TASAC Minutes 4 July 2018

Minutes of the Tourist Attraction Signposting Assessment Committee (Western Region)

Wednesday 4 July 2018 Visitor Information Centre, 66-78 Peak Hill Road, Newell Hwy, Parkes

Members Phil Oliver Guidance and Delineation Manager, Roads & Maritime Services (RMS) David Douglas Regional Coordinator TASAC and Drive, Destination NSW Tom Urban TASAC Secretariat

Also present Martin Cassell Roads and Maritime Services Kelly Hendry Parkes Shire Council Ashoor Khan Council Edward Joshua

Apologies Sharon Grierson Roads and Maritime Services Katrina Dwyer Parkes Shire Council Daniel Rawsthorne Parkes Shire Council Cherie Simpson Parkes Shire Council Amy Strudwick Council

AGENDA ITEMS

1. PRESENTATIONS AND REGIONAL SIGNPOSTING ISSUES

1.1 Members’ Report On-Site Inspections

Following an earlier request by Parkes Shire Council, TASAC representatives visited Memorial Hill in Parkes. They noted that the site offers a number of appealing features including views, walking trails, benches and the memorial. Council also pointed out that there are toilets at the site, however, they are located at the bottom of the hill. One minor issue was that the road markings at the entry/exit of the site are worn with little indication regarding the correct right of way. This may be dangerous for people accessing the site. The general consensus was that the site is a quality attraction and would likely be eligible for signage if a suitable application was submitted to TASAC.

TASAC representatives also visited the Peak Hill Gold Mine Experience. It was noted that quite a bit of work has been done on the site with the installation of a shelter, statues and a sound post, with some aspects funded by Destination NSW. The attraction was noted as being a good tourism experience.

Signage for the Parkes Radio Telescope (the Dish) was identified as having awkward wording that may be confusing to some visitors who are not familiar with the attraction. Unfortunately, this wording was requested by the applicant when signs were installed and is thus not suitable to be changed at this point in time.

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It was noted that the tourist (visitor) radio in Parkes may no longer be operating. TASAC representatives tuned to the frequency stated on the radio signs on the way into town and were unable to hear any form of broadcast. It the tourist radio broadcast is no longer functional then the signs will need to be removed.

Signage directing visitors to the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) and the surrounding precinct may need to be upgraded. The present sign directs visitors to the ‘Henry Parkes Tourism Centre’ which does not communicate clearly what is available at the site. One suggestion was to change the signposting to precinct signage similar to that currently being proposed for Dubbo (see meeting item 4.1). Suggested wording would be something similar to ‘Parkes Tourist Precinct’. This form of signage is suitable for a location where individual attractions may not be eligible for signage, however, the volume of activities available at the site justifies signposting the precinct as a whole. RMS stated that up to three attractions can be listed on the precinct signage. Council will provide suggestions for what the listed attractions might by, while RMS will produce a draft signage design to share with council. The location for the signs, particularly with the proposed bypass, would require further evaluation with consideration given to the best catchment locations of tourists in Parkes. A related issue which could also be addressed by introducing precinct signage was the provision of adequate directional signage to the VIC. At present, the VIC is signposted from some locations but additional signage could be introduced to make it easier to locate. New precinct signage would include the italicised ‘i’ symbol indicating the presence of a VIC.

1.2 Local Signposting Issues

Parkes Shire Council requested information (an audit) of all TASAC signs currently in place within the council region. This information is not currently available. TASAC can provide a list of the attractions that have been found eligible for signage in the last five years if requested. The suggested alternative was for Council to undertake a signage audit by driving the roads and identifying the relevant signage first hand. This will help to identify what is currently signposted and what could be signposted in the future.

Residents of Peak Hill have flagged to Council a desire to have the Bogan Weir signposted with white on brown signage. The area is popular with free campers and offers shelters and BBQs (no toilets). It is situated about 5km from the Newell Hwy. TASAC suggested that in order to be eligible for signage the area would need to be developed as a tourist experience. This may include the installation of interpretive signage and information about the weir itself. This would also require prior engagement with the owner of the weir to confirm their interest in its development as an attraction. The application would also typically need to come from the owner of the asset being signposted.

Peak Hill Nature Walk has also been identified as a possible attraction in need of signposting. As per the Bogan Weir, this walk would require interpretive materials to be installed before it can be considered as a suitable attraction for signposting.

The possible development of additional tourist drives was also flagged as an issue. At present, TASAC is reviewing and developing a new Tourist Drive strategy to manage current drives and develop new ones. Maintenance of existing drives is a key issue that needs to be addressed before new drives can be developed. This issue was also flagged in part due to a link between TASAC approved drives and RMS funding for road repairs as TASAC approved routes have a greater chance of accessing funding. It was confirmed that this applies to actual tourist drives and not just roads where individual attractions are signposted. Councils should be aware that

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Tourist Drives require extensive council support in terms of marketing, the cost of signage installation and the cost of signage maintenance. Setting up a Tourist Drive should not be viewed as a method for simply obtaining road repair funding.

Ashoor Khan from Brewarrina Shire Council raised the issue of tourist signposting for the historic Aboriginal fish traps in Brewarrina. He noted that many visitors coming to the town remark on their inability to locate the traps which are currently not signposted. Visitors who are not aware of the fish traps in advance would also not know to look for them. It was noted that the introduction of a levy means that the traps can no longer be seen from the back of the VIC. They can be accessed from behind a local museum which also offers tours of the traps. TASAC stated that before signage can be installed for the fish traps, the provision of some interpretive materials (such as on-site information panels) would be required. Without this, visitors who follow the signs without any prior knowledge of the traps would be unlikely to understand (and possibly unable to identify) the attraction. Ashoor pointed out that funding to develop the site would be easier to secure if signage was in place, however, installing signage before an attraction is fully developed (to include interpretation) is against TASAC policy and has not been done for any attractions in the past. One suggestion was to install some interpretive information in order for the site to meet TASAC requirements for signposting, after which additional funding can be sourced to further develop and upgrade the site. It was also noted that Council may need to undertake extensive community consultation (including with the local Aboriginal community) prior to making any changes to the site. The Destination NSW Aboriginal Sector Specialist may be able to assist in this regard. Brewarrina’s position at the start of the Darling River was also flagged as a possible tourist drawcard. As with the fish traps, an informative attraction at an appropriate location would need to be developed before signposting could be installed. Culgoa National Park was also mentioned and would require further discussion with National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW prior to seeking any changes to signage.

Note: Following the meeting Ashoor advised TASAC that the traps are in fact signposted with a blue and white sign in town, however, the location is precarious and tourists still complain that the signage is inadequate.

2. NEW TOURIST SIGNPOSTING APPLICATIONS

2.1 National Motorcycle Museum, Nabiac

Signage for the National Motorcycle Museum in Nabiac is currently being redesigned by RMS. The attraction’s eligibility for the signage had lapsed and so they were asked to reapply. The submission in question was of a high standard and shows an attraction with a quality product in compliance with TASAC signposting requirements. Input from Museums and Galleries NSW was not sought as the attraction is for-profit and is therefore does not fall under the purview of MGNSW. A site inspection was conducted by a representative of the local Visitor Information Centre and confirmed the information contained within the application.

TASAC recognised the high quality of the attraction and approved the signposting application. It was also noted that the applicant had mentioned that there are some errors on the current signage. Emails relating to this will be forwarded to RMS as part of the approval process.

Decision: Application is approved.

Action: TASAC Secretariat to send relevant correspondence.

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2.2 De Beaurepaire Wines, Rhylstone

While the application in question was of a high standard and met most of the criteria for winery signposting (opening hours were one issue), the attraction is currently located too far from the nearest state road to qualify for signage. The attraction is currently 30km away while TASAC typically requires it to be within 11km. It was noted that the distance to the nearby numbered Tourist Drive is much shorter and may offer a suitable location for signage, however, this would be the responsibility of local council.

On the basis of the above issues, TASAC has to decline this application. However, to assist the applicant, the Secretariat will make contact with local council regarding signage from the nearby Tourist Drive.

Decision: Application is declined.

Action: TASAC Secretariat to liaise with local council regarding signage alternatives and to send relevant correspondence.

2.3 Endeavour Park Adventure Playground, Lithgow

This application was for a new adventure style playground currently under construction in a local park in Lithgow. The park is due to open in December 2018. TASAC noted a number of issues with the application specifically related to its status as a tourist attraction. In addition to a lack of marketing and promotional materials, there is nothing to suggest that this is anything more than a local playground. It is unlikely to be a major drawcard for visitors and instead falls into the category of a local community facility. It was noted that some tourists may use the park, however, there are many facilities that tourists use which are not eligible for signposting - this does not make them valid major tourist attractions.

On this basis TASAC has declined the application. It was also noted that no contact was made with TASAC members or the Secretariat prior to the submission of the application. If contact had been made, the applicant would have been advised against applying.

Decision: Application is declined.

Action: TASAC Secretariat to send relevant correspondence.

2.4 Australian Motorlife Museum, Kembla Grange

This application provided a good overview of what appears to be a high-quality attraction. It meets most of the eligibility criteria and included many pictures showing a professional standard for a museum. The primary issue identified by the committee was the lack of marketing materials for the museum. The materials provided with the application constitute minor listings in regional tourism brochures. There is no evidence of a brochure specifically for the museum which could be stocked at the local Visitor Information Centre. Further to this, the website does not provide a sufficient description of what can be found at the museum or directions for locating it.

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A site inspection has been requested from Destination Wollongong and comment has been sought from Museums and Galleries NSW (MGNSW), neither of which had been provided at the time of the meeting.

Pending a successful site inspection and MGNSW endorsement, TASAC is prepared to provide tentative approval of the application on condition that the museum first makes significant improvements to its promotional material. The Secretariat has been asked to make contact with the applicant to talk them through this request and what will be required. Once changes have been made, the application with changes will again be put to the committee for final approval.

It was also noted that the existing blue street signs for the attraction currently feature the italicised ‘i’ symbol suggesting the presence of a Visitor Information Centre (VIC). No such centre exists and as such the presence of the symbol is a violation of a registered trademark. Regardless of the application’s approval, this symbol will need to be removed.

Also noted was the applicants request for signage from the motorway. As per all TASAC endorsed attractions, if approved signage can only be offered from the nearest state road.

Decision: Application is tentatively approved pending improvement of promotional materials, successful site inspection, removal of VIC trademark violations and endorsement by MGNSW.

Action: TASAC Secretariat to liaise with the application regarding the above listed requirements.

3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF 13 JUNE 2018

The minutes of TASAC’s meeting of Wednesday 13 June 2018 in Scone were confirmed by the committee. All relevant actions have been completed.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

4.1 Dubbo Signage Audit (from Dubbo Meeting – Feb 2018)

Edward Joshua from Dubbo Regional Council presented to the committee his completed audit report of the brown and blue signage in the council region. He has identified a number of signs that are in need of repair or replacement due to damaged poles as well as damaged or faded signs. A copy of the report was handed to RMS for their review and consideration. They will take action regarding any of the identified signs that are situated on state roads.

A proposed design of the new Dubbo Precinct Signage to replace the old Tourist Circuit signs was also shown by RMS to those at the meeting. Further work will need to be undertaken to determine the best location for the signs which should be placed in appropriate catchment areas for visitors. The overall response was positive and is likely to be favoured by council with further discussion to be had with council prior to the signs being installed. A letter regarding this change will be sent to Edward Joshua from TASAC which can then be presented to council for further discussion. It was noted that council funding to fix the signage issues identified and for possible new signage may still be an issue which needs to be resolved at a local level. Attractions which

Final 20 July 2018 5 of 9 TASAC Minutes 4 July 2018 are noted as potentially being impacted by the new precinct signage include Red Earth Winery, Dundullimal Homestead, Morris Park Speedway, Western Plains Zoo and Dubbo Observatory.

Other local matters that were identified included signage for Morris Park. This attraction is actually a speedway and there is some concern that use of the term ‘park’ does not make this clear to visitors. Amending the signage to include the term ‘speedway’ is highly recommended.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum is also scheduled to open in Dubbo in April 2019. More information on this major project as well as others is available on the council website. This museum is a major tourism development for the region with the attraction highly likely to quality for signage. Planning for any amendments to signage in the short term, such as the proposed introduction of precinct signage, will need to take this into account.

Dundullimal Homestead which has previously been ineligible for brown signage is currently going through a change in management. This may result in a change to opening hours which in turn could see it become eligible for signage. This is another matter to be considered as part of the proposed signage changes related to the new precinct signs.

With the above listed likely amendments to the local tourist signage, an opportunity may also exist to simultaneously improve signage to the airport. RMS will investigate this as part of the proposed signage changes in the region.

Action: TASAC Secretariat to send letter to Dubbo Regional Council regarding new precinct signage. RMS to continue investigating signage placement locations with due consideration to the above listed matters.

4.2 Dolphin Marine Magic, Coffs Harbour

At the request of Dolphin Marine Magic who are currently undergoing some internal business changes, TASAC is prepared to allow additional time for the completion of the requested signage application.

4.3 Villa d’Esta Winery, Nabiac 4.4 Forestry Corporation ‘Scenic Forest Walk’ sign 4.5 Multiple follow ups for long running applications

4.6 Jindera Pioneer Museum

TASAC recognises that the management committee at Jindera Pioneer Museum has changed since the submission of an application in early 2018. The committee will wait until the new management has had an opportunity to reflect on and respond to the requested opening hour changes before finalising the signage approval or removal.

5. INQUIRIES RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING

5.1 De Beaurepaire Wines, Rhylstone 5.2 Kimilaroi Highway Signage

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The signage request from Walgett Council regarding information signage is not a TASAC matter as the sign in question is not a tourism road sign. TASAC will take no further action in regards to the specified signage.

5.3 Ettamogah Pub, Albury 5.4 Bundjalung National Park

As per the request of National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), TASAC will only be engaging with the designated NPWS representatives who are soon to be appointed. This matter will be brought to their attention in the near future. Any application or amendments to existing signs can then be brought to TASAC by the correct designated person.

5.5 Willandra Historic House, Ryde

Ryde Council has been unable to identify how and when the sign was installed though it was likely put in some time ago. TASAC confirmed that this sign has been installed in violation of TASAC and RMS policies and procedures and will need to be removed. Ryde Council will need to apply to TASAC if they would like to have signage installed for this attraction. Council will need to be informed of the signs pending removal.

Action: TASAC Secretariat to contact Ryde Council regarding removal of signage.

5.6 Tourist Drive 14, Wingecaribee 5.7 Burren Bore Baths,

The intersection in question with signposting for Burren Bore Baths is currently being redeveloped. This has prompted a need to determine if the attraction signposting can remain. Initial discussions suggest that the Burren Bore Baths would ordinarily require an application to be submitted to TASAC, however, it is believed that they are unlikely to be eligible for brown tourist signage due to summer month closures and a lack of interpretative information. The secretariat will conduct further investigations to confirm this. If signage eligibility is unlikely then the matter will be referred to RMS to determine if blue signage for the caravan and camping area can remain.

Action: TASAC Secretariat to investigate likelihood of brown sign eligibility for the attraction and take necessary action as specified above.

5.8 Helipad at Winery 5.9 Siding Springs Observatory (and Dark Sky Park),

The request put to TASAC was for recognition of the Dark Sky Park on signage for the Siding Springs Observatory. As per previous discussions from other Dark Sky Park regions, the lack of a specific attraction related to the Dark Sky Park prevents its inclusion on signage. A ‘Dark Sky Park’ is also a designation for a particular regional footprint and is not an attraction at specific site in its own right. Further concern was also expressed about tourists understanding exactly what this means. It is the consensus of the committee that reference to the Dark Sky Park should not be included on tourist signage. Additional but related requests for signage to the Solar System Drive was also made, however, the committee believes this has already been signposted appropriately.

5.10 Shellharbour Village

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Shellharbour Village was signposted in 2012 as a seaside town, however, this eligibility has now lapsed. The signposted intersection is currently being upgraded. RMS will make contact with the project team regarding the best option of green and blue wayfinding signs to replace the brown ones.

5.11 The Wootton Way, Great Lakes Region

A request has come through from Mid Coast Council regarding the possible conversation of the Wootton way into a numbered Tourist Drive. At present, TASAC is reviewing and developing a new Tourist Drive strategy to manage current drives and develop new ones. Once this review has progressed to an appropriate point (estimated to be in six months’ time) the committee would be happy to discuss new drives, however, at present establishing a new drive is not suitable. In the interim, TASAC has proposed getting an RMS representative to review the proposed route as it is believed that the signage is currently in poor condition. Local council can use this time to determine how they might pay for the initial Tourist Drive signage and ongoing maintenance, as well as the marketing of the route and establishing the core tourist drive product. It was also noted that council can market the route as a drive even if it is not designated as a numbered tourist drive.

5.12 Utes in the Paddock, Lachlan Shire

Discussions with Council have largely resolved this issue. TASAC reiterated the resolution that an application for the attraction should be submitted once it is open as unopened attractions are typically not eligible for signposting.

5.13 Dripping Rock (not on agenda)

Dripping Rock is currently signposted with blue signs – a matter brought to the committee by Martin Cassell. The committee concluded that the attraction would not quality for brown signage and is likely unsafe, meaning that it should probably not be signposted at all. RMS will manage any possible changes to existing signs. The matter is nothing to do with TASAC and requires no further action from the committee.

6. POLICY ISSUES

No policy issues noted.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

7.1 TASAC Meeting Schedule

The next meeting is to be held in Penrith on 22 August, 2018.

The meeting for February 2019 has tentatively been set to take place in Broken Hill.

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The committee also recognise Brewarrina Council’s desire for a meeting to be held in the town or nearby so as to facilitate a visit by TASAC representatives. The committee intends to set a meeting in an appropriate location some time during 2019.

The meeting concluded at 12.35 pm.

Attachment 1 – TASAC Meeting Schedule

Region Location Date Western Parkes 4 July 2018 Sydney Penrith 22 August 2018 Northern Armidale 19 September 2018 Northern Tweed 17 October 2018 South West Wentworth 21 November 2018 N / A DNSW Offices, Sydney 12 December 2018 N / A Parramatta 17 January 2019 Western Broken Hill 20 February 2019

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