develop concept for street banners Manager Eaglehawk Business Network No additional Capital Projects

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Year 2. 2004 – 2005

Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

The People

2.1 Involve young people in community Provide opportunities for youth from Manager Manager B Central No additional events and celebrations, and develop Eaglehawk to participate in a future Recreation & their leadership skills. Youth Leadership Camp. Youth Services

2.2 Support the strong sense of Develop the concept of a community Manager Community Services Budget allocation community and identity that exists in information reference point where the Customer required Eaglehawk through initiatives in community can access information Service safety, health and participation and about Council services and events. create better ways to promote and disseminate information.

Advocate to Department of Director DOI No additional Infrastructure to provide additional Infrastructure weekend public transport.

2.3 Ensure young people in Eaglehawk Investigate the type of youth events Manager FREEZA No additional are involved in decision-making needed in Eaglehawk through Recreation & regarding youth projects undertaken FREEZA. Youth Services by the City.

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

2.4 Develop recreational opportunities Upgrade Lake Neangar playground. Manager Capital Works Budget allocation that encourage healthy, active Recreation & required Youth Services lifestyles. Refer Sports Precinct Masterplan

The Place

2.5 Improve the appearance and quality VICTORIA STREET Manager Senior Engineer, Traffic Budget allocation of the public domain so that it Capital Works required Engineering enhances the significant historic Improve pedestrian circulation and

building stock of the Eaglehawk vehicular movement in Victoria Street Town centre. by the introduction of a median strip between High Street and Panton Street, and a roundabout at the intersection with Panton Street.

Enhance Victoria Street through the coordinated use of paving materials, introduction of plane trees within the road reserve, and the considered location and design of street furniture and signage.

Upgrade internal and external appearance of public toilets in Victoria Street and ensure an accessible facility is provided.

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

2.6 Develop the arts sector by providing Investigate integration of a public art Manager Cultural Development & No additional opportunities for local artists to work project in the town centre urban Capital Works Events within the community, and a visual design works presence in the town centre

2.7 Improve amenity and appearance of Undertake an audit of existing Manager - Budget allocation the urban environment of Eaglehawk commercial signage on High and Planning & required Victoria Streets to ascertain legality Development and enforce regulations. Enforcement officer may be required

Determine correct property Manager - No additional boundaries in Caradon Way car park. Property

Improve appearance of western Manager VicRoads No additional entrance to Eaglehawk along Loddon Capital Works Valley Highway by planting of indigenous species in accordance with Bendigo Highway Entrances and Boulevards Study.

2.8 Provide an efficient and safe road Upgrade and seal service laneways Manager Engineering Budget allocation network between Church and Victoria Streets, Capital Works required and Victoria and Napier Street

Consider Haggar Street road shoulder Manager Engineering Budget allocation widening in Road Improvement Capital Works required Program.

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

Seek funding for the construction of a Manager Engineering Seek VicRoads roundabout at the corner of Reserve Capital Works Blackspot funding VicRoads and Bright Streets

2.9 Develop recreational opportunities Investigate feasibility of a bike-path Manager Vic Roads No additional that encourage healthy, active between Eaglehawk to Epsom in Recreation & lifestyles. Open Space Strategy and Cycling Youth Services Strategy.

Implement the Canterbury Gardens Manager Manager Bendigo Parks Budget allocation Masterplan in a staged project Capital Works required

Implement the Canterbury Park – Manager Sports Vic Budget allocation Sports Precinct Masterplan in a required Recreation & Capital Works staged project. Youth Services

Investigate the viability of the Sound Manager Manager Cultural No additional Shell in Canterbury Park. Recreation & Development & Events Youth Services

Implement plans to upgrade the Manager Capital Works Budget allocation Bendigo Leisure Centre as a staged required Recreation & YMCA project. Youth Services

2.10 Develop the arts sector by providing Investigate feasibility of a “Arts in Manager Economic Development Unit Budget allocation opportunities for local artists to work Public Places” Program where artists Cultural (Streetlife Project) required within the community, and a visual are invited to create works suitable for Development & Dahlia & Arts Festival presence in the town centre display in vacant shop windows Events

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

2.11 Ensure Eaglehawk functions in an Complete and implement Stage 2 Community Catchment Management Budget allocation environmentally sustainable manner (final) of Lakes Water Quality Environment Authority required Management Plans. Officer

The Economy

2.12 A well defined, successful and well- Bendigo Tourism to promote the Executive - Budget allocation promoted tourism sector ‘Welcome Shops” scheme in Manager required Eaglehawk and run an information Tourism session for interested businesses.

2.13 Improve the appearance of Upper Undertake Stage 1 of improvement Director Economic Development Unit Budget allocation Road and the entrances to industrial projects in identified industrial Infrastructure required Capital Works precincts precincts as recommended in the Industrial Land Strategy. Works may Adjacent property owners include street signage, planting, and road maintenance.

2.14 Development of industrial land and Facilitate development of an Industry - No additional industrial business sector in Eaglehawk/Long Gully Industrial Development Eaglehawk, California Gully and Long Focus Group to address industry Officer Gully Industrial areas. related issues and actions

Incorporate Eaglehawk manufacturers Executive Future Employment Options No additional into the City of Greater Bendigo Manager Business Capability Register and Economic build on the ‘Made In Eaglehawk’ Development concept. Unit

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Year 3. 2005 – 2006

Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

The People

3.1 Develop recreational opportunities Upgrade paths around Lake Neangar Manager Manager Bendigo Parks Budget allocation Capital Works required that encourage healthy, active lifestyles.

The Place

3.2 Retain the history and heritage Develop proposals for the Eaglehawk Manager Heritage Victoria Budget allocation character of Eaglehawk buildings Heritage Trail including design of a Tourism & Planning & Development required brochure and installation of markers Events at sites of cultural and historical Capital Works significance.

2.3 Retain the history and heritage Undertake ‘wash' treatment on Manager Property Budget allocation character of Eaglehawk buildings exterior of Town Hall to complete Capital Works required repair works, upgrade toilets, and

paint external timberwork

3.4 Pursue synergistic implementation of Undertake Stage 2 (final) of the Manager DHS/OOH Budget allocation the Eaglehawk Township Strategy redevelopment of Bright Street Park. Recreation & required Manager Capital works and the Neighbourhood Renewal Youth Services Project. Bright Street Park Community Group

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

3.5 Develop recreational opportunities Investigate a new playground at Manager _ Budget allocation that encourage healthy, active California Gully Recreation Reserve. Recreation & required lifestyles. Youth Services

Expand Truscott Reserve facilities. Manager _ Budget allocation Recreation & required Youth Services

Implement the Canterbury Gardens Manager Manager Bendigo Parks Budget allocation Masterplan in a staged project Capital Works required

Implement the Canterbury Park – Manager Sports Vic Budget allocation Sports Precinct Masterplan in a required Recreation & Capital Works staged project. Youth Services

Implement plans to upgrade the Manager Capital Works Budget allocation Bendigo Leisure Centre as a staged required Recreation & YMCA project. Youth Services

Upgrade California Gully Oval Kiosk Manager Manager Recreation & Youth $22 000 and Clubrooms Capital Works Services Dept of Sport & Recreation

3.6 Protect and value native flora and Undertake appropriate planting of Manager Manager Bendigo Parks Budget allocation fauna, and improve amenity and indigenous and salt tolerant Capital Works required

appearance of the natural vegetation around Lake Neangar and Refer Canterbury components of Eaglehawk Lake Tom Thumb. Park / Gardens Masterplans

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

Improve Lighting Hill reserve. Director DSE Budget allocation Infrastructure required

3.7 Facilitate the sensitive and Combine land rehabilitation with Manager DSE Refer to Open appropriate use of Crown Land development of active recreational Strategic Space Strategy reserves green-belt area that has both walking Planning and bike riding tracks, historical

interpretative signage.

Consider suitability of Crown Land for Manager DSE Refer to residential use in the Residential Strategic Residential Development Strategy. Planning Development Strategy

3.8 Improve the appearance of Upper Undertake Stage 2 (final) of Director Economic Development Unit Budget allocation Road and the entrances to industrial improvement projects in identified Infrastructure required Capital Works precincts industrial precincts as recommended in the Industrial Land Strategy. Adjacent property owners Works may include street signage, planting, and road maintenance.

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Annual and Ongoing

Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

The People 4.1 Support and promote the concept of Director - No additional Support the strong sense of Community /Neighbourhood Houses. community and identity that exists in Community Eaglehawk through initiatives in Services safety, health and participation

Provide free entertainment and Manager Star Cinema No additional events in Canterbury Park and the Recreation & lakes precinct during the Summer in Youth Services the Parks Program Support the Eaglehawk - Manager No additional Neighbourhood Watch to promote safe and healthy communities Strategic Planning (Safe City Forum)

Continue to support Carols by Manager Carols by Candlelight No additional Candlelight event in Eaglehawk Cultural Committee Development & Events

Continue to support Australia Day Manager Australia Day Committee No additional celebrations event in Eaglehawk Cultural Development & Events

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

Consider relocation of B Central Manager - Budget allocation internet kiosk to Eaglehawk if one Recreation & required becomes available Youth Services

Investigate co-location of Maternal Director Manager Children & Family No additional Child and Health service with Bendigo Community Services Health services. Services Maintain a regular and accessible No additional immunization program Manager Manager Environmental Planning & Health Services Development

4.2 Ensure young people in Eaglehawk Provide opportunities for young Manager Youth Advisory Committee No additional are involved in decision-making people to participate in the B Central Recreation & regarding youth projects undertaken project. Youth Services by the City.

4.3 Involve young people in community Continue involvement of youth from Manager Primary Care Partnerships No additional events and celebrations, and develop Eaglehawk in the Youth Arts Network Cultural Refer Arts & their leadership skills. Development & Cultural Strategy Events

4.4 Develop the arts sector by providing Promote employment opportunities Manager - No additional opportunities for local artists to work for local artists, musicians, writers Cultural within the community, and a visual and arts workers in community Development & presence in the town centre projects and events. Events

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer Provide professional advice and - No additional partnership opportunities to the Dahlia Manager & Arts Festival. Cultural Development & Events

The Place

4.5 Retain the history and heritage Encourage reinstatement of Manager Private owners of buildings No additional character of Eaglehawk buildings verandahs in the Eaglehawk Town Planning & Economic Development Unit Centre and develop guidelines for the Development (Streetlife Project) construction of sympathetic new

verandahs. Capital Works

Encourage the owners of buildings Manager National Trust No additional protected by a Heritage Overlay to Planning & Heritage Victoria conserve and look after their Development properties and support their efforts through the Bendigo Heritage Restoration Loan Scheme.

4.6 Provide an efficient and safe road Encourage trucks to use designated Manager Vic Roads No additional network routes rather than residential streets. Engineering

4.7 Protect and value native flora and Continue regular maintenance and Manager Community Environment No additional fauna, and improve amenity and cleaning of Lake Neangar and island, Bendigo Parks Officer appearance of the natural Lake Tom Thumb and their Eaglehawk Environment components of Eaglehawk surrounds. Group

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Goal Action Responsible Partners Resources Officer

Continue to investigate methods of Manager DSE No additional preventing or minimizing damage to Bendigo Parks pine trees in Canterbury Park caused by Corellas.

The Economy

4.8 Strengthen Eaglehawk’s Economy. Support the Eaglehawk Business Retail Eaglehawk Business Network No additional Promote Eaglehawk as a ‘place to do Network in specific retail initiatives Development business.’ Create vibrant and healthy Officer retail and industry sectors, and link to local tourism.

4.9 Development of industrial land and Facilitate relocation of the “graduate’ Executive Regional Enterprise Network No additional industrial business sector in businesses from the Eaglehawk Manager EDU – Central Victoria Eaglehawk, California Gully and Long Enterprise Park, to elsewhere within Gully Industrial areas. Eaglehawk.

4.10 Undertake a long term economically Promote recycling and reuse at Director Regional Enterprise Park No additional and environmentally sustainable Eaglehawk landfill and provide Infrastructure Calder Regional Waste approach to the development of opportunities for further initiatives Management Group waste management & recycling through private industry and other industries bodies Eco-Recycle

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A PPENDIX 1: SUGGESTIONS FOR I MPROVEMENT

(extract from Draft Eaglehawk Township Strategy, July 2003)

Improvements suggested are discussed in respect to the community’s values and vision, and are related to enhancing the three key aspects of community life in Eaglehawk – The People, The Place and The Economy. The community is asked to respond to this draft document, by submitting comments that either support or challenge the following suggestions or propose directions for implementation.

The People

The residents of Eaglehawk have expressed their delight at the township’s strong sense of community, and pride in its mining and working class histories. In comparison to Bendigo and the state average, income levels are low in Eaglehawk, and this may be in part due to the presence of a Public Housing Estate, catering for lower income earners in East Eaglehawk. The Eaglehawk residents have recognised that for Eaglehawk to continue to progress as an inclusive and connected community, mechanisms need to be implemented to ensure this can happen.

Suggestions for this include: The development of an art, activity and networking centre, involving community groups, schools, churches and others. Quarterly arts and craft market. Coordination of community organizations by creating one representative Eaglehawk Group. More projects for youth, facilitated through forums, joint projects, YMCA, sports clubs, etc. Provide opportunities for young people in to participate in the B Central project. Involve young people in community events and celebrations. Creation of better ways to promote and disseminate information so that more networking and participation occurs. More support (corporate and community) for events, eg. Dahlia and Arts Festival. Informal and regular events at Virginia Hill Estate, low cost entertainment. Family participation days. Hold Sports and Health expo (community groups and clubs to organize). Promote the strong sense of community and identity. Maximise the potential for the ‘culture industry’ in Eaglehawk, by expanding employment opportunities for local talent (artists, musicians, writers). Assist in heightening opportunities for the ongoing viability of Community/Neighbourhood Houses. Undertake a review of all festivals and events, to establish their significance, viability and make recommendations regarding future level of Council support (Arts and Cultural Strategy). Create more creative arts opportunities connected to the Star Cinema. Pursue opportunities for Public Art projects, i.e. in town centre as part of Streetscape works, and an Environmental Art Project within lakes precinct (eg. Tom Thumb proposal). Promote responsible gaming and encourage greater return of state gaming revenue, to the community of origin. More seating for the football ground. More rubbish bins in park and around football ground. Own Community Club. Expand swimming pool to 8 lanes. Skate Park. Implement Bright Street Park upgrade. Pursue plans to upgrade the Bendigo Leisure Centre, in the next 3-5 years.

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New playground at California Gully Recreation Reserve. More retirement homes so that older people can stay living in Eaglehawk. Expand Truscott Reserve facilities, 5-10 years. Implement Canterbury Park Masterplan with first stage being the physical and visual integration of the sports, parks and lakes spaces. Include an investigation into the viability of the Sound Shell in Canterbury Park. Develop a process to share resources between Eaglehawk Secondary College (sporting and recreation, library, resource centre) and the community. Amphitheatre at Lake Neangar does not get used. Needs an accessible power point. Pursue synergistic implementation of the Eaglehawk Township Strategy and the Neighbourhood Renewal Project.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Housing (OoH) is undertaking a Neighbourhood Renewal Project in East Eaglehawk. In partnership with the East Eaglehawk community, St Lukes and Community Health Bendigo, they have developed an Action Plan to heighten the community’s social capacity. Council recognises that the community will benefit from a collaborative approach to formulating the Eaglehawk Township Plan and the DHS’s project and welcomes further advice from community agencies regarding this.

The Place

Eaglehawk is a unique township as it boasts a spacious ‘village’ feel, as well as a wealth of natural bush-lands, parks and heritage assets. It is essential that these characteristics are preserved and enhanced. Mechanisms for this exist in Council’s Municipal Strategic Statement and in its Green Plan. Additional suggestions have been made to enhance the physical environment in Eaglehawk.

These include: Promote Council’s heritage services in Eaglehawk. Implement interpretive signage for sites of cultural and historical significance within Eaglehawk. Conduct an audit of existing signage to ascertain legality, and pursue enforcement actions. Replace the Town Hall’s temporary access ramp with a permanent one, and upgrade male and female toilets. Undertake ‘wash’ treatment on exterior of Town Hall, to complete repair works. The ‘right-of-way’ on the former Post Office side of the Eaglehawk Town Hall to be checked to ensure that Council has access rights. Support the proposed 3-stage plan to install the Bendigo Theatre Organ Society’s Theatre Organ into the Eaglehawk Town Hall. Implement a range of key improvement works in the High Street and Victoria Street retail precincts, including Brassey Square. Demolish Caradon Way Toilets. Investigate upgrading the Caradon Way car park amenity, and ascertain property boundary issue. Council maintain its ownership of the parcel of land adjacent to Canterbury Gardens and Canterbury Park sports precinct, to utilize for future extension and linkages, when opportunity arises. Pursue opportunities, as they arise, to extend the frontage of Canterbury Park onto Sailor’s Gully Road. Encourage large trucks to use alternative routes rather than the town centre. Continue investigations into new methods of waste disposal and recycling. Integrate Lake Neangar, Canterbury Park through landscaping and visual links (as proposed in the “Canterbury Park Masterplan”). Upgrade Lake Neangar path. Undertake appropriate planting of indigenous and salt tolerant vegetation around lakes. Upgrade Lake Neangar playground. Further progress implementation plan for piping recycled mining water into the lakes.

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Provide pooper scooper bags for dog faeces. Investigate the Eaglehawk Environment Group’s vision to extend Lake Tom Thumb to incorporate an area to its west on Avery’s Road. Implement Lakes Water Quality Management Plans. Undertake regular maintenance and cleaning of the lakes and their surrounds. Attend to concern about Hoop Pines, which are becoming decimated by birds. Also some attention to the lake island required. Encourage development of a ‘friends’ group for Eaglehawk’s parks and lakes. Additional tree planting throughout Eaglehawk. In conjunction with Parks Victoria, ensure that walking trails and park areas (eg. Mulga Bill and O’Keefe Trail), are adequately maintained, to continue to encourage use by visitors and locals Explore the potential to develop local cultural eco-tourism opportunities. Build a suitable lookout at Lightning Hill, to enhance entire area. Access Parks Victoria Community Grants to protect and enhance the natural, cultural and heritage values of Eaglehawk Park and reserves. Combine land rehabilitation with development of active recreational green-belt area, which has both walking and bike riding tracks, historical interpretative signage (Open Space Strategy to incorporate these options into the study). Research partnership developments possible for youth leadership potential: Parks Victoria Environment Corps program. Creation of a bike-path between Eaglehawk and Bendigo and from Eaglehawk to Epsom, to be investigated in Council’s Open Space Strategy. Seal Haggar Street, as it is a busy thoroughfare connecting two schools. Repair road near corner of Victoria and Oak Streets. Roundabout at corner of Bright and Reserve Streets. Investigate creating a sealed bike track from Lake Tom Thumb to High Street. Improve gardens at rear of Canterbury Walk. Trim trees overhanging footpaths. Clean up and beautify entrances to Eaglehawk. Wingoon Drive concrete drain ineffective. Prefer kerbing. Clean up area fronting units in Kirkwood Road. Very messy. Investigate storm water system from Campbell to Brazier Streets, as apparently water run off lies between Brazier and Church Streets. Complete kerbing adjacent to RSL on Market Street. Insufficient public transport on weekends.

DHS has developed a draft Housing Masterplan for the East Eaglehawk neighbourhood. Implementation will require input from a range of Council units. Council will ensure that it participates in this process to ensure the best outcome for the community.

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The Economy

Eaglehawk has active commercial and industrial centres with some potential for further development. Eaglehawk’s economy will continue to strengthen, through improvements to physical amenity, marketing of identified key growth areas and enhanced coordination and cooperation in all sectors.

In achieving this, suggestions include: Undertake landscaping and improvement projects, including signage, planting vegetation, road maintenance works and street frontage improvements, where necessary in the industrial precincts. Develop an industry-training program. Council assist in the development of a local interest group with businesses in the Industrial Precincts, to focus on enhancing the overall operation and profile of the area, and provide advice on Council’s improvement projects. To include representatives of the Eaglehawk Enterprise Park Committee. Council use the Streetlife Retail Project findings and the Eaglehawk Business Network’s (EBN) report, to enhance retail opportunities in Eaglehawk. Monthly farmers produce market. Tenants for Vacant retail premises. Promotion of a “unique shopping experience”. Encourage a mix of retail businesses. Council encourage participation by retailer sin marketing workshops. Improve Eaglehawk’s built form, including streetscapes, public art, signage and pedestrian accessibility. Continued involvement with the Neighbourhood Renewal Project team and community representatives to explore what community capacity building and urban rejuvenation opportunities may exist in these communities. In addition, maximise opportunities for training and work creation for Office of Housing tenants, and in particular, in relation to opportunities that exist as part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Project. Provide support to the cultural sector, in improving the tourism marketability of festivals and events. Propose Eaglehawk as a possible location for the Parks ‘Visitor Interpretive Centre’. Foster development of partnerships, to identify additional tourism markets and continued development of unique cultural products To establish stronger links between arts and tourism marketers to ensure culture is placed firmly on the tourism marketing agenda. Implement the Eaglehawk Heritage Trail, as a tourism opportunity. Encourage those who participate in the Tourism sector (accommodation providers and others) to participate in Bendigo Tourism Inc. Access free web sites marketing and advertising local tourism products. Investigate the viability of implementing the plan for a Mining Tourism Site at Virginia Hill. Develop mining sites tours for international conventions and conferences held in Bendigo.

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