Springbrook Cableway Pre-Feasibility Assessment Milestone 1: Technical Viability Study Final Visual Amenity Technical Notes

Prepared for

Cardno/ Urbis on behalf of Council of the City of Gold Coast

31 August 2020

Disclaimer

This Final Report has been prepared by Context Visual Assessment based on visibility modelling provided by Cardno for the exclusive use of Cardno (the Client) and Urbis on behalf of Council of the City of Gold Coast in accordance with the agreed scope of work and terms of the engagement. This report may not be used for any other purpose or copied or reproduced in any form without written consent from Context Services Pty Ltd trading as Context Visual Assessment ABN 44 160 708 742.

Document Control

Issue Date Revision Prepared Review

1 6 July 2020 Draft NT NT 2 31 August 2020 Final NT NT

Table of Contents

1 Introduction 5 1.1 Background and Purpose 5 1.3 Limitations and Assumptions 5 1.4 Study Area Overview 6 2 Visibility Principles 7 2.1 Introduction 7 2.2 Visibility 7 2.3 Likely Visual Components 7 2.4 Viewing Distance 8 2.5 Visual Impact Assessment Principles 9 3 Methodology 10 3.1 Overview 10 3.2 Description of Landscape Values 10 3.3 Visibility and Constraints 10 3.3.1 Visual Exposure Mapping 10 3.3.2 View Corridor Mapping 10 3.3.3 Viewshed Mapping 11 3.3.4 Visibility and Viewing Distance 11 3.3.5 Visual Absorption Capacity 12 3.4 Constraint and Opportunity Mapping 12 3.5 View Opportunities 12 3.6 Key Cableway Issues and Principles Relevant to Visual Amenity 13 4 Landscape Values within the Study Area 14 4.1 Previous Studies and Schemes 14 4.2 Background to Landscape Values Protection on the Gold Coast 14 4.3 Landscape Values within the Study Area 14 4.4 Valued Landscape Character Types 15 4.5 Significant Landscape Features 16 4.6 Character of Mudgeeraba 18 4.7 Character of Springbrook 18 4.8 World Heritage Values 20 5 Visibility and Constraints 21 5.1 Introduction 21 5.2 Visual Exposure 21 5.3 Citywide View Corridors 23 5.4 Key views within the Study Area 24 5.4.1 VPO1 Wunburra Lookout 27 5.4.2 VPO2 Tanninaba Falls Lookout 29 5.4.3 VPO3 Purlingbrook Falls Eastern Lookout 31 5.4.4 VPO4 Canyon Lookout 33 5.4.5 VP05 Goomoolahra Falls Lookout 35 5.4.6 VP06 Somerset Drive and Swanton Drive, Mudgeeraba 37 5.4.7 VP07 Pacific Motorway, Mudgeeraba 39 5.4.8 VP08 Gold Coast Springbrook Road, Neranwood 41 5.5 Visual Absorption Capacity 43 5.6 Visual Constraints and Opportunities 45

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6 View Opportunities 47 6.1 Introduction 47 6.2 Viewshed 1 - South along Austinville Valley 49 6.3 Viewshed 2 - South towards the upper reaches of Mudgeeraba Creek 50 6.4 Viewshed 3 - South along Little Nerang Creek towards The Canyon 51 6.5 Viewshed 4 - North from Mount Nimmel towards Advancetown Lake 52 6.6 Viewshed 5 - East from Mount Nimmel towards the Gold Coast 53 7 Key Cableway Issues - Potential Visual Impacts 54 7.1 Potential Visual Impacts 54 7.2 Potential Character and Scenic Amenity Impacts 54 8 Key Cableway Principles- Visual Amenity 56 8.1 Siting Principles 56 8.2 Vegetation Clearing and Disturbance 57 8.3 Built Form and Structure Design 58 8.3.1 Built Form associated with Base and Destination Stations 58 8.3.2 Tower Structure Design 59 8.3.3 Materials Surface Treatments 59 8.4 Lighting 59 9 References 60

Appendices Appendix A Visual Constraints & Opportunity Mapping Appendix B Key Views & Viewshed Opportunities

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1 Introduction

1.1 Background and Purpose This Visual Amenity Technical Notes Report has been prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Assessment for a cableway to Springbrook for Cardno and Urbis on behalf of Council of the City of Gold Coast (Council). This assessment forms part of a Technical Viability Study for Milestone 1 of the project and is intended to identify the opportunities and constraints of a cableway to Springbrook and identify and evaluate the potential benefits in relation to visual amenity. The outputs of this study are intended to assist with establishing the technical parameters on which an economic assessment can be undertaken to facilitate local and state government decision-making. This study takes into consideration the following principles for eco-tourism development which form the basis for the Pre-Feasibility Assessment, as outlined in the Project Brief (p7): ‘It is essential that if there is a need for a cableway, the ecotourism development would:  be compatible with the natural and cultural values of the National Park  be designed to fit within the character of the National Park  have minimised its footprint on the site  contribute to protecting and positively enhancing the National Park’

1.2 Objectives The objectives of this study are to:  Identify the landscape values of the study area in the context of Springbrook National Park and its contribution to World Heritage values  Identify and map views to the study area from other parts of the city and views within the study area  Identify the visual constraints and opportunities of a cableway to Springbrook  Identify view opportunities from the study area to the surrounding landscape  Identify the likely potential visual impacts of a cableway to Springbrook during construction and operation and recommend mitigation measures in the form of principles As required for the brief for this assessment, this study provides a high level summary statement document and does not consider land tenure. It draws upon desktop analysis and is primarily based on available existing information. The outputs of this Technical Note Assessment are intended to inform the development of Key Cableway Issues and Key Cableway Principles as part of a Technical Viability Study Summary Document to be prepared by others.

1.3 Limitations and Assumptions This section limits the scope of works to the visual amenity tasks outlined above, together with the following limitations and assumptions:  This assessment relies on previous state (ie. Shaping SEQ - South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017) and Council studies in relation to landscape values and provides a high level summary of relevant studies. A landscape character area assessment for the study area and literature review are not within the scope of this assessment.  This assessment excludes a review of federal, state and local regulatory considerations relevant to visual amenity but provides a broad consideration of World Heritage Values relevant to the study area.

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 Whilst the Pre-Feasibility Assessment may also investigate alternatives to a cableway as a means to experience the study area, this report considers the main likely visual components of a cableway, as outlined in Section 2.3, for the purposes of this assessment.  Preliminary visibility analysis has been undertaken and its scope is limited to identifying potential visual constraints and opportunities within the study area. It does not assess the potential visibility of a hypothetical cableway within the study area and excludes visibility modelling of route options and infrastructure.  This assessment is limited to the assessment of sensitive publically accessible receptors, as outlined in Section 3.3.3.

 This assessment identifies high level view opportunities based primarily on terrain analysis and does not consider potential receptor sensitivity for this analysis.

1.4 Study Area Overview The study area encompasses Springbrook National Park and the adjacent settlement of Springbrook located within the Gold Coast hinterland and extends to the north east towards the Pacific Motorway (M1). It also includes the settlement of Mudgeeraba and semi-rural areas at Austinville and Neranwood, as shown in Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1 Aerial photo of Study area (Source: Nearmap)

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2 Visibility Principles

2.1 Introduction This section provides the background to the key factors which affect the visual perception of objects within the landscape relevant to a cableway facility and outlines general principles that guide consideration of visual impacts.

2.2 Visibility The ability to visually differentiate an object within a landscape setting is the result ‘of a complex interplay between the observer, the observed object, and various factors that affect visual perception’ (United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (USDIBLM), 2013, p20). The main visibility factors which affect the perception of objects within the landscape, as shown in Figure 2-1 include:  The characteristics of the viewer, which is influenced by viewer engagement, a viewer’s previous experiences of a landscape and viewer motion.  Viewshed limiting factors including potential screening from topography, vegetation and built form.  The distance between a viewed object and the viewer, which affects the perceived scale of an object and extent of contrast between an object and its surroundings.  The visual backdrop against which an object is seen, such as the mountains or the sky.  Atmospheric conditions  Lighting factors  Viewing geometry and the spatial relationship of a viewer to an object including the vertical and horizontal angle of view, such as viewing up or down or perpendicular to an object.  The visual characteristic of an object including its size relative to other objects within a view, the form, line, surface texture, colour and motion of any visible components (USDIBLM, 2013).

Plate 2-1 Key visibility factors which affect the visual perception of landscape elements and objects within the landscape (Source: Lindsey Utter, Argonne National Laboratory in USDIBLM, 2013, p20)

2.3 Likely Visual Components The main likely visual components of a cableway that would likely affect the visual character of the surrounding landscape include the:  cableway route  height and design of the towers  gondolas/ cable cars (cable cars)  cables Springbrook Cableway Pre-Feasibility Assessment Final Milestone 1 Visual Amenity Technical Notes 31 August 2020 Page 7

 built form for base and destination stations and ancillary components such as substations and access roads  colours and materials of components  lighting  vegetation clearing

Plate 2-2 (left) and Plate 2-3 (left) Example of cableway towers, cable cars and cables at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda

2.4 Viewing Distance Viewing distance is a key parameter in determining the extent of visual contrast between an object and its surroundings and the magnitude of potential visual impacts of a proposed development (Sullivan et al, 2014, p7). The effects of viewing distance are dependent upon the scale and visual characteristics of a facility and the type of landscape setting in which it is located (USDIBLM, 2013, p9). Generally, visual contrasts are greater when objects are viewed at short distances, whilst at greater distances finer details become less noticeable and individual features are generally harder to distinguish (USDIBLM, 2013, p24). With respect to a cableway, studies assessing the effects of viewing distance on the visibility of transmission line facilities, which represents a comparable linear infrastructure to a cableway that is often sited in forested settings, have been drawn upon to provide an understanding of the potential visual effects of a cableway. These studies have found that the due to the large scale nature of transmission towers, the towers can create strong visual contrasts against surrounding natural landscapes and represent the main source of visual contrast for these types of facilities (Sullivan et al, 2014, p3). Studies assessing the effects of viewing distance have found that the perceived visual impacts related to transmission towers decreases with distance (Bishop et al, 1985 in Sullivan et al, 2014, p7). The scenic impact of transmission towers has also been found to decrease as the distance to the tower increases (Hull and Bishop, 1988 in Sullivan et al, 2014, p7). Further studies have identified visual contrast threshold distances which represent ‘distances at which the visual contrast caused by a facility reaches a specified magnitude, such as the distance at which the project first becomes visible, or the distance at which it strongly attracts and holds visual attention’ (Jones and Jones, 1976 in Sullivan et al, 2014, p6). At distances up to 5 kilometres, latticed towers have been found to create a high visual contrast and strongly attract visual attention. The towers can form a major focus in views due to the strong contrasts of line, form, texture, colour, motion or reflection that they provide with the surrounding landscape. The visual prominence of the towers can also ‘interfere noticeably with views of nearby landscape’ (Sullivan et al, 2014, p17). Cables are mostly seen at shorter distances, particularly when silhouetted against the backdrop of a bright sky. At distances up 8 kilometres, cables generally become more difficult to identify, although they can be visible at greater distances, due to reflected sunlight or glare (Palmer, 2016, p12). The furthest distance that cables and lattice members may be seen has been identified as 11 kilometres. Generally, cables rarely contribute to a high visual contrast, however in certain lighting conditions, they can contribute substantially to the visual contrast of transmission facilities (Sullivan et al, 2014, p23).

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Whilst lattice tower facilities located where they can be seen silhouetted against the sky, otherwise known as ‘skylining’, may be visible up to a maximum distance of 27 kilometres (Sullivan et al, 2014, p1), the suitable threshold distance for viewers interested in scenery was identified as 16 kilometres (Palmer, 2016, p12). At distances of 18 kilometres, the towers are likely to be easily seen by observers and cause a visual impact but due to the low visual contrast with surrounding landscape elements, the visual impact has been found to be generally small (Sullivan et al, 2014, p37). In relation to forest cuttings for transmission facilities, studies have found that ‘notch’ clearings within forested and mountainous landscapes may be visible up to a distance of 64 kilometres, dependent upon the width of the cutting. A 24 metre wide cutting within a forested landscape, for instance, may be visible within the landscape up to 2.4 kilometres away, whilst a 195 metre wide cutting may be visible at a distance of up to 35 kilometres (Jones and Jones 1976, in Sullivan et al, 2014, p9).

2.5 Visual Impact Assessment Principles This report also takes into consideration the following general principles which guide consideration of visual impacts outlined in the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects ‘Guidance Note for Landscape and Visual Assessment’ (2018, p8, p9):  In general: o Water and natural elements are preferred over urban scenes

o Views are preferred which include both mid-ground elements (with some detail discernible) and a background

o Views with skyline features and views which include focal points are preferred  Views dominated by, or with a high proportion of attractive features (such as ocean or mountains) are considered to be more attractive, and hence more important to retain, than those with only a minor or distant proportion of such elements Similarly, panoramic views with a number of such distinctive elements are more attractive and worthy of protection than narrow view corridors or a line of sight to a single element.  Diversity is generally preferred over uniformity, and heritage over modernity, but these need to be balanced with preferences for consistency and coherence of built form, which are also valued.

 Viewpoints (including residences and public places) may have primary views in one direction (e.g. to an attractive or distinctive feature) and secondary views in other directions. The distinction may be related to desirability of views (e.g. ocean or river views), viewing distance, or to the orientation of viewpoints (e.g. lookouts).  Discordant elements which contrast markedly with their otherwise-attractive settings are often regarded as having a detrimental impact on amenity. This depends on the viewing distance, proportion of view affected, and overall design.  Contrast and visibility should be objectively analysed, separate from any opinions offered as to the appropriateness of design or the acceptability (or otherwise) of high visibility and strong contrasts.  When assessing the importance of views, for example in prioritising scenery and sightlines for planning scheme protection, or when evaluating the landscape and urban character of a place, views from accessible public spaces (streets, lookouts, parks etc.) are valued more than views available only from private residences. In general, no resident has a ‘right’ to a view, but impacts on private residential views may be relevant in relation to planning scheme intentions.

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3 Methodology

3.1 Overview This report adopts a similar approach to the assessment of visual constraints and opportunities undertaken for the ‘Great Keppel Island Visual Assessment’ (GKIVA) by Chenoweth Environmental Planning & Landscape Architecture (2011). This process involved initially identifying the landscape values and scenic qualities of the study area which was partly located within national park and also identifying the World Heritage Values of the Great Barrier Reef. A constraints-based site planning process was then undertaken to determine the visibility of the study area primarily using a viewshed sector analysis and visual absorption capacity mapping. This analysis led to the identification of constraints and opportunities for sensitive development, which in conjunction with visual impact mitigation measures informed the site planning and design of the proposed eco-tourism development. With respect to this report, the process undertaken in the GKIVA study has been tailored to identify high level opportunities and constraints and visual amenity principles to assist with the Pre-Feasibility Assessment of a cableway to Springbrook, using available information where possible.

3.2 Description of Landscape Values This assessment draws upon the landscape values important to the character of the study area, which have been recognised in previous studies undertaken by Council and provides a high level summary of the landscape values potentially sensitive to a cableway, with consideration to World Heritage values.

3.3 Visibility and Constraints Given that the study area comprises national park areas with World Heritage values, one of the main issues in relation to the potential visual impacts of a cableway being located within this landscape setting is its potential visibility. As noted in the GKIVA study (2011), generally views that are enjoyed by greater numbers of people and views offering scenic experiences are considered more sensitive to landscape change due to their relatively increased visibility and the high scenic expectations of viewers. The GKIVA study (2011) also identified that viewsheds and landscape settings which are perceived as natural with no evidence of visible built form or signs of disturbance contributed more to the World Heritage aesthetic values of the island. In the context of a cableway to Springbrook which could potentially be sited in areas with a similarly sensitive landscape setting, these principles are also relevant and have been taken into consideration for this assessment.

Consequently, the study area has been mapped for visibility and sensitivity to assist with the identification of visual constraints and opportunities for a cableway, through a review of visual exposure and view corridor mapping from previous Council studies and by undertaking viewshed mapping and visual absorption capacity mapping for the study area. Major ridgelines which form significant landscape features within the study area identified in previous studies have also been overlayed onto these maps.

3.3.1 Visual Exposure Mapping Visual exposure mapping for the study area has been undertaken using visual exposure mapping prepared as part of the ‘Gold Coast Scenic Amenity Final Mapping Study’ (2010), as shown in Figure 5-1 (Appendix A). This mapping enables an understanding of the relative visibility of landscape elements within the study area, based upon a series of public viewing locations within the Gold Coast, including roads, railways, parks and citywide view corridors from the ‘Gold Coast Scenic Amenity View Corridor Study’ (2009). The particular modelled viewpoints within the study area which were included in this model were unable to be identified as this information was not provided.

The visual exposure mapping takes into account viewer numbers, viewer time and interest in the view. The mapping is derived from topographic data using a resolution of 10m cell spacing and does not consider the potential screening effects of vegetation.

3.3.2 View Corridor Mapping In order to provide an understanding of the general visibility of the study area, as seen from external viewpoints within the Gold Coast, viewshed modelling of citywide and local view corridors from the ‘Assessing the Visual Impact of Urban Form on the Landscape of the Southern Gold Coast Visual Impact of Urban Form Study’ Springbrook Cableway Pre-Feasibility Assessment Final Milestone 1 Visual Amenity Technical Notes 31 August 2020 Page 10

(VIUF) (2019) has been reviewed. This mapping assisted with identifying the visibility of landform elements, in particularly forested ridgelines and mountains within the study area at a citywide scale, which are considered of high landscape value.

3.3.3 Viewshed Mapping Viewshed mapping from sensitive publicly accessible viewpoints has been undertaken with a particular emphasis on viewsheds within the study area that are sensitive to landscape change and where a cableway would potentially contrast with the existing landscape character to a greater degree than other viewsheds. This involved preparing a three dimensional base model using a Digital Surface Model (DSM) with a high resolution (1m cell size) which was derived from 2014 LiDAR data obtained from ‘ELVIS Elevation and Depth Foundation Spatial Data’, as shown in Figure 5-4 (Appendix A). This model takes into consideration terrain, built form and vegetation heights, which can all potentially provide screening to proposed development. The 2014 LiDAR data represents the most recently captured LiDAR data for the study area, as the latest available LiDAR (dated 2018) for the Gold Coast did not extend into the study area. Due to the age of the data, selected viewpoints were checked for visibility and adjusted where necessary.

Existing viewshed mapping from the ‘Gold Coast Scenic Amenity View Corridor Study’ (2009) was unable to be used, as this mapping was based on terrain (i.e. a Digital Elevation Model) with a lower resolution (ie. 25m cell size). Vegetation was added to this model using a default height of 15 metres which also reduced the accuracy of the viewshed results. Identification of Sensitive Viewsheds

Fieldwork survey was undertaken on the 10th and 24th May 2020 and also on the 29th May 2020 in conjunction with Council Officers, in order to identify key views from sensitive publicly accessible viewpoints within the study area. As part of this process, the study area was expanded to consider a district scale in order to understand the extent of available views. Viewpoints which provide opportunities for scenic experiences, such as public lookouts and designated scenic routes with high numbers of viewers and thus high visual exposure were prioritised, based upon the landscape sensitivity principles discussed above. Additionally, consistent with criteria for the selection of local view corridors from the VIUF (2019) study, consideration was given to view corridors which:  Illustrate views to distinctive Gold Coast elements and features that are representative of valued landscape areas (such as forested mountains or forested valleys)  Provide views to significant landscape features potentially sensitive to visual intrusion from a cableway facility  Provide views to high landscape value areas within foreground and midground distances to illustrate viewpoints with the potential for greatest visual intrusion from a cableway facility View corridors identified in previous landscape character, place studies and view corridor studies related to the study area were also taken into consideration. These view corridors were either inspected or reviewed through desktop analysis using Queensland Globe, Google Earth Pro and Google Streetview. For each key sensitive viewpoint, the landscape values important to sense-of-place, which may be impacted by a cableway and thus sensitive to potential view intrusion have been described in Sections 5.3 and 5.4.

3.3.4 Visibility and Viewing Distance This approach also takes into consideration the effects of viewing distance as the landscape values within the study area, which are sensitive to potential view intrusion from a cableway, can be seen at a range of distances, due to the elevated nature of the study area.

For the purposes of this study, a series of visual contrast threshold distances have been identified, which represent the distances at which a cableway facility has the potential to result in visual intrusion. These thresholds have been determined based upon the findings of previous research, as detailed in Section 2.4 and include:

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 Areas up to 5 kilometres: At these viewing distances, the main visual components of a cableway may be visually intrusive within foreground and midground viewing distances (ie. cableway towers, cables, moving cablecars and forest cuttings).  Areas between 5 to 16 kilometres: At these viewing distances, cableway towers may potentially cause a high visual contrast with the surrounding landscape in the near and far background of views. A viewing distance of 16 kilometres also represents the threshold for viewers interested in scenery.  Areas beyond 16 kilometres: At these viewing distances, cableway towers may be easily seen by observers in the distant background of views, but due to the low visual contrast of the towers within the landscape, they would generally only result in a small visual impact. Whilst there are a number of other variables that affect the potential visibility of the various cableway components, such as lighting conditions, backdrops and forest cuttings discussed in Section 2, these thresholds are considered suitable for the identification of high level visual constraints and opportunities for this Pre-Feasibility Assessment. Consequently, these visual contrast threshold distances have been identified on the viewshed maps for each sensitive view corridor (see Figures 5-5 to 5-12 and Appendix A).

3.3.5 Visual Absorption Capacity The capacity of the landscape to absorb change has been mapped using visual absorption capacity (VAC) mapping. This technique is a common tool used for visual impact assessment to identify areas that may be suitable for development based on landform and landcover. When combined with visual exposure, VAC provides an appropriate method for identifying landscape sensitivity, as noted in the VIUF study (2019).

However, as VAC is dependent on the height of vegetation to screen development, the elevated nature of a cableway reduces the potential for screening the tops of the towers, cables and cable cars which would likely be located above the height of the tree canopies. This mapping is therefore relevant only for built form associated with the stations and tower bases of a cableway facility. Additionally, if surrounding vegetation was to be removed from areas identified as suitable for built form, the screening potential and VAC of these areas would be reduced.

The VAC mapping approach outlined in the VIUF study (2019) has been adopted for this assessment. This combines landform and vegetation heights to identify areas potentially capable of visually absorbing built form within the study area. Landform has been categorised into a number of slope categories based upon a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) which was developed for this study using the LiDAR data. The vegetation screening potential of the study area has been identified by categorising vegetation from the 2017 Landcover mapping developed as part of the Landscape Values Study (2018) which has a 10m cell size. Consequently the final VAC map also has a 10m cell size. The VAC mapping for the study area is shown in Figure 5-13.

3.4 Constraint and Opportunity Mapping As an input to the identification of opportunities and constraints of a cableway to Springbrook, information from the visual exposure mapping, viewshed mapping and VAC mapping has been combined to identify high level visual constraints and opportunities applicable to the study area (Figure 5-14). Adopting a similar approach to the GKIVA study (2011), these visual constraints and opportunities have been classified into a series of categories together with a summary of the landscape values for each particular area.

As part of this process, the viewshed mapping was generalised to a lower resolution (ie. 5m cell spacing) to assist with the clarity of the map.

3.5 View Opportunities In order to identify potential view opportunities from the study area to the surrounding landscape that are currently unavailable at both a local and regional scale, a high level review of topography and preliminary sightline analysis has been undertaken using Queensland Globe and Google Earth Pro. This process enabled the identification of five potential new viewsheds to significant landscape features and valued areas that offer new scenic experiences to the current viewsheds. An additional viewshed with the potential to provide long distant views across Little Nerang Dam towards Advancetown Lake from a spur line of Springbrook Plateau was cross checked with a preliminary profile using the DSM created in ArcGIS. This assessment considered potential views based on the height of existing tree Springbrook Cableway Pre-Feasibility Assessment Final Milestone 1 Visual Amenity Technical Notes 31 August 2020 Page 12

canopies and a hypothetical 50 metre high cableway tower but was discounted due to potential screening from existing vegetation heights within the viewshed, thus limiting the length of views. Existing views over a longer distance towards Advancetown Lake are also currently available from a nearby public lookout at Tanninaba Falls Lookout, as discussed in Section 5.4.2. Further detailed mapping and assessment is recommended to verify potential views in relation to existing vegetation heights and consideration of possible cableway elevations.

3.6 Key Cableway Issues and Principles Relevant to Visual Amenity As an input to the development of Key Cableway Issues and Key Cableway Principles for the Technical Viability Study Summary Document, the likely potential visual impacts of a cableway to Springbrook have been identified and potential visual impact mitigation strategies recommended in the form of a series of principles, as detailed in Sections 7 and 8.

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4 Landscape Values within the Study Area

4.1 Previous Studies and Schemes The landscape values associated with the Springbrook to Mudgeeraba study area have been recognised in several studies, planning schemes and policies prepared by Council. This includes detailed assessments of landscape character, scenic amenity, view corridors and significant ridgelines, as outlined in the table below:

Date Previous Planning Schemes and Studies

2019 Assessing Visual Impact of urban form on the landscape of the Southern Gold Coast

2018 Landscape Values Strategy VOL 1

2018 Landscape Values Strategy VOL 2

2018 Mudgeeraba Village Heritage and Character Place Analysis

2016 City of Gold Coast Planning Scheme (City Plan)

2014 Gold Coast Landscape Character Study

2012 Springbrook Road and Associated Infrastructure Conservation Management Plan

2010 Gold Coast Final Scenic Amenity Mapping Study

2010 Significant Ridgeline Protection

2009 Gold Coast Scenic Amenity View Corridor Study

2007 Superseded City of Gold Coast Planning Scheme

2001 Springbrook Urban Heritage and Character Study

2000 Gold Coast City Landscape Strategy

Table 4-1 Previous Planning Schemes and Studies

This section provides a high level summary of the landscape values potentially sensitive to a cableway within the study area, with consideration to World Heritage values. It also provides a general description of the character of Springbrook and Mudgeeraba, as relevant to this assessment and identified in previous studies.

4.2 Background to Landscape Values Protection on the Gold Coast The forested mountain ranges and foothills within the Gold Coast hinterland form part of regionally significant scenic amenity areas recognised in the Shaping SEQ - South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017 (SEQ Regional Plan). These extensive natural landscape areas have been identified as important to protect in the City of Gold Coast Planning Scheme (City Plan) (2016) and recognised as important to providing a green frame and the ‘green behind the gold’ of urban areas within the City. The hinterland areas contribute to the unique character and image of the Gold Coast, providing a major attraction for tourism on the Gold Coast, as noted in the Landscape Values Strategy (2018b, p7). The Landscape Values Strategy (2018b, p5) provides a ‘strategic policy framework to protect, reinforce and enhance landscape value important to the overall character of the Gold Coast’ taking into consideration scenic amenity, Valued Landscape Character Types selected from the Gold Coast Landscape Character Study (GCLC) (2014) and significant landscape features within the City. It categorises landscape value areas within the Gold Coast into high, medium and local areas.

4.3 Landscape Values within the Study Area The study area comprises extensive areas of High and Medium Landscape Value, as illustrated in Figure 4-1. Areas with High Landscape Value include the forested mountains, waterways and major ridgelines which contribute to the City’s ‘recognisable and unique image and dominant landscape character setting’ (Landscape Values Strategy, 2018b, p12). This includes areas of high scenic amenity with a rating of 8 to 10 and land primarily within the Conservation Zone and Rural Zone – Rural Landscape Environment Precinct. These areas comprise ‘the most highly protected, sensitive and scenically valuable areas’ within the City and include sections of scenic routes, lookouts and gateways (Landscape Values Strategy, 2018b, p12).

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Areas with Medium Landscape Value include parts of the forested mountains and forested valleys which contribute to the City’s ‘natural landform diversity with a strong prevailing landscape character setting’ (Landscape Values Strategy, 2018b, p12). This includes areas of medium scenic amenity with a rating of 4 to 7, combined with a valued landscape character type, sections of scenic routes and foreground viewsheds (up to 1km) of lookouts.

Figure 4-1 Landscape Values within the study area (Extract from Landscape Values Study, 2018b, Figure 39, p185)

4.4 Valued Landscape Character Types Within the study area, two Valued Landscape Character Types (VLCTs) have been identified as important to contributing to the sense of place and image of the Gold Coast, under the Landscape Values Study (2018). This includes extensive areas of Forested Mountains VLCT and Forested Valleys VLCT, as shown in Figure 4-2. The Forested Mountains VLCT comprises the mountains and ridgelines within Springbrook National Park and adjoining conservation areas and includes Springbrook Plateau. These areas adjoin the Scenic Rim and Border Ranges, which form the northern rim of the ancient Tweed Volcano in New South Wales. The mountainous terrain is characterised by a distinct plateau landform in which the settlement of Springbrook is located and a series of major ridgelines which extend in a northerly direction from the Scenic Rim. These prominent ridgelines and mountain ranges provide a strong topographic frame and continuous green backdrop to the southern parts of the Gold Coast. The ridgelines dissect the landform into a series of narrow valleys with steep hillsides, in which the main watercourses within the study area, Little Nerang Creek and Mudgeeraba Creek are located. The Springbrook Plateau is surrounded by steep escarpments along the eastern edge which form a dramatic visual edge in which the Purling Brook and The Canyon sections of Springbrook National Park are located. As further discussed in Sections 4.5 and 5.4, these two escarpments represent areas of high scenic significance and for the purposes of this study will be identified as the Gwongorella and The Canyon escarpments.

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Several spectacular waterfalls descend from the plateau across the escarpments into the narrow gorges below and provide a major natural tourist attraction to the area. Land to the east and south of the Springbrook Plateau contains large areas of natural forest of exceptional biodiversity which are mostly protected within the Springbrook National Park. These areas form part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia UNESCO World Heritage Area and are recognised on the Australian National Heritage List. As noted in the Landscape Values Strategy (2018b, p24), mountains are highly valued landform features by the Gold Coast community and identified as areas with high scenic amenity. The study areas also comprises Forested Valleys VLCT which includes parts of distinct valleys that are semi- enclosed by steep forested hillsides. This includes the southern areas of the Austinville Valley at Neranwood and Mudgeeraba.

Figure 4-2 Valued Landscape Character Types within the study area (Extract from Landscape Values Study, 2018b, Figure 34, p74)

4.5 Significant Landscape Features The study area comprises several significant landscape features which reinforce the character of these valued landscape areas, as recognised in the Landscape Values Study (2018b) including:  Wunburra and McPherson mountain ranges and several prominent peaks such as Springbrook Mountain (948m), Mount Thillingmam (958m), The Pinnacle (624m), Fairview Mountain (408m), Mount Gannon (633m), Mount Nimmel (460m) and Mount Wunburra (571m)  A series of major ridgelines as shown in Figure 4-3: o ‘Ridgeline 4 – Austinville’ (R4) which extends from Austinville in a northerly direction towards Mudgeeraba o ‘Ridgeline 5 Nimmel Range – Tallai Range’ (R5) which extends from the McPherson Range at Springbrook north towards Tallai

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o ‘Ridgeline 6 – Wunburra Range’ which extends from the McPherson Range at Springbrook along the Wunburra range towards Advancetown  A series of minor ridgelines identified on the City Plan Strategic Framework Map 4 – Greenspace Network.  Numerous waterfalls including the Purling Brook Falls (Plate 4-1), Twin Falls, Rainbow Falls, Goomoolahra Falls, Kadjagooma Falls, Ngarri-dhum Falls, Gooroolba Falls, Poonyahra Falls, Poondahra Falls and Blackfellow Falls  Several waterways and waterbodies including Little Nerang Dam, Advancetown Lake (Hinze Dam), Little Nerang Creek and Mudgeeraba Creek Citywide view corridors and scenic roads within the Gold Coast hinterland offer views to attractive scenery. Within the study area, the Gold Coast-Springbrook Road and Springbrook Road are recognised as designated scenic routes and offer scenic driving experiences and opportunities to view a variety of landscape settings, as shown in Figure 4-3. Whilst Canyon and Wunburra lookouts are designated citywide view corridors that provide views to attractive mountain scenery, as shown in Plate 4-2 and discussed further in Section 5.4.

Figure 4-3 Landscape Features Map within the study area (Extract from Landscape Values Study 2018b, Figure 34, p91)

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Plate 4-1 (left) View towards Purling Brook Falls

Plate 4-2 (right) View from the Canyon Lookout, a citywide view corridor, with views to several landscape features including forested mountains, waterfalls and The Canyon escarpment

4.6 Character of Mudgeeraba Located adjacent to the Pacific Motorway (M1) in the east of the study area, the settlement of Mudgeeraba provides the gateway to the southern areas of the Gold Coast hinterland. Mudgeeraba is located on undulating topography within the Coastal Plains and Low Hills Landscape Character Type under the GCLC Study (2014) and framed by the Guragunbah Merrimac Floodplain to the east and south. As noted in the ‘Mudgeeraba Village Heritage and Character Place Analysis’ (2018), the open floodplain provides uninterrupted views from the Pacific Motorway (M1) west towards a backdrop of forested ridgelines and mountains in the hinterland, as shown in Plates 4-3 and 4-4. This includes views from the Pacific Highway (M1) approach to Mudgeeraba towards both minor and major ridgelines within the study area, as further shown on Figure 5-11, Section 5.4.7.

Plate 4-3 (left) Views from Pacific Motorway (M1) towards Mudgeeraba Plate 4-4 (right) Views from Pacific Motorway (M1) approaching Mudgeeraba across the Guragunbah Merrimac Floodplain to the hinterland

4.7 Character of Springbrook Located on elevated terrain at Springbrook Plateau, the small residential community of Springbrook has a unique and recognisable character which is distinct from other areas within the Gold Coast. The character of Springbrook has been shaped by its proximity to nearby mountainous terrain, a temperate climate and its relatively limited access from urban areas on the Gold Coast. Springbrook is accessed by only two roads from the northern end of the Springbrook Plateau which terminate at an escarpment that forms the border between Queensland and New South Wales. The mountain approach to Springbrook forms part of the character of the Springbrook Plateau, as noted in the ‘Springbrook: A Heritage & Character Study’ (2001). Springbrook is accessed from the Gold Coast via a narrow and winding forested road (Gold Coast-Springbrook Road), which gradually climbs the mountain range. There are limited views to the surrounding natural areas from the road, due to the dense roadside vegetation which interrupts most views, as shown in Plate 4-5. There are also few opportunities to stop and no public vantage points along the steep

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sections of the Gold Coast-Springbrook Road, thus further restricting views and contributing to the forested mountain experience. Upon reaching the plateau, the road connects to Springbrook Road and continues along the ridgetop through a dense canopy of forest, which marks the entrance and gateway to the plateau, as shown in Plate 4-6. This section of Springbrook Road contains a strong prevailing natural character and residential dwellings bordering the road are mostly screened by dense vegetation comprising fern trees and tall open eucalyptus forest that extends to the road verges.

Plate 4-5 (left) View of dense roadside vegetation from steep sections of Gold Coast-Springbrook Road

Plate 4-6 (right) View of roadside vegetation along Springbrook Road providing a gateway entry to Springbrook Plateau As mentioned in the ‘Springbrook: A Heritage & Character Study’ (2001), the settlement of Springbrook is generally dispersed across the plateau and primarily contains two small residential villages adjacent to the entrances to the national parks with differing characters. Located adjacent to The Canyon escarpment, ‘Canyon Falls Village’ contains predominantly detached dwellings and guesthouse accommodation located within a dense forest setting (Plate 4-7). The residential village provides a gateway to walking trails within the national park and expansive views from The Canyon Lookout. ‘Purling Brook Falls Village’ provides the main focus for Springbrook and contains a small commercial node with community facilities in close proximity to another entry to the national park. Located primarily on land that was formerly cleared for dairy farming, Purling Brook Falls Village exhibits a less cohesive vegetation cover. (Plate 4-8). However, views to nearby natural forested areas are available from most locations and contribute to the natural character of the mountain setting (Plate 4-9). Built form similarly comprises predominantly detached dwellings set back from surrounding roads and partly screened by landscaped setbacks. Overall, built form within Springbrook presents a low key character, which is subordinate to the extensive areas of natural vegetation and views to nearby national park areas (Plate 4-10).

Plate 4-7 (left) View of mature vegetation screening views to residential dwellings within Canyon Falls Village Plate 4-8 (right) View of small commercial node with low scale built form at Purling Brook Falls Village in former cleared areas

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Plate 4-9 (left) View south along Springbrook Road from Purling Brook Falls Village and nearby forested vegetation

Plate 4-10 (right) View of residential streets with strong prevailing natural character adjacent to the Purling Brook Falls section of Springbrook National Park There are few tall infrastructure elements within Springbrook Plateau and the structures are mostly screened by topography or vegetation from the main residential areas, however, they can also be seen from some long distance views on the Gold Coast. This includes a repeater station at Repeater Station Road and tall telecommunications tower at Springbrook Road, south of Purling Brook Falls Village.

4.8 World Heritage Values As recognized by UNESCO, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia provides some of the most outstanding and exceptional natural scenery on earth and meets the following World Heritage Criterions:  Criterion (viii) be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features  Criterion (ix) be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals  Criterion (x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation. The World Heritage nomination for the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia also included a former Criterion (iii): ‘Contains unique, rare or superlative natural phenomena, formations or features of exceptional natural beauty’ (WCMC/ International Union for Conservation of Nature, 1993, p82). The contribution of Springbrook National Park to the aesthetic values of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia has been broadly identified as the:  ‘outstanding forested landscapes’ with ancient linkages to Gondwana including stands of subtropical rainforest and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.  ‘outstanding examples of a volcanic landscape’ in particular the Gwongorella and The Canyon escarpments which form part of ‘The Great Escarpment’ along the east coast of Australia and represent a major geomorphic feature.  The rugged mountain ranges and major ridgelines which form part of the northern rim of the ancient Tweed Volcano in New South Wales.  Waterfalls and steep gorges which illustrate ongoing natural processes of erosion. Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, all World Heritage areas within Australia are protected and managed as ‘matters of national environmental significance’. This act protects World Heritage areas ‘from impacts even if they originate outside the property’ and ‘forms an additional layer of protection designed to protect values of World Heritage properties from external impacts’ (Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment).

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5 Visibility and Constraints

5.1 Introduction In order to assist with the identification of visual constraints and opportunities for the Pre-Feasibility Assessment of a cableway to Springbrook, the visibility and sensitivity of the study area has been mapped through a review of visual exposure and view corridor mapping from previous Council studies and by undertaking viewshed mapping and visual absorption capacity mapping for the study area, as outlined in Section 3.3.

This assessment takes into consideration the identified landscape values likely to be visually intruded from a cableway within the identified view corridors and sensitive viewsheds.

Full size figures are provided in Appendix A.

5.2 Visual Exposure Visual exposure mapping prepared as part of the ‘Gold Coast Scenic Amenity Final Mapping Study’ (2010), indicates the relative visibility of landscape elements within the study area, based upon a series of public viewing locations, as shown in Figure 5-1. As detailed in Section 3.3.1, this mapping accounts for the potential screening effects of landform only. The visual exposure mapping indicates parts of the major ridgelines within the study area (Austinville Ridgeline (R4), Nimmel -Tallai Range (R5), Wunburra Range (R6) and McPherson Range (R1)) are likely to be highly visible to external view. This includes the eastern elevated areas of Mount Nimmel and the southern section of the Wunburra Range and McPherson Range, where they form part of the Border Ranges and Scenic Rim. The upper sections of the ‘The Canyon’ escarpment within Springbrook National Park is also likely to be highly visible. The lower areas of the major north-south valleys in between the major ridgelines (R4 to R6), however, are likely to have less visibility. This includes:  the south-eastern sections of Advancetown Lake;  the southern sections of Austinville Valley and upper reaches of Mudgeeraba Creek in Springbrook National Park; and the  lower sections of Little Nerang Creek between Little Nerang Dam and The Canyon (as further discussed in Section 6) Visibility within Springbrook Plateau is generally mixed with land within the vicinity of the Purling Brook Falls Village having a low visual exposure.

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Figure 5-1 Visual Exposure Mapping with study area and major ridgelines shown (Source: Conics and Terranean Mapping Technologies, 2010)

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5.3 Citywide View Corridors The forested mountain ranges and ridgelines within the study area form part of the continuous skyline of the Gold Coast hinterland to urban areas on the Gold Coast and can be seen in the distant background from a number of designated citywide view corridors. The forested ridgelines and mountains of the Austinville Ridgeline (R4), Nimmel -Tallai Range (R5) and Wunburra Range (R6), in particular, can be seen in the far background of views from the Sand Pumping Jetty at The Spit (see Plate 5-1), Sundale Bridge at Southport, Shipper Drive and Foxwell Road at Coomera, Kirra Lookout at Coolangatta (see Plate 5-2) and Tallebudgera Creek Bridge at Burleigh Heads (see Plate 5-3). Figure 5-2 further illustrates the visually prominent sections of these ridgelines within the study area, as seen from the citywide view corridors. At viewing distances ranging from approximately 18 to 40 kilometres, the individual mountain ranges and ridgelines within the study area are generally less discernible and mainly seen as part of a continuous mountainous backdrop to the City. However, mountain peaks with a more distinctive form such as Mount Thillingmam in the southern part of the study area and nearby Mount Cougal are more easily recognisable and noticeable from some view corridors along the Gold Coast, as shown in Plates 5-2 and 5-3.

Plate 5-1 View from the Sand Pumping Jetty (Source: RPS 2009 in VIUF, 2019)

Plate 5-2 View west from Kirra Lookout to Wunburra Range at Springbrook in far left of view, including Mount Thillingmam (Source: VIUF, 2019)

Plate 5-3 View from Tallebudgera Creek Bridge with distant views to Wunburra Range at Springbrook in far left of view, including Mount Thillingmam (Source: RPS 2018 in VIUF 2019)

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Figure 5-2 Extract from ‘Combined Citywide Viewshed Map’ indicating the visible areas of major ridgelines (shown in ‘green’) from identified citywide view corridors in the Gold Coast within the study area (Source: VIUF, 2019)

5.4 Key views within the Study Area From within the study area, panoramic views to the surrounding landscape are available from a number of elevated vantage points, which are primarily located at public lookouts along the edge of the Springbrook Plateau and within the Springbrook National Park. These lookouts provide opportunities for observers to experience the broader landscape character of the region and mountain scenery, as noted in the Landscape Values Strategy (2018a). Whilst there are other views across the landscape within the national park from elevated positions that are accessible by bushwalkers and from local rural roads, this assessment places emphasis on viewpoints that provide opportunities for scenic experiences with high numbers of viewers and viewsheds that are perceived as predominantly natural in appearance with no disturbance, as they are considered more sensitive to landscape change, for reasons detailed in Section 3.3.3. This includes viewpoints which provide views to distinctive Gold Coast elements and features that are representative of valued landscape areas (such as mountains and ridgelines) and views to significant landscape features, as previously outlined in Section 4.4 and 4.5. Consequently, a series of sensitive publicly-accessible receptors within the study area have been selected for viewshed analysis, as shown in Figure 5-3. This includes views from:  Designated Citywide View Corridors (Wunburra Lookout (VP01) and Canyon Lookout (VP04) at Springbrook)  Other public lookouts within Springbrook National Park located at a range of viewing locations (Tanninaba Falls Lookout (VPO2), Purlingbrook Falls Eastern Lookout (VPO3) and Goomoolahra Falls Lookout (VP05)).  Designated scenic route sections with views to valued landscape areas from a minimum sightline distance of 250m1 (Gold Coast Springbrook Road at Neranwood (VP08)).

1 As mentioned in Section 4.7, there are generally limited views to the study area from the upper sections of Gold Coast-Springbrook Road, due to the dense roadside vegetation. Springbrook Cableway Pre-Feasibility Assessment Final Milestone 1 Visual Amenity Technical Notes 31 August 2020 Page 24

 Major arterial roads with high visual exposure to valued landscape areas (The Pacific Motorway (M1) (VP07) and Somerset Drive at Mudgeeraba (VP06)) Figure 5-4 provides a combined viewshed map of the sensitive viewsheds and indicates the visibility of landscape elements important to the character of the Gold Coast, including views to forested ridgelines and mountain ranges, forested valleys and water (i.e. Advancetown Lake and the ocean). Appendix A provides all the viewsheds. For each sensitive viewshed, visual contrast threshold distances identified in Section 3.3.4, which represent the distances at which a cableway facility has the potential to result in potential visual intrusion from these viewpoints, is shown. Additionally, the landscape values important to sense-of-place, which may be impacted by a cableway and thus sensitive to potential view intrusion are also briefly described for each sensitive viewpoint.

Figure 5-3 Sensitive viewpoints and key views within the study area (Appendix B for full size figure)

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Figure 5-4 Sensitive View Corridors Combined Viewsheds Map

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5.4.1 VPO1 Wunburra Lookout This popular public lookout located on the edge of the Wunburra Range (R6) at Springbrook Road marks the entry to the Springbrook Plateau and provides the first opportunity for uninterrupted panoramic mountain views to the west across Springbrook National Park and distant views to the iconic Gold Coast high rise spine and ocean views to the northeast, as shown in Plate 5-4 and Figure 5-5. A series of forested ridgelines and mountains provide a layered backdrop to this view including the McPherson mountain range (R1), approximately 10 kilometres away (right of view). The forested ridgelines of the Nimmel- Tallai Range (R5) provide a dominant skyline to this view approximately 3 kilometres away at midground distances, in which the elevated peaks of Mount Nimmel (460m) (left of view) and Fairview Mountain (408m) (right of view) are located. The distinctive peaks of a number of other mountains can also be seen rising above the Nimmel-Tallai Range, including Bally Mountain (489m) and Mount Gannon (633m). The steep forested hillsides of the Wunburra Range (R6) and Nimmel-Tallai Range create a distinct valley in which Little Nerang Dam is located and can be glimpsed approximately 1.5 kilometres away at near midground distances (centre of view). This viewpoint is recognised as a citywide view corridor and views across areas identified with a high scenic preference, high scenic amenity and high landscape value. It contains extensive areas of Valued Landscape Character Types including Forested Mountains VLCT, Forested Valleys VLCT, the Iconic Skyline VLCT and Watercourses and Estuaries VLC that are important to the character of the Gold Coast.

R4 R5 R5 R1

Plate 5-4 View from Wunburra Lookout

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Figure 5-5 VPO1 Wunburra Lookout – Viewshed Map

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5.4.2 VPO2 Tanninaba Falls Lookout Located on the edge of the Gwongorella escarpment at Springbrook National Park, this elevated public lookout provides panoramic distant mountain views north across natural and undisturbed areas identified with World Heritage Values within Springbrook National Park, as shown in Plate 5-5 and Figure 5-6. Wunburra Range (R6) forms a continuous forested skyline framing the northern edge of a distinct forested valley in which Little Nerang Creek (West Branch) is located in the foreground to midground of the view (left of view). The southern edge of the valley is framed by the steep forested slopes of a northern spur of the Wunburra Range (R6) (right of view) and the upper hillslopes of Mount Nimmel. Open areas of water can be glimpsed within Advancetown Lake, approximately 10 kilometres away in the far background of the view and below the forested ridgelines of the Nimmel-Tallai Range (R5) at Neranwood (centre of view). The extent of undisturbed views to valued landscape areas including views to HLV forested ridgelines and mountains with patches of HLV water, contributes to the attractiveness and high scenic amenity of this view. These landscape elements are important to the sense-of-place of Springbrook National Park and wider Gold Coast.

R6 R6 (Northern R5 Spur)

Plate 5-5 View from Tanninaba Falls Lookout

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Figure 5-6 VPO2 Tanninaba Falls Lookout – Viewshed Map

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5.4.3 VPO3 Purlingbrook Falls Eastern Lookout This popular and highly visited public lookout directly overlooks Purling Brook Falls at Springbrook National Park and views northeast across extensive natural and undisturbed areas with World Heritage Values, as shown in Plate 5-6 and Figure 5-7. Purling Brook Falls forms the main visual focus to this view as it descends over 100 metres from the edge of a steep escarpment into a deep rock pool and narrow gorge below. During periods of heavy rainfall, the waterfall provides a dramatic and spectacular display and represents one of the major natural attractions to the Springbrook area and wider Gold Coast region. The lookout provides an opportunity to directly view the unique rock formations of the Gwongorella escarpment, which forms part of ‘The Great Escarpment’ within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia UNESCO World Heritage Area. The cliff line forms a visually striking vertical wall which contrasts with the tall forest below and semi encloses the narrow valley. The lookout also provides expansive views of subtropical rainforest at foreground to midground distances in the narrow valley below, which are classified with World Heritage status. The forested ridgelines of the Wunburra Range (R6) can be seen in the far background of the view, framing the open forested valley in which Purling Brook and Little Nerang Creeks are located. Consistent with previous lookouts, this viewpoint views across areas identified with a high scenic preference and predominantly rated with a high scenic amenity and high landscape value in the elevated areas that are highly visible. This viewpoint engages with extensive areas of Valued Landscape Character Types (Forested Mountains VLCT, Forested Valleys VLCT and Watercourses and Estuaries VLCT), important to the character and image of the Gold Coast.

R6

Plate 5-6 View from Purlingbrook Falls Eastern Lookout

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Figure 5-7 VPO3 Purlingbrook Falls Eastern Lookout – Viewshed Map

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5.4.4 VPO4 Canyon Lookout Located in the south-eastern section of the Springbrook Plateau, the Canyon Lookout provides panoramic views across extensive natural and undisturbed areas in the southern areas of Springbrook National Park and also provides distant views to large stretches of coastline at the Gold Coast to the northeast, as shown in Plate 5-7 and Figure 5-8. This highly visited public lookout provides an opportunity to view the Canyon escarpment on the edge of Springbrook Plateau, together with expansive views of subtropical rainforest in the valley below, which are both classified with World Heritage status. From this location, the vertical cliffs are visually prominent as they extend along the perimeter of a deep valley appropriately termed ‘The Canyon’, which can be seen up to approximately 800 meters away in the foreground to near midground of views. A series of waterfalls, including Rainbow falls and Twin Falls, cascade over the edges of the escarpment providing a spectacular display and additional natural attraction to the region. The lookout views across the upper reaches of two forested valleys in which Little Nerang Creek (East Branch) and Mudgeeraba Creek are located, towards a series of layered forested ridgelines and mountain ranges including the southern ends of the Nimmel -Tallai Range (R5) and Austinville Ridgeline (R4) (left and centre of view). The distinctive peaks of The Pinnacle (Plate 5-8) and Mount Gannon punctuate the skyline and provide visually prominent landscape features within the landscape (centre of view). This viewpoint is recognised as a citywide view corridor and views across areas identified with a high scenic preference and predominantly rated with a high scenic amenity and high landscape value for the elevated areas that are highly visible. This viewpoint views towards extensive areas of Valued Landscape Character Types including Forested Mountains VLCT, Forested Valleys VLCT, the Iconic Skyline VLCT and Watercourses and Estuaries VLCT, which are important to the character of the Gold Coast.

R4 R4 R5 R1 R5

Plate 5-7 View from Canyon Lookout

R3 R4 R4 R5

Plate 5-8 Zoomed in view towards The Pinnacle from the Canyon Lookout with backdrop of the Gold Coast skyline

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Figure 5-8 VPO4 Canyon Lookout – Viewshed Map

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5.4.5 VP05 Goomoolahra Falls Lookout Located in close proximity to the Canyon Lookout, the Goomoolahra Falls Lookout provides expansive panoramic views north across natural and undisturbed areas in the southern areas of Springbrook National Park and distant views to the northern parts of the Gold Coast coastline, as shown in Plate 5-9 and Figure 5- 9. The Goomoolahra Falls forms the main visual focus in the immediate foreground of the view, as it descends over 60 metres from the Canyon escarpment into the deeply incised valley (The Canyon) below (centre of view). The upper reaches of the Little Nerang Creek (East Branch) and Austinville forested valleys can be seen in the near to far midground of views up to approximately 5 kilometres away (right of view). The skyline is framed by a series of forested ridgelines and mountains including the northern spur of the Wunburra Range (R6) (left of view) and the Nimmel -Tallai Range (R5) (centre of view), which includes prominent peak of The Pinnacle (right of view). Similar to previous lookouts, this viewpoint views across areas identified with a high scenic preference and predominantly rated with a high scenic amenity and high landscape value. Several Valued Landscape Character Types can be seen from this elevated lookout, including Forested Mountains VLCT, Forested Valleys VLCT and Watercourses and Estuaries VLCT, which add to the attractiveness of this view and are important to the image of the City.

R5 R6 R4 R6 (Northern R5 Spur)

Plate 5-9 View from Goomoolahra Falls Lookout (Source: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/queensland/goomoolahra-falls-overlook)

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Figure 5-9 VPO5 Goomoolahra Falls Lookout – Viewshed Map

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5.4.6 VP06 Somerset Drive and Swanton Drive, Mudgeeraba This viewpoint from the intersection of Somerset Drive and Swanton Drive, Mudgeeraba is representative of nearby views from the Pacific Motorway (M1) on ramp at Mudgeeraba2, approximately 150 metres away, as shown in Plate 5-10 and Figure 5-10. From this location, The Canyon escarpment at Springbrook National Park can be seen in the distant background (centre of view), approximately 20 kilometres away and below the continuous mountain skyline of the Wunburra Range (R6), as shown in Plate 5-10. The rounded form of Fairview Mountain is also visible, approximately 14 kilometres away in the far background together with the upper peak of The Pinnacle (centre of view), as shown in the zoomed in view in Plate 5-11. A series of low hills and the forested ridgelines of the Austinville Ridgeline (R4) (right of view), form the midground to this view above the residential area. This viewpoint views towards areas of high landscape value, Forested Mountains VLCT’s and several significant landscape features, which contribute to the attractiveness and high scenic amenity of this view. These highly visible landscape elements form part of the green visual backdrop to the Gold Coast and are important to the image of the City.

R6 R4 R4

Plate 5-10 View from Somerset Drive and Swanton Drive, Mudgeeraba

R6 R4 R5 R4

Plate 5-11 Zoomed in View towards The Canyon escarpment, Fairview Mountain and The Pinnacle in the centre of view

2 As detailed in Section 3.3.3, the viewshed modelling relied on 2014 LiDAR data. Views from the Pacific Motorway (M1) on ramp at Mudgeeraba were screened by highway buffer vegetation at this time, which has since been removed. Hence, these current views were unable to be modelled and a nearby representative viewpoint was selected. Springbrook Cableway Pre-Feasibility Assessment Final Milestone 1 Visual Amenity Technical Notes 31 August 2020 Page 37

Figure 5-10 VPO6 Somerset Drive and Swanton Drive, Mudgeeraba – Viewshed Map

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5.4.7 VP07 Pacific Motorway, Mudgeeraba The Pacific Motorway (M1) to the west of Robina provides panoramic views across the Guragunbah Merrimac Floodplain towards a layered backdrop of forested ridgelines and mountains that form part of the Gold Coast hinterland, as shown in Plate 5-12 and Figure 5-11. Whilst these views are primarily experienced as fleeting views at high speeds, the open floodplain provides uninterrupted views to the west that are available for approximately 500 metres. From this viewpoint, northern sections the Wunburra Range (R6) near the Gold Coast-Springbrook Road can be seen approximately 10 kilometres away in the far background of the view (centre of view), as shown in Figure 5-12. The southern section of the Wunburra Range (R6), can also be seen in the distant background of the view, approximately 18 kilometres away (left of view). The forested ridgelines of the Austinville Ridgeline (R4) (centre of view) and upper slopes of the Nimmel -Tallai Range (R5) at Tallai are visible in the far midground of views (approximately 5 kilometres away). This viewpoint approaching Mudeeraba, forms part of the gateway to the southern areas of the Gold Coast hinterland. It provides expansive views towards areas of high landscape value and Forested Mountains VLCT’s, which form part of the mountain backdrop to the Gold Coast and are important to City image.

R4 R6 R5

Plate 5-12 View from Pacific Motorway, Mudgeeraba viewing west (Source: Google Street View)

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Figure 5-11 VPO7 View from Pacific Motorway, Mudgeeraba viewing west – Viewshed Map

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5.4.8 VP08 Gold Coast Springbrook Road, Neranwood Due to the winding nature of the Gold Coast-Springbrook Road, as it passes through a number of semi enclosed and undulating valleys prior to climbing the steep mountain range up to Springbrook, most views are limited to short range views. This viewpoint at the approach to the intersection of Little Nerang Dam Road, Mount Nimmel Road and Gold Coast-Springbrook Road represents one of the few locations where relatively wider views of the surrounding landscape are available along this scenic route (see Plate 5-13). Located within a partially forested valley, views are available towards a forested spur of the Wunburra Range (R6) at near midground distances (up to approximately 2 kilometres away), as shown in Plate 5-13 (centre and right of view) and Figure 5-12. The forested ridgelines form a dominant skyline to this view and contain views. This viewpoint views towards areas identified with a high scenic preference, high scenic amenity and high landscape value. This viewpoint contains areas of Valued Landscape Character Types including Forested Mountains VLCT and Forested Valleys VLCT, important to the character of the Gold Coast hinterland and wider City.

R6

Plate 5-13 Views from Gold Coast-Springbrook Road approaching the intersection of Little Nerang Dam Road and Mount Nimmel Road

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Figure 5-12 VP08 Gold Coast Springbrook Road, Neranwood- Viewshed Map

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5.5 Visual Absorption Capacity Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC) mapping is the capacity of the landform and vegetation to absorb built form, earthworks and other visible signs of disturbance. When combined with visual exposure, this mapping provides an indicator of landscape sensitivity to change. As detailed in Section 3.3.5, this mapping is relevant only for built form associated with the stations and tower bases of a cableway facility. It is not applicable to tall towers located on steep terrain or cables and cable cars, which would likely be located above the tree canopies.

VAC mapping for the study area (Figure 5-13) indicates the majority of the study area has a medium VAC or moderate sensitivity to change.

Areas which have a low and very low VAC (high sensitivity to change) and where any built form or structure would be visible include:

 the Gwongorella and The Canyon escarpment

 sections of the Wunburra Range (R6) at ‘Salmons Saddle’ adjacent to Springbrook Road

 the upper sections of the Pinnacle

 cleared areas on the east facing hillslopes of Mount Nimmel and nearby cleared sections on the lower slopes of Austinville Valley

Areas which contain a High to Very High VAC (low sensitivity to change) and have the capacity to visually screen built form from existing vegetation include:

 the central and south-eastern parts of Springbrook Plateau adjacent to Springbrook Road as shown in Plates 5-14 and 5-15 below

 the northeastern areas of Springbrook Plateau near Pine Creek Road

 lower areas of Austinville Valley

 lower hillslopes beside Advancetown Lake

Plate 5-14 (left) Previously cleared areas along Carricks Road in Springbrook National Park contain High to Very High VAC (low sensitivity to change) Plate 5-15 (right) The Settlement Day use area at Springbrook Plateau is also located in areas with High VAC (low sensitivity to change)

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Figure 5-13 Visual Absorption Capacity Map

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5.6 Visual Constraints and Opportunities As an input to the identification of opportunities and constraints of a cableway to Springbrook, information from the visual exposure mapping, viewshed mapping and VAC mapping has been combined to identify high level visual constraints and opportunities applicable to the study area (Figure 5-14). These visual constraints and opportunities have been classified into four categories together with a summary of the landscape values for each particular area.

Visual Constraint Description Viewsheds and areas as shown in Landscape Values & Opportunities Figure 5-14

Category

Priority Forested mountains, ridgelines Areas visible from Wunburra Lookout These areas contribute to the and valleys highly visible from (VP01), Tanninaba Falls Lookout perceived natural character of Viewsheds citywide view corridors, public (VPO2), Purlingbrook Falls Eastern Springbrook National Park and lookouts and scenic routes with Lookout (VPO3), Canyon Lookout the World Heritage areas. They potential for greatest visual (VP04) and Goomoolahra Falls contain areas with high scenic intrusion from a cableway Lookout (VP05) (Figures 5-5 to 5-9), preference, high scenic amenity, facility. and scenic route sections (Gold Coast high landscape value and Springbrook Road, Neranwood Valued Landscape Character

(VP08)) (Figure 5-12) up to a viewing Types (Forested Mountains distance of 16km. VLCT, Forested Valleys VLCT), which are important to the

character of the Gold Coast.

Highly Visually prominent areas within Major ridgelines and steep upper These areas form part of the Constrained the study area from major roads slopes on the Austinville Ridgeline green frame and visual backdrop and public viewing locations (R4), Nimmel -Tallai Range (R5), to the Gold Coast, which are modelled as part of the visual Wunburra Range (R6) with a high important to City image. exposure mapping and sensitive visual exposure (rating 8-10 on Figure to potential view intrusion from a 5-1) and also visible from the Pacific cableway. Motorway (M1) (VP07) and Somerset Drive at Mudgeeraba (VP06) (Figures 5-10 and 5-11), up to a viewing distance of 16km.

Limited Visibility/ Areas predominantly screened Mainly parts of Springbrook Plateau These areas generally provide Opportunities for by existing vegetation and and lower areas of Austinville Valley suitable visual absorption Sensitive topography from sensitive with High/ Very High VAC (Figure 5- capacity for cableway built form Development publicly accessible viewpoints. 13) and low visual exposure (rating 1-3 (e.g. Base and destination These areas have a potentially on Figure 5-1). stations) up to 3 to 4 storeys3 in lower sensitivity to cableway height, where capable of being

built form, where they are screened from external view and capable of being screened from appropriate to the prevailing built external view. form character of the area.

Limited Visibility Other areas predominantly Mainly valleys and lower hillslopes These areas generally provide screened by topography from between major ridgelines with low topographic screening from public viewing locations visual exposure (rating 1-3 on Figure sensitive public viewing modelled as part of the visual 5-1). This includes parts of Austinville locations, however, taller exposure mapping. Valley, the upper reaches of structures such as a cableway Mudgeeraba Creek, south-eastern tower, cables or cable cars may These areas have a potentially sections of Advancetown Lake, lower be visible to other receptors lower sensitivity to a cableway4, areas between the Wunburra Range such as bushwalkers, local where it is capable of being (R6) and Wullo-Eerie Ridgeline (R7) residences and local roads. screened from external view. and the lower sections of Little Nerang Further visibility analysis and Although, preferably facilities Creek between Little Nerang Dam and consideration of potential should be sited in areas with low The Canyon. impacts on landscape values scenic integrity. and World Heritage values is recommended in these areas.

3 Subject to further detailed vegetation mapping.

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Figure 5-14 Visual Constraints and Opportunities Map

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6 View Opportunities

6.1 Introduction Under the World Heritage Convention there is a requirement to allow for the presentation of World Heritage properties (UNESCO, 1972). Springbrook National Park provides a number of opportunities to present the World Heritage values of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia by offering new opportunities for visitors to view the outstanding and exceptional natural beauty of this forested mountain landscape. Consequently, this section identifies potential view opportunities within the study area with consideration of views to both the immediate environment and the broader landscape of the Gold Coast. Within the study area, the steep mountainous topography defines a number of distinct viewsheds formed by the mountain ranges and ridgelines. Currently, the main scenic view experiences at Springbrook National Park are located within two viewsheds. The northeastern viewshed is focused primarily around Little Nerang Creek (West Branch) and can be seen from the Wunburra Lookout, Tanninaba Falls Lookout and Purling Brook Falls Eastern Lookout. Whilst the south eastern viewshed is focused around Little Nerang Creek (East Branch) and can be viewed from Canyon Lookout and Goomoolahra Falls Lookout, as discussed in Section 5.4 above. The study area presents a range of other potential diverse view opportunities different to the main scenic views available. This includes viewsheds which currently have limited or no public viewing opportunities, but may be accessible by off-track bushwalkers. As shown in Plate 6-1 and Figure 6-1, this includes potential scenic view opportunities:  south along Austinville Valley  south towards the upper reaches of Mudgeeraba Creek  south along Little Nerang Creek towards The Canyon  north from Mount Nimmel towards Advancetown Lake Full size figures are provided in Appendix B.

Plate 6-1 Potential Viewshed Opportunities within the Study area (Source: Queensland Globe 2020)

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Figure 6-1 Potential Viewshed Opportunities within the study area (Source: Nearmap 2020)

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6.2 Viewshed 1 - South along Austinville Valley This viewshed provides potential opportunities to experience an attractive rural and natural landscape with a distinctive landscape pattern in the upper section of the Austinville Valley, as shown in Plate 6-2 and Figure 6- 1. Views to rural land uses within the flat valley floor are framed by natural forested areas which extend up the hillslopes and along the ridgelines and mountain tops. The predominantly forested ridgelines of the Austinville Ridgeline (R4) (left of view) and Nimmel- Tallai Range (R5) (right of view) provide strong visual enclosure to the valley. Mudgeeraba Creek meanders along the eastern edge of the valley, adding to the attractiveness of the scene. Whilst this valley is located in relatively close proximity to the Gold Coast, it has a generally low visibility from external viewpoints, apart from a few elevated vantage points from nearby rural areas on Mount Nimmel. This viewshed provides potential views to natural forested areas identified with a high scenic preference and rural landscapes with moderate scenic preference. The elevated forested areas are also recognised as high scenic amenity and high landscape value. This viewshed engages with a number of Valued Landscape Character Types including Forested Mountains VLCT and Forested Valleys VLCT, which are important to the character of the Gold Coast.

Plate 6-2 Potential view opportunities south along Austinville Valley (Source: Queensland Globe 2020)

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6.3 Viewshed 2 - South towards the upper reaches of Mudgeeraba Creek This viewshed provides potential opportunities to experience unique views to World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests located within rugged mountainous terrain in a relatively remote and inaccessible part of Springbrook National Park, as shown in Plate 6-3 and Figure 6-1. It also offers a potentially unique natural mountain forest experience for visitors to Springbrook at both a local and regional scale, which exhibit ‘wilderness values’. The upper reaches of Mudgeeraba Creek contain areas of World Heritage listed subtropical rainforest located within a steeply incised narrow valley. The backdrop to the valley is framed by the steep forested slopes and the dramatic skyline of the Austinville Ridgeline (R4) (left of view) and Nimmel- Tallai Range (R5) (right of view) which form spurs from Mount Thillinmam (958m). The viewshed also provides potential view opportunities to the distinctive peaks of The Pinnacle (right of view) and Mount Gannon5. Due to the rugged terrain there are no public viewing opportunities to this area, other than possible views from nearby bushwalking tracks along the Border Ranges and off track bushwalking routes to The Pinnacle, as shown in Plates 6-4 and 6-5. This viewshed provides potential views across areas identified with a high scenic preference and includes elevated areas with high scenic amenity and high landscape value. It contains extensive areas of Valued Landscape Character Types including Forested Mountains VLCT and also Watercourses and Estuaries VLCT, which contribute to the ‘sense of place’ of Springbrook National Park and image of the Gold Coast hinterland.

Plate 6-3 Potential view opportunities south towards the upper reaches of Mudgeeraba Creek (Source: Queensland Globe 2020)

Plate 6-4 Existing views from The Pinnacle viewing south towards the upper reaches of Mudgeeraba Creek (left) and north towards Austinville Valley in Plate 6-5 (right) (Source: https://www.google.com/maps)

5 Depending on viewer elevation and subject to further detailed analysis. Springbrook Cableway Pre-Feasibility Assessment Final Milestone 1 Visual Amenity Technical Notes 31 August 2020 Page 50

6.4 Viewshed 3 - South along Little Nerang Creek towards The Canyon This viewshed provides another potential opportunity to experience unique views to World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests within a relatively remote and inaccessible part of Springbrook National Park that also exhibit ‘wilderness values’, as shown in Plate 6-6 and Figure 6-1. Little Nerang Creek contains a narrow gorge which extends for approximately 5 kilometres between Little Nerang Dam and The Canyon, immediately to the east of the Springbrook Plateau. Whilst located within relative close proximity to the Springbrook Plateau, the narrow gorge and steep forested hillsides limits access and views to this area. The valley is screened by topography and tall dense vegetation from inhabited areas at Springbrook and nearby Mount Nimmel. There are no public viewpoints or designated bushwalking tracks to this particular viewshed. The base of the gorge contains areas of subtropical rainforest which are World Heritage listed. From above the tree canopies, the viewshed offers potential view opportunities north to the distinctive peak of The Pinnacle and potential views south towards Little Nerang Dam6. This viewshed provides potential views to areas identified with a high scenic preference and elevated areas with high scenic amenity and high landscape value. These areas contain Valued Landscape Character Types including Forested Mountains VLCT and Watercourses and Estuaries VLCT, which are important to the unique character of Springbrook National Park and Gold Coast hinterland.

Plate 6-6 Potential view opportunities south along Little Nerang Creek towards The Canyon (Source: Queensland Globe 2020)

6 Depending on viewer elevation and subject to further detailed analysis. Springbrook Cableway Pre-Feasibility Assessment Final Milestone 1 Visual Amenity Technical Notes 31 August 2020 Page 51

6.5 Viewshed 4 - North from Mount Nimmel towards Advancetown Lake This viewshed provides potential opportunities to experience an attractive forested valley setting within another part of the Gold Coast hinterland which is largely screened from external view, as shown in Plate 6-7 and Figure 6-1. The south-eastern end of Advancetown Lake is located within a wide forested valley framed by the mountain ranges of the Wunburra Range (R6) (left of view) and Nimmel- Tallai Range (R5) (right of view). These elevated views would potentially be available from the northern hillslopes of Mount Nimmel at Neranwood and would offer views to another attractive landscape setting within the Gold Coast hinterland. Currently views towards this part of Advancetown Lake are confined to a narrow view corridor from a rural road at Nimmel Road near Daintree Court, as shown in Plate 6-8. There are no designated public lookouts viewing towards this area and the Hinze Dam Day Use Area provides view opportunities to the northern part of Advancetown Lake only. This viewshed provides potential views across areas identified with a high scenic preference and predominantly considered of medium scenic amenity and medium landscape value. The forested ridgelines are recognised as high scenic amenity and high landscape value. It provides potential views towards several Valued Landscape Character Types including Forested Mountains VLCT, Forested Valleys VLCT and potential water views at Advancetown Lake which is located within the Watercourses and Estuaries VLCT.

Plate 6-7 Potential view opportunities north from Mount Nimmel towards Advancetown Lake (Source: Queensland Globe 2020)

Plate 6-8 Existing narrow view corridor from Nimmel Road near Daintree Court towards the south-eastern end of Advancetown Lake

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6.6 Viewshed 5 - East from Mount Nimmel towards the Gold Coast This elevated vantage point provides views towards a number of diverse landscape settings. It also provides wide views to the Gold Coast coastline from a closer viewpoint than currently offered on the Springbrook Plateau at the Wunburra and Canyon Lookouts, as shown in Plate 6-9 and Figure 6-1. Located at the top of Mount Nimmel, views are available across Bonogin Valley which is an attractive semi- rural valley in the far to near background of views (approximately 3 to 8 kilometres away in the centre of view). The valley is framed by the forested ridgelines of the Austinville Ridgeline (R4) (left of view) and Bonogin Ridgeline (R3) (right of view). Further south, a series of layered ridgelines and mountain ranges, including the McPherson Range (R1) and Elanora Ridgeline (R2), can be seen in the midground (far right of view). Wide distant views are also available to the southern parts of the Gold Coast and ocean, approximately 17 kilometres away (centre of view). This vantage point views across areas identified with a high scenic preference and elevated areas with high scenic amenity and high landscape value. It views towards a number of Valued Landscape Character Types, including Forested Mountains VLCT, Forested Valleys VLCT and Watercourses and Estuaries VLCT, which are important to the character of the City. Similar coastal views may also be available from the Wunburra Range (R6) as shown in viewshed 6 (VS06), on Figure 6-1.

Plate 6-9 View from Mount Nimmel Road

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7 Key Cableway Issues - Potential Visual Impacts

As an input to the development of Key Cableway Issues for the Technical Viability Study, this section outlines the likely potential visual impacts of a cableway to Springbrook, during the construction and operational stages. As discussed in Section 2.4, the visibility of cableway towers represents the main source of potential visual impact for cableway facilities. Similar to other linear infrastructure elements, this is largely due to the strong vertical form, large scale and ‘non natural’ geometry of the towers, which can contrast with natural landscapes when viewers are located within certain distances (USDIBLM, 2013, p19). Other factors that can contribute to potential visual contrast include the colour, texture and lighting of the towers, reflection of the towers and cables and movement of the cables and cable cars, particularly within foreground to midground distances, where they can attract visual attention. Additional considerations relevant to the potential visual impacts of a cableway within the study area are outlined below.

7.1 Potential Visual Impacts  Potential visual intrusion on currently undisturbed and natural viewsheds within Springbrook National Park, World Heritage Areas and adjacent conservation areas from sensitive publically accessible lookouts by cableway construction, cableway operations (i.e. towers, cableway, cable cars), built form, lighting and access roads.  Potential visual intrusion to significant landscape features, as seen from external viewpoints and within the national park.  Potential visual intrusion on views to HLV forested ridgelines and mountain backdrops by skylining of towers, as seen from lookouts, gateways, view corridors, roads, walking tracks, residential and urban areas.  Potential visual scarring to HLV forested areas and hillsides associated with vegetation clearing, earthworks and disturbance for the construction of tower bases, built form, access roads, easements, rescue trails and other ancillary infrastructure, as seen from external viewpoints and within the national park.  Potential visual impacts on scenic driving experiences for travellers along designated scenic routes (i.e. Gold Coast Springbrook Road and Springbrook Road).  Potential view intrusions to scenic views from bushwalking trails within Springbrook National Park and adjacent conservation areas.  Potential alterations to landform associated with earthworks for the construction of tower bases, access roads, easements and built form.  Potential for visual intrusion from building height, bulk, materials, colours and lighting which is visually dominant and incompatible with the surrounding prevailing landscape character.  Potential visual intrusions to residences and settlements within view of a cableway from the placement of towers and views to cables and cable cars, particularly in close proximity.  Potential visual impacts from increased traffic associated with the construction and operation of a cableway.  Potential changes to existing dark night sky conditions from night time glow and changes to existing lighting conditions within settlements, due to cableway construction and operations.

7.2 Potential Character and Scenic Amenity Impacts  Potential changes to the perceived natural and undisturbed character of Springbrook National Park and World Heritage Areas, due to the construction and operation of a cableway, thus potentially impacting on the image of the Gold Coast hinterland as predominantly undisturbed natural areas. This includes potential impacts on views to external areas from within the World Heritage Areas, as identified under the EPBC Act 1999 and discussed in Section 4.8.

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 Potential changes to the perception of ‘wilderness’ areas within the national park and World Heritage Areas, due to the awareness of a cableway possibly extending into previously inaccessible and ‘remote’ parts of the national park, irrespective of whether the cableway can be seen.  Potential detrimental impacts to the scenic amenity and landscape values of significant landscape features and valued landscape areas within the study area, which contribute to the character and identity of the local Springbrook area and Gold Coast hinterland.  Potential impacts to the scenic amenity and landscape values of designated scenic routes (i.e. Gold Coast Springbrook Road and Springbrook Road).  Potential changes to the existing low scale character of development within Springbrook Plateau due to the introduction of development with ‘urban elements’ that are incompatible with the existing built form character and ‘small scale’ settlement pattern of Springbrook.

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8 Key Cableway Principles- Visual Amenity

As an input to the development Key Cableway Principles for the Technical Viability Study, this section provides design, construction and operational principles to ensure the potential visual impacts of a cableway to Springbrook are appropriately mitigated. This analysis draws upon the principles for eco-tourism development outlined in Section 1.1 and incorporates key findings from similar case studies in Australia and overseas. It incorporates recommendations for development in high scenic amenity and valued landscape areas and near significant landscape features in the Gold Coast, outlined in the Landscape Values Study (2018). The following visual amenity principles also reference best management practices for siting linear and other tall infrastructure, such as renewable energy facilities, to reduce visual impacts on natural landscapes in Australia and the United States, where relevant to this study.

8.1 Siting Principles  Site cableway towers and associated built form and infrastructure (facilities) outside of Priority Viewsheds to maintain the scenic quality and landscape character of views to predominantly natural and undisturbed HLV forested mountains and ridgelines and other valued landscape areas, in accordance with recommendations for view corridors, lookouts, major ridgelines and high scenic amenity areas in the Landscape Values Study (2018).  Avoid detrimental impacts on the scenic amenity and landscape values of significant landscape features, such as the Gwongorella and Canyon escarpments, which contribute to the character and identity of the Springbrook area, Gold Coast and World Heritage values. This includes distinct valleys, gorges, waterfalls, waterways and major and minor ridgelines, as recommended in the Landscape Values Study (2018). In particular: o Site cableway facilities away from the line of sight to prominent landscape features which naturally attract the attention of viewers (USDIBLM, 2013). o Site facilities as far away from significant landscape features as possible, as visual impacts are generally reduced with increased viewing distances (USDIBLM, 2013).  Avoid visual intrusion and impacts on the scenic amenity values of designated scenic routes (i.e. Gold Coast Springbrook Road and Springbrook Road) and maintain views towards surrounding attractive mountain scenery and rural countryside, as recommended in the Landscape Values Study (2018). o Site facilities outside of foreground to midground viewing distances (ie. up to 5 kilometres) from scenic routes, where possible, or undertake further detailed visibility analysis to verify the screening capacity of vegetation along the roadsides.  Utilise topographic and vegetation screening to screen potential views to facilities and preferably locate facilities in areas with limited visibility, high visual absorption capacity and low scenic integrity, as shown in Figure 5-14, where capable of being screened from external view.  Where full screening is unachievable, utilise landform to provide partial screening by recessing facilities into the landscape where possible, in order to reduce the overall scale and visibility of the facility (USDIBLM, 2013).  Protect HLV forested ridgelines and plateaus ‘in their natural condition, free from visible fragmentation or new development’ and ‘rehabilitate and enhance where necessary to restore the integrity of vegetated skylines and backdrops’, as stated in the Landscape Values Study (2018b, p28).  With respect to the siting of cableway towers: o Avoid ‘skylining’ of towers on HLV forested ridgelines and mountains and avoid siting facilities on prominent steep slopes within Highly Constrained Areas and Priority Viewsheds, as shown in Figure 5-14. o Site towers below the crest of ridgelines to reduce potential skyline impacts (Western Australian Planning Commission and Department for Planning & Infrastructure (WAPCDPI), 2007). Springbrook Cableway Pre-Feasibility Assessment Final Milestone 1 Visual Amenity Technical Notes 31 August 2020 Page 56

o Avoid siting towers in a direct line, particularly along ridgelines, to reduce potential visual ‘stacking’ of towers (Jones & Jones, 1976). o Locate towers at the edges of valleys and avoid siting towers in the centre of valleys to prevent the towers forming a major visual focus (WAPCDPI), 2007). o Avoid siting towers in perpendicular lines to the landscape and preferably site towers along natural lines within the landscape, where possible (WAPCDPI, 2007). o Avoid siting towers along the edge of waterways, such as lakes and creeks to reduce the potential visual contrast between the strongly linear nature of cableways against the natural lines of waterways (WAPCDPI, 2007). o Avoid locating towers adjacent to buildings to reduce the potential visual contrasts in scale and potential visual intrusions to developed areas (WAPCDPI, 2007). o Locate towers in proximity to other existing towers and infrastructure, where possible, to reduce potential character impacts, as proposed for the upper cable car tower for the MWSS Skytram cableway at Mount Wellington (Ethos Urban, 2019).  Utilise landform and forested vegetation to provide background screening for towers. Site towers with immediate backdrops of forested hillsides and forested valleys (see Plate 8-1) rather than distant mountain backgrounds, where possible, to reduce the potential visibility of towers, cableways and cable cars. In general, towers are more difficult to observe when viewed against visually complex and highly textured natural backgrounds at closer distances, rather than distant mountain ranges or the sky (Plate 8-2) (Jones & Jones, 1976).

Plate 8-1 (left) Cableway towers viewed against forested vegetation are generally less visible than towers viewed against the skyline in Plate 8-2 (right), as shown in these images from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

8.2 Vegetation Clearing and Disturbance  Minimise the extent of disturbance and overall footprint of the cableway facility (USDIBLM, 2013).  Site facilities in existing clearings, utility easements and areas which have been previously disturbed and suitable for revegetation, where capable of being screened from external view (see Plate 8-3).

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The tower sites for the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at Kuranda7, for instance, were located to coincide with existing canopy gaps. The Mount Wellington cableway proposes to reduce potential vegetation clearing which would typically be required for an electrical easement below the cableway, by not requiring the proposed tramways to carry electricity (Ethos Urban, 2019).  Minimise vegetation removal and avoid clearing of corridors for towers and access roads for maintenance and construction purposes to reduce potential visibility of clearings and maintain the integrity of the forested landscapes. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, for example, minimised vegetation clearing for the construction of the towers to 10 x 10 metres clearings, which were located as far apart as mechanically feasible, as shown in Plate 8-4. The Mount Wellington cableway has proposed to adopt the same clearing limits for the proposed towers and has sited the base station in an existing cleared area to minimise the extent of visible disturbance (Ethos Urban, 2019).  Utilise air transport to transport materials and equipment for the clearing and construction of cableway towers within visually sensitive areas. During the construction of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, specialist heavy lifting helicopters were used to transport materials, including the tower heads, and to lay the cables. No access roads were built during the construction of the cableway and workers were required to walk to the sites and carry equipment. Footings for the towers were also excavated by hand to limit the requirement for machinery. The Ngong Ping 360 Cableway in Hong Kong, similarly used helicopters for the transport of materials and tower heads for the construction of the cableway (Batchelor and Tank, 2008).  If vegetation clearing is required, ensure rehabilitation works reflect the existing vegetation patterns, in accordance with an approved Vegetation Management Plan. Cleared areas for the construction of the tower sites for the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway were revegetated using endemic species collected from the site.

Plate 8-3 (left) The base station for the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is located within an existing clearing and minimal disturbance was undertaken to the forested canopy during the construction of the towers, as shown in Plate 8-4 (right).

8.3 Built Form and Structure Design

8.3.1 Built Form associated with Base and Destination Stations  Incorporate low scale built form below the height of existing tree canopies with deep front setbacks and appropriate controls for roof form, materials, colours and reflectivity to visually integrate built form with the prevailing landscape character setting, particularly within national park and World Heritage areas. The proposed destination station for the cableway at Mount Wellington, for example, has been designed to blend with the natural surroundings at Wellington Park through the careful design of the building footprint, façade design and selection of materials and colours for external surfaces (Ethos Urban, 2019).  Where screening from existing vegetation or topography is absent, incorporate landforms with a naturalised appearance and landscape planting to screen and soften built form and associated carparking and service areas.

7 ‘Skyrail Rainforest Cableway’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyrail_Rainforest_Cableway Springbrook Cableway Pre-Feasibility Assessment Final Milestone 1 Visual Amenity Technical Notes 31 August 2020 Page 58

 Ensure built form within Springbrook reinforces the distinctive character and ‘small scale’ settlement pattern of Springbrook to maintain a visual differentiation to other urban areas within the Gold Coast.

8.3.2 Tower Structure Design  Ensure the design of the towers is appropriate to the landscape setting. Utilise lattice tower designs in natural landscapes rather than monopole tower designs, as they are generally less obtrusive and provide greater visual transparency when viewed against natural backdrops (USDIBLM, 2013).  Minimise the visual density of the tower latticework for dead end towers, which are typically bulkier, where possible (Jones & Jones, 1976). For example, the proposed upper cable car tower for the Mount Wellington cableway has been designed to ‘appear as light and visually recessive as possible’ (Ethos Urban, 2019, p49).  Minimise the number and scale of towers and sizes of components including cables, where possible.  Minimise the number and size of cable cars.

8.3.3 Materials Surface Treatments  Utilise non reflective materials for towers, cables and cable cars and other structures within visible areas to reduce potential reflectivity.  Utilise colour treatment for towers, cable cars and other structures to reduce potential visual contrasts with the surrounding landscape where possible, as shown in the examples of ‘dark green’ coloured cable cars at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (Plates 8-1, 8-3 and 8-4) and coloured treated tower in Plate 8-5. Consider the landscape backdrops when selecting appropriate colours. For instance, dark coloured towers viewed against a backdrop of dark vegetation reduces potential visibility and visual contrast, while dark structures viewed against light backdrops, such as the sky (Plate 8-2), increases visual contrasts and hence visibility (USDIBLM, 2013). Maintain colour treatments to ensure the effectiveness of proposed colour treatments long term.

Plate 8-5 Comparison of colour treated tower blending into the landscape more than an untreated tower (Source: USDIBLM, 2013, p203)

8.4 Lighting  Site facilities to avoid potential lighting impacts on sensitive areas with existing dark night sky conditions, including Springbrook National Park and World Heritage Areas.  Incorporate the minimum lighting levels as required for safety and security purposes during construction and operations to minimise potential light impacts (USDIBLM, 2013).  Incorporate lighting which is subdued and downward directed to avoid potential light spill during construction and operations (USDIBLM, 2013).

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9 References

Allom Lovell Pty Ltd (2001) ‘Springbrook: A Heritage & Character Study’ Prepared for the Gold Coast City Council Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment ‘World Heritage Places - Gondwana Rainforests of Australia’ http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/world/gondwana Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (June 2018) ‘Guidance Note for Landscape and Visual Assessment’, https://www.aila.org.au/imis_prod/documents/AILA/QLD/2018/AILA_GNLVA_June_2018V2.pdf Batchelor. J and Tank. S (2008) ‘Ngong Ping 360’, The Arup Journal Cardno (2019) ‘Assessing Visual Impact of urban form on the landscape of the Southern Gold Coast’, Prepared for City of Gold Coast Cardno (2014) ‘Gold Coast Landscape Character Study- Technical Report’ Prepared for City of Gold Coast Cardno, RPS & Trace Visual Planning and Design (2018a) ‘Landscape Values Study’ Volume 1, Prepared for City of Gold Coast Cardno, RPS & Trace Visual Planning and Design (2018b) ‘Landscape Values Study’ Volume 2, Prepared for City of Gold Coast Chenoweth Environmental Planning & Landscape Architecture (2011) ‘Great Keppel Island Visual Assessment’ http://www.gkiresort.com.au/eis/HTML/Files/Appendix/AppendixAL/Appendix%20AL%20- %20Visual%20Assessment%20Technical%20Report.pdf City of Gold Coast (2016) ‘City of Gold Coast Planning Scheme’ Conics and Terranean Mapping Technologies (2009) ‘Gold Coast Scenic Amenity View Corridor Study’ Prepared for Gold Coast City Council Conics and Terranean Mapping Technologies (2010) ‘Gold Coast Final Scenic Amenity Mapping Project’ Prepared for Gold Coast City Council Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (2017) ‘Shaping SEQ South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017’ Ethos Urban (2019) ‘Mt Wellington Cable Car Visual Impact Assessment’ Prepared for Mt Wellington Cable Car, https://mtwellingtoncablecar.com/s/Ethos-Urban-VIA-318265-Mt-Wellington-Cableway-VIA- 20190124.pdf Jones & Jones (1976) ‘Measuring the Visibility of H.V. Transmission Facilities in the Pacific Northwest’ Prepared for the Bonneville Power Administration, http://blmwyomingvisual.anl.gov/docs/JonesJones_TransmissionVisibilityStudy_PB272404.pdf Palmer J. F (2016) ‘Landscape Assessment Framework for Visual Impact Assessment in the USA’ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303837727_A_Landscape_Assessment_Framework_for_Visual_I mpact_Assessment_in_the_USA RPS (2018) ‘Mudgeeraba Village Heritage and Character Place Analysis’, Prepared for City of Gold Coast SEQ Regional Plan (2017) ‘Shaping SEQ - South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017’ ‘Skyrail Rainforest Cableway’, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyrail_Rainforest_Cableway Sullivan, R. G, Jennifer M. Abplanalp, Sherry Lahti, Kevin J. Beckman, Brian L. Cantwell, and Pamela Richmond (2014) ‘Electric Transmission Visibility and Visual Contrast Threshold Distances in Western Landscapes’ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261557201_Electric_Transmission_Visibility_and_Visual_Contrast _Threshold_Distances_in_Western_Landscapes United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (2013) ‘Best Management Practices for Reducing Visual Impacts of Renewable Energy Facilities on BLM Administered Lands’

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http://blmwyomingvisual.anl.gov/docs/BLM_RenewableEnergyVisualBMPs_LowRes.pdf UNESCO ‘Gondwana Rainforests of Australia’ http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/368 UNESCO (1972) ‘Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage’ http://whc.unesco.org/archive/convention-en.pdf WCMC/International Union for Conservation of Nature (1993) ‘World Heritage Nomination - IUCN Summary Central Eastern Rainforests of Australia {Extension)’ http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/about/world- heritage/outstanding-universal-value Western Australian Planning Commission and Department for Planning & Infrastructure (2007), ‘Visual Landscape Planning in Western Australia: a manual for evaluation, assessment, siting and design’ https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/getmedia/eb523b89-fbdf-4af7-aff1-c3575c0b5c8a/ML_Visual-landscape- planning-in-Western-Australia

Springbrook Cableway Pre-Feasibility Assessment Final Milestone 1 Visual Amenity Technical Notes 31 August 2020 Page 61