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ECO-CITY COMMITTEE REPORT Agenda Item 5.4
1 December 2009 YARRA PARK – PRINCIPLES OF PROPOSED MASTER PLAN
Division City Design
Presenter Rob Adams, Director City Design
Purpose
1. To provide further information on the principles of the proposed Yarra Park Master Plan.
Recommendation from management
2. That the Eco-City Committee notes the report.
Background
3. Over the past decade, Council has developed Master Plans for all of the major parks and gardens, with the exception of Yarra Park. The purpose of the Master Plans is to set the strategic direction and priorities for landscape character, use and future development in the park.
4. At a meeting of the Eco-City Committee in June 2009, Council directed that a Master Plan be prepared for Yarra Park. A scope for the Master Plan was prepared. The State Government subsequently announced its intention to change the management of Yarra Park.
5. At the November 2009 meeting of the Finance and Governance Committee, Council requested a report on the principles of the proposed Yarra Park Master Plan be brought to the December Eco- City Committee.
Key issues
6. The scoping document for the preparation of the Master Plan is attached. (Attachment 1). The proposed process involves research, collection of information on uses and activities, and examination of constraints to activities in the park. The process will be based on extensive community consultation including a focus on the indigenous community. It will analyse the physical conditions of the park and how best to manage and improve them. It will explore the important linkages with surrounding areas and the heritage characteristics of the landscape.
7. The process will seek to establish a shared vision to achieve the best outcomes for Yarra Park.
8. The final principles to underpin the vision of the Master Plan will depend on the views of the wider community and consistent with the established principles and vision of Council’s Parks Policy (adopted in 1997), updated to reflect the response to the challenge of climate change. Attachment 2 shows the key Parks Policy statements and suggests the type of principles that will be considered within the new Master Plan.
9. A detailed program has been prepared. A program outline is included in Attachment 3.
Page 2 of 12 Parks & Urban Design Branch City of Melbourne Attachment 1 Yarra Park Master Plan Agenda Item 5.4 Eco-City Committee 1 December 2009 Scoping document
1. Background Yarra Park is Crown Land, which was permanently reserved as a Public Park in 1873. It is a park with a rich sporting, recreation and cultural history.
The challenges of drought and climate change, combined with the ongoing intensive and diverse uses in the park, have highlighted the need for works to rejuvenate the park. There is also the need to establish how to develop the park into a more resilient space for public use and at the same time find the optimum capacity for the park.
To achieve these outcomes, it is proposed that a Master Plan be developed for Yarra Park. This will provide a vision for the park and will provide guidance and direction to immediate works, and to the future development and management of Yarra Park.
In recent years, Council has established a proven and equitable process for preparing Master Plans. This process will be employed for this project.
2. Objective To prepare a Master Plan for Yarra Park to guide the future development and management of the park over the next 10 years.
3. Scope This project will involve research, collection of information on uses and activities, and examination of constraints to activities within the park. It will engage with key stakeholders, involve the indigenous community in its process, and include extensive community consultation. It will analyse the physical conditions of the park and how best to manage and improve them. It will explore the important linkages with surrounding areas and the heritage characteristics of the landscape.
The project will seek to establish a shared vision to achieve the best outcomes for Yarra Park.
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4. Key Deliverables Issues Paper Draft Master Plan Final Master Plan
5. Project Management
The responsible manager is the Manager Parks & Urban Design. Matters of financial or contractual significance will be authorised by the responsible manager.
The project officer is Cathy Kiss, Senior Parks Planner, City of Melbourne.
Yarra Park Master Plan Steering Committee Established for the term of the project. To provide direction for the development of the Master Plan, support the consultation process and provide any relevant information available.
To include: DSE representative Other State Government representative (SRV?) Melbourne Cricket Club Manager Parks & Urban Design, City of Melbourne Manager Parks Services, City of Melbourne Manager Recreation Services, City of Melbourne
6. Master Plan Consultation Extensive consultation at each stage of Issues Paper and draft Master Plan
Yarra Park Master Plan Reference group Established for the term of the project. To provide input on behalf of stakeholders that they represent.
To include: City of Melbourne chair DSE representative Other State Government representative (SRV?) Melbourne Cricket Club Melbourne Olympic Parks Trust Richmond Football Club 3 x community members– including 1 nominated by East Melbourne Group. Wurundjeri Council AFL Bicycle Victoria National Trust Australian Garden History Society Friends of the Elms Heritage Victoria
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Internal working group to include: Established for the term of the project. To provide information and input as required for the project.
Design & Urban Environment - Parks & Urban Design, Parks Services, Recreation Services, Design, Capital Works Open space contractor Engineering Services Strategic Planning and Sustainability Development Planning Families, Children and Youth Community Development Community Engagement
7. Key Task summary and Timeframe
Key Task Timeline Preparation Advertise intent to commence MP August – Prepare Project Brief September 2009 Establish Steering Committee
Prepare Issues Research: August – End Paper Landscape Character November 2009 Uses & Activities Access, Amenity & Safety Sustainability Management
Issues Paper Report to Council for approval Consultation to consultation Consultation February 2010 Establish Reference group
Prepare draft Compile and analyse feedback from March – June Master Plan issues paper 2010 Further research arising Prepare draft Master Plan
Draft Master Report to Council for approval June – July 2010 Plan to Consultation consultation Prepare final Compile and analyse feedback from August – Master Plan issues paper September 2010 Further research arising Prepare Master Plan
Master Plan Report to Council October 2010 approval Approval by Council
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Attachment 2 Agenda Item 5.4 Eco-City Committee 1 December 2009
The Parks Policy (1997) states
“The City of Melbourne will ensure that:
1. Melbourne’s parkland areas will be maintained with no net reduction in area and new opportunities for parkland will be explored and developed where appropriate.
2. A lead advocacy role is taken in park management.
3. Parks and gardens will be managed to excellent standards.
4. The planning of the parks and gardens will acknowledge Council’s capital city role, taking into account the national significance of the City’s parks and the needs of local users.
5. The broad community will be consulted regarding matters of significance to parks.
6. Adequate resources will be provided for an ongoing asset replacement program.
7. The overall park network will be developed to provide excellent facilities for residents, city workers and visitors including the provision of recreation and leisure opportunities.
8. Facilities and services will be provided to enhance the visitor’s experience of the park.
9. No permanent advertising shall be displayed in the parks and gardens.
10. Park management practice will be environmentally sensitive.
11. Parks will be accessible to all groups in the community.
12. Car parking on parkland will be reduced as alternatives become available.”
In the preparation of a Yarra Park Master Plan, some additional principles to be considered would include:
Address and plan for the impacts of climate change on the park, particularly securing water sources for ongoing horticultural health.
Maximise opportunities for tree avenue renewal.
To enhance the capacity of the park to cater for a wide range of recreation activities, in addition to its other uses.
Manage use to encourage participation and reduce conflict, while enhancing the quality of the landscape character and park amenity.
To ensure all heritage values are integrated in all aspects of the park planning and management.
1 Page 6 of 12 Attachment 3 Parks & Urban DesignAgenda branch Item 5.4 CityEco-City of Melbourne Committee 1 December 2009
Preparation of Issues Paper for Yarra Park Master Plan – Information to collect and analyse:
Themes Information includes: Background Arrange new aerial Photo information to collect Locate any relevant plans Identify any other plans required and arrange preparation. Including: Site plan – existing conditions Location – proximity to other major parks and surrounds
Review Yarra Park files
Obtain any incident reports (police, accident / injury, rangers)
Landscape Arrange existing condition analysis character Layout, history and essential characteristics of the landscape that must be retained (heritage). Have there been any Park layout changes over time? Park frontages Park entrances and gateways
Trees – condition, strategic direction, issues What other information is required for tree planning? Planting principles – is there a vegetation management plan? Is one required?
Lawn 16 and area affected by tennis centre bridge, landscaping, entry to park
Analysis of interface with rail line
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Uses and activities What and how are activities undertaken?
Need to capture Data collection tasks: information about Bicycle use – map primary and secondary routes, where are problematic locations (for current use, and conflict), what speed where? Bicycle Victoria data. Desire lines. potential use. Map all pedestrian routes & circulation (event and non event days), across the precinct (MOPT, City access etc) Obtain and analyse bookings data (major and minor) over past 5 years – sports events, private, commercial Review and analyse annual customer satisfaction survey. Obtain and analyse dog management reports. Map on & off leash areas Other sport use?
What activities occur: Analysis Walking, reading, visiting playground, dog walking, What conflicts exist between uses? picnics, BBQs, Are some activities stopping other legitimate uses? Cycling through the park (not What activities could occur that are not at present and why? a destination, or activity within the park) What problems need resolution? Sports use? Training? When is the multi-purpose use working and not working? What bookings are taken for the park? Activities through the park (eg cycling – not an activity within the park). Is it also a Personal trainers? destination? Events Attributes – what are the best features of the park? Car parking for events at MCG and other venues in Is there a need for more or improved facilities and amenities to support the activities? MOPT area (including seats, drink fountains, lighting) Are the play opportunities adequate? Are the dog on leash, off leash and prohibited areas in appropriate locations? What issues exist with current locations? What are the differences between major event use and general everyday recreational use?
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Access Amenity Prepare brief and commission disability access audit report. and safety Map signage – what exists and what is needed
Evaluate for condition, number and location: Access Paths Lighting Toilets Seats, drink fountains, BBQs Bike racks – esp around the MCG
Sustainability Water Focus on a Energy use sustainable water Audits supply for the park. Biodiversity Bird life, habitat, possum management etc
Prepare a water budget (like Domain & Fitzroy Gardens) What are the questions? What studies have been done? What information has been compiled (eg water audits) Compile & review water audit information and all water studies completed to date. Compile or commission energy audit
Management Compile and analyse information on management agreements in place: Parking Any other aspect relating to the joint use / sharing / applications for Yarra Park with MCG and MOPT. Maintenance management
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Park regulations – current status and relevance (joint trustees?)
What are the gaps?
Infrastructure and Underground services - Arrange map of underground services services Drainage - Review & analysis of drainage Electricity supply Water / Map buildings, facilities & structures – condition audit?
Any other basic element in park that needs attention?
Precinct analysis – Analysis of broader precinct – pedestrian & cycle movement (event and non event days), clarify access to the park issues that may exist there (plan on a precinct basis) Traffic management – of relevance to project
Public transport – access and future directions for the area?
Policy context Compile policy context
Land Status Clarify all ownership, zoning, planning and other controls What exists in planning scheme that may be relevant.
Aboriginal cultural Clarify obligations under Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007 heritage protection Establish program to engage with Aboriginal community in Master Plan process
Clarify if Cultural Heritage Management plan is adequate or if more is required.
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History / heritage Compile and review historical information Conservation analysis already completed. Review
Individual issues Compile information and evaluate individual issues: Turf wicket nursery Former police station Re reservation of some areas near boundary / rail line Community requests for community garden.
Car Parking Collect data and analyse. What are the issues? Disabled parking requirements and demand Group arrivals (buses etc) Options for travel to MCG Understand reasons for car parking demand
Steering Committee Commence discussion on vision and direction for park
#5324988v2 5 August 2009 Page 11 of 12 Agenda Item 5.4 Eco-City Committee 1 December 2009 FINANCE ATTACHMENT
YARRA PARK – PRINCIPLES OF PROPOSED MASTER PLAN
The report is for noting only and therefore no financial implications arise from the recommendation contained in the report.
Phu Nguyen Acting Manager Financial Services Page 12 of 12 Agenda Item 5.4 Eco-City Committee 1 December 2009 LEGAL ATTACHMENT
YARRA PARK – PRINCIPLES OF PROPOSED MASTER PLAN
No direct legal issues arise from the recommendation from Management.
Kim Wood Manager Legal Services