Yarriambiack Shire Buloke Shire Hindmarsh Shire

West Wimmera Shire The Wimmera Mallee Town & Tourism strategy acknowledges the Koori Aboriginal language groups as the Traditional Custodians for Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh, Buloke and West Wimmera and surrounding Land and Waters.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present and emerging, recognising their continued spiritual relationship and responsibilities for Country. The Wimmera Mallee Town & Tourism strategy.

This Strategy also acknowledges and pays respect to Australian Indigenous Peoples who were separated from Clan and Country and also reside in Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh, Buloke and West Wimmera and surrounding communities. May these journeys of healing be acknowledged, respected, supported and become mutual objectives for all Australians.

1. Introduction 3

Integrating Level 1: Regional Strategy 4

Buloke Shire 5

Sea Lake - Town & Tourism Strategy 6,7,8

Sea Caravan Park Strategy 9,10

Whycheproof - Town & Tourism Strategy 11,12,13

Whycheproof Caravan Park Strategy 14,15

Tchum Lakes Camping Ground Strategy 16,17

Donald - Town & Tourism Strategy 18,19,20

Donald Lakeside Caravan Park Strategy 21,22

Charlton - Town & Tourism Strategy 23,24,25

Charlton Caravan Park Strategy 26,27

Wooroonook Lakes Caravan Park Strategy 28,29

2. Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Local strategies proposed for locations across the region Town & Tourism Strategy Level 2 of this strategy responds to town and tourism park level opportunities, directions and learnings gathered through site visits and workshops. The Town & Tourism Strategy recommends projects to guide the revitalisation and tourism preparedness of 16 Towns and 24 Caravan Parks across four shires. These projects should be explored, prioritised, implemented and championed by the community, shires and Wimmera Mallee Tourism.

Projects at each location are generally ordered according to their priority of implementation, or their necessary chronological order. While some are ‘quick wins’, it is generally encouraged that rigorous concept planning, professional advice and community consultation is seeked out and undertaken prior to undertaking projects.

This report suggests indicative budgets (where possible) for each project at the town and tourism level. These are high level opinions of probable cost based on industry prices, and do not allow for community in kind input. As projects are developed, these budgets will be able to be further clarified.

Note that Regional Strategy icons are placed onto Town and Caravan Park maps to indicate where regionwide projects might be implemented on the ground. They are also associated with written project recommendations to indicate where they might align with - and inform - projects recommended locally.

3. Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Regional Strategy Programs, Networks and Projects

The programs, networks and projects listed here form a set of recommended approaches across the region. These are relevant at a region wide level as they contribute to reinforcing the regional character of the visitor experience. Whilst being considered and discussed at a regional level, these icons will be used Self Contained Regional throughout Level 2 of the document to indicate where they could be implemented Accommodation Touring Routes Town Centre & Identity Liveability locally. Located on town and tourist park maps, as well as associated with specific recommendations, these icons suggest how regional level strategy can be woven through the Wimmera Mallee.

Town Centre Accommodation Where icons are found throughout Level 2, it may be useful to refer back to the Relationship with Town Cente Accommodation Network the project’s regional description to understand how the project might be applied Aboriginal community Meeting Places (Tour Groups) in specfic cases.

Materials Vacant Shopfront Electric Car Town Centre Palette Installations Charging Network Traffic Calming

Town Housing Open House/ Town Entry Committees Stock Garden Program Signage

Camping Tertiary design Universal Access Street Trees Opportunities school collaboration

Reliability and Barista availability Training of services

Dry Lake Attraction Google Maps Entries

Amenities Upgrade Competition

Requisite initial projects: These projects should be completed at the outset as they provide information and guidance that will influence the contribution of many other projects to the regionla character of the visitor experience.

Quick wins: Projects that are deemed relatively simple to implement - with low design, planning and consultation required in their implementation.

4. Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

With farming communities at its centre, Buloke Shire is Victo- region led to extensive clearing of native vegetation in the Shire for ria’s true agricultural heartland. agricultural use of the land and as such, the natural environment Patchewollock was highly modified, and the areas of remnant vegetation are highly The Shire covers more than 8,000 square kilometres of the valued. The remnant vegetation includes grassland and woodland Mallee region in the state’s northwest, stretching between communities and contain significant native vegetation communities Serviced Caravan Park Lake Tyrrell, Victoria’s largest salt lake, and the northern such as the Buloke Woodlands Allocasuarina luehmannii, Grey Bush / Free Camp reaches of the picturesque Avoca River. Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Sea Lake Native Grasslands of South-eastern Australia, Natural Grasslands Sunraysia Hwy Cabins Buloke Shire Council has a population of 6,124 and serves of the Murray Valley Plains, White Box E. albens -Yellow Box- E. the communities of Wycheproof (588), Charlton (961), Donald leucoxylon, Blakely’s Red Gum E. balkelyi Grassy Woodland and Proposed Cabins (1,395), Birchip and Sea Lake (574), as well as the smaller Derived Native Grassland. Proposed Route townships of Berriwillock, Culgoa, Nandaly, Nullawil and Yarriambiack Watchem. Green Lake Caravan Park Existing Silo Art Trail Shire Henty Hwy Proposed Silo Art Trail Agriculture, specifically grain production, is the primary source of income and employment in the area. Other forms Hopetoun of farming, education, retail, community service sectors and Woomelang Cronomby Tanks light industry also provide employment and income. Lake Albacutya

Buloke is named after the ‘buloke’ or ‘bulloak tree’, Allocasua- Calder Hwy rina luehmannii, which is common in the area. Buloke Shire Rainbow Buloke Shire Council (Five Towns) Master Plan Beulah It is evident that Buloke is an active shire, with a good degree of planning and design work initiated across the shire. In particular, recommendations for Buloke Shire consider and draw upon the previously developed ‘Buloke Shire Council (Five Towns) Master Plan.’ The projects recommended here are intended to support the approach put forward in the Five Towns document by implementing clear directions as established during site visits in March 2019. Hindmarsh Whycheproof

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, community consultation was not Hwy Henty able to go forward as intended, and as such projects will require Shire community consultation prior to being undertaken. Jeparit Buloke Shire Interpretation West Wimmera Sunraysia Hwy Warracknabeal Charlton Interpretation panels provided at locations throughout the shire Shire Calder Hwy

are successful examples of interpretation that lead the way for the BORDER - VICTORIA AUSTRALIA SOUTH region. These panels explore environmental, cultural and historic Nhill themes at each location. It is recommended that understanding of Kaniva Western Hwy these themes is developed further - actions recommended in the Serviceton Donald projects across the Buloke should recognise the value of these Western Hwy themes and support them to direct sense of place in both the built and natural environments. Alt. Route to Horsham via.Goroke Dimboola Natural Landscape

Henty Hwy The Shire of Buloke is located in the western part of Victoria. It covers an area of 8,000 square kilometres. Buloke Shire is predominately covered by the Murray Mallee bioregion with patches of the Wimmera, Rupanyup Goldfields, Lowan Mallee and Victorian Riverina bioregions. The Wimmera Clay Plains and the sedimentary hills on the fringes of the Wimmera Hwy Box-Ironbark Forests of the Victorian Central Goldfields contribute to the environmental characteristics of the southern areas of the Shire, whilst the red sand dunes of the Mallee region. are dominant features of the north of the Shire. Wetlands are also a significant Goroke component of the natural characteristics of the Shire which include Wimmera Hwy Green Lake, Lake Buloke, Lake Tyrrell, Wooroonook Lake, Tchum Lake Charlegrark Lakes and Watchem Lake. The highly productive soils of the Lake Ratzcastle

5.

Wimmera Hwy Apsley Newlands Lake

Alt Route to Melbourne via. Edenhope Edenhope and Harrow.

Opportunities across SA border Black Range Coonawarra Harrow State Park Wine Region Grampians National Park Dergholm Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Town Strategy

Heart of the Mallee - Home of the Mallee Rally and Lake Tyrrell

Sea Lake is a wheat-belt town in the Mallee district of north-west Victoria on the Calder Highway, 351 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. The town is located centrally to a number of major Wimmera and Mallee regional towns including; Swan Hill, Mildura, Warracknabeal and Horsham. The town was named by early settler, Edward John Eyre, most likely due to its proximity to Lake Tyrrell, the largest salt lake in Victoria and a major international attraction. The town of Sea Lake is also known for its once-yearly rally car race called the Mallee Rally held on the Queen’s Birthday holiday in June and for being part of the popular Silo Art Trail with the impressive Sea Lake Silo Art accessed from Lake Road. Traditional Owners for the area are the Wergaia Aboriginal people, also understood as a boundary area for Wudjubaluk and Wemba Wemba Aboriginal People. The Wimmera Mallee area also include Yarrikaluk, Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali and Jupagik Nations. These Nations, including Wergaia are represented by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. The area around Sea Lake was first visited by settlers in 1838 and in 1847 W.E. Stanbridge established the Tyrrell Downs run. In 1884 Tyrrell Downs was bought by E.H. Lascelles where one hundred men were hired to clear a 20,000ha wheat farm. The settlement was established after the arrival of the Kulwin railway line in 1893 and post office opened on 2 October 1895. Salt was first harvested from Lake Tyrrell in 1896. In 1963-64 Cheetham Salt secured leases and now over 100,000 tonnes of salt is now extracted from Lake Tyrrell each year by the Salt Works. Sea Lake’s main newspaper was established in 1897 (Times Ensign). Sea Lake is located close to several major national parks, including the Little Desert and Big Desert Wilderness areas, Wyperfeld National Park and Hattah-Kulkyne National Parks. The town also has access to a number of large fresh water lakes, rivers, creeks and wetland systems that make up the diverse Wimmera Mallee ecology. Twelve kilometres south of Sea Lake on the road to Birchip is Green Lake, an attractive site used for water sports recreation and as a holiday retreat. The small lake has a sandy beach, powered camping sites, showers, barbecue areas and natural shade. The lake reserve is suitable for swimming, fishing, yabbying, windsurfing and boating, as well as bushwalking in stands of Mallee and Pine-Buloke woodland. To the north of the town is Lake Tyrrell, Victoria’s largest salt lake. The lake has become an attraction for international travellers due to its picturesque ‘pink lake’, reflective and remote landscape qualities. There is a viewing platform and information bay and an access boardwalk is currently in the process of being constructed. The saltbush and samphire on islands and around the lagoon support a range of bird and wildlife, with the large sand lunettes located on the eastern shoreline culturally significant to local Aboriginal Peoples. Recent accommodation upgrades in Sea Lake has been able to provide for a greater diversity of visitors including international tourists visiting Lake Tyrrell. Visitor tour hire (Gumboot hire) and services associated with the Lake Tyrrell opportunity are also offered. Sea Lake’s main street (Best Street) is a tight street lined with period verandah shopfronts and a number of character heritage buildings, including the stand out Royal Hotel (Top Pub). Best Street includes a visitor centre, photography museum and located at the centre is Apex Park, a community and visitor meeting space. The park has a recently developed undercover children’s playground, amenities block, lawn and a wall mural. All this is located walking distance to cafés and town traders. There are a number of other art murals around the town illustrating local flora and scenes of local Mallee life. The town has a recently gained a high standard Traveller’s Rest that allows for long vehicle stopover and parking close to the town centre and the existing camping ground. The town revitalisation strategy builds upon the recent Buloke Shire Council (Five Towns) Master Plan that designates priority areas for Sea Lake in order to provide amenity for locals and attract stopover visitors by enhancing town amenity and wayfinding. Following are recommendations that align with the Wimmera Mallee regional strategy for improving Sea Lake’s liveability and visitor experience.

. 6. Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

1. Sea Lake to Lake Tyrell Bicycle and Walking Dining (Recommendation 3) • For 3 artistic elements, signage and additional town centre Trail The Shop Front Program considers artwork on the front windows mural signage on town water tank: allow $250-300k of vacant shop fronts to express activity and the towns creativity and $$$ where possible the inclusion of BnB or short stay accommodation 3. Town Centre Streetscape Improvement promotes alternative accommodation options who are participating Recommendation in one the regions tourist culture, heritage, food, or Silo Art trails. $ $$ $$$ Conserving and activating old shop fronts with new purposes Consider establishing shared use trail from Sea Lake township, encourages local confidence in the town centre as well asan starting at the eastern end of Hannon Street to Lake Tyrell via Recommendation enhanced visitor experience. Lake Tyrell Creek. This would extend the eight kilometres to Lake foreshore and a further four kilometres to the viewing platform. Town centre beautification is a high priority within the Buloke Shire Alfresco Dining benefits include: Council Five Towns Master Plan recommendations. Suggested • A visible welcoming amenity for community and visitors; quick wins include: Benefit • Designates the town centre or ‘point of arrival’, an invitation for • Streetscape Greening – More shade trees within the road visitors to stopover, rest, eat and explore; Twelve kilometres of unsealed recreation trail to Sea Lake’s major pavement parking space and grapevines on verandah shop attraction Lake Tyrrell will provide greater opportunity for visitors, fronts; • The safe provision of streetscape activity close to vehicle increase activities and length of stay and provide an asset for local traffic lanes will slow vehicle speed and provide positive traffic • Shop Front Program – Including artistic treatments to vacant friction. In this way the main street becomes more of a shared recreation, walking, running, cycling, etc. shop fronts and suggest a town progress committee purchase use zone rather than pedestrians being secondary to vehicular 1. Sea Lake to Lake Tyrell Bicycle and Walking Trail vacant shop fronts for new purposes, including short stay, self Budget traffic. Much easier for a pedestrian to negotiate crossing the Example trail contained and BnB accommodation opportunities. Part of this street and visiting more traders; Source: Stawell Times Suggested budget (including GST): recommendation includes upgrading or retaining signage on old stores. • Provides opportunity to develop universal accessibility within • Sea Lake to Lake Tyrell and Bicycle Walking Trail: allow $20k the town centre; • Consider using existing tracks and constructing 6km of • Alfresco Dining - Extend sidewalk in three to four areas unsealed compacted gravel path including trail head and trail to afford alfresco opportunities including taking up parallel • Successful meeting places provide opportunities to promote facilities: allow $120-$150k parking spaces in front of eateries (Top Pub), protected by tree town services and events; and, planting. • Public alfresco meeting areas offer opportunities for creative These improvements can be initially tested with simple road line and artistic prospects, music, poetry, story-telling, etc. 2. Sea Lake Main Street Wayfinding marking (pavement paint) and testing moveable items such as trees • Alfresco dining is a welcoming on-street activity which may or colourful plants in robust pots on movable pallets with tables, include; umbrellas, seats, food and beverage, etc. $$$ chairs and umbrellas to provide an on street welcoming appeal. Recommendation Over an agreed period of time and if the initiative is deemed Budget successful, more permanent undertakings can occur through Clear and strong wayfinding is required north and south of the Best Suggested budget (including GST): the master plan detailed plans and construction, with the ability Street intersection. Consider wayfinding to include large signage Streetscape Greening: to include universal accessibility treatments, nib kerbing, raised and/or artistic elements alongside the current VicRoad town centre Suggested budget: pavement and permanent street tree planting. signage at the corner of McManus Street to the south and the corner • Supply and plant approximately 60 semi-mature deciduous of Education Lane to the north. A clear town centre artistic mural As Best Street has parallel parking there is opportunity for an street trees - prepare tree plant well including watering tube on the water tower facing north and south potentially with arrows alfresco area to include the use of two parking spaces and space and 2 timber bollards plus traffic reflectors for protection: $1.2- pointing to the town centre will also provide a strong wayfinding for two street trees. 1.5k each - $85-90k; 2. Sea Lake Main Street Wayfinding visual aid for visitors. There also is a requirement for a clear sign at • Establish approximately 30 grapevines including marine wire Example - Mural at main street intersection, Stratford, UK Source: The Stratford Original the Best Street intersection. This may include streetscape treatment Benefit across top of verandah: $7.5-12k including an artistic element and recommended street tree planting leading up to the intersection to signal that you are entering the The above town centre beautification elements suggest an activated Shop Front Program: centre of town. streetscape, welcoming visitors and locals to walk, dine and explore Suggested budget: Sea Lake’s main street. • Painting and decorating shop fronts: $2.5-3k; Benefit • Suggested shop front BnB conversion budget: $60-80k each, The town has existing VicRoad signage prewarning visitors of the Streetscape Greening in the form of deciduous tree planting and excluding structural repairs; town centre, however it does not always promote visitor anticipation grapevines will provide seasonal amenity, regulating temperature, or consideration to stopover and explore. Artistic and streetscape sheltering locals and visitors and importantly slowing traffic. Include Alfresco Dining: opportunities leading up to the intersection will provide opportunity street tree planting 50m north and south of Calder Hwy intersection; Suggested budget: for the visitor to build anticipation and make the choice to turn into • Northern Deciduous Street Trees: • Stage 1 - Quick win temporary movable interventions: $10-15k • Stage 2 - Permanent meeting/alfresco areas $150-200k the main street or park their long vehicle at the Traveller’s Rest and • Bradford Ornamental Pear (Pyrus calleryana) walk into town. Artistic elements as part of the wayfinding mix will including verge treatments, furniture and tree planting. help to promote the town’s creativity and welcoming appeal. • Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) • Claret Ash (Fraxinus Raywood) Budget • Desert Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) Suggested budget (including GST): • Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) • Concept Plan (combined Main Street Wayfinding & Alfresco 3. Town Centre Streetscape Improvement’ Example project: seasonal parklet in parking space, Philadelphia Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Source: Shift Space Design Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 7. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Key. Regional Strategy 1. Key Project Project Area (Masterplan) S Proposed Signage Town & Tourism Strategy Key Building Main Street (Existing) P Proposed Parking

Urban Area Proposed street project Point of Arrival

Proposed Project Trail (Existing) Street Tree Planting

Proposed Landscaping/Nature Proposed trail Project

To Lake Tyrell (7.4km)

R1:Sea Lake to Lake Tyrell Bicycle and Walking Trail

Sea Lake Hospital (Mallee Track) Caravan Park 1. S R1:Sea Lake to Lake Tyrell Traveller’s Bicycle and Walking Trail Primary Rest (provide wayfinding) School S R3: Town Centre Beautification Top Cafe Sea Lake Swimming - Shopfront Program Pool S Caravan Park Traveller’s Rest Apex Park 2. 2. Bottom Cafe R2: Sea Lake Main Street 3. Sea Lake - Lascelles Rd 3. Wayfinding Royal Hotel R3: Town Centre Beautification R2:Sea Lake Main Street Sea Lake - Streetscape Greening Wayfinding R3: Town Centre Beautification - Alfresco Dining R3: Town Centre Beautification Silo Art

Mural Sea Lake Motel Lake Tyrell Accomodation

To Whycheproof (85km)

To Green Lake Regional Park (12km)

Sea Lake Sea Lake Town Centre Map 0m 100m 200m 400m 800m 1:20,000 @ A3 0m 25m 50m 100m 200m 1:5,000 @ A3

Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 8. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Sea Lake Traveller’s Rest Caravan Park 0m 50m 100m 200m 400m Masterplan

Park Summary

Sea Lake Caravan & Camping Park is located at the rear of the recently established Travellers Rest, 71-91 Calder Highway. The park is walking distance from the town centre and theSilo Art off Lake Street.

The Park is part of the Sea Lake Recreation Reserve and has a large amount of room for additional camping. The park is pet friendly and able to cater for long vehicles. 3. R1: Suggested indicative masterplan R3: Upgrade recreation area - The strategy supports the park to continue successfully hosting visitors through ongoing improvement layout shown Irrigated open lawn of park facilities and amenities. Following are recommendations that align with the Wimmera Mallee 1. regional strategy for improving the Travellers Rest Caravan Park visitor experience.

Opportunities • Located close to town centre and town attractions; and, • Large recreation area, opportunity to provide recreation amenity for visitors and local users.

Constraints T&S • Informal camping area; • Lack of lawn areas for tent camping or recreation; and, • Rationalisation required of campground elements including old fences.

Park amenities include: K & Co • 1 amenities block, showers and laundry. 2. R2: Upgrade camp kitchen (sheltered Park facilities include: meeting place) • Pet Friendly • BBQ • Picnic Tables • Potable Water

3. Accommodation Options: R3: Upgrade recreation area: • Powered Sites children’s playground area and • Unpowered Sites youth zone (skate park, small • Long vehicle drive through sites climbing area, pump track, • Tent Sites meeting places) Park fees: • $10 per night per vehicle - honstey box

Key. Following are recommendations that align with the Wimmera Mallee regional strategy for improving Sea Lake Traveller’s Rest Caravan Park’s visitor experience. The strategy considers supporting the 1. Key Projects C / OV Cabin / Onsite Van continuation to successfully host visitors through the improvement of park facilities and amenity.

Proposed Projects K & Co Camp Kitchen & Covered Area

Access Routes T&S Toilet & Shower Amenities

Powered Sites Proposed Planting - groundcover/ buffer planting Unpowered Sites Tree Planting Tent Camping

Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 9. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

1. Formalise Camping Area (Concept Plan) the campground, including the amenity of a central lawn area. Budget $ $$ Suggested budget (including GST): • allow $110-120k Recommendation A concept plan prepared by a qualified recreation planner/ 3. Upgrade Recreation Area (future designer in collaboration with Buloke Shire Council and community representatives is required to formalise the camping ground. opportunity)

The masterplan brief at a minimum is to request the following: $$$

Outputs: Recommendation • The preparation of scaled concept that indicatively locates Upgrade large recreation area between Travellers Rest and hard (facilities) and soft (landscape & tree planting) elements, Campground to include open lawn, north of entry road and including location of a camp kitchen and meeting area, children’s playground and youth park on the east with possible campground wayfinding opportunities and rationalisation of circuit running track around park perimeter. element including removal of old fencing; • A collaborative design engagement process; Benefit 1. Formalise Camping Area (Concept Plan) • Address the need for: Irrigated lawn areas, youth recreation The recreation reserve upgrade has an opportunity to provide Example Greenpatch Campground Improvement Plan, Cairns opportunity – link to travellers rest, removal of unwanted beneficial recreational facilities for visitors and locals. Source: cairns.gov.au fences; and, • A staging plan and aligned order of magnitude costing. Budget Benefit Suggested budget (including GST): The benefits of a concept plan include: • 5,000m2 of irrigated open lawn: allow $150-175k • A community and stakeholder supported long term vision for • Children’s playground area: $120-150k the park; • Youth Park including small skate area, climbing play, small • Defining the parks relationship to the town centre; and, pump track and meeting spaces. $220-250k • A considered project implementation and cost estimated staging plan.

Budget Suggested budget (including GST): • Prepare concept plan (including Recommendation 2 & Recommendation 3) - $18-22k

2. Upgrade Camp Kitchen (Sheltered Meeting Space) 2. Upgrade Camp Kitchen (Sheltered Meeting Example camp kitchen - Port Jackson Conservation Campsite, NZ Source: Department of Conservation, NZ Place) $$$

Recommendation The provision of an upgraded camp kitchen including a central campground meeting area.

Outputs including: • Irrigated lawn area (500m2) • Shade structure (Landmark 6 x 7m) with concrete pavement; • Meeting area services, including water and lighting; • Bench seating; and, • Kitchen fit out.

Benefit A meeting area will provide a positive meeting area and facility for 3. Upgrade Recreation Area Example: Jervois Street Reserve, Marion, SA Relationship with Reliability & Source: City of Marion Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 10. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Town Strategy

Wycheproof is a unique north western Victoria regional town on the edge of the Mallee and is the centre of the Buloke Shire Council. The town is located on the Calder Highway, a major north west road that connects Melbourne (277km), Bendigo (136km) through to Mildura (266km). Traditional Owners for the regional Wimmera Mallee area are the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagik Nations. These Nations are represented by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. The area was also known as a junction for the Buller Buller Wycher Aboriginal people. The town is most likely named after a local Aboriginal word, ‘witchi-poorp’, which meant ‘grass on a hill’ or ‘reed on a hill’, a reference to Mount Wycheproof (registered as smallest mountain in Australia, 148m AHD). The grandfather of Sir Douglas Nicholls, first Aboriginal Governor of South Australia, lived in Wycheproof in the 1880s. At both the northern and southern entry to towns the visitor is welcomed by huge grain silos where it is obvious that the town’s economy is based on servicing the broad acre cereal farming industry. The first pastoral station in the district was established in 1846 by Robert McCredie. By 1874 there was a subdivision on the northern side of the mountain established with a population of 130. James O’Connor built the Wycheproof Hotel in 1874. The town was surveyed in 1875 and its connection to the railway from Bendigo reached the area in 1883 with the township being established as a result. There is a noticeable change to the landscape as you head north and west of the town to a low rolling Mallee plain. This is why Mount Wycheproof, which only sits 43 metres above the surrounding countryside, is so prominent as you approach the town. Today, apart from the large silos, the other noticeable element within the town is the disused railway line that runs within a wide lawn median the centre of Broadway. The Broadway service roads extend off the Calder Highway and are lined with mature Peppercorn Trees (Schinus molle) - the largest stand of these in the region and a hardy drought resistant and popular early settler tree planting. Attractions within town include: • Mount Wycheproof, a granite outcrop is geologically known as a ‘metamorphic boss’ or granite eruption. There is a lookout, interpretation and walking tracks around the reserve; • Centenary Park, on Broadway has a visitor stopover area and interpretation of the town and area history, with monuments to Bernard ‘Bunny’ Read, a four-time world champion boomerang thrower in the 1970s, and a man carrying a 70kg bag of wheat (representing Wycheproof’s the King of the Mountain race); • Willandra Farm Museum includes a collection of antique farm machinery, a slab hut, the old Ninyeunook Post Office and old school buildings from the local area; • The Wycheproof Museum is located in Mount Street at the school and includes a restored flag embroidered by the ladies of the district to raise funds during/after World War 1; • Yo-Yo Tourist Attraction and Collectibles is an old service station turned into a gallery of large metal sculptures including items made out of railway sleepers to large bulldozer land clearing chains; • Bakery on Broadway for broad selection of food, cakes, treats and produce; and, • Wycheproof has a number of historic buildings including the town’s post office (1889) and old courthouse (also 1889). The Buloke Shire offices and hall built in 1937 are excellent examples of Art Deco architecture. Regional attractions include the Silo Art Trail, the myriad of creeks, wetlands fresh and salt water lakes, of the Wimmera Mallee including Wooroonook Lake. Wycheproof has a proactive community that is evident through their efforts to attract new residents, developing a project to offer $1 per week vacant farmhouses for rent. The town has an established recreation reserve whiich supports the district football and netball leagues and hosts regional sporting events. The town revitalisation strategy builds on the recent Buloke Shire Council (Five Towns) Master Plan that designates priority areas for Wycheproof. Furthermore, supporting the community to activate the town to attract visitors and future residents. This has the opportunity to be achieved through ongoing improvement of the town centre and connecting the town and regional attractions through creative wayfinding.

11. Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

1. Wayfinding Budget Suggested budget (including GST): $$$ • Painting and decorating shop fronts: $2-5k – Traders or Community working Bee; and, Recommendation • Suggested shop front short stay/BnB conversion budget: $60- Wayfinding to promote local attractions, town visitor services and 80k each, excluding structural repairs, if required. long vehicle visitor parking is required within the main street and O’Conner Street intersection - including at the post office meeting area and Centenary Park. Wayfinding is required 50m north and 3. Tree Planting south leading to the town centre promoting long vehicle and visitor parking. Wayfinding can be in the form of clearly themed signage $ $$ and/or combined with creative art elements. Recommendation Benefit • Supplement maturing Peppercorn Trees (Schinus mole) by Clear town centre wayfinding implementation will promote and establishing additional planting between existing trees; and, direct visitors to key town attractions, services and facilities. • (Re)establish corner median gardens for O’Conner Street Wayfinding provides the opportunity to engage the travelling visitor, intersection and railway median corners; and, enticing anticipation and promoting community liveability, activity • Retain and irrigate the lawn on the railway line medium. 1. Wayfinding and creativity. Example - Laverton town entry sign (left) & Caravan Parking sign (right) Source: Wayfound (left) & 123RF.com (right) Budget Benefit Suggested budget (including GST): Town greening is essential to providing an attractive, welcoming • The budget considers supply and placement of 3 town centre town environment: artistic wayfinding elements and 4 signs that includes 2 long • Tree planting improves pedestrian and vehicle amenity by vehicle visitor parking signs, 1 wayfinding sign at front of post slowing traffic and regulating seasonal temperatures; office corner and 1 at Centenary Park: Allow $200-250k • Median corner gardens slows traffic, protects pedestrians, beautifies and designates the town intersections; and, • An irrigated median along Broadway will provide a full lawn 2. Shop Front Program/Town Centre cover, a welcome green in the warmer months and opportunity Accommodation to beautify the whole Broadway strip. Budget $ $$ Suggested budget (including GST): • Mature Peppercorn (Schinus mole) tree planting including Recommendation preparing tree planting well with watering tubes, protective 1. Beautify store frontages by restoring heritage signage and dressed timber sleeper bollards: allow $1.2-1.5k each; decorative makeovers. The shop front program may consider • Median corner gardens including concrete edging and creative artwork on windows, especially on vacant shop low (0.5m high max) plantings, featuring hardy drought 2. Shop/Trader Front Program fronts promoting the towns attractions, upcoming events or tolerant groundcover species, including: Grevilleas, Acacias, Shopfront improval example - painted shopfronts, Dumfries, Scotland expressing community creativity; and, Eremophila, Westringia, Lomandra, Scaevola species, etc. Source: Geograph 2. Investigate alternative store uses through a town progress (average 15m2 each garden): allow $2.5-3k each garden; and, committee purchasing vacant shop/trade fronts for new • Establish an in-ground irrigated median along Broadway purposes, including short stay (BnB) accommodation. (approx. 2,800m2) to provide full lawn cover and beautify the whole strip: allow $100-150k. may require additional funds for under road pavement drilling for connection of mainline. Benefit 1. Upgrading and enhancing shopfronts will promote a welcoming, active community, inviting and enticing visitors to stopover and explore; and, 2. Alternative shop front uses for accommodation will provide diversity in visitor accommodation offerings. This could provide attractive and unusual town centre stays inviting visitors to stay and participate in the region’s cultural, heritage, nature, food, and Silo Art trails. New opportunities also encourages local community confidence in the town centre.

3. Tree Planting Example tree planting, Gipp St, Melbourne Relationship with Reliability & Source: City of Melbourne Urban Water Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 12. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Key. Regional Strategy 1. Key Project Project Area (Masterplan) S Proposed Signage Town & Tourism Strategy Key Building Main Street (Existing) P Proposed Parking

Urban Area Proposed street project Point of Arrival

Proposed Project Trail (Existing) Street Tree Planting

Proposed Landscaping/Nature Proposed trail Project

R1:Wayfinding - town entry

To Lake Tchum Caravan Park (27km) S Birchup - Wycheproof Rd S 1.

R1:Wayfinding - town entry signage

Tennis Wycheproof Caravan Park R3: Town Greening 3.

Football Hockey

Fuel Swimming Station Pool Bowling Club S Buloke Shire Offices

Royal Mail Hotel Mt Wycheproof Mount Street R2: Shop/Trader Front S Program P (Boort - Wycheproof Rd) 2.

S R1:Wayfinding - promote town Centenary attractions S Park Post Office

R1:Wayfinding - promote town attractions

S

R1:Wayfinding - town entry

Wycheproof 1:20,000 @ A3 Wycheproof Town Centre Map 0m 100m 200m 400m 800m 0m 25m 50m 100m 200m 1:5,000 @ A3

Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 13. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Wycheproof Caravan Park

20m0m 40m 80m 160m Masterplan

Park Summary

Wycheproof Caravan Park is located at the northern end of town on the Calder Highway. The park is adjacent the recreation reserve and is walkable to key town attractions including Mount Wycheproof and the town centre. The park has mature shade trees, centralised amenities and facilities that are ageing, however clean and serviceable.

The park layout is informal with many sites or access roads not identifiable.

The strategy acknowledges the masterplan prepared by the caravan park committee for grant 2. applications in 2019, and seeks to support its intent. The strategy addresses improving amenity and facilities for the park to continue hosting and enhance the visitor experience. The caravan park provides a key tourism asset for the town, an opportunity for visitors to stay and enjoy Wycheproof 2. and its district attractions. T&S R2: Rationalise internal roads: Formalise access roads to rear of site Opportunities • Good shade from mature trees; • Close access to town recreation including tennis courts and pool; and, • Walkable to town attractions. 1. R1: Landscape Treatments: buffer P Constraints planting to front of park • Close to highway (noise and visual traffic); R2: Rationalise internal roads: • Inappropriate hazardous landscape planting (sharp); Provide new visitor stopping bay 1. • Centralised amenities and facilities will require imminent upgrade (also to ensure universal R1: Landscape Treatments: internal accessibility); and, park garden beds (indicative) • Requires rationalisation of internal roads including removal of the southern entry and exit onto K & Co the highway, new arrivals stopping point, clear access to camp sites and tree protection.

2. 3. R3: Mulch undefined park areas Park amenities include: R2: Rationalise internal roads: • Toilets, 2 x showers Remove southern exit to highway • Laundry, including children’s bath.

Park facilities include: • BBQ • Picnic Tables • Playground • Shade • Potable water (taps)

Accommodation Options: • 35 Powered Sites Key. • 30 Unpowered Sites • 3 On site vans 1. Key Projects C / OV Cabin / Onsite Van • Tent Sites

Proposed Projects K & Co Camp Kitchen & Covered Area Park fees: • $20 powered; and, Access Routes T&S Toilet & Shower Amenities • $10 unpowered.

Powered Sites Proposed Planting - groundcover/ buffer planting Following are recommendations that align with the Wimmera Mallee regional strategy for improving Wycheproof Caravan Park’s visitor experience. The strategy considers supporting the continuation Unpowered Sites Tree Planting to successfully host visitors through the improvement of park facilities and amenity. Tent Camping

Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 14. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

1. Landscape Treatments Budget $$ Suggested budget (including GST): • Establishment and formalisation of 20 garden beds (approx. Recommendation 15m2 each); allow total $30-35k including edging, irrigation and mulch; and, The park requires the following landscape upgrade treatments; • Establish buffer planting to front of park (approx. 250m2): allow $25-30k including edging, mulch and irrigation. • Establishment and formalisation of internal park garden beds, including removal of sharp pointed leafed plantings; 2. Rationalise internal roads • Buffer planting to front of park; • Planting species to showcase local drought tolerant Mallee $$ species: Recommendation Suggested species: Rationalise internal road layout to provide the following: • Remove southern exit to highway; Local mid-size trees • Provide new visitor stopping bay; Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) • Formalise access roads to rear (east) of the site to designate 1. Landscape Treatments Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillate) camp sites and areas; Example use of Bluebush local planting and materials for landscaping White Cypress-pine (Callitris glaucophylla) Source: West Wimmera Shire Slender Cypress-pine (Callitris gracilis) Benefit Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon) Formalising internal access roads will provide the following: Grey Box (Eucalyptus macrocarpa) • Enhance the park amenity, including visitor experience; Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolate) • Better control access to busy highway; • Protect tent campers; Smaller Mallee Trees • Designate camp sites and areas; and, Bull Mallee (Eucalyptus behriana) • Protect trees and lawn areas. Red Mallee (Eucalyptus calycogona) Yellow Mallee (Eucalyptus costata) Budget Dumosa Mallee (Eucalyptus Dumosa) Suggested budget (including GST): Yorell (Eucalyptus gracilis) • Asphalt pavement: allow $30-35 per square metre Slender-leaf Mallee (Eucalyptus leptophylla) • Gravel pavement: allow $15-20 per square metre Green-leaf Mallee (Eucalyptus phenax) Black Mallee-box (Eucalyptus porosa) 3. Mulch undefined park areas Oil Mallee (Eucalyptus oleosa) Grey Mallee (Eucalyptus socialis) $ Shrub suggestions: Recommendation 2. Rationalise Internal Roads Hedge Wattle (Acacia paradoxa) Example - Cunnamulla Warrego Riverside Tourist Park Gold Dust Wattle (Acacia acinacea) Supply and spread 75-100mm of organic mulch around undefined Source: Cunnamulla Warrego Riverside Tourist Park River Bottlebrush (Callistemon sieberi) areas, under and around mature trees. Cat’s Claw (Grevillea alpine) Goldfields Grevillea (Grevillea dryophylla) Benefit Small-leaf Bluebush (Maireana brevifolia) Applying mulch to bare areas around trees and shrubs to Common Bluebush (Maireana decalvans) immediately enhance the park by providing: • A defined edge to camp sites, garden areas and access Benefit roads; and, The recommended landscape treatments will not only beautify the • Mulch covering the exposed soil areas around trees and park, but also: shrubs benefit the health of the tree by minimising weed competition, soil compaction and retain moisture in the topsoil. • Define park area zoning; • Designate roadways and camp sites; Budget • Protect park facilities; • Stop soil compaction around existing mature trees; and, Suggested budget (including GST): • Buffer planting to the front boundary will ensure a filtered • Supply and spread 500m2 @ $15-17 a square metre = $7- visual barrier so that the busy Calder Highway appears less 8.5k intrusive to park users.

3. Mulch undefined park areas Example: Mulching to Potters Gorge, WA Source: CaravanWA Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 15. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Tchum Lakes Camping Ground 100m0m 200m 400m 800m Masterplan

Park Summary 2. Tchum Lake Camping Ground is located on the north western foreshore of a large picturesque Formalise Parking Areas (place freshwater lake. The camp ground is accessed off Lees Road on the Birchip-Wycheproof Road, dressed timber bollards) 8km east of Birchip and 27km west of Wycheproof. Tchum Lake is supplied by the Wimmera Mallee 1. Pipeline Project allowing year round water based visitor recreation. P R1: Campground Entry Signage S Day Use There is road and walk trail around the lake and a formalised bike trail 8km to Birchip. The camp K&Co ground has just received a new amenities block, has a boat ramp and swimming beach area. T&S The strategy supports the camp ground to continue successfully hosting visitors through ongoing To Wycheproof (27.5km) improvement of park facilities and amenities, including enhancing the lake’s natural environment. 2. 1. Formalise Access Roads and Parking Opportunities P Areas (place dressed timber bollards) • Good example of Cultural Heritage, History and Environmental interpretation; R1: Boat Ramp Signage • New amenities with good design and facilities; S • Foreshore area that has shady mature trees and large expanse of lawn; • Large freshwater lake and swimming area; and, • Bike path to Birchip.

Constraints • Unclear signage to Lees Road camp ground access and separate boat ramp access; • Unclear vehicle / parking areas; and, • Rehabilitation of lake foreshore areas required. •

Birchip - Wycheproof Rd Park amenities include: Consider Vegetation • New Amenities Block Rehabilitation to adjacent • Laundry. secondary Lake, potential to 3. provide additional habitat Vegetation Rehabilitation to Lake Park facilities include: Foreshore Non-Camping Areas • BBQ • Lawn foreshore • Picnic Tables • Playground • Shade • Water

Accommodation Options: • Powered Sites To Birchip (8km) To Gravel bicycle path to Birchip (8km) • Unpowered Sites Key. • Tent Sites

1. Key Projects C / OV Cabin / Onsite Van Park fees: • $20 powered Proposed Projects K & Co Camp Kitchen & Covered Area • $10 unpowered • Formalise parking area Access Routes T&S Toilet & Shower Amenities Following are recommendations that align with the Wimmera Mallee regional strategy for improving Powered Sites Proposed Planting - groundcover/ buffer planting Tchum Lakes Camping Ground visitor experience. The strategy considers supporting the continuation to successfully host visitors through the improvement of park facilities and amenity. Unpowered Sites Tree Planting Tent Camping

Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 16. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

1. Camp Ground and Boat Ramp Signage 3. Vegetation Rehabilitation to Lake Foreshore Budget Non-Camping Areas Suggested budget (including GST): $ • Supply, plant and mulch 10,000 (90mm cells) plant grouping $$ to perimeter of lake: allow $50k. Recommendation Signage on Birchip-Wycheproof Road is required to clearly indicate Recommendation camp ground access off Lees Road and separate boat ramp turn- Supplement and rehabilitate lake foreshore areas that are non- off accessed from the main road. camping areas. Use endemic (local native) trees and shrub groupings and mulch to protect new planting areas. Benefit Clear signage will provide the following benefits: Following are suggested species, however these require • Allow new visitors to clearly navigate turn-off to camping area investigation into procuring local seed providence including on Lees Road; endemic foreshore planting: • Minimise confusion between boat ramp users and campers; Large Local trees • Improve safety; and, Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) • Provide opportunity to formalise access road and parking Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillate) areas. White Cypress-pine (Callitris glaucophylla) 1. Camp Ground and Boat Ramp Signage Slender Cypress-pine (Callitris gracilis) Example Lake Eppalock boat ramp sigange Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) \Source: goldfieldsguide.com.au Budget Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) Suggested budget (including GST): Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon) • Supply and place two large directional signs noting camping Grey Box (Eucalyptus macrocarpa) ground and separate boat ramp turn off: allow $5-7.5k Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolate)

Smaller Mallee Trees 2. Formalise Access Roads and Parking Areas Bull Mallee (Eucalyptus behriana) Red Mallee (Eucalyptus calycogona) $$ Yellow Mallee (Eucalyptus costata) Dumosa Mallee (Eucalyptus Dumosa) Recommendation Yorell (Eucalyptus gracilis) Access roads and parking areas, including boat ramp and around Slender-leaf Mallee (Eucalyptus leptophylla) the lake should be formalised through placement of dressed timber Green-leaf Mallee (Eucalyptus phenax) sleeper bollards. Black Mallee-box (Eucalyptus porosa) Oil Mallee (Eucalyptus oleosa) Benefit Grey Mallee (Eucalyptus socialis) Road and parking formalisation will provide the following benefits: Shrub suggestions: • Protect camping areas; 2. Formalise access roads and parking areas Hedge Wattle (Acacia paradoxa) • Protect lawn foreshore recreation area; Bollards at Cronomby Tanks campground, Yarriambiack shire- Gold Dust Wattle (Acacia acinacea) Source: Brave and Curious • Protect and conserve vegetation rehabilitation areas; River Bottlebrush (Callistemon sieberi) • Protect walkers and bicycle users; and, Cat’s Claw (Grevillea alpine) • Improve lake surrounds. Goldfields Grevillea (Grevillea dryophylla) Small-leaf Bluebush (Maireana brevifolia) Budget Common Bluebush (Maireana decalvans) Suggested budget (including GST): Common Bluebush (Maireana decalvans) • allow for supply and erect up to 100 x dressed hardwood sleeper bollards 200x75mmx1200 @ 1.5m centres $15-17k Benefit Supplementing and revegetating the Tchum Lake foreshore will provide the following benefits: • Lake beautification; • Develop area ecology, wildlife and birdlife habitat; and, • Provide improved area for visitor recreation, including improving lake perimeter walking and cycling trail.

3. Vegetation Rehabilitation to Lake Foreshoree Exmaple: Lake Coogee Rehabilitation Relationship with Reliability & Source: Tranen Revegetation Systems Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 17. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Town Strategy

‘The Heart of Victoria’

Donald is located on the Richardson River half way between Melbourne and Mildura (280km) at the junction of Sunraysia and Borung Highways. The town is part of the Buloke Shire Council and the broader Wimmera Mallee tourism region. Donald services an agricultural district that produces wheat, barley, fat lambs and wool, peas, lentils, canola and safflower.

The town has a vibrant community who are proactive in promoting the town and its services. This includes Donald being the home of Kooka’s Country Cookies, a community supported and run business. Donald is also a river town and recently a large levee has been built on the southern side of the river to protect the town centre from severe flooding most recently occurred in 2010 and 2011.

Traditional Owners for the regional Wimmera Mallee area are the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagik Nations. These Nations are represented by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BGLCAC).

The town was named Donald after William Donald and his two brothers set up a pastoral run in 1844 called ‘Banyenong’. The township was established following survey in 1866 and the Post Office was opened 1870. The town grew steadily with the arrival of the railway in 1882.

Local visitor attractions include: The Federation Walking Track - a shared bike and walking track that passes alongside the Richardson Rive and key town attractions including; the old Police Camp, town historic buildings, Apex Park on Scilley’s Island, Lions Club Heritage Train Park and Memorial Park on Hammill Street.

Regional visitor attractions include: Lake Buloke located 18 km north of Donald which is fed by the Richardson River and habitat for local birdlife including ducks and quail. The eastern sand lunettes include culturally significant Aboriginal middens; and, Mount Jeffcott Flora and Fauna Reserve located 16 km to the east of the town, has rare trees and plant specimens spread across 262 ha.

Donald town centre is located on the reasonably busy Wood Street (Sunraysia Highway) extending approximately 450m from the intersections of Hammill Street to Blair Street. The town revitalisation strategy builds upon recent Buloke Shire Council (Five Towns) Master Plan and the priorities recognised within the town centre. The strategy also recognises Donald’s relationship to its unique Richardson River landscape (a river town). The recommendations support the community in providing a welcoming, comfortable, activated place for locals, attracting visitors and future residents. This will have the opportunity to be achieved through ongoing improvement of town centre visitor provisions, upgrading streetscape amenities, beautification and wayfinding.

18. Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

1. Creatively Activate Pocket Parks 2. Streetscape Tree Planting 3. Shop Front Program $$ $$$ $ $$ Recommendation Recommendation Streetscape Greening includes the introduction and establishment Recommendation $ $$ $$$ • Investigate alternative store uses by a town progress of road pavement located tree planting framing existing town centre committee, or similar purchasing vacant shop/trade fronts for There are three pocket parks located along the town centre that traders and by modifying parallel parking spaces. Furthermore, new purposes, have the opportunity to better showcase the town as a welcoming, continued establishment of additional grapevines on verandah • Beautify store frontages by restoring heritage signage and proactive and creative community, including improving its shop fronts. relationship to being a river town. They include: decorative makeovers. The shop front program may consider creative artwork on windows, especially on vacant shop • Hammill Street corner park opposite Donald Motor Lodge, a These parking improvements can be initially tested by moveable fronts promoting the towns attractions, upcoming events or prominent northern gateway position for a visitor welcoming trees in large robust pots on movable pallets, in combination with expressing community creativity. creative sculptural element. This is to include landscape simple road line marking (pavement paint), as required. If the beautification showcasing local riverland vegetation; initiative is deemed successful over an agreed period of time more • A corresponding southern visitor welcoming element suggest permanent implementation can occur through detailed plans and being a painted welcome mural on the Beaurepaires Tyres construction. Permanent pedestrian upgrades have the ability Benefit wall on the Blair Street corner. The welcoming (welcome to apply universal accessibility treatments, nib kerbing, raised • Alternative shopfront uses for accommodation will provide 1. Creatively Activate Pocket Parks Example mural at Dimboola tourism hub home) mural could be a joint local Aboriginal opportunity (to be pavement, protected safe crossovers and permanent street tree diversity in visitor accommodation offerings. This could provide Source: Brave and Curiios coordinated with BGLCAC representative) or a welcome home planting. attractive and unusual town centre stays inviting visitors to message from Kooka Country Cookies, etc. stay and participate in the region’s cultural, heritage, nature, food, and Silo Art trails. New service opportunities also builds • The McCulloch Street Piazza (pedestrian walkthrough) is Recommend the use of deciduous trees and continuing existing local confidence in the town centre; and, essentially a town square and connects the town to Richardson tree palette within McCulloch Street Piazza: River. Suggest this area requires additional 4 x large tree • Upgrading and enhancing shopfronts recognises an active plantings to complement single existing London Plane community that welcomes visitors to stopover and explore. (Platunus acerifolia) to follow side of wall leading people down Southern Wimmera Mallee’s Deciduous Street Trees: to the river (to be under pruned for shaded access). Providing • Bradford Ornamental Pear (Pyrus calleryana); and, Budget welcoming greenery and shade for possible pop-up market • London Plane (Platunus acerifolia). store, café or activation program area. A creative sculptural Suggested budget (including GST): element to reflect local theming. In addition, a suggested road • Suggested shop front conversion budget (to : $60-80k each, pavement treatment (paving that crosses McCulloch Street Note: Vic Roads, Buloke Shire Council and Community excluding structural repairs, if required; and, intersection (temporary opportunity is to use a contrasting Representatives will be required to be involved in promoting the • Painting and decorating shop fronts: $2-5k – Traders or pavement paint) to designate town centre point of arrival and street greening opportunity. This will include endorsing a 50km Community working Bee. share use pedestrian zone; and, zone, the use of an alternate heavy vehicle bypass and the limited • ‘The Courtyard’ on southern end of Woods Street requires a truck use of town centre service station to remove large vehicle similar activation program and meeting place beautification traffic including slowing passenger vehicles within the town centre. including seating, tables, movable planting pots, seasonal shade and a pop-up program/food service. Benefit 1. Creatively Activate Pocket Parks Example street activation - Brooklyn Pops, NY Benefit Streetscape greening is essential to providing an attractive, Source: Assembly Guidelines welcoming town environment to provide seasonal amenity, regulate Town welcoming elements located in pocket parks and shop/trader street temperature, sheltering locals and visitors and importantly frontages (alfresco) is vital for promoting an activated and creative slowing traffic. The beautification elements also suggest a proud, community. Welcoming visitors to stop and explore providing activated streetscape, welcoming visitors and locals to walk, dine comfortable spaces with meeting place amenity and services for and explore Donald’s unique main street. both locals and visitors.

Budget Budget Suggested budget (including GST): Suggested budget (including GST): • Camp Street corner southern gateway pocket park: allow • Supply and plant approximately 60 semi-mature deciduous $175-200k including landscaping beautification to reflect a street trees - prepare tree plant well including watering tube river town planting; and 2 timber bollards plus traffic reflectors for protection: $1.5- • Blair Street corner Beaurepaires Tyres wall welcome mural 1.8k each - $90-100k; (requires approval by trader): allow $15-22k; • Establish approximately 50 grapevines including marine wire • •McCulloch Street Piazza: allow $25-30k for temporary solution across top of verandah: $15-20k. and $200-250k for permanent road pavement solution; and, • The Courtyard’ beautification and activation: $50-75k.

2. Streetscape Tree Planting Example - Framing of building facade using deciduos trees (Beechworth) Source: Explore Beechworth Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 19. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Key. Regional Strategy 1. Key Project Project Area (Masterplan) S Proposed Signage Town & Tourism Strategy Key Building Main Street (Existing) P Proposed Parking

Urban Area Proposed street project Point of Arrival

Proposed Project Trail (Existing) Street Tree Planting

Proposed Landscaping/Nature Proposed trail Project

(Sunraysia HIghway)

(Borung Highway)

Donald Caravan Park 1. Agricultural R1:Creatively Activate Pocket Museum Parks - Hammill St corner welcoming element East Wimmera Golden Chain Health Services Donald Motor Lodge Woods St (Sunraysia Hwy) Primary School

R1:Creatively Activate Pocket Parks - green and activate Levee Banks McCullogh Street Piazza 2. R2:Streetscape Tree Planting 1. Skate Park Woods St (Sunraysia Hwy) Donald-Stawell Rd McCulloch Street Piazza Primary School

‘The Courtyard’ Beaurepaires Swimming Tyres Pool 3. 1.

Richardson River R3. Shopfront Program R1:Creatively Activate Pocket Parks - welcome mural

Donald Donald Town Centre Map

0m 100m 200m 400m 800m 1:20,000 @ A3 0m 25m 50m 100m 200m 1:5,000 @ A3

Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 20. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Donald Lakeside Caravan Park 0m 50m 100m 200m 400m Masterplan

Park Summary

The Donald Lakeside Caravan Park is located at 2 Corack Road (Borung Highway), the north eastern entry to town, opposite the Donald Recreation Reserve. The park nestles against the southern R2: Concept Plan: compacted gravel foreshore of a small recreation lake allowing prime foreshore van, tent or cabin camping. walking path

2. It is an expansive and informal camp ground with opportunity for diverse camping and site improvements. The lake foreshore affords greater opportunity to provide high quality camp site and R2: Concept Plan: Allow access to recreation areas. There is one service road that enters from the corner of Corack and the Moore additional foreshore reserve Road. 2. The strategy supports the Donald Lakeside Caravan Park to successfully host visitors through ongoing improvement of park services, amenities and wayfinding, including enhancing the camp 3. ground environment. C R3: Foreshore cabins Opportunities C • Lake foreshore ideal for diversity of camping and recreation prospects; • Mature trees and shade along foreshore; C 2. • Pet friendly; and, • Large camping area. Corack Rd / Borung Hwy R2: Concept Plan: Irrigated lawn along C lake foreshore Constraints S • Awkward and uninviting entry point to park; • A number of unused buildings including dog pound infrastructure; R1: Improve entry - consider access R3: Remove unwanted infrastructure along Moore St, landscaping & signage • Informal sites; 3. • Lack of shade away from foreshore; and T&S 1. • No irrigated lawn.

Park amenities include: • Disabled amenities (8 showers, children’s bath); • Laundry (1 washing machine, 1 dryer); and, • Dump Site.

Moore St Park facilities include: • BBQ; • Shelter; • Picnic Tables; and, • Playground.

Accommodation Options: Key. • 51 Powered Sites; • 17 On site vans; 1. Key Projects C / OV Cabin / Onsite Van • Tent sites; • Long vehicle parking; Proposed Projects K & Co Camp Kitchen & Covered Area • Drive through sites; and, • Large tourist sites. Access Routes T&S Toilet & Shower Amenities Park fees: Powered Sites Proposed Planting - groundcover/ buffer planting • $20 powered; and, • $10 unpowered. Unpowered Sites Tree Planting Following are recommendations that align with the Wimmera Mallee regional strategy for improving Tent Camping Donald Lakeside Caravan Park’s visitor experience. The strategy considers supporting the continuation to successfully host visitors through the improvement of park facilities and amenity.

Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 21. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

1. Improve Entry • Claret Ash (Fraxinus Raywood) • Supply and erect up to 80 x dressed hardwood sleeper • English Elm (Ulmus procera) bollards 200x75mmx1200 @ 1.5m centres $12-15k; $ $$ • Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) • Supply and plant 80 deciduous (semi-mature) trees including • Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) bollard protection, as required $15-20k; Recommendation • London Plane (Platunus acerifolia) • Supply, plant and mulch 400 (150mm pot size) native tree and The Lakeside Caravan Park currently has two park names at the • Oriental Plane (Platunus orientalis) shrub group plantings to supplement lake foreshore: allow entry and is located on an awkward corner that is diagonal to a • Golden Elm (Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’); and, $15-20k; busy Highway intersection. • Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea). 3. Foreshore Cabins (and remove unwanted Consider new Park entry location by moving further north on 6. Supplement native tree planting along foreshore and spread Corack Road away from corner of site or possible access midway native mulch around new and existing plantings. Suggested infrastructure) along Moore Street to make greater use of park layout. native tree and shrub planting list: $ $$$ Suggest beautification of park entry (at existing location, but Southern Local Trees preferably at new location) through clear signage and low • Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) Recommendation landscape planting featuring hardy drought tolerant groundcover • Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillate) Provide 4 cabins with outlooks addressing the lake foreshore. species, including: Grevilleas, Acacias, Eremophila, Westringia, • White Cypress-pine (Callitris glaucophylla) Consider aspect and keep cabins separated for privacy. • Slender Cypress-pine (Callitris gracilis) Lomandra, Scaevola species, etc. 1. Improve Entry • Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) Remove unwanted infrastructure around the site including the Example park signage, landscaping and buffer planting Benefit • Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) disused dog pound, old cabins/dongas and onsite vans. Source: Armidale Tourist Park • Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon) A clear, easy to access and welcoming entry promotes a similar • Grey Box (Eucalyptus macrocarpa) Benefit attention to detail within the park, improving opportunity for visitor • Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolate) stopover. Beautifying this area will also enhance the north eastern The lake foreshore provides high amenity for cabin accommodation. entry to Donald. In addition, moving the park entry to a less Mallee Trees Cabin accommodation will offer diversity in town accommodation awkward location will improve traffic safety and provide a clear, • Bull Mallee (Eucalyptus behriana) offering and if promoted a stronger return on investment. designated entry point. • Red Mallee (Eucalyptus calycogona) • Yellow Mallee (Eucalyptus costata) Removal of unwanted and unused infrastructure will immediately Budget • Dumosa Mallee (Eucalyptus Dumosa) enhance the sites appearance. Suggested budget (including GST): • Yorell (Eucalyptus gracilis) • Signage and landscape treatment to entry: $10-15k. • Slender-leaf Mallee (Eucalyptus leptophylla) Budget • Relocate entry road: $50k • Green-leaf Mallee (Eucalyptus phenax) Suggested budget (including GST): • Black Mallee-box (Eucalyptus porosa) • Supply and install luxury cabins: allow $110-125k per cabin • Oil Mallee (Eucalyptus oleosa) including decking to view the lakeside and landscaping. • Grey Mallee (Eucalyptus socialis) • Removal of unwanted infrastructure: allow $5-10k 2. Concept Plan/Improvement • Local Shrub suggestions: • Hedge Wattle (Acacia paradoxa) • Gold Dust Wattle (Acacia acinacea) $ $$ $$$ • River Bottlebrush (Callistemon sieberi) 2. Concept Plan - Tree Planting Recommendation • Cat’s Claw (Grevillea alpine) Tree & bollard arrangement example - Jaimieson Caravan Park • Goldfields Grevillea (Grevillea dryophylla) Source: Tangelo Creative 1. Establish approximately 1km compacted gravel walking path • Small-leaf Bluebush (Maireana brevifolia) around lake perimeter for local and visitor recreation. • Common Bluebush (Maireana decalvans) 2. Establish inground irrigated lawn along lake foreshore for prime camping, meeting and recreation opportunities. 3. Remove low fence and bollard park north boundary to allow Benefit access to additional foreshore reserve. 4. Bollard recreation and tent camping area to designate and Park beautification is essential to providing an attractive, welcoming protect campers from vehicles. environment and improved visitor experience. Tree planting will 5. Back from foreshore – Establish deciduous tree planting provide seasonal amenity, regulate temperature and habitat. between existing formalised sites and grid plant areas of deciduous trees to establish future shaded camp sites. Budget Recommend using a diverse number of deciduous tree Suggested budget (including GST): species, however, use same tree for each row. Protect tree • Prepare Donald Lakeside Caravan Park Concept Plan: $20k planting with bollards, as required. Suggested species include: • 1km lake circuit trail - compacted gravel 1.5m wide: allow $25- 30k • Bradford Ornamental Pear (Pyrus calleryana) • Prepare soil, supply and establish lawn with inground irrigation • Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) (6000m2, 20m width along foreshore): allow $150-165k

3. Foreshore Cabins Example spacing and cabin arragement Barwon Heads Caravan Park (where possible) Relationship with Reliability & Source: Visit Melbourne Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 22. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Town Strategy

The Friendly River Town

Charlton is a small town located in North Central Victoria on the Calder Highway midway between Melbourne and Mildura (245km) via the Calder Highway. It is the second largest town within the Buloke Shire Council. The town’s main offerings include a tight urban town centre with unique historic town buildings and the adjacent Avoca River natural river corridor. The town has a Travellers Rest Caravan Park that is also in the heart of town offering a diversity of walkable accommodation for visitors.

Traditional Owners for the regional Wimmera Mallee area are the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagik Nations. These Nations are represented by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BGLC).

Charlton is situated in the Avoca River valley and the last of the foothills that make up the Great Dividing Range. There is a recognised change in landscape as you head north moving from this granite country into the Wimmera Mallee rolling plains, with sand dunes and grey clay loam wetlands.

The town originated when settlers Robert Cay and William Kaye took the lease on West Charlton Station in 1884 and the East Charlton Station in 1845. A bridge across the Avoca River was completed in 1867, connecting the two stations. The East Charlton Post office was opened in 1876. In 1879 another town named Charlton changed its name to Chute, and the single word Chalrton replaced East and West Charlton. In the 1950's levee banks were built along the Avoca River, however in September 2010 the town was flooded, and again in January 2011 at record levels.

Key local and visitor attractions in Charlton include the Avoca River where the centrally located purpose- designed Travellers Rest allow the opportunity to access river walking trails. There are a number of significant historic buildings in Charlton including the Mechanics Institute (1882), home of the Golden Grains Museum in Elliott Gardens, on the northern end of High Street. The museum has a collection of over 3,000 items relating to local and Indigenous history. The significant Art Deco styled community owned and operated Rex Theatre is still used for weekly movies, live performances and hosts the Charlton Film Festival every February. The Charlton Court House (1883) on Camp Street has been restored with a gallery of semi-permanent exhibitions and photographs, including from visiting artists. Two of the oldest buildings in Charlton are the Chapel at Uniting Church and the cottage opposite Charlton Park. The district attractions include Wooroonook Lakes located 14 km west of Charlton, popular with the locals and visitors for swimming, fishing and boating.

Economically, Charlton is a small agricultural community with a snug tree-lined trading main street near the Avoca River. Wheat, oats and barley are the the major crops farmed in the district. Wool and fat lambs also contribute to the local economy, with Tey's Charlton Feedlot being the largest in Victoria. The town revitalisation strategy builds upon the priorities recognised within the recent Buloke Shire Council (Five Towns) Master Plan for the town centre. The strategy also recognises Charlton’s relationship to its river landscape and the centrally located Travellers Rest. The recommendations support the community in providing a welcoming, comfortable, activated place for locals, attracting visitors and future residents. This will continue to be achieved through ongoing improvement of town centre visitor provisions, upgrading streetscape amenities, beautification and wayfinding.

23. Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

1. Develop Trails the road pavement. 3. Long Vehicle Parking

$ $$ These improvements can be initially tested by simply altering $$ existing road line marking (pavement paint) and testing moveable Recommendation items such as trees or colourful plants in robust pots on movable Recommendation Develop interpretation trails that build upon existing river trails pallets with tables, chairs and umbrellas to provide an on street Provide long vehicle parking between Kaye and Learmonth to encourage the visitor to explore Chartlon’s cultural and welcoming appeal with tables, chairs, benches and umbrellas. Streets. Include large and clear wayfinding signage 50m prior or environmental heritage. Trails might include a Cultural Heritage suitable place (northern access before bridge) to give visitors prior Trail, Heritage Building Trail and an Avoca River Heritage and forewarning. Ecology Trail. These trails are ideally pedestrain trails accessed Over an agreed period of time and if the initiative is deemed from the town centre, however it may be possible to consider successful, more permanent undertakings can occur through developing trails in nearby locations. detailed plans and construction, with the ability to include universal accessibility treatments, nib kerbing, raised pavement, tree planting Road shoulder in this area is currently gravel on both sides and may Development of each trail is to include two key stages: and more permanent streetscape fixtures. require a 50m section (each side) to be sealed with line marking. 1. Research, planning and trail physical design; and, 2. Trail implementation. High Street has angle parking there is opportunity for an alfresco Benefit area to include the use of three parking spaces including space for Long vehicle parking provides the following town benefits: 1. Heritage Building Trail two street trees each side. • Clear forewarning for long vehicle parking encourages visitors Benefit Heritage intrepretation example to have a Charlton stopover; Source: Tourism Central Coast The benefits of developing trails are as follows: The above town centre beautification elements will increase • Provides walkable access for visitors to the town centre and • Promote community pride and respect for existing buildings activation of the streetscape, welcoming visitors and locals to walk, local key attractions; and environment; dine and explore Charlton’s main street. • Encourages town activation. • Improve town historical research archive; • Attraction and information for visitors; and, • Provide link to broader river trails Benefit • Explore cultural heritage.Consider group of low hills just The benefits of on-street activated meeting and alfresco areas Budget west of where Charlton is now situated, which was once include: a semi-permanent Aboriginal camp site. The Aborigines Suggested budget (including GST): named the area Youanduk, meaning a basin in a rock, as there • A visible warm and welcoming amenity for community and • Budget estimate to include 100m (50m each side of street) of were a number of rock depressions on the hillsides providing a visitors; shoulder to kerb sealed pavement and line marking, in addition reasonably good water supply. • Designates the town centre or ‘point of arrival’, providing an clear signage prior stopover area: allow $30-35k invitation for visitors to stopover, rest, eat and explore; Budget • The safe provision of streetscape activity close to vehicle Estimated budget per trail, excluding grant access opportunities for: traffic lanes to slow vehicle speed and provide positive traffic • Stage 1 - Research, planning and design: $10-15k friction. In this way the main street becomes more of a shared • Stage 2 - Implementation of up to 10 interpretation stations: use zone rather than pedestrians being secondary to vehicular $25-50k traffic. Much easier for a pedestrian to negotiate crossing the • Note - when considering implementing a Cultural Heritage street to visit other shop traders; 2. Street Activation Trail, allow an additional $30-40k to Stage 1 to provide • Affords an opportunity to develop universal accessibility within Example project: seasonal parklet in parking space, Philadelphia sufficient funds for engaging Traditional Owners for cultural the town centre; Source: Shift Space Design direction • Successful meeting places provide opportunities to promote town services and events; • Public alfresco / meeting areas offer opportunities for creative 2. Street Activation and artistic prospects, music, poetry, story-telling, street $ $$$ performance, etc.; and, • Alfresco dining is a welcoming on-street activity which may Recommendation include; umbrellas, seats, food and beverage, etc. Town centre activation is a high priority within the Buloke Shire Council Five Towns Master Plan. The strategy recommends Budget promoting on street alfresco seating, meeting and dining Suggested budget: opportunities. This may include extending the sidewalk in three • Stage 1 - Quick win temporary movable interventions: $10-15k or four areas to afford meeting/alfresco opportunities including • Stage 2 - Permanent meeting/alfresco areas $150-200k taking up angle parking spaces in front of eateries, hotel, café, including verge treatments, furniture and tree planting. takeaway, the Rex Theatre, The Globe, etc. These areas should be • Concept Plan - Main Street Alfresco Areas & Traffic Calming located around the existing street plantings and supplemented with $10k additional London Plane (Platunus acerifolia) tree plantings within 3.Long Vehicle Parking Example long vehicle parking signage Relationship with Reliability & Source: Camps Australia Wide Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 24. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Key. Regional Strategy 1. Key Project Project Area (Masterplan) S Proposed Signage Town & Tourism Strategy Key Building Main Street (Existing) P Proposed Parking

Urban Area Proposed street project Point of Arrival

Proposed Project Trail (Existing) Street Tree Planting

Proposed Landscaping/Nature Proposed trail Project

To Wycheproof (30km) 1. Charlton R1:Avoca River Heritage & Caravan Park Ecology Trail (indicative)

Rotary Park Charlton Caravan Park Charlton Golden Tennis Harness Racing Grains Museum Buloke Shire Offices Football Calder Hwy Hockey Netball

To Wooroonook Lakes & Wooroonook Lakes Caravan Park (12km), Donald (41.5km) R1:Extend river trails and R2 - Street Activation devlop interpretation 1. 2. Charlton Charlton Golden Caravan Park Charlton Traveller’s Grains Museum Rest Rex Theatre

Rex Theatre Charlton Traveller’s Rest Travellers East Wimmera Rest Health Service 1.

R1:Heritage Building Trail 1. Fuel Station (indicative)

R1:Heritage Building Trail Cricket Club P-12 School Hotel (indicative) Community Gym R2 - Street Activation 2.

To Whychitella Nature Conservation Reserve R1: Vehicle access to Cultural Heritage Trail (west of town) (40km) 1. Cricket Club Hotel P To St Arnaud (42.4km) R3 - Long Vehicle Parking 3. P

R1:Vehicle access to Cultural Charlton - StHeritage Arnaud Rd Trail (west of town) 1.

Charlton Charlton Town Centre Map 0m 100m 200m 400m 800m 1:20,000 @ A3 0m 25m 50m 100m 200m 1:5,000 @ A3

Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 25. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Charlton Traveller’s Rest Caravan Park

0m 50m 100m 200m 400m Masterplan Park Summary

S The Traveller’s Rest is a purpose-designed stopover, rest and meeting place located in the centre Old Railway Bridge of Charlton. It is designed for the traveller, however, is also an excellent amenity for locals. The area R4: Wayfinding includes picnic facilities, a wishing well, gazebo, views of the river, access to river walking trails, a footbridge across the river and overnight stop facilities. It has parking for cars, caravans and buses T&S and high standard toilet facilities. S R4: Internal Park Wayfinding 1. Charlton Caravan Park is part of the Travellers Rest facility and straddles both sides of the K&Co C R1: Cabins Avoca River. The Travellers Rest southern area caters for ensuite and overnight stays within two unique circular hard standing areas. The Gordon Park side of the Caravan Park is accessed C via the Highway north of the river and is appropriate for longer stay with access to an excellent example of camp kitchen facilities and one of the towns recreation areas. R3: Tree Planting Palette R2: Upgrade RV Dollarwise 3. Park Area The strategy supports the park to continue successfully hosting visitors through ongoing 2. improvements of park facilities and amenities. Following are recommendations that align with the Wimmera Mallee Regional Strategy for improving the Travellers Rest Caravan Park visitor experience.

T&S Opportunities • well maintained T&S • river amenity • pet friendly • good example of camp kitchen and ensuite facilities Avoca River • proximity to town centre S R4: Internal Park Wayfinding Constraints P • Tree planting to include deciduous and local trees to supplement existing; • Charlton Travellers Rest Wayfinding Park Amenities include: Calder Hwy • amenities block; • laundry (coin operated); • dump point; • Tourist Information Centre; R4: Wayfinding • Onsite Manager S Park Facilities include: • camp kitchen; • BBQ; • Children's playgrounds and skatepark; Key. • Bocce Court; • Access to river trails, pool (seasonal), croquet and bowls. 1. Key Projects C / OV Cabin / Onsite Van Accommodation Options & Fees:

Proposed Projects K & Co Camp Kitchen & Covered Area • 8 drive0m through50m ensuite sites $32.00 per night for two people. Extra $5 per person over 12 years. (2 disabled ensuites available); Access Routes Toilet & Shower Amenities • Onsite caravan; T&S • Powered sites $25 Powered Sites Proposed Planting - groundcover/ • Non-powered $18; buffer planting • Prices for 2 people; Extra $5 per person over 12 years old Unpowered Sites • RV Dollarwise Park located in grassland area at rear of park. Access to dump point. Tree Planting $10 for first night (next two nights free). Tent Camping Following are recommendations that align with the Wimmera Mallee regional strategy for improving Charlton Travellers Rest Caravan Park's visitor experience. The strategy considers supporting the continuation to successfully host visitors through the improvement of park facilities and ammenities.

Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Touring Routes Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 26. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Universal Access Liveability Meeting Places Entries Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

1. Cabins planting for seasonal camping amenity on lawn. Tree • Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) species recommendations are included within the next • London Plane (Platunus acerifolia) recommendation. • Oriental Plane (Platunus orientalis) $$$ • Golden Elm (Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’); and, Recommendation Benefit • Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea). Provide four self-contained cabins to the north eastern edge of Upgrade of this conveniently located powered site area will improve the park. These are to be suitable for families, groups or short accommodation opportunities and enhance visitor experience. Benefit stay workers. Locate and select cabins to provide outlooks Deciduous tree formal planting will provide seasonal amenity The benefits of appropriate tree planting include: addressing the Avoca River foreshore and keep cabins separated for campers and edge planting of grouped local native plantings • Planting for endemic habitat and ecological value; for privacy. will blend site into surrounds including the establishment of local • Planting for local sense of place; habitat. • The provision of seasonal shelter; Consider local native tree planting groupings (as per • The regulation of seasonal temperatures; and Recommendation 3) around cabins and promote cabins as an eco Budget • Park beautification. experience, walking distance from the town centre. Suggested budget (including GST): • Prepare supply and establish irrigated lawn (approx. 2,000 Budget Undertake some remediation/cleanup works and landscaping to m2): $50-60k; Suggested budget (including GST): the river shore and existing railway bridge to improve the ‘eco’ • Supply and establish deciduous tree formal planting (12 • Supply and establish deciduous tree formal planting as a experience Use endemic (local native) trees and shrub groupings @100 litre pot size) to lawn area, including 24 x dressed semi-mature 40 litre pot size, including 24 x dressed timber 1. Cabins and mulch to protect new planting areas. timber sleeper bollard protection: $12-15k sleeper bollard protection: allow $350 per tree. Example pleasant bushland outlook - Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park • Supply and establish local native tree groupings (100 mixed • Supply and establish local native tree plantings @150mm pot Source: CaravanWA Utilise suggested native species as per regional Tree Planting trees @150mm pot size) including spreading organic forest size: allow $30 per tree including hardwood stakes and ties. Schedule , however these require investigation into procuring local mulch (400m2) to understory: allow $7-10k. seed providence including endemic foreshore planting.

Benefit 3. Tree Planting Palette 4. Wayfinding The riverside location close to town provides amenity for cabin $ $$ $$ accommodation. Cabin accommodation will offer diversity in town accommodation offering and, if promoted, a stronger return on Recommendation Recommendation investment. Replace deceased or unsafe trees with a preferred local tree pallete. Strong wayfinding signage for the Travellers Rest Caravan Park is required to forewarn incoming and potential visitors. Supplementing and revegetating the Avoca River foreshore will Suggest using a local native tree pallete for park boundaries, buffer provide the following benefits: planting and river foreshore planting. Plant local native trees as a smaller pot size, as they will establish faster and healthier over Internal wayfinding signage throughout the park is required to • River beautification; direct visitors to park areas, including park amenities and facilities. • Develop area ecology, wildlife and birdlife habitat; and, time. • Provide improved outlook for riverside cabins Establish deciduous trees when shade amenity is required near Benefit infrastructure, including van and camp sites. Plant deciduous trees Suitable wayfinding signage has the following benefits: Budget when dormant as a large semi-mature pot size and protect with • Providing clear direction; dressed hardwood timber sleepers. • Has the opportunity to be playful and creative; 2. Upgrade RV Dollarwise Park Area Suggested budget (including GST): • Is able to convey park theming; and, Example lawn area - Longford Riverside Holiday Park • Supply and install luxury cabins: allow $110-125k per cabin Suggested local native tree planting pallete - for mixed groupings • Signposts to traveller the opportunity to consider a stopover. Source: Longford Riverside Holiday Park including decking to view the river and landscaping. and foreshore: • Clean up river foreshore and railway bridge & supply, plant • Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) Budget and mulch plant grouping to localised river foreshore: allow • Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillate) $5k-$10k. Suggested budget (including GST): • White Cypress-pine (Callitris glaucophylla) • 4 large road signs and 10 internal wayfinding signs: allow $30- • Slender Cypress-pine (Callitris gracilis) 35k 2. Upgrade RV Dollarwise Park Area • Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) • Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) • Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon) $ $$ • Grey Box (Eucalyptus macrocarpa) • Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolate) Recommendation The RV Dollarwise Park area at the rear of the southern ensuites Suggested deciduous tree planting palette - for formalised and requires upgrade including: seasonal amenity planting: • Inground irrigated lawn (2,000m2); and, • Bradford Ornamental Pear (Pyrus calleryana) • Formalised tree planting. Recommend groupings of local • Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) native tree planting with mulch understorey to the edges • Claret Ash (Fraxinus Raywood) of this parkland and gridded formalised deciduous tree • English Elm (Ulmus procera) 4. Wayfinding Example: Riverbend Caravan Park signage Relationship with Reliability & Source: Booking.com Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 27. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

Wooroonook Lakes Campground 0m 100m 200m 400m 800m Masterplan

Park Summary

To Charlton (14km) Wooroonook Lakes is located 14 km west of Charlton on the Borung Highway . The camp ground T&S and lake is popular with locals and visitors for camping, swimming, fishing and boating recreation. Borung Hwy S 3. R3: Day Use Zoning: expand lawn The lake is stocked with redfin and yellowbelly trout. P and relocate powered sites There are a small number of powered sites and numerous informal unpowered sites around the lake. To Donald (29km) The strategy supports the park to continue successfully hosting locals and visitors while considering 1. R1: Concept Plan vehicle access, camping amenity and improving the park environment to continually offer a high 1. R1: Concept Plan: consider value visitor experience. landscape qualities - nature, cultural heritage conservation areas/walks. Link to lake system Opportunities • Quiet, shaded lawn foreshore; • Lake water-based recreation; • Excellent examples of: Interpretation panels; New amenities block with universal access.

Constraints • Informal access roads; and, R1: Consider providing tent camping • Informal camping around the lake including no access when wet; and pedestrian only section at valuable link to wider lake system. • Non-potable water. Manage vehicular access. Park amenities include: • New well designed amenities block with universal access). T&S Park facilities include: • BBQ; 2. R2: Additional Amenities • Safe swimming area; • Boat ramp; • Children’s playgrounds; • Picnic tables and shade shelter; and, • Watercraft access and swimming Jetty.

Accommodation Options: • 10 Powered sites; • Drive through sites; and, • Unpowered tent sites (around lake); Key. Park Fees: 1. Key Projects C / OV Cabin / Onsite Van • $10 honesty box;

0m 100mFollowing200m are recommendations that align with the Wimmera Mallee regional strategy for improving Proposed Projects K & Co Camp Kitchen & Covered Area

Access Routes Toilet & Shower Amenities Wooroonook Lakes Campground’s visitor experience. The strategy considers supporting the T&S continuation to successfully host visitors through the improvement of park facilities and amenity. Powered Sites Proposed Planting - groundcover/ buffer planting Unpowered Sites Tree Planting Tent Camping

Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 28. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage Regional Strategy

Town & Tourism Strategy

1. Concept Plan • Catering for peak use; • Limit vehicle movements across site; and, $$ • Enhance visitor comfort and experience. Recommendation Budget Consider the preparation of a Wooroonook Lakes Campground Suggested budget (including GST): Masterplan to be prepared in collaboration with a qualified • Estimated budget for additional universal access amenity recreation planner to determine future use and enhancement of block at southern end of camp site: $200-250k this valued recreation reserve. The plan is to be prepared with the support of the Buloke Shire Council and members of the community organisation who have a strong interest in the reserve. 3. Day Use Zoning The concept plan brief is to consider the following elements: $$ • Landscape qualities (possible nature, cultural heritage Recommendation conservation areas – walks); • Visitor stay experience and recreation potential – zoning of Consider extending lawn area along east side of lake to include uses; the jetty and adjacent picnic and shelter facilities. Then relocate powered sites to extend towards the eastern side of the lake. 1. Concept Plan • Rationalise vehicle tracks, parking including multiple accesses Example concept plan - Ormiston Creek Campground from Borung Highway; Source: Dunn & Hillam Architects • Accommodation offerings (fees and no fees); Suggest existing powered site area is turned into day use parking • Additional amenities and broader camp ground facility with central access to boat ramp, amenities and lawn shaded requirements; foreshore. • Additional wayfinding and interpretation (excellent example of interpretation signage on site); Benefit • Expand foreshore lawn areas for recreation and camping; The provision of extending the lawn along the eastern side of and, the lake and including powered sites will provide the following • The provision of cost estimated implementation staging. improvements: • Quieter area for longer stay sites - fee paying visitors; Benefit • Less vehicle movements around camp sites; and, The benefits of a Wooroonook Lakes Campground Masterplan • Additional lawn amenity for recreational and tent camp use. include: Budget • A community supported long term vision for Charlton and districts major recreational and visitor attraction; Suggested budget (including GST): • To prepare, supply and establish extended lawn area (approx. • An opportunity to reassess the lake’s value for the town and 1800m2) including inground irrigation: allow $45-50k changing needs; and, • Re-establish 15-20 powered sites on eastern side of lake: • The provision of costed, staged implementation. allow $40-45k 1. Additional amenities block Existing amenities block - continue campground aesthetic through use of steel and siting amongst bushland Source: Brave and Curious Budget Suggested budget (including GST): • $20-25k including GST

2. Addtional Amenities $$$ Recommendation

Consider additional universal accessible toilet block at the southern end of site to include 2 toilets, showers and change room facilities.

Benefit The benefits of an additional amenities block include: 3. Day use zoning - tent camp site Example campground - Mungo Brush Campground Source: NSW National Parks Relationship with Reliability & Regional Materials Palette Town Committees Camping Dry Lake Amenities Self Contained Town Centre Vacant Shopfront Housing Identity Aboriginal community Opportunities availability of services Opportunities Upgrade Comp. Accommodation Accommodation Installations Stock

Tertiary design Accom. Network Electric Car Open House/ Town Centre & Town Centre Town Centre Town Entry 29. school collaboration Barista Training Google Maps Touring Routes Universal Access Street Trees Entries (Tour Groups) Charging Network Garden Program Liveability Meeting Places Traffic Calming Signage