Beechwood & Pembrooke Community in collaboration with

Beechwood & Pembrooke

[DRAFT]COMMUNITY PLAN November 2020 FOREWORD

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY WHAT IS COMMUNITY PLANNING?...... 6 The Beechwood/Pembrooke Community-Council Action Team acknowledges the Birpai people as the traditional custodians COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS...... 8 of the lands within its local boundaries. We would like to WELCOME TO BEECHWOOD...... 10 acknowledge Elders both past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. WELCOME TO PEMBROOKE...... 12

We also acknowledge that the area is represented by the Birpai HISTORY OF BEECHWOOD...... 14 Local Aboriginal Land Council. HISTORY OF PEMBROOKE...... 16

FROM THE MAYOR, PETA PINSON ZONING...... 18 PLACES...... 20 I am delighted to present the shared Beechwood/ Pembrooke Community Plan, which sets out the vision, COMMUNITY PROFILE...... 22 goals and priorities for improving the quality of life for the residents of the Beechwood/Pembrooke region for PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY VALUES...... 24 the next five to ten years. This Community Plan reflects the communities’ aspirations to protect and enhance BEECHWOOD COMMUNITY VALUES...... 26 the unique village character and semi-rural lifestyle that residents enjoy, whilst acknowledging the importance of COMMUNITY VIEWS...... 28 community connections. The people of the Beechwood/ Pembrooke region see the future of their place as one that FUTURE FOCUS...... 32 is accessible by all, is a vibrant region that attracts visitors to experience its beautiful natural environment and enjoy its GOALS AND ACTION PLAN...... 34 community events and facilities. GOAL 1: WE HAVE ACTIVATED PLACES AND SPACES...... 36

GOAL 2: WE ARE A SAFE COMMUNITY...... 38 FROM THE BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY-COUNCIL ACTION TEAM GOAL 3: WE REMAIN A CONNECTED COMMUNITY...... 40

The Community Planning GOAL 4: MAINTAIN VILLAGE CHARACTER AND HERITAGE process has allowed us to ASPECTS...... 42 identify what is important to us, what can be improved and GOAL 5: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND FUTURE what we would like to protect. GROWTH...... 44 Community connections both physically and socially have APPENDIX A: COUNCIL’S STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND been identified as vital for the PROJECTS...... 46 future of our region. We value our peaceful rural lifestyle, but in turn encourage visitors to come and enjoy the unique experiences we have on offer. CONTENTS

2 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 3 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN OUR VISION The Vision for Beechwood-Pembrooke was created through input from the community in October – November 2019 through community surveys and meetings. The community of the Beechwood-Pembrooke region value a peaceful, rural lifestyle, the village character and a safe connected community.

FOR THE BEECHWOOD, PEMBROOKE AND SURROUNDING HINTERLAND TO REMAIN A PEACEFUL AND PICTURESQUE REGION WHERE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IS RESPECTED AND NURTURED BY THE COMMUNITY, A PLACE WHERE LOCAL BUSINESS THRIVES, WHERE THE HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE REGION IS VALUED AND CELEBRATED, AND WHERE VIBRANT LOCAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES ARE ENJOYED BY RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE.

Beechwood township

4 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 5 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN WHAT IS COMMUNITY PLANNING?

The Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area is home to a number of vibrant towns, villages and communities, each with its own unique history, character, urban amenity, community and vision for their future. These communities also have common threads in their past, present and the opportunities and challenges that each will face in their future.

At the heart of Community Planning is a dynamic and participatory process that allows communities to have their voice heard and enables them to identify priorities and actions to achieve their vision - the responsibility of which will be shared between the community and Council.

A Community Plan is developed through a partnership between Council and the Community producing a 5 to 10 year plan for future investments. This Plan is a community-led blueprint, which is developed in partnership between Council and the community. It highlights what is special or unique about the area and reflects the aspirations, strengths and the vision that the community has for its future. It identifies key priorities and actions to achieve the community’s vision - the responsibility for which will be shared between the community and Council.

Ongoing community planning is seen as the key to developing a strong partnership between Council and the In December community to: 2019 a Community-Council • Understand what our communities’ value; Action Team (CCAT) was formed to further develop the Community • Understand the issues and priorities for each Plan and to prioritise and ensure delivery community; of the identified actions. The CCAT was • Better incorporate these priorities into Council’s made up of members from a cross-section planning framework; of the Beechwood/Pembrooke community. • Work together to deliver the identified priorities. With thanks to Rosalie Clark, Kelsie The Beechwood-Pembrooke Community Plan evolved from: Ramsay, Judith Allan, Alexander Allan, Jeannette Rainbow, Margaret Davies, • An online and postcard survey in October 2019; Thea Horsman, Erin Moore, Howard • Two Council-coordinated Think Tank workshops in Horsman, Luke Moreta, Joel November 2019 were held allowing community Wrigley, and Sharon Weir. members to identify and prioritise values, issues and opportunities for the future of the Beechwood- Pembrooke region.

6 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 7 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS

Community-Council Action Team and Development of Draft Community Plan and Action Postcard Survey Plan Postcards delivered to households in the If you are passionate about your community community. Community Plan and Action and would like to be a part of the Community This is your chance to Have Your Say on Planning process, join the Community-Council Plan Endorsement by Council what is important for the future of your area. Action Team (CCAT) to develop a Community Plan This is the final step in making your Community Complete the survey to send us your big specific to your area and prioritise and scope the Plan official by having it reported though to ideas. actions identified at the Community Think Tanks. Council.

Community Think Tank Community Consultation Delivery of the Action Plan Council holds a series of Community Think Tanks This is the opportunity for the broader The Community Council Action Team continues and Pop-Up sessions. community to provide feedback on the draft to work on the delivery on the actions identified Come along and join us to develop a vision for Community and Action Plans developed by the and prioritised by the community. your community and identify key actions you Community-Council Action Team. would like to see delivered.

8 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 9 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN Bago Bluff WELCOME TO BEECHWOOD

Beechwood is a small growing town of approximately 615 people situated North of the Hastings River, 12kms to Wauchope and 28kms to Port Macquarie. It has access to the Hastings River through Koree Island Road and along Beechwood Road over Bain Bridge, and from other small arterial roads. In the township of Beechwood, the river runs very close to some of our residential properties. To the north of Beechwood lies Frazers Creek, which runs near the Beechwood Recreation Land Manager property, which encompasses the Beechwood Football and Cricket Ground.

Beechwood was originally established in the timber getting days in the 1800’s and its name was derived from the beech trees which abounded in the area. The district also had forests of rosewood, tallowwood, cedar, blackbutt and turpentine.

When the Beechwood Hotel was built, it included horse and cattle yards; at times with up to forty horse and bullock teams in residence. The town was also home to a watchmaker and several blacksmiths. It was considered a major township at that time and was generally bustling with activity.

Today Beechwood welcomes visitors and new residents alike. The village offers a hotel, Café, hairdresser, Public School, Post Office, community hall, playground, football and cricket ground, tennis courts, two churches, a historical cemetery, an equestrian centre, various tradesmen and the Rural Fire Service (RFS). It is surrounded by a rural outlook with some views to the Hastings River. Along Koree Island Road west of Beechwood you will find a tranquil and peaceful area to the right, just off the tar which provides a swimming area in the Hastings River.

Major dairy farms operate in Brombin and in Bellangry outside of Beechwood along with other farming activities such as soil health solutions, beef cattle, organic egg producers and a wholesale nursery at Redbank. There are timbered and rural farming areas outside of Beechwood. As you travel to Bellangry and Pappinbarra, on the way to Wild Bull recreation Beechwood Public the National Parks and State Forests, there are various places to stop area, Cobrabald School building and admire lovely views and observe the wildlife and birds. Wild Bull Campground is in Cobrabald Road Kippara in the Bellangry State Forest and is a nice secluded spot if you are wanting to get away from it all. In the opposite direction, if you travel along Beechwood Road, towards Pembrooke and turn off Along the way to Wild Bull Campground, you might like to stop into Fire on Redbank Road, this will take you towards the Hastings River near Wauchope and the Rocks Tower Number 1 at Bellangry to see the great view and have a picnic. Ferry Bridge. Beautiful farmland which runs down to the Hastings River is located along this road. And of course, there is also the Bluff Campground along from the Wild Turning to the left before the bridge will take you to the Hastings River where you can try your Bull Campground. If all that is a bit much for you and you don’t want hand at fishing where the locals call the area “Narrow-gut”. You can always go over the Rocks to camp, come back to Beechwood and stay at nearby B&B’s, farm Ferry Bridge to the boat ramp below and launch your boat to take a leisurely boat ride along the stays or other accommodation. Wherever you go in Beechwood and the Hastings River, or you can also enjoy the newly created Riverside Walk (stage one) from Hastings surrounding area, you cannot miss the majestic views of Bago Bluff in the Street to the railway bridge. background.

10 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 11 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN HISTORY OF BEECHWOOD Farming and timber industries had thus been established bringing stability and growth, as families moved to the district to support their working men.

Typically, as population increases occur, demands for people’s religious and education needs, The initial settlement of the Beechwood area occurred shortly after John Oxley’s journey of exploration also increase to meet the demands. The pioneers of Beechwood were no exception. By 1860 a down the Hastings River from Mount Seaview to its mouth at Port Macquarie. The abundance of Methodist Church had been established and by 1866 education was available to those able to excellent softwood, mainly cedar and beech around Bain Bridge, Mortons Creek and Beechwood saw travel to the Presbyterian Denominational School at Huntingdon. On 5 January 1869 an application settlement in the area as early as 1820. was made for a Half Time School at Huntingdon and Beechwood. They expected the enrolments at Huntingdon would be 14 and Beechwood 15. In 1837 Officers Ackroyd, Cross, Morton, Frazer and Parker from the Port Macquarie Penal Settlement, were granted areas of land at Beechwood. They used convict labour to clear some of this land to Beechwood was on the route of the old wool road from the New England, so the village developed commence farming operations. The first free settler to take up land in the Beechwood district was quickly and became the main centre in the area. John Spencer in 1838, who was granted 1,170 acres. Other grants followed as records from the Department of Lands lists the following grants in this area: THE BEECHWOOD FLAG John Spencer - 1838 This flag has the Niggerhead Beech Tree from which Beechwood was named. Is it superimposed John Baxter 40 acres 1862 on a white background. There are two black lines shown on the bottom half of the flag. The thick Andrew Baxter 40 acres 1866 line represents the Hastings River and the thin line the Pappinbarra River. These flow either side of John Baxter 41 acres 1866 Beechwood. Mervyn Patterson 40 acres 1867 William McMillan 40 acres 1868 Beechwood Flag William McMillan 40 acres 1868 John Neville 40 acres 1870 John Neville 45 acres 1871

Beechwood School circa 1908

12 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 13 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN WELCOME TO PEMBROOKE Spirit Lodge Equestrian Centre

The people who reside in Pembrooke value their semi-rural lifestyles and enjoy a peaceful community atmosphere where neighbours are ready to help one another when needed. Community members discourage over development in their region and support the mindful development of small acreage blocks to maintain the regions character.

Community members enjoy weekly social tennis at the ‘Royal Pembrooke Tennis Club’. Annually there are a number of community events in Pembrooke including the community Christmas party, the Elephant Trail Race running event each July which attracts over 2000 competitors, celebration of Halloween and the many activities taking place at the local equestrian centres.

Views to Bago Bluff

14 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 15 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN HISTORY OF PEMBROOKE School and Munanbang Railway Station, were too confusing. After much discussion the name Pembrooke was decided upon, so the postal address became Pembrooke, via Wauchope.

In 1928 the local cricket team won the district 1st grade competition; there were also two Pembrooke in 1909, was known as Stony Creek. The population consisted of four large tennis teams, one of which won 2nd grade competition. families and a few small families. The main industries were small dairy farms and timber pole and sleeper cutting. In 1941 a sawmill was built by Mick Sheather, Arthur Gilmore and Harry Witchard, employing six men at the time. Kevin Garrett carted the logs, first on a tabletop truck and then later on A school was built in 1909 and named Moroko Public School, the first teacher was Miss Tate a single wheel trailer. The timber was cut for cases for the IXL Jam Factory and sent by rail and the next Miss Tully. A receiving office was granted to Mr Ernest Calov and later a post to Sydney, then in later years was cut for scantling (a piece of timber of small cross section). office at the home of the Rowsell family. The post office moved to the Rainbow residence The railway was a busy place in those days; sawn timber was sent to Sydney, 1,000 sleepers where they operated it until closure in 1969. monthly were passed by Mr Chisholm and dressed poles, mainly octagonal for the Electricity Commission, were passed by a local Forestry official. During WW1 the railway was being constructed from Wauchope to Kempsey. A general store was built by Mr Tom Fowler and a After a time, the old store was used as a dance hall, popularly known as “The Trocadero” butcher’s shop was opened by Mr Bill Ragen to serve the by the locals. The dances were very popular, with people travelling from surrounding large camps of workers and their families. districts for an enjoyable evening. Music provided by local musicians, Bert Lee, accordion, Ferg Lyne, violin and piano accordion. The daily papers were delivered to the store by coach and four horses. Goods and sundries A meeting was held, and it was decided to build a hall to hold dances for the store came from Sydney by steamer and other functions. Jim Thurling who lived nearby donated the and were unloaded at Port Macquarie and land, Charlie Freeman donated the timber which was cut by the transferred to a drogher (a raft or timber local mill, and Bob Neumann donated the flooring of select ship) to be taken upriver to the log Tallowwood, which was also sawn by the local mill. The hall wharf at Stony Creek. was built entirely by voluntary labor, the main workers being Charlie Freeman, Mick Sheather, Arthur Gilmore, Bob A horse and cart driven by Tom Neumann and Harry Witchard, assisted by several willing Fowler picked up the cargo from workers. The work of building was carried out weekend the wharf. Cream from the dairy after weekend, the ladies providing afternoon tea. In 1943 farm was picked up from the came the grand opening, with the hall being crowded wharf by the cream launch to capacity. The Tallowwood floor was claimed perfect run by Mr Claude Sheather, for dancing by many who attended the dances. It soon and taken to the factory at became apparent that a supper room was needed, so Wauchope. the same willing band of workers pulled their weight and built the supper room. The Parents and Citizens (P&C) When the work on the railway Association held a Christmas Tree event every year and was finalised, the station was after Santa waved goodbye the dancing went on well into named Munanbang. After the the night. Later, Euchre parties were held to raise funds railway workers moved on and for the P & C; with many more dances held to raise funds the store closed, it was used as for charities. a residence and meeting house. Pembrooke’s Hall celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1983 A meeting was held at the school and its 75th in 2018. It is a landmark on the road between to form a Progress Association Wauchope and Telegraph Point. and decide on a name for the area as it was the general opinion that Post Office and Telephone Exchange closed in 1969, Railway Stony Creek Post Office, Moroko Public Station in the early 1970s, with the Pembrooke School closing in 1976 and transferred to Beechwood School. The school grounds were

Viaduct and saved for the community and today the Royal Pembrooke Tennis Courts, Road under Playground Basketball Ring and Pembrooke Fire Shed are all railway crossing located on the site.

16 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 17 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN MOUNT BOSS COOPERABUNG CREEK Kempsey State Forest National Park Council BALLENGARRA State Forest

BRIL BRIL BELLANGRY State ± State Forest Forest

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E C K A O CAIRNCROSS P O State Forest R B PAPPINBARRA M PA State Forest E

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A Forest Rural Landscape BROKEN BAGO ZONING G State Forest Image Source: O

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18 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 19 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN File: R:\Gisdata\CommunityServ\Community Plans - Maps\Beechwood - Pembrooke\Beechwood Pembrooke - Aerial - Community Plan - V2 Sunni.mxd PEMBROOKE PLACES Pembrooke Community Hall 1

Moroko Park and Reserve, 2 Tennis Courts, playground

1 3 Pembrooke RFS

4 Equestrian Centres

2 Sugar and Spice roadside 5 5 produce 4 3

BEECHWOOD

1 Beechwood Community Hall

2 Beechwood Public School

3 Beechwood Hotel 1 12 4 Beechwood Café 9 2 5 410 5 Beechwood Post Office 7 8 3 6 Beechwood Cemetery - Historical 6 7 Beechwood RFS

8 Wade Park

9 Tennis Courts 11 10 Uniting Church

11 St Patricks Catholic Church 12 PLACES Football and Cricket Ground

20 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 21 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN COMMUNITY PROFILE

BEECHWOOD PEMBROOKE

PLACE PEOPLE PLACE PEOPLE

CONNECTION POPULATION CONNECTION POPULATION LOCATION LOCATION

Approximately Approximately 615 127 people live in the people live in the Beechwood area Pembrooke area Home to the Birpai Home to the Birpai people for over people for over Beechwood is a small village Pembrooke is a small village on 60,000 situated on the banks of the 60,000 the NSW North Coast, located only Hastings River on the NSW North 25 minutes from Port Macquarie years Coast, located only 30 minutes years and 10 minutes from Wauchope. from Port Macquarie and 10 FACILITIES FACILITIES minutes from Wauchope. ENVIRONMENT DEMOGRAPHICS DEMOGRAPHICS Public School Rural Fire Service ENVIRONMENT Rivers The median age of The median age of people in Beechwood is people in Pembrooke is Rivers 46 years 48 years Sporting facilities Tennis court FAMILIES Nature reserve FAMILIES Rural pastureland 171 31 Community hall ABORIGINAL ABORIGINAL Community hall Rural pastureland 6.1% 2.3% Aboriginal and Aboriginal and Playground Torres Strait Islanders Torres Strait Islanders

Playground

Rural Fire Service

Information used has been sourced from the 2016 Census of Population and Housing: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Areas surrounding Beechwood and Pembrooke are not included in data.

22 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 23 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY VALUES

Pembrooke has a proud history of a railway station, school, post office, telephone exchange, sawmill, and small farming enterprise. The community has maintained two distinctive historial places, Pembrooke Public Hall circa 1943 and Moroko Park circa 1909. Both these facilities are vital for the use of residents and visitors, with the community keen to see these facilities upgraded and developed as viable assets. In the past, locality signs were displayed just north of Redbank Road and two kilometres from Telegraph Point. The completion of the tarsealing of Stoney Creek from Pembrooke Road would be a huge improvement for locals and through traffic as it reduces travel distance by eight kilometres. Small holdings are ideal for hobby farming in this area and residential subdivisions should always be discouraged.

Pembrooke Community Hall

24 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 25 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN BEECHWOOD COMMUNITY VALUES

We value our village atmosphere and want to maintain this as development takes place. past and present school members coming together to mark the occasion; including the opening of Recognising and celebrating our pioneering history and local heritage is highly valued by a time capsule, among other activities. residents. Connection to places and one another is central to life in Beechwood. The region is home to many recreational clubs who support the wider community. Clubs include the The Beechwood community benefits from a local recreation and sports ground which is the home Football Club, Fishing Club, Tennis Club, Cricket Club and the Darts Club. These clubs all of the Beechwood ‘Shamrocks’ Rugby League Football Club and the Beechwood Cricket Club. The contribute to fundraising causes at the local Beechwood Hotel, especially at Christmas and ground is a 6.5-hectare Crown Reserve managed by the Beechwood Recreation Land Manager Easter. (formerly Beechwood Recreation Reserve Trust) who are a group of community volunteers. The Reserve is a highly valued local asset by the local community. The Annual Billycart Classic which is coming up to its 40th year, is another success story, Beechwood Billycart where various clubs in the area and the RFS pull together to make the event happen. It is Local football Classic a great fun day for both adults and kids. The billycart races cater for 100km/per hour carts racing down Pappinbarra Mountain. Both veterans and children races take place. There are market stalls, horse rides, a jumping castle, barbeques and of course the hospitality of the Beechwood Hotel. Started in 1980, the 5km adult’s course attracts entries from far and wide. Children do a much shorter downhill-only course along the main street of Beechwood. A great community gathering indeed.

Beechwood Public School connects children and parents in the local area and hinterland. In 2020 the school had 165 enrolled students, 7 teachers and a total staff of 15 and is growing. The P&C is an active organisation, delivering various annual events including the Community Christmas Event. In 2019, the school celebrated its 150th year anniversary, with

Beechwood Billycart Classic

26 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 27 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN COMMUNITY VIEWS

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING WHERE YOU DO?

Space and mountain views Beautiful area with nature at the back The birds, wallabies, door. The ideal reptiles, fresh air, position. access to water, state forests and peace and quiet.

Quiet lifestyle, privacy, nature, country beliefs and values. Fresh water and creeks. I like the potential Beechwood has Peaceful to offer to young surrounds, families. space, friendly community, rural setting, nature.

Lots of green, countryside, nice people No traffic noise.

Being with Beautiful area, family. Quiet still native at back door. nights - clean air Rural Peace and quiet, access to fresh environment, ideal position - 10 food. space, peace. mins to Wauchope, 20 mins to Port. Koree Island

28 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 29 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU BELONG TO YOUR COMMUNITY?

The pub and its welcoming events that it holds makes my husband and I and our Village amenity, small children feel very friends, welcome and connected to community hall, the town. We are always tennis court, greeted with a smile and Tennis court, pub! what feels like welcoming hall and arms. neighbours

Joining the local craft group. Knowing people for a long time, socialising Gatherings at through sporting Pembrooke activities. Hall, friendly neighbours and area, RFS.

Collective people, community events. Being part of community groups, Lived here 40 years, having a say at know many old Council Development timers and my wife I have lived meetings. is involved in getting here for 53 tennis courts and years. saving the hall.

Beechwood Billycart Classic

30 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 31 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN FUTURE FOCUS To preserve its village character PEMBROOKE and heritage Work with atmosphere. community and stakeholders To increase the to reinstate the opportunities for Pembrooke Hall. recreational and sporting activities in the region for locals To transform and visitors. For residents and visitors Moroko Park into to move around with a destination for ease on linked pathways residents and to enjoy recreational visitors. infrastructure and the natural environment. To support mindful development that maintains our peaceful rural lifestyle.

To support and Continue to build a grow existing local connected community business, whilst who can access attracting new niche available spaces, places businesses to the and recreation with region. safety and ease.

By developing in this manner in the future, it will provide Bellangry, Pappinbarra, Pembrooke and other areas with an option to drop in for social, recreation and other community gatherings and provide us with greater facilities for all to enjoy. BEECHWOOD

32 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 33 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN GOALS AND ACTION PLAN Beechwood Road The vision for the Beechwood/Pembrooke region indicates Beechwood Recreation Land Reserve that residents enjoy a strong, connected rural community and look to continue building this sense of place as well Beechwood as actively planning for the protection and future of their Public School unique village character and natural environment. Beechwood Tennis Courts The goals encompassed in this vision are:

• We have activated places and spaces

• We are a safe community

• Remain a connected community

• Maintain village character and heritage aspects

• Sustainable development and future growth

Original Old Post Office, Beechwood

Beechwood Billycart Classic

The following Action Plan summarises the priorities identified for the community and were derived from community requests.

Pembrooke

34 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 35 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN OBJECTIVE 1.1: CREATE NEW PUBLIC OPEN SPACES AND REJUVINATE GOAL 1: WE HAVE EXISTING FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

ACTIVATED PLACES AND ACTION 1.1.1. Partner with Beechwood Tennis Association to finalise repairs of existing SPACES tennis courts. ACTION 1.1.2. Work with Council and seek funding to upgrade facilities at Moroko Park WE HAVE (RFS facilities, playground, tennis court and BBQ facilities) and Wade Park, including install fencing, upgrade the amenities block, install a BBQ, install Softfall to playground, and increase ACTIVATED footpaths. ACTION 1.1.3. Partner with Council to conduct an audit of current building conditions and PLACES AND potential future upgrades of the Beechwood Hall including the kitchen, the stage and storage SPACES space for user groups. ACTION 1.1.4. Actively seek funding to carry out any repair work and purchase of 1 equipment and facilities to increase hire of the venue. ACTION 1.1.5. Investigate the use of alternate energy at the Beechwood Hall, e.g. solar or community power station.

ACTION 1.1.6. Develop a concept design for a themed feature strip through Beechwood with entry signage, historical signage, installations/monuments e.g. rural machinery.

ACTION 1.1.7. Development of a Beechwood Village Centre Master Plan to enable future business and service growth in the village.

ACTION 1.1.8. Work with the Beechwood Recreation Land Manager to develop a Master Plan for the Beechwood Recreation Land Reserve to include sewer connection, replacement of oval fence and ground lighting, new spectator shelter, park and playground facilities, CCTV provision, a primitive campground for up to 12 campsites including water and a sewage RV dump point (requires a full scope of works) and connection of this site via pathways to new subdivisions and village centre.

ACTION 1.1.9. Actively seek funding to implement the Beechwood Recreation Land Master Plan.

ACTION 1.1.10. Beautify and maintain the Beechwood Historic Cemetery and investigate the design and installation of interpretive signage.

ACTION 1.1.11. Advocate for the tennis court, craft centre and RFS to be re-opened in Bellangry, with the addition of a park area with toilets facilities.

GOAL ACTION 1.1.12. Investigate access to, and maintenance of Koree Island.

Wage Park, Beechwood

36 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 37 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN OBJECTIVE 2.1: SAFE PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS AND WELL- MAINTAINED ROADS IN THE BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE REGION

ACTION 2.1.1. Complete kerb and gutter throughout Beechwood, including the parking area at the Catholic Church and the western end of the village.

ACTION 2.1.2. Conduct a footpath and street lighting audit throughout Beechwood and complete a listing and map of areas that require maintenance and submit to Council for WE ARE A SAFE consideration. ACTION 2.1.3. Identify areas requiring footpaths, then present Council with the prioritised COMMUNITY list for consideration. GOAL 2: WE ARE A SAFE ACTION 2.1.4. Meet with Council’s Infrastructure Planning staff to discuss how best to improve pathways and roadways that are of community concern throughout Beechwood, 2 COMMUNITY including footpaths from the school to the recreation grounds. ACTION 2.1.5. Investigate the possibility of installing angled car parking and a pedestrian crossing at the Beechwood Public School.

ACTION 2.1.6. Investigate the possibility of installing a pedestrian crossing at the Beechwood Café and a pedestrian crossing at Wade Park.

ACTION 2.1.7. Investigate the possibility of a “fried-egg” roundabout at the intersection of the Beechwood Café to Bellangry Road and installing directional signage for Bellangry Road and Pappinbarra on the approach to the intersection to improve safety.

ACTION 2.1.8. Work with Council to have the kerb and guttering assessed along Beechwood Road to Koree Island Road to align better with the road.

ACTION 2.1.9. Arrange a meeting with Council’s Road Safety Officer regarding concerns about local roads in Beechwood and Pembrooke including traffic movement, road and parking line markings, and speed limits.

ACTION 2.1.10. Advocate Council to seal sections of the Stoney Creek and Pembrooke Village Roads.

OBJECTIVE 2.2: OUR COMMUNITY ENJOYS A SAFE RURAL LIFESTYLE

ACTION 2.2.1. Actively seek funding to purchase and install 2 defibrillators; one for the village centre and one for the canteen at the Beechwood Recreation Ground.

ACTION 2.2.2. Consult with the community regarding community transport needs and

GOAL identify any service gaps.

ACTION 2.2.3. Investigate community transport options for the region and lobby for increased services if required.

ACTION 2.2.4. Talk to Essential Energy regarding community concern of the unsafe location of a power pole on the road east of the Beechwood Hall and options for removing overhead wires completely and installing this service underground.

ACTION 2.2.5. Work with Council to develop and deliver a community waste education program including to encourage keeping our properties safe and clean, and the impacts of illegal dumping.

Outside the Beechwood School

38 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 39 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN OBJECTIVE 3.1: TO REINSTATE THE PEMBROOKE HALL INTO A VIBRANT, HIGHLY UTILISED COMMUNITY HUB

ACTION 3.1.1. Engage with the local community to gauge interest in forming a Pembrooke GOAL 3: REMAIN A Community Hall/Association/Friends of Pembrooke Hall Group. CONNECTED COMMUNITY ACTION 3.1.2. Survey the local community about what programs, activities and events they would like to see happen at the Pembrooke Hall.

ACTION 3.1.3. Partner with Council to conduct an audit of the current building condition of the Pembrooke Hall and outbuildings.

ACTION 3.1.4. Obtain quotations for carrying out repairs and renovations on Pembrooke Hall and outbuildings.

ACTION 3.1.5. Actively seek funding to repair and renovate the Pembrooke Hall and 3 outbuildings. ACTION 3.1.6. Enquire with Council/RMS in regard to installing ‘Welcome to Pembrooke’ signage at entrances to Pembrooke.

OBJECTIVE 3.2: REJUVINATE BEECHWOOD HALL TO INCREASE COMMUNITY ACTIVATION

ACTION 3.2.1. Engage with the local community to gauge interest in forming a Beechwood Community Hall/Association/Friends of Beechwood Hall Group and investigate how hall committee can manage bookings via online tools.

ACTION 3.2.2. Talk to current Beechwood Hall user groups about how and when they use the hall and how the building could be improved.

ACTION 3.2.3. Survey the local community about what programs, activities and events they would like to see happen at the Beechwood Hall.

ACTION 3.2.4. Investigate how Beechwood Hall can be registered as an Emergency Management Hub during future emergency situations.

OBJECTIVE 3.3: OUR COMMUNITY ENJOYS A CONNECTED RURAL LIFESTYLE

ACTION 3.3.1. Work with local community organisations and groups to develop an annual regional social calendar of events and activities so that Beechwood develops as a social hub for the communities of the area. GOAL REMAIN A ACTION 3.3.2. Consult with community regarding interest in establishing a community CONNECTED garden. COMMUNITY

Beechwood Billycart Classic

40 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 41 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN OBJECTIVE 4.1: WE VALUE, PROMOTE AND PROTECT OUR UNIQUE VILLAGE HERITAGE AND CHARACTER GOAL 4: MAINTAIN ACTION 4.1.1. Create a list of significant historical sites in development of a localised VILLAGEMAINTAIN CHARACTER heritage trail, e.g. school, churches, post office, hotel, cemetery, café including historical information board. AND VILLAGEHERITAGE ASPECTS ACTION 4.1.2. Develop a localised History and Heritage interest group who work on collecting, documenting and celebrating local history and heritage, beginning with the First CHARACTER Nations People. AND HERITAGE ACTION 4.1.3. Investigate signage for villages and localities throughout the area. ASPECTS ACTION 4.1.4. Create an Honour roll or Cenotaph to commemmorate those buried at 4 historic cememtery. GOAL

Beechwood Historical Cemetery

Beechwood Uniting Church Beechwood Hotel

42 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 43 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN OBJECTIVE 5.1: CONSERVE OUR VILLAGE ATMOSPHERE AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT GOAL 5: SUSTAINABLE ACTION 5.1.1. Ask Council to run some information workshops around local development DEVELOPMENTSUSTAINABLE AND and zoning classifications so community members can better understand local planning FUTURE GROWTH processes, including developer contributions, block sizing and sympathetic character housing DEVELOPMENT design. ACTION 5.1.2. Investigate Council collaborating with local community around development AND FUTURE planning and assessment standards for the region. GROWTH ACTION 5.1.3. Talk with Council regarding future road network planning for the Beechwood region. 5 ACTION 5.1.4. Talk to Council about future plans for a sewerage treatment plant in the area to replace the reticulated system to Wauchope.

ACTION 5.1.5. Work with stakeholders to investigate natural stormwater harvesting and future water supply options for the region.

ACTION 5.1.6. Work with Council, Landcare and others to develop a series of education activities including walks, talks and lessons on environmental topics such as local flora and fauna, land clearing and sustainable gardening.

ACTION 5.1.7. Work with local Landcare groups and community to maintain and re- establish vegetation along the riparian areas of local watercourses. GOAL

Koree Island

44 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 45 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN APPENDIX A: COUNCIL’S STRATEGIES, A number of Council’s strategic and planning documents are intrinsically linked to the development of Community Planning in the region. Some of these key documents are shown below. POLICIES AND PROJECTS ENGAGEMENT & PLANNING CYCLE PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL DOCUMENTS ENGAGEMENT & PLANNING CYCLE PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL DOCUMENTS

Natural Community Leadership & Business & & Built Life Governance Industry Environment

• Pedestrian • Cultural Plan • Community • Economic Access and (2018 - 2021) Engagement Development COMMUNITY Mobility • Art in Public Policy and Strategy (2017- STRATEGIC PLAN Management Places Policy Strategy1 2021) 1 What the community wants Plan (2015 & (2002) • Commercial • Greater Port 2017) • Community Business Units Macquarie • Integrated Inclusion Plan Plans Destination Water Cycle (2020 - 2021)2 Management COMMUNITY PLANNING • Local Strategic Management • Disability Plan Planning (IWCM) Strategy Inclusion Action Statement2 (2020)2 Plan (2017 - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT • Urban Growth 2021) Management Strategy (2017 - 2036) • Recreation RESOURCING DELIVERY OPERATIONAL QUARTERLY Action Plan STRATEGY PROGRAM PLAN & ANNUAL (2017 - 2025) 10 YEAR PLAN 4 YEAR PLAN 1 YEAR PLAN REPORTS • Local Environmental Plan (2011) How to deliver what What we will commit Individual actions to How we are • Biodiversity the community wants to deliver be undertaken performing Strategy (2017- 2030) Per iew • Development petua & rev l monitoring Control Plan (2013) • Draft Coastal Koala Plan of Management (2018) • Koala Recovery

State Policies and Plans Strategy (2018) 1 - Updated Plan under development • Bike Plan (2015) 2 - Under development • NSW State Environmental Planning Policies (2017) • North Coast Regional Plan (2036)

46 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 47 BEECHWOOD/PEMBROOKE COMMUNITY PLAN PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL

PO Box 84 Port Macquarie NSW Australia 2444 DX 7415

[email protected] pmhc.nsw.gov.au

ABN 11 236 901 601

PORT MACQUARIE OFFICE 17 Burrawan Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Telephone (02) 6581 8111 Facsimile (02) 6581 8123

WAUCHOPE OFFICE 49 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446 Telephone (02) 6589 6500

LAURIETON OFFICE 9 Laurie Street, Laurieton NSW 2443 Telephone (02) 6559 9958 pmhc.nsw.gov.au

48 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL